Ronzoni's Recommended Readings

Most of you have probably noticed the sage wisdom being dispensed in this blog by someone calling himself "Ronzoni." Ron is, in fact, someone I've known for decades -- first as a college roommate and then (and later) as a dear friend. Ron was the Best Man at my wedding.

Now, a number of people have recommended reading material for me during my therapy and convalescence. Almost all of this material is Important, Worthwhile, Uplifting, Informative, and Highly Useful. And goodness knows I get a lot of downtime for reading lately! And my stack of this literature should certainly see me through September. (But please don't stop recommending what you think would be helpful!!)

But after my posting about Orchids and Nero Wolfe detective stories, Ron suggested an alternative reading genre: fun.

In particular the Fantasy novels of Terry Pratchett, who is the #2 best-selling writer in England. (Anyone who can't guess who the #1 author is needs to pay closer attention!) Anyway, Pratchett has sold over 45 million copies of his Discworld books, which describe a wonderfully loony planet (shaped like a Frisbee) where the funniest, cleverest, most delightful and horrible things take place. And the good news is, you don't have to start with Book #1 (like you do with she-who-must-be-paid-royalties).

The books are available in local bookstores and on-line. As one might imagine with a market share like this. I've just finished my first book, but was totally hooked by the end of the first page.

Would you like these books? Well, here are a few passages to help you decide:

"Monsters are getting more uppity, too. I heard where this guy, he killed this monster in this lake, no problem, stuck its arm up over the door -- and you know what? Its mum come and complained. Its actual mom come right down to the hall next day and complained. Actually complained. That's the respect you get." or:

The dragon blinked with Jurassic patience. or:

His face was the color of a fermented dishcloth. or finally:

Up in the gloom the heads of dead animals haunted the walls. The Ramkins seemed to have endangered more species than an ice age.

Wonderful fun -- just when fun was needed.

Thank you Ronzoni!!