An open letter to whomever recommended "The Hogfather" {US}

[bbusybookworm]

As said earlier, the reading order should probably depend upon the reader themselves.

The reason for suggesting the different from printed order for reading is that Terry has improved a great deal over the course of the years. So if a new reader, after hearing a great deal about what a great writer he is starts with his earliest works, they may feel that the praise may not be warranted, and just stop reading or if they do continue, may not go on to read one of the better books.

As such, if they start out with one of the better written books, once they are hooked they can go back and read the earlier books, and not be put off by the differences in style and quantity as they are already aware of how good he currently is.

Well, That my two cents, pence, paisa, (whatever!) worth.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by SeaWolf

Eric is fantastic, I'm sure you'll love it. Interesting Times that follows it is also one of the highlights of the Discworld series so far.
However, for sheer epic greatness and easily one of the best novels I've ever read, you just can't go past Mort. It sounds weird, but Death is funny!

Actually, Moving Pictures is the next book. I did quite enjoy Eric and had breezed though it pretty quick. I'm working now on finishing The Stand. Have about 400 pages to go. Then I am planing on giving Naomi Novik a go with Her Majesty's Dragon.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by montsnmags

Without in any way dismissing any previous suggestions otherwise, and despite what Terry Pratchett himself might say, I don't see a problem with simply reading them in the order they were written. After all, there are probably quite a few bazillion of us who read each one within days of its first release and have been quite satisfied with that order's experience.

Besides, the earliest ones are very short one-night-stands, so they're quickly filed on the bookshelves rather than in the TBR pile.

Cheers,
Marc

One good reason for reading in published order is because you will understand the later book better. For example, in The Colour of Magic we first see the luggage and get to know about it. In Eric we again see the luggage but we don't get any background or real info about the luggage. So it makes a better reading experience having read about the luggage beforehand.

[montsnmags]

Originally Posted by tompe

The problem is that they are not as good as the later and you might stop reading them....

...but, though I agree they are not as good, the enormous popularity of them that kickstarted so many people to keep reading and buying every new release is still there, and they are short enough that it may not matter as much to many people of the voracious "constant reader" variety. For me, reading them "out of order" may miss a progression of continuity which is an inherent part of their attraction - that feeling of being part of an ever-expanding "in-joke". Plus, it can be good reading a series that improves as it goes along.

So, my attitude is that for many (such as Ricky is doing) there's a reasonable probability that satisfaction will be obtained reading in the published order rather than concerning oneself about the "right" order to read them in. As I didn't dismiss any previous opinions to read otherwise, I am offering that dismissal of published order is not necessary either.

Cheers,
Marc

[AlexBell]

There is a not terribly active newsgroup - alt.books.pratchett - which has posted to it bibliographies for Terry Pratchett every week or so.

They are at
http://www.i-m-t.demon.co.uk/afp/biblio1.txt>
for discworld books, and

http://www.i-m-t.demon.co.uk/afp/biblio2.txt>
for the rest - including short fiction.

Regards, Alex

[pshrynk]

Originally Posted by tompe

The problem is that they are not as good as the later and you might stop reading them. An Pyramids is not good at all. I am rereading in copyright order and it took me moths to finish Pyramids. And I noticed that the first two was not so funny as I remember them.

The kind of humor in the books change drastically from slapstick to more interesting and good humor.

And Pyramids is one of my favorites. Just goes to show you: "It's a silly old world."

[RickyMaveety]

Well, you know ... even the greats have their "off" books. I thought the original Hitchhiker's trilogy was hysterical, but didn't care that much for "Goodbye and Thanks for All the Fish." But, then I was used to a certain level of funny from DA, and the fourth book didn't match my expectations.

So ... I figure, if TP's writing is a little uneven, or improves over time, and since I am enjoying the first book (didn't get a chance to read last night ... watched a really creepy-gory movie instead), my expectations won't be at a high point only to miserably crash.

I have come to love the Luggage. I wish I had loyal Luggage like that. (Although I did buy a really nice new day purse/bag for my Kindle the other day. Fits just perfectly, and has steel wire sewn into the strap so it's harder to steal.)

