Title:  Reaper Man
Author:  Terry Pratchett
Format:  Paperback
Pages:  384
Genre:  Fantasy/Satire
Read: 2010

Rating:  A

Synopsis (from publisher): They say there are only two things you can count on ... 

But that was before DEATH started pondering the existential. Of course, the last thing anyone needs is a squeamish Grim Reaper and soon his Discworld bosses have sent him off with best wishes and a well-earned gold watch. Now DEATH is having the time of his life, finding greener pastures where he can put his scythe to a whole new use.

But like every cutback in an important public service, DEATH's demise soon leads to chaos and unrest -- literally, for those whose time was supposed to be up, like Windle Poons. The oldest geezer in the entire faculty of Unseen University -- home of magic, wizardry, and big dinners -- Windle was looking forward to a wonderful afterlife, not this boring been-there-done-that routine. To get the fresh start he deserves, Windle and the rest of Ankh-Morpork's undead and underemployed set off to find DEATH and save the world for the living (and everybody else, of course).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Possibly the best Discworld book I've read thus far.  I think it's mostly because DEATH is the best character ever.  I know that sounds weird, but he really is hilarious.  And DEATH developing a conscience and getting fired is a great story idea.  

The other half of the story is really good too.  Windle Poons and his undead friends are so amusing as they try to navigate "life" after... well, what should have been death.  They're adventures with the "birth" of the modern shopping mall is one of the funniest satires I have ever read.  

Pratchett really outdid himself with Reaper Man.  I cannot wait to read it again.  A