Matthew

This is a good book but definitely NOT one of Pratchett's best (and I generally LOVE the books involving Susan and Death).
My main problem, other than the story itself-which, again, was good but not fantastic-was the narrator.
Nigel Planer makes Susan sound like a snob with a head cold. Considering the fact that she is featured prominently this gets annoying very quickly. As for the overall quality of the recording, it seems to me that ones with Stephen Briggs are SO much better (I have the electronic/iPod version).
I suppose it's a matter of taste (I really believe that Briggs does a better job at ALL the characters) but Planer's females are unforgivable.

Unfortunately, i've already downloaded all the Briggs read books so now i'm forced to go with Planner.

Just to expand/clarify one of the reviewer's comments: In the beginning of the book gritty slang is used in reference to female private parts, later on there is a somewhat graphic scene where 3 boys rape another boy, the "f word" is used a handful of times later in the book (probably not too excessive by today's standards), and buying children for sex is spoken about in one scene.
Now as far as the book itself: pretty "meh" in my opinion. It was an interesting glimpse into another culture but I didn't feel like that was the purpose of the book and therefore, I didn't feel like I was actually learning a lot. The story is fairly "Hallmark Card" and there are several "tear wrenching" scenes that may make some listeners gag.
I didn't find the main character to be very likable and by the end of story I was not as invested in his life as the author perhaps wanted me to be.

In summary: I can definitely see why this was on the NY Times Bestseller list. It is just bland enough to appeal to a wide audience--but overall never really challenges or informs.

The title says it all. Nigel Planer is OK but Briggs is masterful. I have several Pratchett audio books and Briggs always delights.
Hogsfather is a great story but the reader is only so-so.