For another thing, you might find it hard to switch from one sub-series to another, as they have different moods and paces, and require different levels of familiarity and knowledge.
Reading Discworld by Standalone Books
A third way to read Discworld is to pick a standalone book that does not belong to any sub-series, or that can be read independently from the rest.
For example, you can read Pyramids, a book that parodies ancient Egypt and its culture; or Small Gods, a book that satirizes religion and philosophy; or Moving Pictures, a book that spoofs Hollywood and the film industry.
There are also books that introduce new characters or settings, such as Monstrous Regiment, a book that features a group of female soldiers in disguise; or The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, a book that stars a talking cat and a band of intelligent rats; or The Wee Free Men, a book that marks the debut of Tiffany Aching, the young witch mentioned above.
Reading Discworld by standalone books has some benefits. For one thing, you can enjoy the book without worrying about the order or the continuity, as it does not depend on or affect the other books.
You can also appreciate the book on its own merits, as it has its own plot, characters, and themes. You can also sample the variety and creativity of the series, as each book offers a different genre, tone, and message.
However, reading Discworld by standalone books also has some limitations. For one thing, you might not get the full picture of the series, as you miss the development and evolution of the world and its inhabitants.
You might also feel detached or isolated from the rest of the series, as you lack the familiarity and attachment that come from following a sub-series or a chronological order. You might also find it hard to choose a book, as there are many options and no clear criteria.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no definitive or best way to read Discworld, as each method has its pros and cons. The choice depends on your personal preference and goal, as well as on the availability and accessibility of the books.
