Harry Pottering

Subject: Harry Pottering
From: Peter T.
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 04:44 PM

Given that this is the biggest thing in the book universe at the moment, thought it might be interesting what the always literate Mudcat crowd thinks. Certainly it is cheery having people going nuts over a book that is not the Bible or the Koran or The Valley of the Dolls for that matter. Personally, having gone to a boy's school exactly like Potter (without the magic, but with the houses, ties, and Lord of the Flies type wars), I enjoy them, but am not lost in them -- but then I am not 12 years old. They are certainly very dark, which is interesting. They certainly show the power of suspended story lines -- shades of people on docks waiting for the lastest segment of a Dickens novel!! The movies are sort of dull: nicely cast though.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: okthen
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 05:04 PM

Interesting BBC2 interview with JK Rowling tonight, apparently this is the biggest 1st print run ever (200 million I think)750 pages.There are 250,000 words which makes it longer than the new testament, "Oh great" said JKR, that will give the (religous group)something else to criticise me for, "more verbose than God".
I'm hoping my copy arrives 1st post Saturday.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 06:13 PM

I'm waiting for the paperback version.... it's a bloody thick and heavy book!!

Interview was good though, I liked her comment regarding a letter sent to her by a mother requesting that the books be safe and sensible so that her children could 'escape there from all hurt, fears and harm'..... The poor boy goes through more each term than your average paratrooper does in a lifetime!

JK quite rightly said so and put this paranoid and delusional mother in her place.

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 06:34 PM

I am looking forward to it. Apparently one of the characters gets killed off - and I can't wait to see who it is.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 06:36 PM

Got my book on order just waiting for it to be delivered...hopefully it will arrive on Saturday!!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 06:54 PM

Here is a link to a transcript of that interview with JK Rowling the BBC broadcast earlier this evening.

A very likeable lady. Mind, when it comes to magic, including Wizard School, or sheer writing ability she ain't in the same league as Ursula Leguin, with her Earthsea books. But it's great to see a book getting published being seen as a major event - big signs up on our local all-night supermarket saying "Harry Potter - 12.01 am Saturday".

I reckon it'll be Hagrid for the chop, on the basis that JK Rowling says she got really upset at having to do it.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 06:56 PM

I'm not too worried about one of the charecters dying. Just look at Gandolf in LOTR. It's a world of magic remember - they can always come back in some shape or form.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 07:03 PM

Hmmmm. One of these times I'll have to get hold of a Potter book and discover what the hubbub is. I remember years ago I resisted for the longest time readig the Tolkien books- and of course, was enthralled.

I haven't read any of the Rowlings books but a few weeks ago I did pick up a video at the market of one of them. I watched. Nice special effects. The story of course was definitely tailored for the preteen crowd- and that's OK. I'm going to give the video to some kid who hasn't got that one.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,Lord Voldemort
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 08:04 PM

So, you want to know who dies, do you? Well, it's not that oaf Hagrid. It's the weasel, Ron! He gets splattered by trying to deflect a bludger in his first and last game as Keeper for Gryffindor!

Nayahahahahaha!!

(Say, ain't it nifty neat how JKR works in all that stuff from medieval bestiaries as well as her degree in languages? Take my own name: vol de mort. She's one tee-rrific lookin' woman, too! Sure want to work the old spells on her!!!!)

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: LadyJean
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 11:24 PM

Am I the only person who noticed that Harry Potter is J.K. Rowling's take on the British class system. We have the old wizarding families, who can get away with murder, more or less, and then we have lesser types like Ron and Hermione, or dear old Hagrid. I hope J.K. Rowling didn't turn her latest into a "coming of age" novel. The school librarian used to wish those attrocities on me, and I kept trading them in for Sabatini and Dumas.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 11:40 PM

Actually, I figured it was either Hermoine or the friendly female teacher--I forget her name. Is it really Ron or are you having us on?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: diesel
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 03:05 AM

Let's not get too carried away with the 'Who' bit. Sure how would anyone know? the books not released yet.

I think Sorcha lord Voldemort is winding you up.

Diesel - can't wait till the book comes out and drops in price.....

