The Mary Sue Books and More Club discussion

with March coming to a close, it has come the time to vote a new book to read.
However, given the recent death of beloved author Terry Pratchett, it has been decided that instead of the usual format, this Poll is going to be done exclusively with titles at his name as an In Memoriam to him.

In consideration to those who had never experienced a Terry Pratchett book before, we have selected 7 Discworld titles that can easily stand on their own for newcomers and 7 non-discworld titles written(or co-written) by Pratchett himself. The titles are:
*Color of Magic
*Equal Rites
*Mort
*Pyramids
*Guard! Guards!
*Small Gods
*Going Postal
*Good Omens
*The Dark Side of the Sun
*Strata
*The Long Earth
*Dodger
*Nation
*Only You can save Mankind

As always, feel free to post your questions or concerns on this topic and we'll try to answer it the best we can.

Perfect! I hadn't figured out where to start on Pratchett's books. This should do the trick! The only one I've read previously is Equal Rites and that was probably twenty years ago so it could use a reread.

Oh excellent! I've been meaning to read Guards! Guards! or Equal Rites so this would move them to the top of the to-read list. I also have read (and re-read) Good Omens a bunch and have it on hand if we do that one.

I'm really sad that "Monstrous Regiment" isn't on this list. The perfect stand-alone book for The Mary Sue.

I vote for Guards Guards or Mort

Rae1982 wrote: "Surprised Wee Free Men isn't on this list. I usually suggest that or Witches Abroad to newcomers. From this list, my vote would be Going Postal or Guards! Guards!"

Ungelic_is_us wrote: "I'm really sad that "Monstrous Regiment" isn't on this list. The perfect stand-alone book for The Mary Sue."


I tried to have an equal number of Discworld and non-discworld books for the poll. four of them were decided based on the fact that they were the start of a series of books and three of them were previously recommended. it's possible we missed a few.

I would vote for Small Gods, one of his most profound books.

I vote for Good Omens - my first introduction to both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

remember that the voting has to be done in the poll, not here xD

First off many and repeated snaps for Locuas on setting this whole thing off. And second, oh gods which one should I vote for?!!! I am greatly comforted by the fact that though my vote matters there will be a collective choice made. Can't wait to start the read.

Mantelli wrote: "I would vote for Small Gods, one of his most profound books."

Small Gods is also a really good introduction because it doesn't have strong ties to most of the world's continuity, so it stands on its own well. Pyramids is in the same boat.

Small Gods is great because it is really the book in which he turns from straight up parody (amazing, brilliant, insightful parody) to astoundingly perfect satire and commentary on what being human really means with all the texture and diversity.

Guards! Guards! is my go to book when I am in a bad mood because it never fails to make me laugh out loud.

Anything with Granny Weatherwax is deeply satisfying.

However, when the time comes, I'm voting for Nation. It is fantastic and I would love to discuss it with this fine group.

Many thanks to the person or people who decided that April will be our Pratchett month. He is my favorite author and I am so saddened at his loss.

Although my favourite Discworld story arc features the witches of Lancre, I've definitely read Guards! Guards! the most. Good Omens is also fantastic.

I'm torn between the witches and the watch. I wasn't certain I would like Moist, but then I kept reading and found another character to appreciate. April will be a great book club month!

I've read a few of the Discworld novels, but they never really clicked with me. I love Good Omens tho, so I want to give it another try. The witches look the most interesting to me, so I vote Equal Rites.

I've read Good Omens and really enjoyed it, but I am hoping to read something that was just Terry's. Whatever you decide I'll pick up :) I'm not excited to get started!

I'd Say Small Gods or Going Postal. Small Gods because it is probably one of his most beloved stand alones and it is probably one of the novels that is most accessible to someone with absolutely no Discworld background. Going Postal because it's the only Discworld entry point from his later work. I loved Guards! Guards! but some of his earliest stuff (The Color of Magic and Equal Rites especially) isn't quite as good as the later stuff.

'Course, who am I kidding? Everything is amazing.

Ungelic_is_us wrote: "I'm really sad that "Monstrous Regiment" isn't on this list. The perfect stand-alone book for The Mary Sue."

OOOH! That's a really excellent point.

Laura wrote: "I vote for Good Omens - my first introduction to both Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman"

Yes its a classic

I won't be voting because I am super unfamiliar with Pratchett's work, having read only a couple books, and I trust everyone else to make a decision! I am excited to read whatever the choice is, and I love the idea of honouring him this month.

Small Gods :)

I'm voting for Going Postal with a side vote for Monstrous Regiment (even though it's not on the list)

Where do I find the actual poll?

Going Postal or Good Omens!

I just found this group by TMS's facebook post. I've never read any Pratchett, despite having several of his books on my shelf. I was just going to start the Colour of Magic, but I am so happy to find all these fantastic suggestions from a group whose tastes and intellect I trust automatically. Now think I may start with Small Gods.

Mantelli wrote: "Where do I find the actual poll?"

Go bellow the main page of the group.

I cant find the poll on my phone, so I came to my computer to vote.

I am very excited about TMS book club. Terry Pratchet has been on my to read list for a while now. Maybe I'll actually give him a shot this time.

I've sadly never read a Pratchett book so I'm glad there's few more experienced people who can give me a good starting place!

I read a couple of Discworlds and they weren't quite my thing, but I love Good Omens, so I'll give a standalone a shot.

I am a huge fan of Terry Pratchett. I discovered him with Good Omens, but although I love that book, his style is "watered down" because of writing it with Neil Gaiman. I am also a fan of Neil Gaiman, but less so than I am of Terry. I like them each individually, that said, Good Omens is great, just not "Pratchetty" enough for me. His Discworld novels are so fun, insightful and hilarious. I am especially fond of "The Watch" novels. I vote for Guards, Guards but also for Nation as I just finished it and was greatly impressed.