tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post5839106095624995047..comments2024-03-19T06:55:13.464-05:00Comments on TYWKIWDBI ("Tai-Wiki-Widbee"): A question about Terry Pratchett's novelsMinnesotastanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01382888179579245181noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-89590850431022952922017-05-02T19:17:24.163-05:002017-05-02T19:17:24.163-05:00That's where I started, completely by chance.That's where I started, completely by chance.JohnLeeMEDIAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16023298027427844572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-75183841485042702582016-11-25T18:14:59.468-06:002016-11-25T18:14:59.468-06:00Given your attitude and opinion on politics in gen...Given your attitude and opinion on politics in general, and the state of the world in recent years, I would start with 'Jingo!'. It's one of the City Watch arc, but it has some phenomenal characters, and is possibly one of his most brilliant and on-point observations about the nature of humanity and why we do what we do. "The Color of Magic" or "Hogfather" would be other good starting points. And if you don't have the time to read, look up the TV miniseries' that are based on those last two. Anything that can credit the inimitable Sir Christopher Lee as 'the voice of Death' must be worth watching, no?Peter Bearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13036217573886263890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-31549195828525860412014-08-19T14:40:41.690-05:002014-08-19T14:40:41.690-05:00Thanks, Steve.Thanks, Steve.Minnesotastanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382888179579245181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-34993317194220450002014-08-19T14:25:18.374-05:002014-08-19T14:25:18.374-05:00I had friends touting Pratchett for years, but the...I had friends touting Pratchett for years, but the couple of peeks I took into his books didn't do much for me. Then, somehow I found one of his books -- I couldn't tell you which -- in my hands when I was between other books to read, and I loved it! So I don't think it matters too much where you start. You WILL want to read more. I've read everything my library has in its collection...<br /><br />For you, Stan, I think you'd especially enjoy "The Science of Discworld," a weird and wonderful mash-up of the story of a Roundworld created by the wizards of the Unseen Academy with an extremely interesting overview of the science of our particular round world and its universe. Pratchett and his two co-authors deconstruct a lot of science [as popularly understood] "lies to children..."<br /><br />It's not the best Discworld story, so I'd suggest a couple Moist von Lipwig novels to get you started.Steve Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00450550786810074858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-15583031621755220992013-11-10T19:01:08.616-06:002013-11-10T19:01:08.616-06:00The first one I read was Guards! Guards! which int...The first one I read was Guards! Guards! which introduced me to the whole Pratchett, and Gaiman, universes. I've read them all and have a start on a good collection of the books. If you are weird (like me) and like to start at the beginning so you can build into a series, the L-space web, here is the link that will take you there http://www.lspace.org/faqs/index.html, has a basic list of what comes where. The novels are not linear, the stories will jump around with characters and times, but it helps to know where to go next. Tiffany Aching is a separate, but entwined series with Discworld, the Bromeliad trilogy is great as a stand alone. As has been stated, they are addictive! There is even a children's book, read by one of the Discworld characters to his child, that has now been published, Where's My Cow.mamafroghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13215031912797290210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-50405832247476290472013-11-08T11:43:44.272-06:002013-11-08T11:43:44.272-06:00The first Pratchett novels I read were the Bromeli...The first Pratchett novels I read were the Bromeliad Trilogy - Truckers, Diggers, and Wings. They are written for kids and I read them to my son when he was younger. We both really enjoyed them.<br /><br />I already loved Neil Gaiman so I read Good Omens next and adored it (it's co-authored by both of them and definitely has the flavor of both). I just started re-reading it on my Kindle and I'm distressed at the lack of footnotes that the book had. The footnotes are seriously half the fun of reading a Pratchett novel. <br /><br />I started The Discworld series at the beginning with The Color of Magic (main character is the wizard Rincewind) and I think I'm in the minority because I really liked it. I've also read the Tiffany Aching series (The Wee Free Men, Wintersmith, A Hat Full of Sky, and I Shall Wear Midnight) and also enjoyed them. They introduced me to the Granny Weatherwax character of Discworld, so I had to backtrack and find her other novels. I ADORE Granny Weatherwax and think she's one of the most brilliant characters I've read.