The subreddit for Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s novel “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” has 90K subscribers. The community is dedicated to the works of Terry Pratchett, including various adaptations, such as the BBC/Amazon Prime series and numerous audio productions. Terry is by far the favorite author, and Discworld has been a huge part of the author’s growing up.
Express your love for Terry Pratchett and Discworld with these unique tattoo ideas. Find inspiration to create a meaningful and captivating tattoo that pays homage to this beloved work. Explore a stunning tattoo design inspired by the beloved Terry Pratchett characters, such as the intricate details and creativity of Discworld.
A recent piece was done to commemorate the love for Sir Terry Pratchett’s work, the Death character, and all the cats who have shared their life. The tattoo is gorgeous, detailed, vivid, and delicate, with the origin of the quote and personal context.
A continuation of the tattoos themed around Terry Pratchett’s Witches and flora from Newfoundland, this one also has a nod at Medieval Beastiaries. Big tattoos ideas are always welcome, and anyone here reads this book.
DiscworldTattoos is the sub for Discworld (and related) tattoos and is also crossposted to the main Discworld sub as art deserves to be seen.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Day 30 | I had to get a Terry Pratchett tattoo–I’ve loved his books for so long and have read all of them at least twice. Some six or seven times. | pinterest.com |
| Discworld Tattoos | A continuation of the tattoos all themed around Terry Pratchett’s Witches and flora from Newfoundland. This one also has a nod at Medieval Beastiaries. A … | facebook.com |
📹 Pratchett’s Death.
Which Actor Has The Alzheimer'S Gene?
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, renowned for his portrayal as Thor in the Marvel Universe, recently uncovered that he possesses two copies of the APOE4 gene variant while filming Disney+’s documentary series Limitless. The series focuses on strategies for improving longevity and enhancing overall quality of life. During one episode, the 39-year-old actor underwent genetic testing to gain insights into his health, revealing a rare genetic makeup associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity specialist featured in the series, informed Hemsworth that he is eight to ten times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s due to possessing the APOE4 variant—one inherited from his mother and the other from his father. Despite these concerning results, Hemsworth clarified that he has not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and does not plan to retire from acting. However, the discovery prompted him to take a break from his acting career to reflect on his health and family.
In interviews, Hemsworth indicated that this newfound understanding of his genetic predisposition has led him to contemplate mortality and prioritize time with his three children. The information provided by his genetic makeup highlights the connection between the APOE4 gene and an increased likelihood of Alzheimer's—research has shown a significant correlation between this genetic trait and the disease.
The actor's situation emphasizes that while carrying the APOE4 gene increases risk, it does not guarantee the onset of dementia. This revelation has sparked discussions about health, lifestyle changes, and proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
As Hemsworth continues to process the implications of his genetic results, he is also modifying his health and fitness routines to promote well-being. His experience serves as a reminder of the importance of genetic testing and informed health choices in the face of potential medical challenges.
Through candid discussions about his mental health, the future of his career, and his family life, Hemsworth is navigating this journey with transparency. The actor is committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and how lifestyle adjustments can influence long-term health outcomes.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Terry Pratchett?
Sir Terry Pratchett, a beloved English author known for his Discworld series, was honored as a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in the 2009 Queen's New Year Honours List for his contributions to literature. His deep appreciation for Hammer Horror films significantly influenced his writing style in the Discworld series, captivating readers with humor, innovative world-building, and memorable characters.
Pratchett's journey in literature began early; he wrote his first fantasy tale, "Business Rivals," at 13, which was later published in 1962 after impressing his teacher. Born in 1948, he quickly established himself as a humorist and satirist, signing his first short story contract at just 14. He left high school to pursue a career in journalism, where his writing flourished.
Over his lifetime, Pratchett authored over 50 bestselling books and was recognized as Britain’s best-selling adult fiction writer. Though diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2007, which he referred to as "the embuggerance," he remained resilient, even becoming an advocate for Alzheimer’s research and donating £500, 000 to its study.