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: okthen
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 04:00 AM

Got my email from amazon today, the book is in the post so it should be here Saturday or Monday or in a fortnight depending on whether the kids find out if it's been delivered!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 04:04 AM

Yip - waiting patiently for ours to arrive. Tesco have confirmed they have been depatched. Had to order 3 because of the arguments about who is reading it first! And I will not get a chance to see any of them for at least a week even though it has cost me 23 quid:-(

The interview last night was rather good. I like JKR - she seems very clever but down to earth at the same time. Just like me...;-)

Cheers

Dave the House Elf

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 05:34 AM

Got my email form amazon this morning hoefully the book will arrive in tomorrows post!!! Diesel....if you order through amazon the book only cost £11 including p&p

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: diesel
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 06:22 AM

Just heard from home - Tesco's in Athlone (Ireland) are selling the book as we speak - for 18 Euro. I thought there was a ban on selling it before midnight tonight ??

Somebody was on the radio after having read the first chapters - not yet up on good/bad/indifferent bit yet....

rgds

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: John Hardly
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 07:08 AM

I've not read any of them -- I am a books-on-tape addict and I've listened to them while on the road.

Interesting -- most of my friends did the same (we all do art fairs and travel) and listened to them. When the movie came out, to a man we were all a bit let down. The actors who read the book for the books-on-tape were considerably better than the movie actors....

.....and, being creative types, our imaginations were better than the silver screen.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 08:30 AM

My money is on Hagrid for the chop in a heroic-save-harry sort of way.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 08:32 AM

John, there has been only one person doing the audios -- Jim Dale. He won the audiobook version of the Grammy for his work on HP3. All of the voices are his.

I was notified yesterday that my book has been shipped, and that my copies of the audio will be shipped Saturday.

Yes, I too listen while I drive. It helps to have something to do with that time on the long trips!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dani
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 09:21 AM

The bookstore next door is taking on the chains and their silly kids-up-at-midnight stuff. Her "first book" will be delivered by "Hagrid" on a 'hog at 8am, and parents are thrilled.

She's turned her corner of our little town into a set from the book: Diagon Alley, everything. Local businesses are having a ball. I'll be Madame Rosemerta (!) serving butterbeer and pumpkin fizz (and sausage biscuits and cinnamon buns to Muggles.) What a hoot!

Dani

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Hollowfox
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 09:49 AM

Dani, it must be quite a transfiguration spell if you can convince even a muggle that a sausage biscuit is butterbeer.
I preordered my copy from the local independent bookstore as soon as the ISBN came out, and they tell me it should be there tomorrow. 'Course, there's a lot of "should" in the world, but I'd rather subsidise a friend than a franchise.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: cyder_drinker
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:01 AM

The UK versions of the Audio booke were read by Stephen Fry. Personally, I preferred Jim Dale's readings.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: John Hardly
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:11 AM

John, there has been only one person doing the audios -- Jim Dale. He won the audiobook version of the Grammy for his work on HP3. All of the voices are his.

Oh yeah....
hmmmm, it's been a while. Quite a tribute to his excellent reading that I even remembered it as multiple actors, eh?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:32 AM

"Hagrid" on a 'hog ???

Isn't a hog a Harley? Hagrid should be on a Triumph, surely.

Like Moses...

DtG

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 10:33 AM

oo an Ariel.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 01:28 PM

Jim Dale was wonderful with all of those voices. If I'm not mistaken he does the voice of Dobie { sp? } in the movie as well.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 08:00 PM

My grandson, who is an indifferent reader, was totally enthralled when I read the first two books to him. I'm impatiently waiting for my copy to arrive at Borders tonight so I can find out what Harry's doing THIS year.

It's been a revelation to me how obsessed the fundamentalists are with these books. Of course, I live in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, so guess I should have expected it. Gahhhhhh! Nope, nothing would have prepared me for that kind of unreasoning censorship...

Lin

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 03 - 08:49 PM

Just posted this to a BBC "have your say". It's unlikely to get shown there...

Their question was:

Are you caught up in Harry Potter mania? How will you get hold of your copy this weekend? Is the book worth the wait and the build-up? What do you think of the Potter phenomenon?

I'm not caught up in "Harry Potter mania" or any other mania (I hope).