<br /><br />I also loved Guards! Guards!, but then, I've enjoyed most of the Discworld novels I've read (the last Tiffany Aching was my least favorite). I'm currently reading Going Postal and I have Sourcery (another Rincewind novel) sitting on my desk next to me. :) <br /><br />I kind of love Terry Pratchett.Spinnynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-33774761471517694272013-11-07T18:11:26.335-06:002013-11-07T18:11:26.335-06:00I did that on purpose to see if anyone was paying ...I did that on purpose to see if anyone was paying attention. Fixed now. Tx, anon.<br /><br />:.)Minnesotastanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382888179579245181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-40100332219662669342013-11-07T15:33:30.653-06:002013-11-07T15:33:30.653-06:00I was introduced to Terry Pratchett through the mo...I was introduced to Terry Pratchett through the movie "The Hogfather" and then "The Colour of Magic" so I am starting from the beginning in the discworld series. ThanksRia Tienhaaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-86936405039111237942013-11-07T11:35:31.363-06:002013-11-07T11:35:31.363-06:00I own most of Pratchett's books, including &qu...I own most of Pratchett's books, including "Once More with Footnotes," and I believe you have suggested a well-rounded plan. On another note, I love knowing that so many other fans also enjoy this blog, but I shouldn't be surprised.Bohemian Craftsodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04905821196511364240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-71613263173323832172013-11-07T11:20:15.102-06:002013-11-07T11:20:15.102-06:00TYWKIWDBI Stan, not TYWKIDBI...
;-)TYWKIWDBI Stan, not TYWKIDBI...<br /><br />;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-39166220163841377622013-11-07T08:27:03.987-06:002013-11-07T08:27:03.987-06:00I hated the film adaptation of Going Postal -- but...I <i>hated</i> the film adaptation of <i>Going Postal</i> -- but explaining why would be a whole comment thread in itself -- and besides, I'd have to watch it again to comment fairly -- so I won't. (Let's just say: one factor is cringe-inducingly inappropriate behaviour on part of characters.)<br /><br />I have a review of the <i>Hogfather</i> adaptation -- which was better -- on my blog at http://outerhoard.wordpress.com/2007/12/25/hogfather-in-australia/Adrian Morganhttp://outerhoard.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-60457018146770845692013-11-07T07:40:46.205-06:002013-11-07T07:40:46.205-06:00There are some reasonable film adaptations too, I ...There are some reasonable film adaptations too, I liked <i>Going Postal</i>. As always, not identical to the book but very enjoyable. Not to say to watch instead of reading, but you just <i>might</i> find yourself keen to explore further as you read along...<br /><br />Not his novels, but related: Pratchett sadly has the beginnings of Alzheimer's. Watch his enthralling, depressing, inspirational, and confronting documentary about euthanasia, <i>Choosing to Die</i>. Please read the YouTube introduction first, as it is quite an intense video.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slZnfC-V1SYMiss Lissnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-16729148744578954012013-11-07T05:26:58.998-06:002013-11-07T05:26:58.998-06:00Given your interest in geology, Wee Free Men would...Given your interest in geology, <i>Wee Free Men</i> would be a great one to start. And it is absolutely hilarious. Far more than anything else I've read by him. Read it whether or not you want to become a fan.<br /><br />You should really do <i>The Last Hero</i> as well because the illustrations make the cosmology far more epic in your head.Noumenonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01597461989960782762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-31001438806053045482013-11-06T17:39:56.722-06:002013-11-06T17:39:56.722-06:00I don't want to rehash what many have said alr...I don't want to rehash what many have said already, but I want to make sure you start in the right place (the first few books are a little weak when compared to the whole IMHO) <b>Guards! Guards!</b> or <b>Pyramids</b> from within Discworld, <b>Good Omens</b> or <b>The Dark Side of the Sun</b> from without.<br /><br />Looking forward to the arrival of the new one in the post tomorrow!pghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11649803009645397745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-48681339366360745452013-11-06T14:21:03.837-06:002013-11-06T14:21:03.837-06:00Oh, and don't be surprised that in spite of no...Oh, and don't be surprised that in spite of not planning to read all of his books, you do once you've read one. Potato chips, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies, and Discworld books. Can't stop at just one. Edie Howehttp://www.ediehowe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-55021621137312461202013-11-06T14:17:16.921-06:002013-11-06T14:17:16.921-06:00Equal Rites. Equal Rites. Edie Howehttp://www.ediehowe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-16973770121614847162013-11-06T13:27:00.972-06:002013-11-06T13:27:00.972-06:00Ah, I hadn't realized our copy was visible. S...Ah, I hadn't realized our copy was visible. Sorry to be redundantly redundant.