That's a fun conversation (where to start Discworld, that is, I am doing my own research into how to make scrambled eggs and even just within my own head that's contentious) - there are many good options! And jumping in anywhere is okay, the worst that happens is you miss out on the payoff of a running joke or don't catch a reference, I don't think any of the books would be ruined by being read as a stand alone.
I'm in the middle of The Martian, and just got the December issues of Asimov's and Ellery Queen, so it'll be a little while before I will be asking myself if it is time for the Shepherd's Crown.
The best way to make scrambled eggs isn't a spinach & feta omelet?
I haven't even gotten to omelets, yet.
I don't know why I didn't verify my Discworld reading order plan with Buffistas before I dove in. What is wrong with me?
eta: Just finished Wyrd Sisters so lots of joy still to follow.
There really isn't a wrong order, in my view. Although reading them entirely in reverse publishing order, say, might be confusing, it would probably still be enjoyable. And I know from experience that using whatever-I-find-in-used-bookstores order can work out just fine.
Yeah, they're pretty good about getting you up to speed. I think the Tiffany Achings are actually a great way to start.
Although reading them entirely in reverse publishing order, say, might be confusing.
This is kind of what I did. My first book was Thud when it first came out, then I went backwards through the Watch series until I got to Guards Guards, after which I went backwards through the Industrial thread (starting with Making Money). This was mostly because those were the books I had on hand when I started reading Pratchett. OTOH, I did the Death, Rincewind, and the Witches threads in proper order... Mostly. Now I'm going backwards through the Aching books.
It's probably well that I did it that way, because I think that if I had started out with the Colour of Magic I wouldn't have continued.
One of my friends feels strongly that I should start with Guards Guards. I'm a complete noob and have no idea where the best place is to jump in.
Also, there's this:
The Discworld Reading Order
which is a simple graphic showing the various groups of books.
Yes, reading the Guards books in order is a great deal of fun, watching the progression of Sam Vimes.