Pratchett's literary legacy endures, with his Discworld series spanning more than 40 novels. His unique ability to weave profound themes, such as death—often personified by the character Death himself—into humor and fantasy set him apart from his contemporaries. He was renowned for his engaging book signings, suggesting fans humorously considered unsigned copies more valuable than those he touched.
Pratchett's life story and accomplishments resonate with many, marking him as one of the most significant fantasy writers of the past century. Although he passed away in 2015, his influence on literature and humor remains unparalleled, inspiring countless readers and writers alike. His status within the literary world, coupled with his notable achievements, solidifies his legacy as a cherished figure in fantasy literature.
Where Is Terry Pratchett Buried?
Sir Terry Pratchett, born on April 28, 1948, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, tragically passed away on March 12, 2015, at the age of 66, following a long fight against early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. He died peacefully at his home in Broad Chalke, Wiltshire, surrounded by his family, with his beloved cat by his side. Renowned for his literary contributions, particularly the beloved Discworld series, Pratchett became a significant figure in both fantasy and satire.
In 1968, Pratchett married Lyn Purves, and the couple relocated to Rowberrow, Somerset, two years later. Their daughter, Rhianna Pratchett, who also pursued a writing career, was born in 1976. The family later moved to Broad Chalke in 1993, where Pratchett continued to create stories that would capture the hearts of many readers.
Despite his literary success, Pratchett's final resting place remains undisclosed, with no public grave site documented. This secrecy, coupled with stories about him supposedly burying a sword as per unique British laws, adds a layer of intrigue to his legacy. Across various platforms, when discussions arise about his life and works, it's clear that every collection of his novels serves as a lasting memorial to his remarkable creativity.
In addition to his fiction, Pratchett is remembered for his humorous and profound reflections on life, including the contentious issues surrounding assisted dying, highlighted in his later works and documentaries. His storytelling often blended humor with poignant themes, leaving a lasting impression on the literary world.
Pratchett's influence extends beyond his written works, as seen in the way fans and fellow writers celebrate his legacy and frequently refer to his impactful ideas. Even after his passing, his wit and wisdom resonate, confirming that the world of literature is significantly enriched by his contributions.
Did Terry Pratchett Have Alzheimer'S?
In August 2007, Sir Terry Pratchett was initially misdiagnosed with a minor stroke that was thought to have impaired the right side of his brain. Later, in December 2007, he publicly revealed that he had early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, specifically a rare form known as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). This announcement marked a significant moment in raising awareness about dementia.
Pratchett's diagnosis came at the age of 59, and he humorously referred to Alzheimer’s as an "embuggerance." PCA is characterized by difficulties with visual recognition and affects the posterior part of the brain, leading to challenges such as impaired reading and visual processing. Despite the impact of the disease on his abilities, Pratchett remained an advocate for Alzheimer’s research and care, utilizing his platform to transform societal attitudes towards dementia.
The beloved fantasy author, famous for his Discworld series, had his life chronicled in a BBC2 docudrama that highlighted his illustrious literary career and the impact of his diagnosis. Pratchett's candid discussions about his condition and his advocacy work sparked a broader conversation about dementia, making significant strides in public awareness and understanding.
Tragically, Sir Terry Pratchett passed away at the age of 66, eight years after his diagnosis. His loss was deeply felt in the literary community and among his fans worldwide. Throughout his battle with Alzheimer's, he continuously campaigned for greater research funding and support for those affected by the disease.
Pratchett's humorous and thoughtful approach to life, as well as his impactful writing, have left an indelible mark on literature and society. As fans and admirers remember their favorite moments and works, Pratchett's legacy is one of creativity, courage, and advocacy, illuminating the challenges of living with dementia and inspiring hope for ongoing research and understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
Is There A Terry Pratchett Museum?
The exhibition "Terry Pratchett: HisWorld" at The Salisbury Museum was a memorable experience. Visitors were delighted by the original artwork and exhibits, including the infamous hard drive crushed by a steamroller, following Terry's wishes. The museum provided a welcoming atmosphere. This exclusive exhibition, which ran from September 16, 2017, to January 13, 2018, was a collaboration between the Salisbury Museum, the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett, and illustrator Paul Kidby, highlighting the creative life of the renowned "Discworld" author.
