weird?

[Crimson]

Is it just me or was this book way out there? feel it was a waste of my time. If anyone enjoyed this book, let me know and please please tell me why so maybe I can understand.

[Phil]

The ending is a bit stream-of-conciousness stuff which essentially encapsulates one of Pratchett's long standing memes - cosy fairy stories and myths usually have a basis in some raw, nature-red-in-tooth-and-claw concepts which over the years have mutated and become childrens stories. This still goes on - these days Granny gets saved in Little Red Riding Hood not eaten alive any more.

The rest of it leading up to that is passably amusing with some good set pieces but personally I don't rate it as the strongest of his works. I know others who like it a lot.

But even a poor Pratchett is worth many books by a lesser author.

[Crimson]

I've heard really good things about Pratchett writing, that's why I went out of my realm to try it. I don't know, he was just too farfetched for my taste. Not saying he was bad, for sure has an imagination that I could never have, lol. I felt like he jumped around so much. I did like how he used parts of fairy tales though. For instance the line where he stated that nothing was stirring, except for a mouse. Great way to introduce the mouse.

[Philippa]

That is probably your first reason why you didn't get along with book... because it was out of your realm; its good to read out of your realm because it broadens the ideas and concepts you are exposed to however you shouldn't feel deflated or that you wasted your time perusing a book that you didn't like or felt out of sorts with because you gave it ago you got your foot wet as the saying goes and one day you might find a gem that way.

Personally I really like the book and I'm a great fan of Sir Terry Pratchett but then again I was introduced to his work at a young age around six or seven. I grew up with his children's books and my parents were big fans too. However my Auntie (an identical twin to my mother) has never liked his work preferring books such as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time a book me and my parents were left underwhelmed by.

I think at the end of the day it's down to personality, what you find funny or interesting.

Again it's not a bad thing to feel different about a book to others; if we all had the same opinions then the world would be rather boring.

[Crimson]

Yes, I like to give all books a try. I'll try him again and see what I think. Any recommendations?

[Philippa]

I love the Witch books Equal Rights is the starter book for them. The city watch will always have a special place in my heart Guards Guards is their starter book.

Moving Pitchers is another good one.

A lot of people recommend Small Gods as a good starting book.

Going postal, making money and Raising Steam all feature an interesting character by the name of Moist Von Lipwig.

Oh and the vampires are an interesting bunch to visit.

[Crimson]

Will look into those. Thanks

[Mitali]

Crimson - there's a huge variety in the Discworld books. If you didn't like Hogfather, there are still 40 (!) other books in this series you could try, many of which are completely different from Hogfather in style and subject. Philippa mentioned some good options you could try. I'll put in another good word for Guards! Guards!, which was my own first Discworld novel, and which made me fall in love with the series.

Philippa wrote: "I love the Witch books Equal Rights is the starter book for them."

While Equal Rites is technically the starter book for the Witches series, I would say that Wyrd Sisters works as a better introduction to them. It's also a much stronger book (don't get me wrong - Equal Rites is enjoyable, but just not brilliant).

[Phil]

I would recommend with Wyrd Sisters (better if you know Shakespeare) or Guards! Guards! as good first books

[Steven]

It's funny, beacause, its the twentieth book in the series. Starting at the middle and working your way out is a bold approach. I agree this was a very odd Discworld novel in terms of myths and monsters, but the discussions between Susan and DEATH made it worth the read. Especially the conversation about humans needing to believe the little lies (Santa Clause), so they grow up and believe the big lies (Justice, fairness.)

[Jingizu]

I loved Hogfather, one of my favourites though the parts with Teatime and the thieves I tend to skip these days when rereading. Susan, Death and Albert, the Wizards (oh the wizards! lol) were great to read about.

Also loved the philosophical nature of the discussion between Death and Susan and of the footnotes and beginning.

[Stephanie]

This isn't the best example of Discworld or Pratchett, but I love the central concept behind the novel. That human's need belief. It's such a profound concept. Not that we like fantasies or fairy stories like Santa, but that the belief in the fairy tales of youth is the basis for being human. "Take the universe and grind it down to the finest powder sieve it through the finest sieve and then show me one atom of justice, one molecule of mercy, and yet." One of my favorite quotes. The dark origins of fairy tales is great and all but, it wasn't my take away or the best part of the book.

[Jingizu]

I absolutely love that quote Stephanie! One of the best in and truest in the whole Discworld series.

[T.L.]

Another vote for the Nightwatch books starting with Guards! Guards! The witches are my true faves, but if you want to ease yourself into Pratchett, the Nightwatch books would be my choice for you. They are still fantasy, but there is a reason why my copper bro-in-law loves them best. They are based in reality, just with a few extra types of people added!