I was leaving for the airport when I learned about the death of Sir Terry Pratchett, one of my favorite authors. I set aside my emotions for later because I was going to one of my dream destinations, and I knew I needed time to grieve.
My first introduction to the Discworld universe was a preloved copy of the first novel, "The Colour of Magic", that I found at my favorite secondhand bookstore. Pratchett wrote with humor and wit and heart, and it was always a pleasure and a mental exercise reading his works. Ask any Pratchett fan what their favorite novel of his is and the answers would probably vary. Some of mine are "Thief of Time" and "Nation" and "The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents" and "Only You Can Save Mankind".
Of all the storylines, I love the City Watch best, and it makes me sad that we will never read it in Pratchett's own words, if Captain Carrot really is the rightful King of Ankh Morpork, if Commander Vimes will mellow in his old age, or what unmentionables CMOT Dibbler will peddle next. Sergeant Colon and Corporal Nobbs will never again go on their rounds and shout "All is well", but Sir Terry will always live on on that flat disc supported by the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle hurtling through space.
