Everyone,
I’ve written often about how much books mean to me, and there’s never a time when I’m not reading. When pressed, I’ll read my favorite books and authors over and over again, just for the sheer joy of returning again to their comfortable pages.
The man who’s taken me away far more than any other is Terry Pratchett. Not only did he write, he created. An entire universe, a world (Discworld) unto itself, with characters so real and plots so vivid I always felt like I could reach out and touch them, deeply rooted in fantasy as they were.
Forty-plus novels grace the Discworld series, and then there’s Good Omens written with Neil Gaiman (one of the best genre books I’ve ever read), and The Long Earth series with Stephen Baxter. Of them all, the Discworld books have filled my shelves for years- read and re-read, dropped in the tub repeatedly, and replaced lovingly whenever they finally fall apart.
It’s amazing how much someone else’s words – imagination! – can affect our own. He’s taken me to places I know will never exist and I feel as though I have the postcards to prove it. For the past two days, I’ve been reading a very well-worn and twice-tub-dropped copy of Unseen Academicals, for about the sixth time…
Terry Pratchett died today, at the age of 66. My (disc)world will never be the same.
Tearfully,
– Dana
Learn more about my all-time favorite author below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Pratchett
http://www.terrypratchettbooks.com (Intermittently down due to escalated traffic.)
Talk about a ringing endorsement. I will definitely be adding his books to my “To Read” list. Thanks for the tip Dana!
CJ,
Start at the beginning with Color of Magic, if you’re planning on committing. Otherwise, you can grab just about anything he’s written and be transported within just a few pages…and probably laughing, too.
Reading Color of Magic now. I’m committed!
Way to start at the beginning, CJ – happy reading!
How many are there???
More than forty in the Discworld series alone, CJ.
http://discworld.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Discworld_Books
I can’t say I’ve ever read any of Mr. Pratchett’s books, but I do know the feeling of getting completely lost in the written word, especially books about creative and imaginative new worlds! How nice it is that one of your favourite authors is immortalized in his works, that clearly mean a great deal to you. I’m sure he will be missed by many. Enjoy re-re-re-re-reading all of your favourites.
Thanks Alyssa. Whether you’ve read him or not, trust me, the world around you is richer for his having been among us. If for nothing else but Granny Weatherwax.
It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It’s called living.
-Terry Pratchett
He will be missed :(
KC,
He always did say everything best, didn’t he? (equally sad face)
My favorite thing he has said is so simple, yet so true…
In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.
All my cats just said, “Amen”.
Oh.MY.God!!!!
So back in the day MISS Kane paddled many many students for Library book vandalism and SHE HERSELF has admitted to dropping BOOKS in the TUB?! My Goodness! I’m stunned if not spanked!
Alexis,
Only the BEST books get to take a bath with me.~~~
Dana,
I am sorry to hear this news, and that your heart aches in sadness. You are a well-read woman and I greatly admire that about you. I will look forward to reading more myself…and will be sure to pick up Sir Terry Pratchett’s books. I am sure he would have loved your most heartfelt, and eloquently stated remembrance of his literary genius.
Hugs!!
Stacy,
Mr. Pratchett had spent the last eight or so years deteriorating into dementia due to Alzheimer’s. Following his diagnosis, he turned out numerous books, including the ‘Earth’ series with Baxter. Proof that brilliance is hard to dull.
Alzheimer’s is a terribly sad disease. Amazing that he persevered and continued to write through it all. The sheer number of books that he turned out in his lifetime is astounding, and doing more while battling the onset of dementia is definitely impressive (I lack bigger, better and more appropriate descriptive words!)
I did not know about or have not read any of his books but it sounds really interesting and I certainly love curling up to books and getting lost in various world, opening to possibilities and concepts or new ideas – so thanks for bringing them up as I am excited to check his books out! Sorry to hear about his circumstances and the sadness this brings– but always a blessing to having had been stimulated by and captivated by someone’s creations I imagine :)
Lei,
I think you’ll like Pratchett’s world, but then again I think everyone will…and should. (If you don’t, it’s probably best to lie to me.)
Dana thank you for alerting me to this author..when we meet again I shall ask you more about him and probably ask to borrow one of his books from you….sad to hear he suffered from Alzheimer’s… going down that same crappy trail with a loved one, so for sure I can empathize somewhat.
Phil,
I never lend books, sugar, because if someone ever didn’t bring one back I’d have to hunt them down and beat them to death. (Kidding. A little.)
Sadly, I know you can empathize, but if anything Sir Terry is further proof that there is dignity in all life. oxxo
With most people it is ‘lend me your ear” with Dana (or P4 as I call her) it is “lend me your rear” and it doesnt get returned in quite the same state as it was loaned!
Phil, you continually ‘crack me up’ with your witty retorts. *snort…giggle*
Thank you!