Hello all, a book has been selected by popular vote for our December read!
Drum roll please . . .
from giphy.com
Hogfather (2009)
Author: Terry Pratchett
Discussion date: 12/22/17*
The premise:
Who would want to harm Discworld’s most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless — and oddly familiar — universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there’s something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins’ Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork’s rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld’s entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drastic measures must be taken, which is why Death himself is taking up the reins of the fat man’s vacated sleigh . . . which, in turn, has Death’s level-headed granddaughter, Susan, racing to unravel the nasty, humbuggian mess before the holiday season goes straight to hell and takes everyone along with it.
*Yes, this discussion date is three days before Christmas. As with our November discussion, please feel free to participate as you are able during the holiday season. The post will be available for discussion on this day, but please always keep in mind that you can participate in the post whenever you have finished reading the book. The posts don’t go away and neither do I! I’m happy to talk about the book whenever you finish it.
For our next book: January is a month of firsts of the year. First times spent with friends, first meals at a favorite restaurant, etc. In keeping with the “first” idea, January’s book club selections are all about first contact between humans and an alien species. FYI, clicking the link on the title will take you to the Amazon page for the book so you can check out plot summaries!
[polldaddy poll=9863700]
Ooooh, I love “Hogfather”!
Me too! I always at least start reading it every year!
CAVEAT! If you haven’t read any of Pratchetts other work, you may want to consider reading at least one of his other books prior to diving into this one. At the very least, read MORT. If you are feeling ambitious, you can also follow up with REAPER MAN and SOUL MUSIC. This will give you an idea about Death, Susan, and several of the other characters that you will encounter in HOGFATHER.
At least I’ve read MORT. I’ve got REAPER MAN and SOUL MUSIC, but if I’m going to attempt to read HOGFATHER, I’m not going to have time for those other two. :-/
I jumped in that series right in the middle and I don’t think you’re going to have too many problems, actually.
I do have to say, regarding January’s poll, that Octavia Butler’s Dawn is absolutely amazing, and you’re not going to want to stop there (it can also be found in Lilith’s Brood as it’s the first of that trilogy).
Hey folks – I used to participate in Shara’s book club in years past and I’m excited to see that this book club has started up. I’m looking at the poll and am conflicted. I would actually be happy with any of the three. I’ve read both the Butler and Moon books before. I love them both, though they are pretty different from each other. I would be happy to re-read either. I really don’t know anything about the Lem book, but would be happy to read something new.
Welcome back, stfg! Definitely a tough pick, and I know for the Moon and Butler, I’ll probably look back at my old notes for discussion, cause I know I don’t have time for a re-read! I’ve seen the movie Solaris and always wondered how the book differed, but we’ll see how this poll turns out!
I haven’t read any of them but after looking them up for the suggestions, I really want to, especially the Octavia Butler. She’s a glaring hole in my sci fi reading right now.