[tirsales]

Originally Posted by RickyMaveety

Well, you know ... even the greats have their "off" books. I thought the original Hitchhiker's trilogy was hysterical, but didn't care that much for "Goodbye and Thanks for All the Fish." But, then I was used to a certain level of funny from DA, and the fourth book didn't match my expectations.

Did you by chance read "Selmon in doubt"? Some letters / stuff from DA are published in which he explained some of those problems.
"Good by and thanks for all the fish". *sobs*

Originally Posted by bbusybookworm

You are more then welcome.

And if you Enjoyed the Colour of magic and the Light Fantastic, Have your had the chance to watch the Tv adaptation of it?

There are TV adaptions? Where? When? Who(m) do I have to buy/kill/corrupt to get them?

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I have to disagree. I also think the best reading order is the order they were written. That way you get a good mix and you get to see hwo Pratchett evolves the series over time as well.

I'd agree - if I hadnt seen some people switching away from Pratchett with the first books. So I tend to propose the first non-Rincewind-books as starter points (though I personally really like them).

Originally Posted by tompe

The problem is that they are not as good as the later and you might stop reading them. An Pyramids is not good at all. I am rereading in copyright order and it took me moths to finish Pyramids. And I noticed that the first two was not so funny as I remember them.

Hmm ... I like Pyramids. I really do.

The kind of humor in the books change drastically from slapstick to more interesting and good humor.

I wouldnt put it like that, but the books "get deeper". E.g. in "Carpe Jugulum" quite a lot of philosophy has somehow entered the book, but that is true for nearly all Weatherwax or Nightwatch books.

[RickyMaveety]

Originally Posted by tirsales

Did you by chance read "Selmon in doubt"? Some letters / stuff from DA are published in which he explained some of those problems.
"Good by and thanks for all the fish". *sobs*

There are TV adaptions? Where? When? Who(m) do I have to buy/kill/corrupt to get them?

I'd agree - if I hadnt seen some people switching away from Pratchett with the first books. So I tend to propose the first non-Rincewind-books as starter points (though I personally really like them).

Hmm ... I like Pyramids. I really do.

I wouldnt put it like that, but the books "get deeper". E.g. in "Carpe Jugulum" quite a lot of philosophy has somehow entered the book, but that is true for nearly all Weatherwax or Nightwatch books.

I saw a book .... but I think it was "Salmon of a Doubt" ... would that be it?? If so .... I haven't read it yet.

[CleverClothe]

The Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking the Galaxy One Last Time

http://www.amazon.com/Salmon-Doubt-H...X2/ref=ed_oe_k

[RickyMaveety]

That's the one .... ok, I see that they have all of the Hitchhiker series in Kindle Editions ... and although I have them in paperback as well, I know I'm going to want to read them again ... so, I'm getting them tonight ... even "So Long and Thanks for All the Fish." Why?? Because I'm a purist, dammit!!

[Calamity]

It was a long time ago I read anything by Pratchett, but anything with the City Watch, Death or that inept wizard is gold! The books about the witches are usually boring.

BTW, has pratchett released any good books lately? (After year 2004 or so)

[Mindy]

Read 'Good Omens'. Anyone who hasn't read it at least 3 times should stop whatever they're doing right now and go read 'Good Omens'.
(Pratchett & Gaiman).
I've been in love with Terry for many a year now. I actually cried when I read he was ill.
The good news is he's coming to the Edinburgh Book Festival this summer and we have tickets!!!!

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Calamity

It was a long time ago I read anything by Pratchett, but anything with the City Watch, Death or that inept wizard is gold! The books about the witches are usually boring.

I did enjoy Wryd Sisters. Equal Rites was good, but not quite as good. And I expect the next one about the witches to be even better.

[tINmOUSE]

Originally Posted by Calamity

It was a long time ago I read anything by Pratchett, but anything with the City Watch, Death or that inept wizard is gold! The books about the witches are usually boring.

BTW, has pratchett released any good books lately? (After year 2004 or so)

I thought his 'moist' books very funny.

Going Postal.
Making Money.

I also found 'The Truth' amusing but thats a bit less recent.