A Slip Of The Keyboard: Collected Non-Fiction (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
I don't know why I was surprised as I was that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it's simply a compilation of non-fiction pieces that Pratchett has done (forewords, articles, speeches, etc), his humor is always present...even when he's incandescent with rage. It's another doorway into which we can peek into his mind, and call me a voyeur, but I loved it. He also writes quite a bit about his views on assisted suicide (hates the term, but is in favor of the practice) and his struggle with early onset Alzheimer's. On how to write: "You need to know how your world works. I can't stress that last point enough. Fantasy works best when you take it seriously (it can also become a lot funnier, but that's another story). Taking it seriously means that there must be rules. If anything can happen, then there is no real suspense. You are allowed to make pigs fly, but you must take into account the depredations on the local birdlife and the need for people in heavily overflown areas to carry stout umbrellas at all times."And THIS is one of the big reasons why I come across books that I will *loathe.* There are horrible lazy writers out there who can't be bothered to figure out how their own creation is supposed to work, and reading it is like having your lungs filled with bees. Before beginning with this review, I had to take a tally of the books by Pratchett that I have read. Sitting behind my working desk are 27, and I know for a fact at least 23 are back at my parents. I've been reading Pratchett avidly since 2002, always fiction and little of his non-fiction had found its way to my hands (or screen since its rather easier to find those on line than on print).This book felt like having a great conversation with an old friend (although I've never met Sir Pratchett, nor have I ever written to him). Even the way the book is arranged it feels like a nice chat. You begin lightheartedly reminiscing about the astounding momentum that our world has gathered, and how much change we've seen in the last few years. Then talking about his career and the strange places life has brought him to, including the weird traveling anecdotes.Finally he goes into the last portion of his life after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. For what it's worth, you'll find some one who has absolutely no illusions about mankind. He has seen how senseless we can be and holds us up to account for our own stupidity, and yet, he still gives humanity a chance, and hopes. I think the foreword by Neil Gaiman could have never been more appropriate. Through the pages you'll see the amiable guy, but also feel the seething rage Gaiman mentions.If you're a fan of Pratchett then you're probably going to get the book regardless of what the reviews here say (as well you should). If you're not, do not neglect his fiction, there's no particular order to read those, but knowing most of his fiction did add a certain familiarity to the style, and made it possible to follow most references (although I haven't read as much SF as Sir Pratchett, so I didn't know all the authors and books he mentioned).
What do You think about A Slip Of The Keyboard: Collected Non-Fiction (2014)?
read this book, yes I know it's non-fiction it's still amazing. a real treat of a book.
—Betty
Interesting and worthwhile reading until the collection of essays become too repetitive
—memo
I found the book to be interesting but very repetitive.
—mysteriousstranger
A very funny read, with a serious bit towards the end.
—Kathy
