Terry Pratchet Reccomendation

I've been hearing a lot about Pratchett so I've decided to buy one of his books, but I'm not sure which one I should buy. Any suggestions?

I'd say Small Gods but I've only read a few. It's definitely one of the more popular ones though.

Allright, Ill check that one out, how about a recommendation from someone whose username doesnt violate one of the ten commandments?

Might as well start at the beginning, The Colour of Magic is really good.

If possible you should try to get access to the audiobooks, check your library or something. I love the narrator (Nigel Plainer or something).

I would go with one of these two gentlemen's suggestions. The first is a good standalone book, the second is ... the beginning.

Allright thanks a lot +rep for both of you

I kind of disagree, I've always felt that Pratchett is one of those authors you don't ever really need to read in chronological order. He explains relevant past events as much as is necessary for the reader to quickly pick up the thread.

Most of the Discworld series can be broken down into several thematic episodes. It really depends what style you're into. Do you like stories about magic? Witches? Police? Politics? Noir? Adolescence?

Originally Posted by Ruire

I kind of disagree, I've always felt that Pratchett is one of those authors you don't ever really need to read in chronological order. He explains relevant past events as much as is necessary for the reader to quickly pick up the thread.

Most of the Discworld series can be broken down into several thematic episodes. It really depends what style you're into. Do you like stories about magic? Witches? Police? Politics? Noir? Adolescence?

True but Colour of Magic gets more into the actual world and science of the setting than any of the other books I've read (only read about 8 of them so far but I'm working through them chronologically)

Originally Posted by the_mango55

True but Colour of Magic gets more into the actual world and science of the setting than any of the other books I've read (only read about 8 of them so far but I'm working through them chronologically)

I'd recommend any of Death's books - Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music, and Hogfather - for the really important details on how the Discworld's magic/science works.

For the political and social setting, perhaps Vimes and the Watch would be far better. Particularly Jingo!, The Fifth Elephant and Night Watch.

I love Moist's stuff - Going Postal and Making Money - but it's far too late in the chronology for any real context. The Truth on the other hand...

Besides, a lot of older books have had details retconned in the last decade. The notorious example of "when exactly did Vetinari become Patrician?"

EDIT - I found this online, and I kind of agree with its view of the chronology.

true, but if you go through them chronologically you'll read through the varying *series* on their own anyway, and have breaks so they don't get stale.

Originally Posted by MrMofo

true, but if you go through them chronologically you'll read through the varying *series* on their own anyway, and have breaks so they don't get stale.

Get stale? Whatever you're reading, it's not Pratchett. If anything, I'd rather a break from the earlier published books, which aren't nearly as good as the ones written in the last decade and a half.