Before visiting the museum, we stopped at the stunning Salisbury Cathedral, where we explored the cloisters and Chapter House, home to one of only four surviving original Magna Carta copies. The exhibition was well-curated, showcasing a fantastic selection of artifacts and artwork that offered insights into Pratchett's life and legacy. Visitors could appreciate the relevance of his work through various displays.
At the museum, an amusing scene unfolded as four men attempted to fit a heavy, battered oak desk through the museum doors—an odd yet memorable part of our visit. The exhibition held a curated selection of personal items and memorabilia from Pratchett's Wiltshire home, enriching the visitor experience.
In addition to "Terry Pratchett: HisWorld," the museum also featured another touring exhibition, "Discworld and Beyond," showcasing book cover art and illustrations by Paul Kidby, a prominent fantasy illustrator. The combined efforts of the museum, Pratchett's estate, and Kidby not only honored the late author's contributions to literature but also engaged the audience, making it a must-see for fans.
Overall, the exhibition was organized exceptionally well, providing a meaningful glimpse into the life of a beloved writer who is dearly missed. Enthusiastic reviews from visitors highlighted the overall experience, reinforcing the popularity of the event.
Did Terry Pratchett And Douglas Adams Know Each Other?
Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, although frequently compared due to their humorous writing styles and overlapping readerships, did not share a deep personal relationship. They only met one time, very briefly, which is emphasized in Rob Wilkins' biography of Pratchett. It highlights Pratchett's admiration for Adams and the emotional impact Adams' death had on him.
Adams’ seminal work, the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, first aired in 1978, while Pratchett's The Colour of Magic was published in 1983, indicating that there was indeed overlap in their creative timelines. Despite sharing some thematic elements, such as a satire of utopian ideals often found in science fiction, their writing styles differ significantly.
Within the realm of humorous fantasy literature, while Pratchett occupies a prominent position, Adams stands beside him, along with Neil Gaiman, whose work often leans towards darker humor. Notably, both authors contributed to the evolution of speculative fiction, each leaving a unique mark on the genre; Pratchett with his Discworld series and Adams with the Hitchhiker series.
There is argument surrounding their relative merits, with some readers and critics prefacing their discussions noting that it’s challenging to declare one author superior to the other given their distinctive styles. For instance, concerns regarding the craftsmanship of prose emerge, with some praising Adams for his meticulous sentence construction.
Though they interacted only briefly, the influence of Adams on Pratchett's work seems evident in shared concepts, but no formal acknowledgment of a deliberate connection is found. Following Adams' passing in 2001, respect for his contributions remains high, and Pratchett’s legacy continues to be associated with the spirit Adams exemplified in his writing.
In conclusion, while they may have connected through literary influences and thematic similarities, their acquaintance was minimal, leading many fans to question if they were ever friends. However, the two authors’ respective legacies continue to be invoked in discussions around humorous fantasy and science fiction, reflecting their lasting impact on the genre.
Who Is Most Prone To Alzheimer'S?
L'âge est le principal facteur de risque connu de la maladie d'Alzheimer, la majorité des cas survenant chez des individus de 65 ans ou plus, avec moins de 10 % des cas avant cet âge. Le risque d'Alzheimer augmente avec l'avancement de l'âge, doublant environ tous les cinq ans après 65 ans. La maladie est deux fois plus fréquente chez les personnes assignées femmes à la naissance que chez celles assignées hommes, principalement en raison de l'espérance de vie plus longue, bien que des facteurs génétiques puissent également jouer un rôle.
Bien que l'âge soit le plus grand facteur de risque, il est important de noter que la maladie d'Alzheimer et d'autres formes de démence ne constituent pas une partie normale du vieillissement. Cela signifie que si le risque augmente avec l'âge, cela ne signifie pas que tous les âgés développeront la maladie.
Des conditions de santé spécifiques, telles que le syndrome de Down, le diabète et les maladies cardiaques, peuvent également accroître le risque de développer la maladie. Parmi les Américains âgés de 65 ans et plus, on estime qu'environ 6, 7 millions vivent avec la maladie d'Alzheimer, et cette présence accrue suscite des inquiétudes élevées concernant la maladie. Un lien intéressant observé est que des personnes de moins de 80 ans se sentant seules ont deux fois plus de probabilités de développer une démence que celles ne ressentant pas cet isolement.
