Are Pratchett's books any good?

[LadyFel]

asdar, that's an interesting comment...If someone asked me about why I enjoy them so much I'd say it's the satire that makes me feel at home in that world, because it pulls me in with its reality, while at the same time being different enough to be interesting and funny...

[rune]

Some of the books are hilarious and some are just mildly amusing. I prefer teh hilarious ones myself

[Thadlerian]

Continuing the recommendations:

If you really feel you've got the guts and that you're ready for anything, you might try one of Pratchett's Young Adult novels, like The Wee Free Men or A Hat Full of Sky.

It requires some courage, though; the prospect of reading a children's book may scare strong people seriously out of their wits (after all, someone might think you're childish!).

Yet, somehow, Pratchett's YA novels are easily more mature (coming-of-age tales rich with wisdom and philosophy) than most adult fantasy you see out there, probably because writers/publishers take it for granted that adults are already grown up and thus need no more advice.

[sanityassassin]

I've just not long finished hat full of sky and thought it was really good and I don't know why it is differented from the other discworld novels as it has the same humour as the others only the main character is a child but that has happened before in sourcery. I was a bit doubtful of reading AHFOS because it was a YA book as some of his other books aimed at children where not so good IMHO like truckers and diggers but johnny and the dead and only you can save mankind where really enjoyable

[Thadlerian]

Originally Posted by sanityassassin

I've just not long finished hat full of sky and thought it was really good and I don't know why it is differented from the other discworld novels as it has the same humour as the others only the main character is a child but that has happened before in sourcery. I was a bit doubtful of reading AHFOS because it was a YA book as some of his other books aimed at children where not so good IMHO like truckers and diggers but johnny and the dead and only you can save mankind where really enjoyable

Agreed, the Johnny Maxwell books are great. I didn't like Johnny and the Dead that much, though. I think it took up its themes in a slightly banal way. Skip right ahead to Johnny and the Bomb, it is really magnificent!

[Anfeidrol]

hmm....thanks guys will go lookies later, theres quite a few in our school library so ill get started on them soon

[Brys]

I'm currently reading Maskerade and I'm beginning to appreciate Pratchett's humour a bit more, but I still don't think it matches his influences or even comes that close. The real test will be when I read Guards!Guards! though which is often considered one of the best, as the only other Discworld novels I've read are the Colour of Magic and Soul Music.

[Thadlerian]

Originally Posted by Brys

... the only other Discworld novels I've read are the Colour of Magic and Soul Music.

That's sort of the major problem with Discworld - it has those first books, Colour of Magic and Light Fantastic, and people read them and think "these are the first parts in a series, so the others are probably very similar". And they don't bother, because the style of those first books doesn't really appeal to further reading.
The secondary problem is probably Josh Kirby's, er, colourful cover illustrations. Book covers shouldn't scare the reader from carrying the book to the pay desk, but Kirby's illustrations has the potential to do that.

Just started re-reading Soul Music. I can't really remember the plot of it, nor can I recall it as one of the great novels, but we'll see.

[Brys]

That's why I'm keeping a look out for Guards!Guards! which is supposed to be one of his best. The others I've read I just found my brother had on his bookshelf, so they were at least an introduction to his style.

[Anfeidrol]

i've just decided it's not reading season! i'll have to wait til january or something

[Neal Asher]

It can take people a while to 'get' Pratchett. Over many years myself and my Dad chuckled our way through his books while my mother kept picking them up, having a go, then putting them back down again in puzzlement. Then, of a sudden, something clicked, and she began reading her way through them all. Now she is an addict too.

[Sparrowhawk]

yeah it can take a while just stick to your guns.
If you like Satire and Parody its for you..

[Clouddragon]

The first one I read was Lords and Ladies--I giggled all the way through, especially when it came to Hurn The Hunted!

Clouddragon

[The Ace]

Mostly, yes but "Monstrous Regiment," well to paraphrase "If Pratchett wrote that it must have been with his -ing foot." Thank you Mr Tulip.

[CarlottaVonUberwald]

i loved it so be shhh :P