I'm currently trying to bump up the number of books I read. I'm an aspiring author, and knowing what's out there, and most importantly, reading the "greats" is important. So, I picked up The Color of Magic because it's the first of Mr. Pratchett's Discworld novels and many people rave about Discworld.

Hm.

I have to say, as I usually do, that I enjoyed the read. The book is small, so there's not a lot of investment of time if you decide you didn't like the book. It's not an 800-page tome, at least. The characters are interesting -- Rincewind the failed magician, Twoflower the "tourist" and the magical Luggage that is seemingly indestructible -- the world is explained -- though sometimes to excess -- and the series has certainly captured the hearts of a number of readers.

But I'm not sure I get it.

Maybe it's just that I have a hard time wrapping my brain around British humor. Red Dwarf occasionally makes me laugh. I don't worship at the temple of Monty Python, I'm not much fond of Benny Hill, and my favorite show that I can recall was Chef. Does that say anything about me?

The book is a satire. I understand satire. Maybe I don't appreciate it, but I get it. I'm just not sure I want to read an entire series of books written in satirical tone.

Granted, this is the first of the Discworld novels. Maybe they get better. When I've pared down my current stack of to be reads, maybe I'll read another, just to see for myself. Until then, here's my opinion: If you appreciate dry humor, wry commentary and just plain silliness, read this book (and those that follow). If not, there's a world of other books and authors waiting to be read.



Recommended: Yes