From the extracts I have read, the books are reasonable but of lesser quality than say Tolkien's works and not especially original.

The power of the media to hype things up becomes more and more frightening.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: okthen
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 03:30 AM

I got mine,boys,
I got mine.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 03:34 AM

OK then OKthen, who died?

You've had plenty of time to flick to that bit of the book, tell us who died!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 04:55 AM

Yeah mine arrived in the first post this morning!!!

Happy reading everyone!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 06:37 AM

I was awakened at midnight when my wife departed for a local bookshop to make the purchase. The shop reopened then for the sole porpose of this one book sale. Much hoopla. I didn't lose much sleep and my kids will be delighted, a fair trade.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 06:42 AM

The Mudcat seems to have gone dead - guess everyone but me has their nose in a book. Anyway, in Auckland NZ they should now be well into an attempt to ser a world record - the longest non-stop readingg of a childrens book. It's estimated to take 27 hours. Even ou Prime Minister is one of the readers! I'll keep you posted.

What a MAD world we live in!

Mind you, in 196mumble I spent something like 27 hours and a flagon of whisky reading the LotR trilogy in one sitting. Still haven't caught up with this Harry bloke (or the LotR films) - maybe some time.

In the meantime, happy reading folks!

Cheers - Sam

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: okthen
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:15 AM

Patience,Liz, patience (and no that is not the name of the character)it only arrived 4 hours ago and am on page 77, and anyway I wouldn't dream of spoiling the surprise for everyone else.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:27 AM

Please don't, I can't afford to buy it in hardback and will have to wait forever for the paperback edition....I will have my hands firmly clasped over my ears and avoid all media til then......

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: artbrooks
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 08:33 AM

Daughter called this am at 6:00...got her copy at midnight and had just finished it.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Phot
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 09:06 AM

Mortica, if your down at Sidders, pop into the middle bar and I'll lend you my copy!

Chris

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 09:47 AM

Call me odd, but I want to know who dies before I read the book. If any of you noble folks want to preserve the suspense for those who don;t want to know, fine. PM me then, but somebody tell me who dies.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,cynic
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 10:02 AM

Potty parade

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,Peeves
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 10:14 AM

Oh Potter you rotter
What have you done?
You're killing the students
And think its good fun.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: annamill
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 12:48 PM

Oh for goodness sakes! Cabbage Patch Dolls all over again! I heard on CBS radio this morning that while they were out doing a remote broadcast by 42nd St, they heard a great roar. It turned out to be a crowd waiting for a, probably famous, bookstore to open to get Harry Potter's new book.

Well, at least they're reading again and have gotten their noses out of the Xbox, playstation, gameboys, etc. For a while anyway.

I love the Harry Potter movies, Peter. They take me out of myself and into a wonderful, if dangerous, world of magic as common place.

I haven't had time to read one. I wish I had more time....

Love Annamill

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 12:53 PM

As a librarian and a bibliophile (-maniac, some say), I'm heartily in favor of ANYTHING that will get a kid to read an 800 page book!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 01:06 PM

Don't worry Morty, I've got my copy (hurrah for half price Amazon!) If you're really lucky I'll have read it by the time I see you tomorrow, wish I didn't have to go out tonight!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: mousethief
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 01:29 PM

Well my wife and I must be going mad. We had a houseful of kids last night and all trouped down to the local brick-and-mortar at 11:30 to cram in with all the other half-crazed loonies to get our books at midnight. Then we came back home and had a read-aloud until 3:30 am (polished off the first 4 chapters).

She definitely is growing as an author; her prose is much smoother and more inviting than in any of the first 4 books. And what little I've read so far makes me want to read the rest as soon as I can! But alas I have to go help friends move all afternoon. :(

I know who dies (I read ahead). It isn't Ron.

Alex

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Desdemona
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 01:40 PM

I have 3 sons, and we've all really enjoyed them; while they do draw on the works of many other, earlier, arguably better writers (Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, Roald Dahl, Evelyn Nesbit, L. Frank Baum...the list goes on...), they are enormous fun, and will quite probably lead young readers to those authors by exposing them to the enormous pleasure of getting lost in an imaginary world.