Les recherches récentes indiquent que les molécules impliquées dans la maladie, appelées protéines tau, se propagent plus facilement dans un cerveau vieillissant, suggérant un mécanisme qui pourrait expliquer pourquoi certaines personnes développent des pathologies liées à la démence tandis que d'autres y échappent. De plus, la prévalence de la maladie d'Alzheimer varie entre les groupes ethniques.
Les Latinos âgés sont environ une fois et demie plus susceptibles que les Blancs âgés de développer Alzheimer ou d'autres démences, tandis que le risque est plus élevé parmi les Afro-Américains et les Autochtones/Alaques, et plus faible parmi les Américains d'origine asiatique.
Il existe également une composante familiale au risque, ceux ayant un parent proche atteint de la maladie ayant une probabilité accrue de développer Alzheimer. Ainsi, alors que l'âge demeure le facteur de risque essentiel pour Alzheimer, d'autres éléments comme les prédispositions génétiques et les conditions de santé interagissent de manière complexe dans le développement de la maladie. παρά το γεγονός ότι ο κίνδυνος αυξάνεται avec l'âge, il existe des stratégies pour réduire le risque et potentiellement retarder l'apparition de la démence.
📹 TEN Reasons You Should NOT Read Discworld!
This is probably going to be the most negative video I have ever done or will ever do on this channel. It’s time someone told you …
“Do you want to die reading only a couple of novels in that series?” Legit the reason that I got into Discworld. I was diagnosed in 2019 and it was on the fence wither it was bengin or… not. I was scared out of my mind and the treatments were hell. I was very nervous before surgery so I’d spend the night reading. After a few these I found that spending a few hours with Granny or Vimes really helped calm me down pre-operation. 4 years, 10 operations and 41 books later, I’m still here. I swear it was his magic that pulled me through and I’m sad I never had the chance to express that to him.
I read the title and was outraged. I went to my restroom and talked to my reflection in the mirror for about half an hour to calm myself down. Then I went out and read the books and watched the film adaptations for nearly an entire 8 months so I could prepare to actually watch your article. Then, after three shots of sheep liniment, a bottle of bear huggers, and glass of scumble, I was ready. I watched your article prepared to rip everything you had to say apart. I upvoted, wrote this, and must admit that I was wrong, and I stand corrected. Nobody should ever read the Terry Pratchet’s Discworld. They should also never watch the film adaptations, including Hogfather, The Color of Magic, Wyrd Sisters, Soul Music, The Amazing Maurice, and Going Postal. Definitely not. Not when there are things to be mad about on the internet. Imagine all the surly and clever things you can say to people you don’t know online. I mean, you get to feel smug about that and after all, that’s what life is all about.
What do I do if I accidentally read a few of them already? I am afraid I can’t stop. I don’t want to unintentionally read something written for young people because that would make ME a baby and I am not a baby, I am a grown adult, but reading a book for kids would completely destroy my reputation (and my self image). I am also dismayed to discover they are popular because I never do, wear, say, or consume anything popular. I stopped drinking water years ago and only drink niche liquids now (liquids I find in niches. I don’t know what they are. my doctor is knocking on my door right now begging and crying for me to stop but I’ll never undo the four padlocks I put on there to keep her out). Please advise I am so close to buying another book and there is just too much at stake
Very good. Your title took me in hook, line & sinker. You missed an 11th major reason not to read Discworld series ‘the amount of time you will spend debating which is the best book’. I change my mind every week, so these discussions are never ending, especially as some are more enjoyable as an audiobook. Oh the horrors of so many Discworld options 🤯
‘Ten Reasons You Should NOT Read Discworld!’ I agree. I just lose all concepts of reality when I read a Discworld book and I can get from A to B without really knowing how drove there. Life is good to seriously deal with this hilarious series of books. It’s diabolical for serious readers finding silliness in what should be a serious medium. (what’s that? April 1?) Nice.
