Wintersmith

I finally, finally, got to read Wintersmith. It's the third of Terry Pratchett's young adult series featuring Tiffany Aching. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous two, but it's still a very good read. Short version: Tiffany manages to step into exactly the wrong dance, and if she can't put things right, summer will never come. (No decipherable spoilers below the fold)

The thing that I love about Pratchett's witches, most especially Granny Weatherwax, is that they get it. I don't know that I can explain what it is to anyone who doesn't already get it, but I suppose I can try. The balance. The still point. Waiting for your mud to settle so that the water runs clear. The place where thought ends and action begins. That there is always a price to be paid, a choice to be made, and the highest price may be for choosing what is right.

But back to this particular book. Sword-fighting with imaginary swords! Nac Mac Feegles threatening to stay in the Underworld! A kitten that scares even Greebo! Chickens galore! Snowflakes that look like people! Romance writers who don't understand sheep! People made of snowflakes! Singing cheese! Nac Mac Feegles reading books! And exchanging oxen for books! And we mustn't forget BOFFO!

Okay, I think I've run out of random, unhelpful exclamations now. Highly recommended to anyone who likes a good Story.