I don’t know when it was that I started reading Terry Pratchett’s ‘Discworld’ series. I have a feeling I was first attracted to one of his books by the wonderful ‘Josh Kirby’ illustration on the cover. It may have been ‘The Light fantastic’ it could have been ‘Witches Abroad’. Whatever book it was – I knew I loved these stories, these characters and I wanted more.
“I
meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that
truly makes living worthwhile?"
Death thought about it. CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.” ― Terry Pratchett, Sourcery
Death thought about it. CATS, he said eventually. CATS ARE NICE.” ― Terry Pratchett, Sourcery
I, like
thousands if not millions of others have waited for each and every episode from
the discworld. I have read and re-read each book countless times. Each time
seeing something new, realising and delighting in some little joke that Terry
was sharing with his readers. Loosing myself in the fantasy comfort blanket
that was the discworld.
I was
fortunate to meet Terry a couple of times – at book signings of course, when he
would share a laugh, sigh your book with some little extra gem. When I was
buying a couple of books for my Kids ( Johnny & The Bomb and The Unadulterated Cat) as well as the latest
offering from the Discworld, he wrote wonderful little messages in the covers.
They still have these books.
I asked him
how he decided on writing the Discworld stories. He told me that he looked into
a mirror and they were reflections of reality. I loved that simple yet concise
description.
“Studies
have shown that an ant can carry one hundred times its own weight, but there is
no known limit to the lifting power of the average tiny eighty-year-old Spanish
peasant Grandmother.”
― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man
― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man
A couple of
years ago, I was having trouble sleeping. I’d tried all sorts, hot milky
drinks, exercise, counting naked pole dancing girls, jumping over my bed.
Nothing worked. I then came across an article that said if when you went to
bed, you read for 15 minutes - it would help to reset an active mind and help
you relax and thus – sleep. Light hearted material was best. I purchased copies of Terry’s books on my
Kindle and each night I read a couple of chapters. I’m happy to tell you it
works. Well, it worked for me.
I’m
currently re-reading ‘Unseen Academicals’ and sleeping like a baby.Thanks for the Memories Sir Terry. I hope someone takes up the mantle and carries on the Discworld. It would be sad to leave the lives of our friends like this. Perhaps Sir Terry’s daughter – Rhianna, has already been primed and is ready to take up the crown (well tiara) and continue the legacy?