Going Postal audiobook

Check out my YouTube channel where I show my instant reactions upon finishing fantasy books. 4.5 stars. The best plot of any Discworld book thus far, but falls short on the comedy.When you have read 32 Discworld books, you pretty much know what you are going to get by the 33rd. A short book which an ingeniously unique plot, some surprisingly philosophical takes, and fun comedic value from start to finish.This book however, I was not prepared for. This book was significantly longer than the previous entries, coming in at about 100 pages longer than the average Discworld book, and while many books in this series suffer by being on the longer end as the story tends to drag on with no great conclusion (kind of like a Saturday Night Live sketch), this book somehow combined a longer length and an absolutely wonderful story from start to finish.Moist von Lipwig (a new main character, which is unique for a series that typically sticks to the same 4-5 people over and over again) is a con artist that is suddenly tasked by the patrician to take charge of the post office - and to his dismay he realizes that the mail has not been sent out in decades and has been piling up from floor to ceiling in virtually every corner of the building. Thus begins a fantastic tale of getting the mail back on track, and somehow trying to compete with the Discworld equivalent of the telegraph. It's a devilishly fun plot that I could not put down from start to finish. Unfortunately the jokes fell a bit flat for me, and were not nearly as memorable as many of the other Discworld books. Overall though, I thought this was a great book that has rightly gone down as one of the best in the series.You can easily pick this book up and read it without any knowledge of Discworld and be able to appreciate it, but you may benefit by reading a few of the "Nights Watch" subseries so you can get to know some of the characters that show up a little bit better.

Going Postal (Discworld #33), Terry PratchettGoing Postal is a fantasy novel by British writer Terry Pratchett, the 33rd book in his Discworld series, released in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2004. Unlike most of Pratchett's Discworld novels, Going Postal is divided into chapters, a feature previously seen only in Pratchett's children's books and the Science of Discworld series. These chapters begin with a synopsis of philosophical themes, in a similar manner to some Victorian novels and, notably, to Jules Verne stories. The title refers to both the contents of the novel, as well as to the term 'going postal'.As with many of the Discworld novels, the story takes place in Ankh-Morpork, a powerful city-state based on the historical and modern settings of various metropolises like London or New York City. The protagonist of the story is Moist von Lipwig, a skilled con artist who was to be hanged for his crimes, but saved at the last moment by the cunning and manipulative Patrician Havelock Vetinari, who has Moist's death on the scaffold faked.In his office, Vetinari then presents Moist with two options: he may accept a job offer to become Postmaster of the city's rundown Postal Service or he may choose to walk out of the door and never hear from Vetinari again. As exiting through the door in question would lead to a fatal drop, Moist decides to accept the job.After a thwarted attempt at escape, Moist is brought to the Post Office by his parole officer Mr Pump, a golem. It turns out that the Post Office has not functioned for decades, and the building is full of undelivered mail, concealed under a layer of pigeon dung. Only two employees remain: the aged Junior Postman Tolliver Groat and his assistant Stanley Howler. ...This book introduces an entirely new and refreshing cast of characters. I particularly liked the main character and felt he was very well-developed.تاریخ نخستین خوانش روز چهارم ماه فوریه سال 2020میلادیکتاب سی و سوم از دیسک ورلد : (گووینگ پستال)؛ نویسنده: تری پرچت (پرتچت)؛تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 16/12/1399هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی

****Mañana vlog en el canal hablando muuuucho sobre este libro (entre otras cosas)*******El libro MÁS VICTORIANO de Terry Pratchett. Claremente un libro hecho para mi.Obviamente, me ha encantado, me lo he pasado pipa y Húmedo es uno de esos protagonitas que se van a quedar conmigo. Es cierto que quizás es un poco demasiado buenista y el villano se me quedó un poco a medias pero todo lo demás lo he gozado, tanto el cachondeo que se trae Pratchett con LA ADMINISTRACIÓN y su burocracia como las apariciones estelares de personajes como Vetinari (No puedo ser más fan), los magos o los agentes de la Guardia. Es el primero de tres libros protoganizados por Húmedo, y por supuesto leeré los siguientes. No hace falta haber leído ningún libro del Mundodisco antes y de hecho puede ser una buena puerta de entrada para este autor.Lo he disfrutado mucho, no se ha convertido en uno de mis preferidos, pero ha conseguido hacerme pasar muy buenos ratos que ya es mucho.