7:56 is this a reference to that one newspaper article that came out it after his death where a critic claimed Sir Pterry wasn’t a literary genius, started the article saying he’d never read one of his books and never planned on it and then went on to praise an Austen Novel and say it was “true literature”?
You, sir, are now my friend, what am I saying… my brother! I remember when I met Terry’s books years ago, at first it took me a while to dare with one, I was one of those who really wanted to start at the beginning of the series hahaha… then I got a copy of “Eric” and that’s when it all began…. Nice article man!
I’m kind of relieved that this was actually an April Fools joke (I discovered this article on S’mores Day/Lion Day in the middle of August). I was on the verge of throwing hands and disliking this article less than halfway through the article (I like reading easy-to-comprehend YA books)! Luckily, the worst I ended up doing before reaching the was commenting about a contradiction regarding two of the reasons. Anyway, I can think of worse reasons to not read a book, so I think I’m going to try this series out! 🙂
I will keep my fingers crossed for many years time to reread the books until you run out of time. Our Pterry reading and needlework group on Ravelry made a resemblance of the Pratchghan for one of our members who had been diagnosed with something malignant in the nineties. She is still running strong, and loves her group hug. Ever since this first Pratchghan replica was made, whenever one of ours had a rough time, we as a group would each make another discworld themed square and sewn together with love, the poorly person would receive the Pratchghan sibling in the mail as a group hug from all of us. When I had my own touch of malignancy in 2020, the group sent me my group hug. Our reading group will continue this tradition and since we will most likely have read all the material that is in print, we happily reread and share our a ha moments of punes, we still rediscover. I have passed on the love for Discworld to my two nephews who are bookworms, so when DEATH picks me up for my walk through the desert, they will inherit my book collection. So for as long as I can, I will just go borrowing, and wear my piece of cardboard with the words ” I still ate’nt dead” on it 🙂 it is only a matter of time, until we meet him, so we can make the best of it till then. Live and read on.
Brilliantly funny, I clicked on it out of curiosity, totally taken in by the title and wondering if there really was some reason not to read his books – duh! I read one by chance when I was in my 20’s and loved it but none since (he’s not Jane Austen) but have been looking for some ideas for light-hearted fiction to read that is interesting, well-written and not an affront to my intelligence. Thank you T.L.B. – you’ve convinced me to take up the quest of trying to read through the whole ‘series’ before ‘death’ comes for me 😃 Now, which one did you say I should start with????? 😄 I think the one I read was “The Colour of Magic” which you mentioned – I just googled it and when I read it, it was probably the only one out.
I wish I’d found this a 2 months ago. I’ve accidentally started reading them again from the start. For the second time. And that’s not even including the times I’ve re-read a few of them several more times. Out of order. The man was a nasty piece of work who repeatedly duped me into thinking I’ve enjoyed them. Thanks for the warning.
I have been listening to them. On the topic of losing One’s place while reading, Mr. Pratchett cheekily issued One advice in passing, through his own writing. He made many, many references to people who are aided in reading by using their primary digit to seek, find, recognize, and interpret the written word, in proper order, without losing place in that order. To be honest, it seems a practical idea that I would recommend to anyone of any age who has difficulty reading. As someone who had difficulty transitioning from the simple layout of high school text books to the rather more complex format of college level research papers (I find this colloquialism misleading, because it implies that whatever obscure research “paper” you are reading can be compiled into something significantly smaller than a navy footlocker, when it clearly cannot), I feel that more of the young adult audience could use a functional, hands on experience with something more adult in format.
I’m not gonna lie, when I first started perusal I thought you were serious (because this was the first article of yours I’d seen), and I could kinda see some of your points. Some people might not want to invest in a series that has 40 books, some people might find all the footnotes break their immersion in the story, and… I know you were joking, but I have to say you weren’t wrong about YA books being pretty terrible. Some are okay, but most aren’t. And some people might want to read one long saga rather than multiple (very) loosely connected stories that are all in the same setting. I started catching on when you got to the “They’re bad because they’re popular” reason though, and was quite entertained. Good job.