My youngest is currently ploughing through "The Prisoner of Azkaban" (#3), and my 12 year old is committed to finishing his current installment of the "Mossflower" series, so when the new Harry Potter arrived at our door this morning *I* nabbed it; at 850 pps, it should keep me busy in what passes for my free time!

Has anyone read the "His Dark Materials" series by Philip Pullman? They are quite dark; I'd be interested to hear others' take on them.

D.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,mmm1a
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 03:46 PM

I picked my copy up at 8am sharp. My son and I have been trading back and forth, He reads a chapter then its my turn. That lasted for a little while but then we started reading more then one chapter at a time, He's reading right now as I am taking a break and doing house hold stuff. We both agreed not to peek and find out who gets killed also whoever finds out first can't tell the other.
      mmm

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Amergin
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 04:21 PM

just got mine this morning at 9....this is the first break I have had since... ;) time to find some food to read with...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 04:36 PM

My daughter valiantly opted to get a good night's sleep and miss the local midnight party, but we picked up her copy this morning.
However, last night after her evening on-line chat time, she came sobbing up the stairs to tell me that one of her chat-room friends from the UK had read the whole thing and posted who had died in a thread that didn't hint that that was going to be the topic- in giant, bold letters. Needless to say, this "friend" has been flamed by other irate bratlings and has apologized, but my daughter feels the book is slightly spoiled for her now. Only slightly spoiled! And yes, she did tell me, but I ain't telling! Anyway, I'm third in line to read the book, after Maggie and her brother!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 04:56 PM

We ordered fifteen print copies for the public library here, and as of today NONE had arrived. I went into work to see how things were going; they'd put a sign on the door that none of our print copies had come.

BUT....

When I go to my office I have to pass through the cataloging area, and there were THREE people standing around. Seems like a patron had bought a copy for himself and one for his sister, and since she already had a copy, he gave us his extra. I ended up cataloging it and I'm sure that it's already in circulation.

Our audios, both CDs and cassettes, came Friday. We've received daily calls for the last week from one man who is apparently going to have a party at which everyone will listen to the audio! At 26 hours, they'll be together for a while.

My own copies have not arrived....

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Ely
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:04 PM

I had to read _the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe_ when I was in first or second grade, and it started a craze among my schoolmates for CS Lewis. A few years later, it was _the Hobbitt_. I don't really see how Harry Potter is any different. OF course, I haven't read any of the books--I always struggled with fantasy stories; I only saw the first movie and I wasn't impressed.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Leo Condie
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:52 PM

How healthy is this really for literature? It's become utterly mad. okay they might be fun books (i haven't cared to read them, personally), but as they do with music and film, the media have raised whats essentially just a kids book up to such a pedestal that it's breaking records everywhere and being constantly rated as the pinnacle of literature. I think all 4 harry potter books were recently voted in the BBC's top 100 books of all time (correct me if im wrong), which is just pretty terrifying. mind you, so is the idea of a top 100 list.

oh well eh. maybe im too cynical!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 07:56 PM

Read the books. Don't judge the books by the movies.

I find the books delightful, and quite a departure from LOTR, the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe, and the many others. All too often fantasy novels are a quest, which was done first by Le Morte D'Arthur and more recently by LOTR -- since then it looks like lesser writers copying Tolkien (Robert Heinlein's "Glory Road," is still pretty damned good).

The Harry Potter books aren't a quest, and I like the development of plot and characters, Rowling's use of language and folklore, and her unique approach to fantasy.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: okthen
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 08:16 PM

You don't of course have to read them in English, they have been translated into Latin and Welsh.
How often does a book get translated into Latin these days?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 09:45 PM

Maire, I'm with you........it won't ruin the story for me if I know who dies, I just want to know. I haven't bought any of them yet, waiting for a Matched Set. I'm on the Waiting List at the local library.....somebody PM me about who dies, please!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 09:57 PM

"Winnie Ille Pooh" was translated in the '60s....

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Jun 03 - 11:37 PM

Well, I broke down and bought the book. I'm on page 251 so far. But it is pretty hard to lay on my back and hold the book overhead for any length of time.

