I’ve had a few people ask me about which Discworld book to start with, so I started writing them down, and suddenly it turned into a long essay on the merits of various Pratchett books. So, on the off chance that anyone is interested, here it is.
( Which book and/or series should I read first? )
This got really long. The short answer to the question “Where should I start" is a little like a “choose your own adventure:”
I like Monstrous Regiment or Small Gods generally, because they stand on their own and are full of classic Pratchett “make you think when he’s not making you laugh.” Less laughing, more thinking in both of these.
The series are fantastic too, and so:
If you want a series with badass women of various types, which might not pass a reverse Bechdel test, start with either Wyrd Sisters (for the proper order) or Lords and Ladies (because it's one of my favorites) and read about the witches.
If you want twists on crime and punishment tropes and one of the best character development arcs, start with Guards! Guards! and read about the Watch.
If you want Death and/or Christmas, start with Hogfather
If you want YA Witches, start with The Wee Free Men
( Which book and/or series should I read first? )
This got really long. The short answer to the question “Where should I start" is a little like a “choose your own adventure:”
I like Monstrous Regiment or Small Gods generally, because they stand on their own and are full of classic Pratchett “make you think when he’s not making you laugh.” Less laughing, more thinking in both of these.
The series are fantastic too, and so:
If you want a series with badass women of various types, which might not pass a reverse Bechdel test, start with either Wyrd Sisters (for the proper order) or Lords and Ladies (because it's one of my favorites) and read about the witches.
If you want twists on crime and punishment tropes and one of the best character development arcs, start with Guards! Guards! and read about the Watch.
If you want Death and/or Christmas, start with Hogfather
If you want YA Witches, start with The Wee Free Men