Dysfunctional bureaucracy and state owned companies get shown how it´s not to be done by a frivolous trickster. Light before darkIt´s one of the best and last really easygoing and not partly dark and grim novels Pratchett wrote, with a level, quality, and density of laughs I can hardly remember from many other works, even his own. The reason for that is the big conflict between The weak spots of strong state and free marketOfficialism and beadledom vs turbocapitalism, as if one of them alone wouldn´t be already ridiculous enough. But it once again shows the flaws of all systems, go too far left and one ends up in a sloth ruled socialistic utopia without anything going on and moving forward, too far right and neoliberal and the contemporary US suddenly appears as a fictional state. The best, intelligent way https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_...would of course be too boring, so Bureaucrats have to deal with the creativity of how to privatize best and most radical The protagonists struggling with that are all freaking hilarious, but still, representatives of many of the real life stereotypes these jobs are associated with. As icing on the cake, the big business motives and the power of monopolies meta lines behind the giggles are even spiced with some techy elements that make my sci fi nerd heart happy, such as Robot laws, the internet, hacking, and some science historyThat´s outstanding for Pratchett, who often preferred to focus on soft science, humanities, and the effects of these on the protagonists. By getting some more plot material into the already great characterization, the innuendos and hidden meanings of the Chekhovs and MacGuffins, drools, are even more delicious. I wish Pratchett would have continued this road toward comedic science fantasy instead of becoming darker fantasy tragicomedy.This one is added to all Pratchettian reviews:https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scheibe... The idea of the dissected motifs rocks, highlighting the main real world inspirational elements of fiction and satire is something usually done with so called higher literature, but a much more interesting field in readable literature, as it offers the joy of reading, subtle criticism, and feeling smart all together.Tropes show how literature is conceptualized and created and which mixture of elements makes works and genres unique: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...

HOPE OF DELIVERANCE as this Postman rings at least three times or probably more!Every time I reread this book, I fall in love with it even more.Ankh Morpork is hiring!WANTED: Postmaster General Employer: Lord Vetinari , Patrician (former Assassin's Guild member, tyrant & whatnot)Salary includes danger bonus and a Golem bodyguard, as the former 4 postmasters died mysterious or suspicious (or both) deaths in quick succession within 1 month.And Lord Vetinari's choice of the perfect man for the post? ...'Oh, all right. Of course I accept as a natural-born criminal, habitual liar, fraudster, and totally untrustworthy perverted genius.''Capital! Welcome to government service!' said Lord Vetinari, extending his hand. 'I pride myself on being able to pick the right man.' And the CLACKS... Discworld's answer to the Internet! :)And the moral of the story?: “Speak softly and employ a huge man with a crowbar.”

For the longest time, Going Postal has been my best known unread book. Having watched and rewatched the SkyOne TV adaptation, I had sort of tacitly decided that actually reading the book was not high on my list of priorities. Plus, Charles Dance is the quintessential Lord Vetinari as far as I'm concerned. Sorry GoT fans, the Discworld was here long before you.Moist von Lipwig has dedicated most of his life to perfecting the intricacies of con-artistry, but his unparalleled streak of luck is about to meet a rather definitive ending. Or is it? Lord Havelock Vetinari is in need of a new Post Master for Ankh-Morpork's long deceased Post Office. A truly impossible job even for Lipwig, but our hero's had plenty of experience in slinking off. Unfortunately for him, the Patrician has had plenty of experience preventing said slinking off.And since no request from Lord Vetinari ever comes with just one catch, Lipwig soon realizes that any possible failure may have some truly fatal consequences. And that's not just due to Vetinari's retaliation.So with no other alternatives, and a parole officer immune to any forms of bribery, Lipwig decides to just... fake his way through the Post Master job. And against all odds, our hero becomes an instant success.So how was the reading experience, you may ask? As predictable as I suspected, but also... not that much. The generic idea remains, of Lipwig managing to surround himself with some of the most capable people in order to achieve his goals, especially when said people had no idea of their own capabilities. Except for Ms. Dearheart of course, who should just be declared a Goddess, so we can all bow down to her officially. “What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.”“That was an important rule of any game: always make it easy for people to give you money.”“And you just hoped something would turn up? What made you think it would?""It always has. The only way to get something to turn up when you need it is to need it to turn up.” So which one is better? Honestly, I liked both versions.The TV adaptation has turned Adora Dearheart into this absolutely kickass heroine, who doesn't just command the Golem Trust, but also dabbles in Clacks Tower experiments, tames crazy horses, and is generally up for saving the World any time and anywhere.The book on the other hand gives you awesome bonus scenes like:- Moist getting inducted into the secret Postal Workers' cult- Miss Macalariat the ferocious office manager of the Post Office, intent on proper bathroom etiquette even for golems- and of course Grandad Lipwig's many teachings back in Uberwald, the building blocks of Moist's survival strategies.All I can suggest is not to reread/rewatch either so much, as to be able to anticipate each and every twist and turn. It'll take away from the excitement of discovering Lipwigs next crazy scheme.Score: 3.8/5 starsSurprisingly entertaining, in spite of all my initial misgivings.======================Other books starring Moist von Lipwig:Review of book 2: Making MoneyReview of book 3: Raising Steam