You are making some great points…shame I only found your article now, as I have already read every discworld novel, quite a few multiple times over (including gulp all the YA novels…when I was an adult no less). Now I truly regret wasting all my precious lifetime on this absolutely disgusting drivel. You have made me see the light. A true shame I have only found your article now as I am almost finished with Terry’s biography “A life with footnotes” (also, full of disgusting footnotes btw) while looking for interviews and speeches from Terry. (truly RIP to Sir Terry. And hats off to your article, well done 👍)
People who believe YT articles should not read this comment. Hi TL, I’m sure that you are aftually overjoyed about making the wrong article. I was going to write “actually”, but accidentally typed aftually. I was going to correct aftually to “actually”, but decided it actually has it’s own place, just like gazump. But thanks for making a deliberately wrong advice article. I’ve already read TP’s first half a dozen DW novels, though that episode ended more than 20 years ago. So I shall now begin to imbibe the remaining 35 DW novels, and or watch all the available movies. Thanx again.
Nanny Ogg and her humorous wisdom, the Nacmacfeegles, Tiffany Aching, they’re my comfort and like a warm bedtime drink for me. I wish I’d started reading Discoworld earlier, but it’s gotten me back into my love of books & Terry Pratchett inspired art that’s helped me through some really tough times in life. ❤
its when the foot note continues on the next page,,,, one of the reason not to read ebooks as (well the ebooks ive read) dont do foot notes… saying what ages the books are recomended for is like the ages on lego boxes or the amount of portions a cheese cake can feed,,,, totally illogical my first TP book was Only You Can Save Mankind (30 years ago),, then into the Discworld series and you can read a book, then re read it and find more “easter eggs” the 2nd and 3rd times you read it, im off to my 1st DW Convention next week & im looking foward to it
REASON 1 – Doesn’t matter REASON 2 – Doesn’t matter REASON 3 – Doesn’t matter REASON 4 – Doesn’t matter REASON 5 – Doesn’t matter REASON 6 – Doesn’t matter REASON 7 – Doesn’t matter REASON 8 – Doesn’t matter REASON 9 – Doesn’t matter REASON 10 – Doesn’t matter As a 60 Year old I’ve read ALL OF Them, AND RE-READ THEM, and I have ALL of them as Epubs for when I travel.
Hi there… 1) If I’m hit by a bus tomorrow I also couldn’t read other books. – Discworld isn’t a “series” in the sense that the main story is been carried on. You can read each book by itself. Echt book has it’s unique story. (Some characters evolve but that’s not necessary for the story itself.) – Because they are so much FUN to read, you should just start to read them. 2) Death is one of the most wonderful characters of discworld. He is – like Pratchett – never negative and very philosophical. That’s what’s life is all about, isn’t it: mortality. Do you think you live forever?? 3) Have you totally forgotten how it was to be a teenager; with all those questions about live an trying to figure them out? It’s absolutely GREAT for young adults! (By the way: the whole Harry Potter story is rather “horror for kids”.) I’m stopping right here to listen to your unbearable non-arguments. They are false and make depressed. You probably just wanted generate clicks with this.
Oh, I agree. It’s too much thinking for my liking. Whats would you do with it all? What’s it all for? Sounds like wizard stuff to me. I’d rather *fold laundry, at least my time would be better spent in a practical manner. 👏🤓😂❤ *The laundry never infact gets folded. It’s like the universe said ok, you can be happy and organised and passably pretty but we need a balance so you will never quite get around to the laundry.
I would never read Pratchett. Too inclusive, witty, smart and he would teach me nothing about the human condition. I certainly would not read ‘Wheres my cow’ to my kid every night. And if I would, she would not like it and would never ask to read it to her again. He is overestimated and is not my favourite writer.
Pretty good satire. A real reason to not get too invested in Pratchett is the danger of loving him to the point where the last couple of books really effected by his Alzheimer’s hurt to read. I’m inclined to think of Pratchett’s work as being like a long, great marriage with a couple of bad years at the end.
