Equal Rites (by Terry Pratchett)

(Amazon UK link)

'Equal Rites' is the third book in the long-running Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. It's actually the first one I ever read, about five years ago when I was first introduced to this series which contains a bizarre mixture of humour, fantasy and satirical observation of humanity.

This book is about Esk, a young girl who is given a wizard's staff by mistake. Granny Weatherwax, the elderly witch of the village, disapproves heartily, for Granny has some very traditional views on suitable jobs for women. However, she realises that Esk is destined to become a wizard, despite it being an entirely male domain on the Discworld, so she takes her to the Unseen University...

I like this plot, which makes several good points about equality, with a lot of humour thrown in.

Recommended, whether you're a fan of the series or not. It makes a great introduction, in my view, and is good to read aloud too.