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While I get this sentiment I really recommend reading this, after having read all the others. Terry knew The Sheperd’s Crown would be his goodbye to his readers, and you owe it to yourself to get that from him.
Also, to be slightly more Pratchettian about it, you really can’t be sure that there will ever be a perfect time to read it, but you can be sure that one day you, too, will be dead and quite unable to read much more of anything.
I think it's inappropriate and a little unkind to push people like this.
You're right, one day OP will be dead and unable to read anything - or feel anything either. That's why the only important consideration for a decision that impacts nobody other than them is how *they* feel about it *now*.
I definitely didn't think you were being unkind on purpose. I just think grief is one of those things where you have to let people kind of toddle along in their own way, feeling out what hurts, which is different for everyone.
Come on. This is such a gentle push and fully in keeping with the brave way that PTerry fought with his impending doom right up to the end. I agree that people should have it utmost in their minds about how they are feeling, whether it is right for them to read it.
Knowing it was his last book he did do some stuff in it that were goodbyes to the world and the characters, stuff that any of the readers of the series should know.
Saying that, I'm on a re-read of the series and I don't know how how I'm going to face the final book one again. I hope I'm in a good headspace when that day comes.
Be safe mentally everyone (which I know the previous response was meaning with their post)
I think everyone should approach this book however feels best for them. I've read it, for whatever that's worth. I don't regret it, but I don't feel it's brought me any closure either. I think the answer to , "Is it okay if I do read it / don't read it / roll it up and stick it up my bottom?" should be "Unambiguously yes, with no pressure from me."
I agree with your sentiments, I was persuaded to read The Shepard's Crown by many in this redit, as I was reluctant due to it being the last unread DW book. And it was horrible and amazing at the same time.
Horrible because it was his last and you can tell that things were slipping away, and amazing because it was a fitting "goodbye" to one character and DW.
But it's not a book I'll be rereading any time soon....
Those are your feelings. Other people can feel differently without needing you to scold them. (I read it on release day, but wouldn't tell anyone else what to do or how to feel.)
I didn't read those comments as a scolding at all. They are good points and it was just a recommendation. Personally, it took me a good while before reading it but I'm glad I did. Cried like a baby mind. For multiple reasons. He wrote it to be read was the reason I decided it had been long enough, about a year after I bought it.
Thanks, really wasn’t meant as a scolding. I recommend people reading it because I do genuinely think they would like it (in a crying their eyes out way)
And now I'm getting close to reading it again as currently re-reading all the Tiffany series so at least this time I'm semi prepared, can't be totally prepared as always find something new clicking in my head with each read of most of his books.
Definitely not. Just finished a full re-read. My partner noticed that my behaviour was off during certain moments reading the final novel.
It's both incredibly sad and hugely hopeful at once. A fitting end to the series.
for me it's coinciding with having to look for a new job, so I don't think she would get it unless I spelled it out. I know I'll get a new job, but I'll never have a new Discworld book.
With earlier books, my nose was in them as soon as I got them home. I finished a book, then immediately started reading it again more than once.
Not The Shepherd's Crown. Took a few days to open, and I've only read it once.
I'm on my second run now. I have the audio books, and I'm up to The Truth. So far, I've had the same emotional response to each book. The same disappointment when I finished Carpe Jugulum because there were no more witches books. The satisfaction and joy at the ending of Reaper Man. The dread when Angus was shot in Men at Arms and the relief when she went to Carrot. So I know what I'll feel when I get to the last book, the sorrow and joy is waiting for me.
I read that chapter hours before my first child was born. It was an emotional day. Our second child is named Esme and boy is she stubborn, I suppose I asked for it though.
I just re-read and absolutely cried through it again but it's also a rich fulfilling full circle experience.
I do not regret reading it at all . It feels like the kind of grief, joy , human being ness that Sir Terry was so good at. I appreciate him even more . Also I'm in my 60s so it suits where I am in life. It reminded me to enjoy what you can . Do what you can. Be who you are .Because this stage of life is all about sifting through and letting go .
I have reread the series several times and even though I know they are coming, I still get the same reaction. During those parts in the Shepherd's Crown, I was listening to it on audiobook on my way home from work. Luckily, I was alone, because people would have thought there was something very wrong. I was crying like a baby.
