GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

Not Sure Where To Put This...

POSTED BY: BOOMERGOODHEART
UPDATED: Saturday, January 31, 2004 18:04
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Thursday, January 29, 2004 11:08 AM

BOOMERGOODHEART


I wasn't sure where to put this query, so I'll post it here.

Has anyone ever read the Discworld series of books by Terry Pratchett? I've just finished the first one (The Color Of Magic), and enjoyed it immensely. Any thoughts, comments or critiques on this series?

Thanks!

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Thursday, January 29, 2004 3:27 PM

JASONZZZ



Terry Pratchett is a genius as far as that particular genre and brand of completely tongue-in-cheek kind of humor fantasy goes.


Quote:

Originally posted by BoomerGoodheart:
I wasn't sure where to put this query, so I'll post it here.

Has anyone ever read the Discworld series of books by Terry Pratchett? I've just finished the first one (The Color Of Magic), and enjoyed it immensely. Any thoughts, comments or critiques on this series?

Thanks!

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."



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http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=5&t=3283

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Thursday, January 29, 2004 8:46 PM

SEVENPERCENT


I've read everything TP has ever written, and I think the man is a straight-up genius- I just picked up his latest, Monstrous Regiment, but I havent started it yet-
To me, some of his absolute best Discworld books are:
Small Gods (probably his best work. ever.)
Hogfather
Reaper Man
Jingo
and there is a non-DW book he does with Neil Gaiman called "Good Omens" that's funny as hell- A sample quote from it off the top of my head is "Crowley was an angel that didnt so much fall as 'saunter vaguely downward'" (hope I got that right) - Let me know how you liked them-

------------------------------------------
He looked bigger when I couldn't see him.

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Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:08 PM

JASONZZZ


Is there a compilation of the entire series of Disc world (at least the older ones) under one cover yet? I have the 6 or so, but haven't
read any since then.

There's also a series called the "Incarnation of Immortality" by Piers Anthony. First book in the series called "On a Pale Horse". Talks about the incarnation of Death. It's a great read too...

Which of course, led me onto his Xanth series...


Quote:

Originally posted by SevenPercent:
I've read everything TP has ever written, and I think the man is a straight-up genius- I just picked up his latest, Monstrous Regiment, but I havent started it yet-
To me, some of his absolute best Discworld books are:
Small Gods (probably his best work. ever.)
Hogfather
Reaper Man
Jingo
and there is a non-DW book he does with Neil Gaiman called "Good Omens" that's funny as hell- A sample quote from it off the top of my head is "Crowley was an angel that didnt so much fall as 'saunter vaguely downward'" (hope I got that right) - Let me know how you liked them-

------------------------------------------
He looked bigger when I couldn't see him.



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Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:16 PM

SEVENPERCENT


Quote:

Originally posted by Jasonzzz:
Is there a compilation of the entire series of Disc world (at least the older ones) under one cover yet? I have the 6 or so, but haven't
read any since then.




No, but they've been reprinting them as of late- They have a couple new things out now though like that, I think there's a DW atlas, and a couple character guides I believe- There are so many now that to put them under one cover would be too big-
Piers Anthony is pretty good- I've read some of the Xanth novels- My buddy really loves them, so the next time he asks me to read one I'm gonna tell him he has to watch FF first

------------------------------------------
He looked bigger when I couldn't see him.

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Thursday, January 29, 2004 10:21 PM

VENA


Again with the randomness at 1:30 in the morning.

Neil Gaiman

One of the most creative and enjoyable authors I have picked up in a while. LOVE him.

Neverwhere is one of the all time best books of my youth.

Mal:"someone ever ties to kill you, you try to kill'em right back!"

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Friday, January 30, 2004 12:43 AM

DRAKON


Quote:

Originally posted by BoomerGoodheart:
I wasn't sure where to put this query, so I'll post it here.

Has anyone ever read the Discworld series of books by Terry Pratchett? I've just finished the first one (The Color Of Magic), and enjoyed it immensely. Any thoughts, comments or critiques on this series?

Thanks!

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."



Its a hoot and a half. Great satire of fantasy literature in general, and great fantasy literature in its own right as well. Four stars, two thumbs up, and a crossant

"Wash, where is my damn spaceship?"

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Friday, January 30, 2004 5:56 AM

KALATHENA


I LOVE the Discworld books. CARPE JUGULUM is my favorite. Granny Weatherwax is my hero.

He was just in Detroit last spring for PenguiCon. He loved it so much, he convinced Neil Gaiman to come this year. Woo hoo! I didn't go last year, however. Was too busy.

My husband got to interview Pratchett a couple of years ago for Marion Zimmer Bradley's magazine. They apparently didn't get along very well. We still love his books, though.

His newer ones aren't grabbing me as much, however. I think it's because the stories and characters are taking a back seat to the social commentary. They're funny as hell when those two aspects are blended well, but lately it's like he beats you over the head with his diatribes. Not nearly as entertaining.

--Kala

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Friday, January 30, 2004 12:25 PM

BOOMERGOODHEART


I had started the "Incarnations of Immortality" series a long time ago, but kind of lost interest after about the 3rd or 4th book. Same goes with the Xanth books. Started out really strong, then for some reason it was like "Oh, joy...yet ANOTHER Xanth book". They just couldn't hold my attention or interest anymore.

Just picked up the 2nd book of Discworld last night. I'm glad Rincewind is in it! Be interesting to see how he gets out of falling off the Disc. And does he EVER get to say that spell that's squating in his brain? LOL.