As a fellow Pratchett fiend, perhaps this might entertain you: So Al Khali, from Sourcery, the Al Qahirah (Cairo, wince) of Klatch? So I was perusing a map of the Arabian Peninsula t’other day, as you do (don’t ask, in fact) when my eye fell upon an area in the South East called The Empty Quarter, Ar-ub Al-Khali. Coincidence, I think not. Would value your opinion…
I realized I had never heard a bad thing about Discworld and decided I would actively seek out a counterpoint. This was the article that came up when I literally typed in “why I don’t like discworld.” The only criticism I’ve ever found is literally satire. People who despise each other’s taste in fiction find common ground on a flat earth balanced on the back of four giant elephants, who are balanced on the back of a world sized turtle, hurtling through space. Terry Pratchett was a sorcerer with words and he’s the only author I recommend to everyone.
Funny how many people in the comments don’t know what a Screwtapian literary device is. I.e. the eponymous Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis or the Colbert Report as a more modern example. Then again maybe they just didn’t finish the article where he clarifies he’s a fan of the author and every criticism was a backhanded compliment. Also most people don’t collect every published work of an author they hate…
My GURPS GM just recommended this over-hyped, self-absorbed and totally lame author to me. Thanks to your article I will totally not start reading his books tonight as soon as I’m done typing this. And I will NOT be starting with Sorcery because I like the title and it apparently doesn’t matter anyway. Wait, I see Jill Bearup on the right has something to say about Discworld. I will watch one more article before totally NOT starting this series. Thank you for this PSA. YOU should be knighted, SIR!
I have not read anything by Pratchett, though I have seen TV productions that I like. Perhaps, since told not to do so, I will get a book to read. (Take THAT, you critic!) Meanwhile, I would love to give a plug for Jane Austen. She got places by walking or by carriage, not broomsticks; there are no dragons in her neighborhood; and like ours, her world was round. However, she MUST be the original writer “about nothing” — nothings that are page turners! She died way too young. There is also Douglas Adams, a writer who helped me through chemotherapy and radiation. He may not have written 33 books, but I love the ones he did write. He died way too young. Pratchett died too soon and Shakespeare was only in his 50s – hey! Maybe writing is far more dangerous that I ever realized. (Happily, I am not a writer!) Then there is Ursula K Le Guin. Thank the Good Omens that she lived to be 88 and produce so much great reading for us. She must have been very lucky to side-step Death. But perhaps he was a fan and wanted to read what came next. The local library has her in the “Young Adults” section, which is fine so long as they mean 12 – 100! Is there a sci-fi work more lyrical and profound than “The Left Hand of Darkness”? I don’t think so.
Discworld is funny, sucks you in and gives you a whimsical view on just about everything. Would Highly recommend Watched the colour of magic movie and wanted more so got the books and then got hooked. Honestly just read ANY discworld book, they are completely wacky, crazy as a drunken toad trying to resite the small print on a toothbrush in order to figure out how much to pay for a piece of smelly orange fabric possibly made of cheese.
okay fine i wont!! i was wrestling with myself if i should read the books after loving the Hogfather. but now i understand the mistake of perusal the Hogfather, and would never dream about ordering a shitload of books to read, in fact i might even buy some just to safe others from buying them by accident. putting them on a shelv of Shame of some sort ..yeees that i might do, but not read them ofcause.
The discworld universe is absolutely amazing. Its rich, funny, complex and worth every second of every minute of every hour of your time. Even if you only get to experience one or a handful of books in the series you wont regret it. T.P is an excellent author. Read a discworld novel then you’ll understand just how wrong this guy is.
A darkness we share: no beginning!? no end?! And the world just don’t care: So why pretend! You just can’t deal it devours your mind. All it will steal- it leaves nothing behind. Don’t fight it: just give in to the feeling! Hurt might it? It is poisson, but healing…. From dawn thil dusk you were wide aweake. As you turned to dust every success and mistake. In all the sweet lies you told, and were told: bright future or demise? were you honest…and bold…? Were you not loved? Why there is a hack: Embrace the abyss! It will allways…. embrace you…. back
Love your humour! 🤣 I have a book you should not read: The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. Don’t read it, I’m serious. It’s completely sufficient to watch the movies. There’s nothing else in the book that would go far beyond them, nothing philosophical or so. It’s also for children, only for children and you’re too old to read it. Don’t read it!
