Terry Pratchett -- Discworld and Such

Lady Eruwaedhiel · **Posted:** January 29th, 2011, 10:14 pm

Terry Pratchett has to be one of the absolute funniest writers I have ever encountered.

Always be wary of any helpful item that weighs less than its operating manual.

I have so far read The Color of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Men At Arms, The Wyrd Sisters, and Mort. These books have made me laugh harder than perhaps all the other books I have ever read. Put together.

Sham Harga had run a successful eatery for many years by always smiling, never extending credit, and realizing that most of his customers wanted meals properly balanced between the four food groups: sugar, starch, grease, and burnt crunchy bits.

That being said, the books are a bit gritty and profoundly irreverent; that is to say, they mock (lightly, but mock nonetheless) many things that I would never have considered mocking myself, but when Pratchett does it, the end result is something that has me rolling on the floor. They are slightly coarse and contain mild language, but in a way that suggests he is like my great-grandfather: lovable, laughable, and the kind of person you just like to be around, even if you might learn a few unconventional things along the way.

There are, it has been said, two types of people in the world. There are those who, when presented with a glass that is exactly half full, say: this glass is half full. And then there are those who say: this glass is half empty. The world belongs, however, to those who can look at the glass and say: What's up with this glass? Excuse me? Excuse me? This is my glass? I don't think so. My glass was full! And it was a bigger glass!

How many of you have read any of his books?

Leandra Falconwing · **Posted:** January 29th, 2011, 10:24 pm

I've read some of his books and enjoyed them. I wouldn't recommend them entirely, not to some of the people on here, but they are a lot of fun.

Constable Jaynin Mimetes · **Posted:** January 30th, 2011, 12:10 am

I played the Duchess in the Wyrd Sisters last year. Never read the book, and from some of the suspicious content of the play I was unsure if I wanted to.

"Is that a dagger I see before me?"
"No, Sire, it's my handkerchief. If you look closely you can see that there aren't as many sharp edges."

That line was what made me try out.

It was hilarious.

And... my mind goes completely blank or I'd regale you with as many quotes as Lady E. :roll:

Varon · **Posted:** February 3rd, 2011, 4:23 pm

Which one would you suggest starting with?

Lady Eruwaedhiel · **Posted:** February 3rd, 2011, 10:22 pm

The Color of Magic. It's the one we started with. I think it was the first one.

Varon · **Posted:** February 4th, 2011, 8:12 am

Ok, thanks. I'll check to see if the library has it, if not, I'll reserve it.

Varon · **Posted:** February 17th, 2011, 4:57 pm

I read The Color of Magic yesterday. It was funny, but nowhere near Douglass Adam's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Actually, now that I think about it, the two are very similar.

Lady Eruwaedhiel · **Posted:** February 18th, 2011, 2:58 pm

Mom (White Raven) read the Hitchhiker and said it wasn't near as funny as Pratchett, but was probably the original. I haven't read Hitchhiker, but I still think Pratchett is funnier from what Mom read me from it. Plus she said the aetheistic worldview of Hitchhiker was just a little too prominent.

Varon · **Posted:** February 18th, 2011, 3:25 pm

I don't remember the exact book, but the later books were funnier than the first.

Most science-fiction written in the 70s-80s were atheistic, because the only SF authors I know of back then were atheists.

Maybe later Pratchett books will be funnier.

Constable Jaynin Mimetes · **Posted:** March 13th, 2011, 3:41 pm

I watched "The Color of Magic" the other night. It was sooo funny.

The Archchancellor is going to have been very ill soon and musn't be disturbed.

That was my favorite quote, I think. There was also a talking magic sword who was quite opinionated and very hilarious.

Lady Eruwaedhiel · **Posted:** March 13th, 2011, 4:54 pm

Watched it?

Constable Jaynin Mimetes · **Posted:** March 13th, 2011, 9:59 pm

'tis a movie. Sort of.
'twas on netflix. Uno momento, I'll find the info...

netflix wrote:

An incredible adventure unfolds for erstwhile wizard Rincewind (David Jason) when he's tasked with shepherding the naïve Twoflower (Sean Astin) -- a tourist from the Agatean Empire who has plenty of gold to spend -- during his visit to the magical Discworld. Directed by Vadim Jean, this made-for-television adaptation of Terry Pratchett's science-fiction novels also stars Jeremy Irons, Tim Curry and Janet Suzman.

NR, 2008. I was bored, it was available instant view, I watched it.

Varon · **Posted:** March 14th, 2011, 9:47 am

Have any of you read Nation? It's not a Discworld book, or even a humorous book. It's more of a profound book, a thinking book.

Terry Pratchett -- Discworld and Such

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