<br /><br />We looked up what that book would go for once, and the friend we were going to loan it to decided to just read it here a bit at a time. Zhoenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03515663141425057088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-578244205979983392013-11-06T08:52:10.704-06:002013-11-06T08:52:10.704-06:00I would recommend starting with the stand-alone-ge...I would recommend starting with the stand-alone-gems Small Gods and/or PyramidsJoleschnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-41873352401925894552013-11-06T08:47:21.042-06:002013-11-06T08:47:21.042-06:00@Zhoen -- yes, you were one of the "no fewer ...@Zhoen -- yes, you were one of the "no fewer than three people", the others being myself and Bruce/Carol. I noted your copy in the comments when your bookcase was posted.<br /><br />(My first attempt to post this comment was swallowed by Blogspot, perhaps because I included a link to the post featuring Zhoen's bookcase, for convenience. Trying again without the link.)Adrian Morganhttp://outerhoard.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-64437465874751830182013-11-06T08:33:58.991-06:002013-11-06T08:33:58.991-06:00I'd start with CoM, continue to Mort, then pro...I'd start with CoM, continue to Mort, then probably pick up later books at random if necessary but I'm a rabid old schooler who doesn't like the weak and reused/reheated jokes that make up the later books. I'd also recommend Strata and Dark Side Of The Sun (his non-Discworld sci-fi) - IMHO a lot better than most of the DW books...zimpenfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02878173289281662062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-40918498772388817262013-11-06T08:24:51.016-06:002013-11-06T08:24:51.016-06:00Adding in my recommendation against starting with ...Adding in my recommendation against starting with Colour of Magic, get to it eventually if you want, but it's not his strongest novel. Otherwise, I think Kniffler says about what I would say. tvtropes.org can fill you in on a lot of the references and brick jokes, if you feel lost. <br /><br />Oh, and we have a copy of Once More with Footnotes as well, picked up by Dear One at an ALA conference. Zhoenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03515663141425057088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-54117416522484511302013-11-06T08:05:02.876-06:002013-11-06T08:05:02.876-06:00The early stuff isn't as polished as the later...The early stuff isn't as polished as the later stuff. I find that a good starting point is Mort, introduction novel for one of the arcs, with some great characters in the Discworld universe.NPC514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-14139319491641964632013-11-06T04:14:02.227-06:002013-11-06T04:14:02.227-06:00I would actually recommend -against- colour of mag...I would actually recommend -against- colour of magic as a first book. I find that it's not representative of the way the majority of the series feels to me. It's still funny and interesting, but it's a different style to the Discworld series as a whole.<br /><br />Having said that, Good Omens is one of my favourite books, from 2 of my favourite authors :)EvilHayamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16985150287941142115noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-40101249604088718802013-11-06T03:59:26.603-06:002013-11-06T03:59:26.603-06:00The cool thing about Good Omens, is that if you...The cool thing about Good Omens, is that if you're familiar with Neil Gaimen's style, that as you're reading it you recognize the parts that are Gaimen and can assume the others are Pratchett... gives you a flavour!jenUnderscorenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912713243046142041.post-2286122320393684992013-11-06T03:21:33.437-06:002013-11-06T03:21:33.437-06:00I'd recommend Guards! Guards! - yes, it is a p...I'd recommend Guards! Guards! - yes, it is a police procedural but is a great lead in to one of the most awesome mini series within the overall series and also leads (after two more books) into Jingo, which is easily my favourite of the lot. It really depends on what you like though, if you're into Shakespeare then try Wyrd Sisters, for opera have a read of Maskerade, fantasy try The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic... The first Pratchett novel I read though was Good Omens which introduced me to both he and Neil Gaiman (American Gods is about my favourite book ever), then I think it was Strata which is a pre-Discworld Discworld book. I'd definitely say GG though, just enough fantasy for non-fantasy readers and extremely funny.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com