I found this fair-condition UK-edition paperback at the Book Cellar, and while the Josh Kirby cover art isn't my favorite (for one thing, he gives away too many plot points - if you can find them {grin}), I thought this would make a colorful option for my next annual holiday-season Hogfather release!

I first discovered Terry Pratchett courtesy of some rave reviews in the BookCrossing forums and the glimpse of Guards! Guards! flying by in the recently-released sidebar. I encountered Hogfather late in 2002, and loved it - and since then I've released another copy every Christmas.

The best part about registering multiple copies of books I've read and enjoyed: I can cut and paste the review, thusly:

OK, now I'm definitely hooked on Pratchett and Discworld. I figured this book couldn't go wrong - Death standing in for the Hogfather (guy in the red suit, comes down chimneys, etc.) - but it was funnier and (dare I say it?) more profound than I'd expected. Lots of thrills and chills to go with the guffaws and snickers, and the occasional provoked thought - a wonderful Discworld Christmas carol... There were riffs on everything from "Mary Poppins" to philosophy to the commercialization of Christm- er, of Hogswatch, with nods to "Good King Wenceslas" and haute cuisine along the way. And don't miss the appearance of Bilious, the "oh god" of hangovers!

Discworld fans don't need further encouragement, but if you've never indulged before, here's a clip or two.

From a scene where Death is discussing the nature of giving with Albert:

"BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT, IS THAT THE IDEA?"
"That's about the size of it, master. A good god line, that. Don't give 'em too much and tell 'em to be happy with it. Jam tomorrow, see."
"THIS IS WRONG." Death hesitated. "I MEAN...IT'S RIGHT TO BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU'VE GOT. BUT YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING TO BE HAPPY ABOUT HAVING. THERE'S NO POINT IN BEING HAPPY ABOUT HAVING NOTHING.'
Albert felt a bit out of his depth in this new tide of social philosophy.
"Dunno," he said. "I suppose people'd say they've got the moon and the stars and such like."
"I'M SURE THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO PRODUCE THE PAPERWORK."

From a scene at Unseen University [I want this one on a T-shirt], upon being urged to more seasonal cheer:

"Madame, we're wizards," said the Senior Wrangler. "We don't do cheerful."

Glingleglingleglingle...

[For more seasonal fun, check out the DVD of the live-action, made-for-TV film version of Hogfather. And you might find the book's TV Tropes page of interest.]

This book is on its way to BCer moonblue in South Africa, as a thank-you for participating in the Chills & Spills release challenge. Enjoy!

I love getting parcels in the post. Even better when I realise it is a book. But the best is opening and realising it is a Terry Pratchett book inside. Yipee!

Thank you so much GoryDetails. I read this one ages ago so am very pleased to have a chance to read it now.

I loved this book. I saved it to read over the Christmas period, which gave me extra laughs.

When an assassin is hired to "kill" the Hogfather, Death must step in, deliver the gifts and work on his HO HO HO. If belief in Hogfather dies, the sun will not rise.

Throw in Susan (Death's granddaughter), some inept criminals, the wizards, Hex, the tooth fairy and other strange characters and you have a delightful and funny adventure exploring the true meaning of Hogswatch.

Given to DavidSeven, who saw it on the shelf and got all excited. Happy Hogswatch.

I love this book. I have read it about 4 or 5 times in the past, and now I just read it again. :-)

I think I will go watch the mini-series now.

Then I will decide where the book wants to go next.