BoomerGoodheart
"I love my Captain."

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Friday, January 30, 2004 12:46 PM

WOLF


Oh yeah, I love everything Pratchett writes, it's such a different take on literature and fantasy in general.
My recent thought was how much Sam Vimes and Mal have in common. They're actually really similar characters.

"Most of the creatures that people consider evil or mean are usually just lonely."

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Friday, January 30, 2004 12:51 PM

DEBBIEBUK


I love Pratchett's Discworld stuff, not so sure about his childrens' books. I enjoy Captain Vimes and his thoughts about leadership - I can see some parallels with the issues that Mal has, needing to not explain and do things which your people might not like. But my favourite character is Death whose character reminds me a lot of my own grandfather (especially the garden swing). Is there a character in Firefly with that role? Somewhere between River and Book I think.

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Friday, January 30, 2004 1:03 PM

CIARA


Never read Pratchett or discworld myself--but I did read an Orson Scott Card book "Red Orc's Rage" where these psych patients used his books as a part of their therapy--VERY interesting. I should prolly go read his books now ;)


Xanth and Incarnations of Immortality--I got thorough I of I--they ended up being really good...but yeah, the Xanth series wears on a person REAL quick---I kept reading them till I got too nauseated to finish the last one



Just a humble supplicant in service to all things Joss

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Friday, January 30, 2004 1:35 PM

SHINY


Quote:

Originally posted by SevenPercent:
and there is a non-DW book he does with Neil Gaiman called "Good Omens" that's funny as hell-



Yes, Good Omens is one of my favorite books of all time. Definitely read that one!

RIVER
Purple elephants are flying.
MAL
Good. Thanks for the update.

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Friday, January 30, 2004 2:08 PM

KALATHENA


Huh. Rincewind is one of my least favorite characters. He gets to be a one-joke character after a while. Haven't been able to get through many of the recent books about him. But he is exceptionally hilarious in THE LIGHT FANTASTIC. That one has my favorite Rincewind bit in it.

Never liked Piers Anthony. I prefer books about characters rather than symbolic representations pretending to be characters. Nice plotting, but reading his stuff makes me wonder if he actually knows any *real* people.

GOOD OMENS is awesome. One of my favorites. If someone ever came to burn me at the stake I would do EXACTLY what Agnes Nutter did. Heh.

Pratchett's young adult books are okay. Not the most thrilling of stuff. Not sure if younger folk like it or not. I've never seen kids reading the Johnny books. I've read only two of them myself. They deal with great issues that kids could relate to, but they seemed a bit heavy handed to me and kids REALLY hate that kind of thing.

--Kala

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Saturday, January 31, 2004 10:51 AM

SLAYER730


Read and own all of the "Incarnations of Immortality" books. I've neer seen an author so masterfly reference his other works and minor characters (except maybe Stephen King)

My fantasy/sci fi book recommendations:

1. ANYTHING by Neil Gaiman (especially Neverwhere)

2. The Chronicles of the Chrestomanci by Dianna Wynne Jones

3. The Keys to the Kingdom series by Garth Nix (there are only 2 so far)

4. THE SWORD DANCER SAGA BY JENNIFER ROBERSON!!!!!!!!! (one of my alltime favorite series)

5. The Dark Tower series AND The Talisman/Black House by Stephen King

6. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

7. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (my FAVORITE book ever)

Ok, this book nerd will stop boring you with her picks....hope you'll check some of em out if you haven't already!


***Never judge a book by its movie***

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Saturday, January 31, 2004 3:47 PM

SERENITYVALLEY


Ha! Love Pratchett! Have to say it was a surprise to stumble on this thread. I'm about half way through "Theif of Time" and I do quite enjoy it. His characters are so 3D and easy to relate to. I also got three books for Christmas, Carpe Juglum, Reaper Man, and The Truth.
I do have a book by Neil Gaiman, though it's a Douglas Adams biography. Sorry, but honestly, Adams conquers all.

http://www.simple-assault.com/Firefly.htm

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Saturday, January 31, 2004 3:54 PM

ASTRIANA


Actually really like Pierce Anthony's "Incarnations of Immortality," but found the 6th and 7th books a little more difficult to get through. Not only are they significantly longer than the first 5, they are obviously his attempt to extend the serious beyond the initially planned first 5 books. (I'm guessing he bowed to publisher pressure to continue a successful series).

Same goes for the Xanth series. Apparently, he only ever planned to do 9 Xanth books, but was pressured into continuing the series because it became so popular...

~A~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Saturday, January 31, 2004 4:02 PM

KALATHENA


Oooo...SerenityValley, you need to hold off on reading Carpe Jugulum till you read the others of his with the Witches. They are best when read in order. I believe the order goes like this:

Equal Rites (only features Granny Weatherwax)
Wyrd Sisters
Witches Abroad
Lords & Ladies
Carpe Jugulum
Masquerade

It's not all that necessary to read Equal Rites, but you'll want to read the others preceding Carpe Jugulum for it to have its best impact. These are my absolute favorites of his Discworld books.

--Kala

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Saturday, January 31, 2004 6:04 PM

CAPNRAHN


I have read them all ...

I LOVE them all...

But NightWatch series hold my heart.

Vimes! Carrot! Detritus! and TOO many to list here by my sleep-deprived brain!

Nuff Said

"Remember, there is only ONE absolute - There ARE NO absolutes!!!"

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