hes completely wrong about the first reason i did read them but then i had to read them again and again and i kinda didnt stop so……ok TECHNICALLY (calm down that was me death isnt coming for you) (no not you that guy over there, hes totally coming for you, you look like he should have already been here) technically hes right and you will never stop reading them and will probably die reading them but you will have finished them too
I haven’t any right to criticise books, and I don’t do it except when I hate them. I often want to criticise Jane Austen, but her books madden me so that I can’t conceal my frenzy from the reader; and therefore I have to stop every time I begin. Everytime I read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ I want to dig her up and beat her over the skull with her own shin-bone. – Mark Twain, Letter to Joseph Twichell, 13 September 1898
You are way, way, way too late with your warning. Got to read Witches abroad first, because it was the only book in the bookshelf at a friends house, I had not yet read, after he had recommended every book in said shelf but that one. He was given it as a birthday present and had it standing in his shelf, unread for years. I had spent hours upon hours talking to that friend, and this book yelled at me all those times, distracting me from talking to the friend. So after weeks, wearing me down, yelling and yeling,I asked said friend, if that said book was any good, and I did not know, what I was getting into, when he did say, “I dont want it, take it if you are so interested in it” This book held me hostage and after having been read by it from front to back, I was hooked on the Discworld, L-space, the characters, magic, witching, vampires and it probably helped, that I looked up quite a bit of the lore, I thought, sounded familiar. I was delighted, when I found out, having grown up literally in the Überwald region in Odenwald Germany,and being a decendant of the honourable Igor clan (tho many thurgerieth, I thtopped counting, and tho many beautiful thcarth), it had to come to this match made at the beginning of the universe. Must have been a really insistent inspiration particle, I ran across the witches, first and the connection folk tales make in the brains of us humans. My sister told me later on, that the Rapunzel story originated from the town we grew up in, and when the brothers Grimm traveled around, collecting stories, and they heard from this father of a very beautiful daughter, which got locked up in a tower to be kept away from all the dashing princelings so they did nothing stupid, the brothers Grimm made the Rapunzel story out of it.
Plenty of authors whove written YA books have written fantastic novels for adult readers. Catherine Cookson wrote a couple of YA books, she also penned a huge bestselling collection of books for adults. Stephen King has also written YA and adult horror, so your argument a writer who can write YA cant write adult fiction is just ridiculous.
So I am a new Discworld fan, and I am sorry to say that I clicked dislike on this article. Not because the article was bad. This article is a good article, an exceptional article in fact. But because I think it would be funny but don’t have an aneurysm. I am only doing this because I am giving into my intrusive thoughts and you can’t change my mind. I did offset the one single dislike by subscribing though.
you dont know how terry camer up with discoworld right? he wanted to deal with today’s cliches in a funny way and that’s how he came up with the idea for discworld. and if you think you should NOT read them, then why do you have them all on the shelf and not in your recycle bin? Therefore, you like to read them yourself and advise others not to do so, it can hardly be more hypocritical -.-
I was willing to give you a benefit of a doubt. But I stopped taking you seriously after your first reason. Basically you are saying: “Don’t read them as you will never get through them as there are too many” Me: But then why do we bother reading anything then? There are soo many books, movies and article grams in the world that you would need several lifetimes to go through them all. And yet we still read and watch and play them all the same. It’s not up to you to decide how much is “too many” List list is stupid and nonsensical.
Here´s another reason why you should not read Terry Pratchett. When my grandmother died, i was the one who had to go to grandfather and breakt the news to him. Then we sat there. It felt as if everything had completely stopped. And then for whatever reason i thought about Terry Pratchett and what one of the witches would have done. Then i thought of making tea. Then my grandfather remembered that there was still cake to be eaten. And somehow along that we started talking about the good times and the bad times.. and somehow the wheel startet spinning again and life went on. I mean.. really what i SHOULD have done was not knowing what to do, sitting there and fall into despair. If a loved one departs, you should neither be able to cope with it, nor should you be able to help your loved ones. And certainly you should never think about your own mortality. So don´t read any Terry Pratchett novels. It will only prevent you from feeling the natural despair and absolute helplessness you should feel.