I haven't been able to finish reading it. I have purposely not read the last 5 pages as I know I will have a bloody good cry at the end, knowing it is the last Discworld book. Wifey bought it for me the week it hit the shelves, as I thought Snuff was the last, as it was released here after Sir Terry's passing.
Extra info, I'm 45, and still get deeply involved in books.
I can't even think about it without crying. Im literally in tears just writing this post. It is the only Discworld book I haven't read. One day, when I am very old I will finally read it, but I am simply not ready for it yet.
No, you’re not the only one. I read it specifically when I need a good cry. That and Monstrous Regiment, I always cry at the end, tumblr memes be damned.
I feel this way when Vimes names the soldiers who died in Night Watch and talks about how he was honored to have been there twice.
John keel, Horace Nancyball, Billy Wiglet, Dai Dickens, Cecil “snouty” Clapman, Ned Coates, and, technically, Reg Shoe.
I can usually get to the “technically” before my eyes have misted over too far to see the words anymore.
I listened to it on audible last month.
I was damn near bawling from the moment Granny realizes. When Ponder asks “what do you know that I don’t?” I was in full tears.
Welcome to /r/Discworld! Please [read the rules/flair information before posting](https://www.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/ukhk21/subreddit_rules_flair_information/?). --- Our current megathreads are as follows: [API Protest Poll](https://www.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/1491izw/continuing_the_api_protest_a_community_poll) - a poll regarding the future action of the sub in protest at Reddit's API changes. [GNU Terry Pratchett](https://new.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/ukigit/gnu_terry_pratchett/) - for all GNU requests, to keep their names going. [AI Generated Content](https://new.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/10mhx9y/ai_generated_content_megathread/) - for all AI Content, including images, stories, questions, training etc. --- [ GNU Terry Pratchett ] *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/discworld) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'll let you know if I ever unwrap my copy and read it for the first time.
Damn, not just me then, I refuse the read a handful for the same reason
Yeah. It's hard. I haven't opened mine either.
Mine is sitting on my shelf in its dust jacket. I'm sure I'll get to it someday, just not right now
While I get this sentiment I really recommend reading this, after having read all the others. Terry knew The Sheperd’s Crown would be his goodbye to his readers, and you owe it to yourself to get that from him. Also, to be slightly more Pratchettian about it, you really can’t be sure that there will ever be a perfect time to read it, but you can be sure that one day you, too, will be dead and quite unable to read much more of anything.
I think it's inappropriate and a little unkind to push people like this. You're right, one day OP will be dead and unable to read anything - or feel anything either. That's why the only important consideration for a decision that impacts nobody other than them is how *they* feel about it *now*.
I apologize for being unkind. I genuinely just want to recommend one of my favorite books by one of our favorite authors.
I definitely didn't think you were being unkind on purpose. I just think grief is one of those things where you have to let people kind of toddle along in their own way, feeling out what hurts, which is different for everyone.
Come on. This is such a gentle push and fully in keeping with the brave way that PTerry fought with his impending doom right up to the end. I agree that people should have it utmost in their minds about how they are feeling, whether it is right for them to read it. Knowing it was his last book he did do some stuff in it that were goodbyes to the world and the characters, stuff that any of the readers of the series should know. Saying that, I'm on a re-read of the series and I don't know how how I'm going to face the final book one again. I hope I'm in a good headspace when that day comes. Be safe mentally everyone (which I know the previous response was meaning with their post)
I think everyone should approach this book however feels best for them. I've read it, for whatever that's worth. I don't regret it, but I don't feel it's brought me any closure either. I think the answer to , "Is it okay if I do read it / don't read it / roll it up and stick it up my bottom?" should be "Unambiguously yes, with no pressure from me."
I agree with your sentiments, I was persuaded to read The Shepard's Crown by many in this redit, as I was reluctant due to it being the last unread DW book. And it was horrible and amazing at the same time. Horrible because it was his last and you can tell that things were slipping away, and amazing because it was a fitting "goodbye" to one character and DW. But it's not a book I'll be rereading any time soon....
Those are your feelings. Other people can feel differently without needing you to scold them. (I read it on release day, but wouldn't tell anyone else what to do or how to feel.)
I didn't read those comments as a scolding at all. They are good points and it was just a recommendation. Personally, it took me a good while before reading it but I'm glad I did. Cried like a baby mind. For multiple reasons. He wrote it to be read was the reason I decided it had been long enough, about a year after I bought it.
