The Wee Free Men

I knew that I would soon be going to nearly all of the 13 branches of the library to help install a new print management system, which meant that I would be driving all over the parish. On the first day I realized that meant I get a good audiobook.

I needed something fun, so I browsed the Young Adult section and ran across The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett, which was something I had been meaning to read for a while. I am so glad that I picked up the audiobook instead of reading it.

We are first introduced to Tiffany Aching, who is a farmgirl who takes care of her annoyingly sticky little brother. Some devilish creature disturbs her one day by bubbling out of the nearby creek and instead of running in fear, she goes home and grabs a big frying pan, and using her little brother as bait, bonks the creature good across the face, knocking out some teeth in the process.

This is also the first time she discovers the Wee Free Men, AKA the Nac Mac Feegle, a bluish skinned red-haired kilt wearing sort who most love fighting, drinking, stealing, and fighting and stealing.

The Nac Mac Feegle befriend Tiffany because she catches them stealing sheep and eggs, and that she is related to the late Grannie Aching, who was much respected thoughout her land.

Well Tiffany ends up having to save the world, and does it with the help of her friends. And the adventure is well worth it.

The best part here is listening to the Nac Mac Feegle's pseudo-scottish accent. (I have a hard time not singing "Nac Mac Feegle" to the tune of "Cat Scratch Fever" by the illustrious Ted Nugent.) But aside from that, I've been saying "Waily, Waily, waily" anytime I get sad or worried. Or "Crivens!"

Anyway, it's a great listen, but I bet it's a good read too. I just enjoyed the accents. I will be looking for more Discworld books in the future (hopefully audiobooks).

In the meantime, here's a video game where you can use the power of the Nac Mac Feegles' headbutts.

The Feegle Free-Fall