Years ago I read a disc world book for the first time, the wee free men, I can't remember much except I loved it.. Now I've bought the colour of magic and planning to slowly read them all. Is there a certain order recommended? I was planning to go by chronological order but thought I'd ask :)
For what it's worth Terry Pratchett (the author) suggested starting with Sourcery which is the fifth book.
Regardless, you're in for a great time. But if the first book doesn't quite jive, I strongly recommend following Pratchett's advice and trying Sourcery which is a much more polished, "Discworld-y" story.
I've never seen a source on that suggestion to start with Sourcery. I'd certainly push people to a none-Rincewind story. Guards! Guards!, Wyrd Sisters or Small Gods.
Totally fair. I always assumed the folks who wrote the Discworld Reading Guide were telling the truth but I too haven't actually seen a source for that.
I like the idea of Guards Guards (but I'm biased as the watch is my favourite "series") but Small Gods might be the winner as a one off.
Yeah, its one of the things that's always slightly ticked me off about that guide.
Excavating the history of the internet (mostly ye olde usenet groups) I couldn't find much he had to say about Sourcery, but there was this interview where he said:
which doesn't make me think he'd particularly recommend it.
Oh interesting! Now I'm super curious because I can't imagine folks put all that effort into the guide and then just made up TP's recommended starting point but it sounds like you've done a hefty bit of research. (I tried a cursory google search when you first asked but without luck...)
This just makes me a bit sad. Rincewind fan club rise up!