Thanks, really wasn’t meant as a scolding. I recommend people reading it because I do genuinely think they would like it (in a crying their eyes out way)
And now I'm getting close to reading it again as currently re-reading all the Tiffany series so at least this time I'm semi prepared, can't be totally prepared as always find something new clicking in my head with each read of most of his books.
Godspeed you, and good luck. Let me know if you have any new epiphanies this time around.
Oh god thank you I thought I was so weird for not being able to read it.
I haven’t been able to either. And the Tiffany Aching books are my favorite.
The finality of a certain character's death hit me like a tonne of bricks
I had to put the book down for like 15 minutes to cry my eyes out. There was no way I could read through the tears.
And that part is wonderfully written too; certainly the most cohesive part of the book I feel.
Definitely not. Just finished a full re-read. My partner noticed that my behaviour was off during certain moments reading the final novel. It's both incredibly sad and hugely hopeful at once. A fitting end to the series.
for me it's coinciding with having to look for a new job, so I don't think she would get it unless I spelled it out. I know I'll get a new job, but I'll never have a new Discworld book.
I can’t re read it. It was a once and done, too heartbreaking to do it again
With earlier books, my nose was in them as soon as I got them home. I finished a book, then immediately started reading it again more than once. Not The Shepherd's Crown. Took a few days to open, and I've only read it once.
I'm on my second run now. I have the audio books, and I'm up to The Truth. So far, I've had the same emotional response to each book. The same disappointment when I finished Carpe Jugulum because there were no more witches books. The satisfaction and joy at the ending of Reaper Man. The dread when Angus was shot in Men at Arms and the relief when she went to Carrot. So I know what I'll feel when I get to the last book, the sorrow and joy is waiting for me.
I read it the day it was released, and did my first re-read last year. I cried more this time around than the first.
I sobbed for an hour when I got to THAT scene, and cried again when I'd finished. You're in fellow company.
I've read it once and won't go again lest I die of dehydration.
I read that chapter hours before my first child was born. It was an emotional day. Our second child is named Esme and boy is she stubborn, I suppose I asked for it though.
I just re-read and absolutely cried through it again but it's also a rich fulfilling full circle experience. I do not regret reading it at all . It feels like the kind of grief, joy , human being ness that Sir Terry was so good at. I appreciate him even more . Also I'm in my 60s so it suits where I am in life. It reminded me to enjoy what you can . Do what you can. Be who you are .Because this stage of life is all about sifting through and letting go .
I read it once, could never bring myself to reread. I've read every other Discworld book at least ten times.
I have reread the series several times and even though I know they are coming, I still get the same reaction. During those parts in the Shepherd's Crown, I was listening to it on audiobook on my way home from work. Luckily, I was alone, because people would have thought there was something very wrong. I was crying like a baby.
I'm going to have to reread it with my kid. There is no way to prepare and there are parts I don't know how I'll possibly get through.
I haven't been able to finish reading it. I have purposely not read the last 5 pages as I know I will have a bloody good cry at the end, knowing it is the last Discworld book. Wifey bought it for me the week it hit the shelves, as I thought Snuff was the last, as it was released here after Sir Terry's passing. Extra info, I'm 45, and still get deeply involved in books.
I can't even think about it without crying. Im literally in tears just writing this post. It is the only Discworld book I haven't read. One day, when I am very old I will finally read it, but I am simply not ready for it yet.
No, you’re not the only one. I read it specifically when I need a good cry. That and Monstrous Regiment, I always cry at the end, tumblr memes be damned.
I feel this way when Vimes names the soldiers who died in Night Watch and talks about how he was honored to have been there twice. John keel, Horace Nancyball, Billy Wiglet, Dai Dickens, Cecil “snouty” Clapman, Ned Coates, and, technically, Reg Shoe. I can usually get to the “technically” before my eyes have misted over too far to see the words anymore.
I listened to it on audible last month. I was damn near bawling from the moment Granny realizes. When Ponder asks “what do you know that I don’t?” I was in full tears.
nope.
I cry every time I read it.
Barely had a dry eye each time I read it (twice). That’s the reason I’ve only read it twice; when I cry too much I get migraines
I read it. And cried. And reread it. And cried again. And reread it. And cried some more. And tried to talk to my wife about it, and got choked up.