Terry Pratchett's short stories are often filled with his unique brand of humor. They typically feature the same richly imagined world as his longer works, with all its oddball characters and strange places. His use of satire to comment on various aspects of society, from politics to human nature, is also a prominent characteristic.
I think 'Going Postal' can also be good for beginners. It has a clear and engaging plot about a con - man who has to turn around the Ankh - Morpork post office. It's full of Pratchett's clever wordplay and unique characters, and it gives a great sense of the Discworld setting.
However, 'Good Omens', which Pratchett co - wrote with Neil Gaiman, is also a very popular work. It combines Pratchett's signature humor with Gaiman's unique style. The story of the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley trying to prevent the apocalypse is full of hilarious moments, interesting characters, and a really engaging plot that has attracted a large fan base.
A good one to start with could be 'The Sea and Little Fishes'. It gives a taste of Pratchett's Discworld and his style of writing, with its engaging characters and interesting plot twists.
There's often the character of Death. He has his own unique perspective on Christmas and the events that unfold. Another main character could be the witches from the Discworld series. They play important roles in some of the Christmas stories, bringing their own brand of magic and wisdom. And of course, there are the regular Discworld citizens who get caught up in the Christmas happenings.
Well, the themes include the celebration of kindness. Pratchett shows how small acts of kindness during Christmas can have a big impact. There's also the theme of family, not just in the traditional sense but also the family we choose. His characters form bonds that are like family during this time. And magic is a theme too. Christmas in his stories often has a touch of magic that makes the ordinary extraordinary.
One way to start could be with 'Guards! Guards!'. It's a great introduction to the character of Vimes and the world of the Ankh - Morpork City Watch. Then move on to 'Men at Arms' which further develops the characters in the Watch. Next would be 'Feet of Clay' which delves deeper into the city's politics and Vimes' role in it.
The ranking of Terry Pratchett's novels is a matter of opinion. For instance, 'Wyrd Sisters' and 'Small Gods' are often favored by many. It often comes down to which aspects of his writing resonate most with each reader.
Some of the best Terry Pratchett novels include 'Guards! Guards!'. It has a great plot with the Night Watch in Ankh - Morpork facing a dragon. Another excellent one is 'Mort'. It delves into the concept of Death and his apprentice Mort. 'Small Gods' is also a top pick as it satirizes organized religion in a very Pratchett - esque way.