Welcome to the Industrial Revolution! Well, technically we already had three books belonging to that sub-series (though I only really consider two of those truly to be of that subject), but this one is full of ... industry. And not as in factories but as in a man's industrious efforts.Meet Moist von Lipwick. No, his parents really didn't think it through when naming him. He is up to no good, cheating people out of money (though always without using any form of violence) and he is about to pay the price at the beginning of this book. Because Lord Vetinari has ordered his death. So he's hanged ... until an inch of his life ... literally.(I really love the Patrician.)Afterwards, he has an audience with Vetinari where he is voluntold to be the next Postmaster of Ankh-Morpork. You see, the industry (there is that word again) that has formed around the Clacks towers is getting out of hand, the moguls becoming almost unruly, which is something the Patrician certainly cannot stand. However, previous attempts at reinstating a postmaster and re-starting the regular delivery of mail for some much needed competition have all ... failed. It takes a swindler to get ahead of the crooks (incl. their pirate boss).So Lipwick gets a very special parol officer, Ankh-Morpork gets stamps and mailmen, and the letters that have waited decades to be delivered finally get to rest.Technically, there is no reason for me to like a stinking big metropolis like Ankh-Morpork. And yet ... every time I read a book that takes place there, I'm loving every minute of it. Everyone trying to get one over the citizens there deserves what he's going to get. *lol*I also love the diversity. This time represented by the wonderful golem Mr. Pump (Pump 19).And how could anyone not love the fact that this installment of the series centers around stories and unfinished life stories at that! Personally, I love writing and sending and receiving letters so reading an entire book that was crafted around the notion that mail means communication and connection and HOPE, was rather magical indeed!The writing is top notch, there is no denying it and no need to go over all the glory that is Pratchett's mastery. Just look at the highlighted quotes or read almost any of my other reviews for more on that. But his newest character addition, Moist, is a masterpiece! I love a number of characters in the series but this confidence trickster hero is something else! I'm glad to know there will be more books with him in the not so distant future and I'm very much looking forward to his continued shenanigans.

Out of all the books in the Discworld series, this is the first one that made me truly go from a fan to a diehard fan. I enjoyed them all, to be sure, but this is the one that made me downright giddy and pleased.It’s a heist!! Um. Kinda. When a heist meets becoming an avatar for a god of incomplete stories meets confidence trickery meets MAIL DELIVERY.I mean, this is Discworld. It makes perfect sense. Who other than a successful (albeit caught by Lord V) thief to run the biggest government con job in Discworld?All hail the Postmaster General. Beloved of all the gods and the crookedest personality in all of Pratchett’s works. :) So funny, so magical, and so freakishly... real.If you don’t steal enough, you’re hung as a thief. You steal enough, they call you The Government or a Hero.

I haven't read a lot of Pratchett -- I think this is only my second one -- but I do enjoy reading him for the color and the metaphor. The way he turns a figure of speech on the lathe will frequently leave you just sitting there in your chair with a table leg in your hand, and your wife says, "Hey, what's with the table leg." And I say, "I'm reading."

“Some tasks needed an honest hammer. Others needed a twisty corkscrew.”Lord Vetinari finds his corkscrew to fix the post office in Moist von Lipwig. It doesn’t get much twistier than him - so to keep him in line, he assigns the golem Mr. Pump as the honest hammer. Moist unexpectedly takes to the job, surprising himself and everyone else, except, of course, Vetinari, who always knows what levers to apply to get what he wants. His target is really the clacks system, that has been legally, but very viciously, taken over by unscrupulous businessmen, lead by Reacher Gilt, who are running it into the ground and murdering everyone who challenges their monopoly.On re-read, this one is still one of my favorite Discworld books (I admit that a lot of them are favorites). This is one of his most mature works, meaning that he has a good, well-paced story resulting in a very satisfactory conclusion, on top of the wit, brilliant parody and slew of comedic characters. Also, uncharacteristically, it has proper chapters, even with little chapter summaries at the beginning of each. I am not sure if this is the first one, but the first time I noticed.Pratchett takes business greed, hostile takovers and disregard of worker’s safety under his microscope. On my first read, I somehow missed this brilliant passage, delivered by Reacher Gilt after being forced to mend ways, that could have been directly taken from the slides of the consulting firm I used to work for: “Spurred by the competition, we are investing in a challenging, relevant, and exciting systemic overhaul of our entire organization, focusing on our core conpetencies while maintaining full and listening cooperation with the communities we serve. We fully realize that our energetic attempts to mobilize the flawed infrastructure we have inherited have been less than totally satisfactory, and hope and trust that our valued and loyal customers will bear with us in the coming months as we interact synergistically with change management in our striving for excellence. That is our mission.”An awed silence followed. Yep, this bullshit is real, I remember it from work. I loved how Moist’s natural risk-taking is turned to good use here. Stanley’s pin-obsession gives way to the archetypal stamp collector and enthusiast. We also delve into what makes a golem a person and not just a hammer (time off, apparently), and I now recognize the snark in describing clacks operators as ones who stay in their towers just so they can press keys because they like it (I can identify with that), and calling those who submit codes that break the equipment “crackers”. My least favorite character was Adora Belle - I do not find smoking like a chimney in any way attractive. But I would not be picked by Vetinari to run the post office, either.As usual, Sir Terry puts the truth out there the most amusing ways. Here are some of the greatest gems from this work:“What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.” “Speak softly and employ a huge man with a crowbar.” “If you kept changing the way people saw the world, you ended up changing the way you saw yourself.” “Steal five dollars and you're a common thief. Steal thousands and you're either the government or a hero.”