M.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 01:40 PM

I have found it very hard NOT to buy it this weekend. It is everywhere. I can't even start reading it, as a) I am halfway through two other books, b) Have a backlog of New Scientist and c) most importantly, got to finish 31 reports by tomorrow. However, everytime I passed a stack (Waitrose is cheapest) I felt that I simply HAD to have one. It has taken quite a lot of effort to get my natural reaction to someone trying to force me into something to kick in. And even then, it doesn't feel quite as offended as usual. Weird, or what. And I did have a quick flick through, and reckon I know (unless there are a lot of red herrings) and it is one of the characters I reckoned wouldn't make it through to vol 7.

Penny - back to work

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 02:53 PM

i finished mine last night at about 2437.....sigh...have not had my nose stuck in a book like that in ages...nonstop reading....sadly will now have to wait for the sixth installment...i hope it won't be another 3 years...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 03:01 PM

I'm on page 321 now, it's been a great comfort to my hangover. I've read the Philip Pullman novels too, I really enjoyed them

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 03:44 PM

Im on page 482......had to put the book down to eat dinner and read threads!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Amergin
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 03:48 PM

i'm starting the series all over again....

what i'm wondering with the books getting longer and longer each time...how are the movies going to cope?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Noreen
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 04:53 PM

Cynical Leo Condie (who hasn't read any of the books) says: the media have raised whats essentially just a kids book up to such a pedestal that it's breaking records everywhere

The first Harry Potter book broke records all on its own, its fame spreading by word of mouth amongst young people. This is WHY 'the media' got hold of it!

Admittedly, the hype has got annoying recently- I preferred it when it was a 'word of mouth' sensation- my children and I have loved the books ever since the first one came out.

My children are taking turns with it at the moment, and I expect to have my 4 copies from Amazon waiting when I get into work at the school library tomorrow. Hope the first reservers are quick to read it- there's a lot more waiting!

Perhaps I'll get the chance to raed a little before they come to pick up their reserved copies? Not much chance :0)

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: mousethief
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 05:10 PM

NO SPOILERS

The media are all running stories about how "harrymania" has died out -- they seem intent on playing it down. It's the fans that drive the interest in the books. The media are merely reporting what sells. Right now, Harry really sells.

Finished last night. Fabulous book. Best of the 5 so far. The character development is very good, she has grown leaps and bounds as a descriptive writer (not as good as Tolkien, but who is?), and the plot twists are delicious.

The death of the Important Person (whom I won't divulge) was sad, but hey, death is sad.

Alex

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: WKG
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 05:39 PM

Honorably, in battle. In fiction, at least, not the worst way to go.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 05:43 PM

You know, JK Rowling has said over and over that she did not intend, and hasn't, written a series of children's books.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 06:33 PM

I think that the books are OK.

I dislike the hype hugely. The character who died wasn't exactly 'central' (by that I mean one of the 5 or 6 most important)

Very overhyped. Prefer the Narnia series myself.

It'll be interesting to see how the books are viewed in 50 years (although I'll probably be dead by then)

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,A John Belairs Fan
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 01:42 AM

Remember, friends, and passers by,
What you are now, so once was I.
What I am now, so must you be,
Prepare thyself to follow me!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Billy the Bus
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 01:59 AM

Seems they finished the Kiwi 'reading aloud' in 28 and a half hours - wonder if it's a record? Also wonder if any of the kids heard the reading from go to whoa!

Hmmm... on the wireless now... 5 million copies sold so far - whoops that's all - the announcer sounded bored!

Aw Shucks - Sam in NZ

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 04:16 AM

Both our copies have now been read (The third has gone away to son #2's house!) I was going to wait until I was on hols next week but I think I will start tomorrow:-)

I do know who died. No, it won't spoil it. Try reading David Gemmil for hero deaths - There must be at least 2 in all his works!

And who mentioned C S Lewis in the same breath? OK he may be a great writer of other works but having just finished the whole Narnia series again I can honestly say that the Famous Five meet Mrs Tiggywinkle in trying to preach a load of Christian fundemental clap trap doesn't hold quite the same appeal as Harry Potter;-)

(OK, OK, may be a little troll-ish but it is how I feel!)


Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rachel Babyfrog
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 06:16 AM

I finished it last night- I thought it was marvellous.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 07:06 AM

The book may or may not be a litary masterpiece depending on your train of thought. But dont forget one thing, this/these book's are alowing children to dicover books, adults to read the same book and disscuss it with the kids. Which in turn will allow them to suggest that their childhood favourite was a good book and they should read it. Slight thread creep I know but detracters are about.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: DMcG
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 07:39 AM

I wouldn't want to comment on whether it is a masterpiece or not: that's for time to decide, to be honest. But I think it is the best of the series so far. Despite being bigger it is less rambling than the last book and it is interesting to see that the characters of Harry & friends are much less pleasant than in earlier books - constant bickering and loss of temper: just like teenagers, in fact. It lacks the originality of the first book, but that is inevitable since the wizarding world is now constrained to be like the earlier books, whereas the first book was 'all new'.

All in all, a very successful sequel.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 08:18 AM

Still waiting, as the sprog grabbed it yesterday as soon as we got home and locked herself in her bedroom. She may emerge soon. meanwhile please don't give the secret away.....

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 08:37 AM

Finished it last night. Now I won't have to keep grabbing it everytime Jenn turns her back...although I did think it was unfair for her to lock herself in the bathroom with it...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,Kris
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 08:37 AM

A friend at work just told me his wife read it two and a half hours yesterday evening. phew!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 09:43 AM

John Belars Fan:

To follow you I'm not content
For I know not which way you went.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: mousethief
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 09:55 AM

Agree with 7:06 Guest and DMcG.

I've heard people complain it's too long and wordy but I can't think of any of it I'd want pared out. She has grown leaps and bounds as a writer of descriptive prose since book 1. Can't wait for #6.

Alex

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 10:18 AM

heard this weekend that three more books are planned - that would take Harry through his N.E.W.T.'s and into his first year out in the "real world" - seems appropriate...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 10:40 AM

ooooo the excitement!

I bought it this weekend on our weekend away in St Davids (fab place! mystical place and gorgeous)... Bought it in a tiny book shop in the town, and it remained on the back parcel shelf of my car all weekend whilst we camped.

Then when we got home, there were delegations and a compromise was reached - (that I'm reading a good book at the mo, and him in doors isn't at the mo) and so im in doors has it first....he's been chuckling away whilst reading it ever since....

our house is very quiet at the moment... me racing through my other good book and him languishing through Harry Potter!

Ella........ please don't tell any.... I'm gonna have to stick my fingers in my ears - I want it all to be a surprise!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 11:23 AM

ok so I was wrong

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 11:36 AM

Elementary school librarian & fantasy lover, here--2 comments:

I have read the 1st 4 books &, undoubtedly, will sometime read this one, too. I am very upset, though, at the publishing decision to cheat the public by charging hardcover prices for books that are no better bound than paperbacks & only last through a couple of readings before the glue spine cracks & the book starts to self-destruct.

Although the books are somewhat interesting, I don't find them exceptional in the fantasy genre. If you want to read an interesting, well-written fantasy series, try the Earthsea books by Ursula LeGuin. There are 5 now, starting w/ Wizard of Earthsea. As it happens, there's a school of wizardry in those books as well & it predates Hogwarts.

Respectfully,

bbc

P.S.--Are the British-produced books any better bound?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 12:59 PM

No and the paper is very cheap - at a price of £118 (although a lot of shops have reduced them) its very poor. Will wait for the paper back.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Rapparee
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:06 PM

Mine just came!!! Kalo, kalay!!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Sooz
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:43 PM

I've read the earlier books but I waited until the paperback version came out - as I will with this one. They were OK but not a patch on Pratchett at his best. However we must applaud any author who can encourage kids to read - and fight their parents for the first read of a new book! If the hype spreads out a bit, who knows, reading might even become cool again - like it was for us 50 somethings who found the magic before TV got into its stride.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 05:12 PM

My son's copy hasn't arrived yet--oi.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 05:56 PM

I just saw the movie "The Sorcerer's Stone" for the first time. I had read the book and was not impressed although I could understand how children would identify. The movie was a delight. Had me dreaming of flying around on a broomstick. Of course, my brothers have claimed for years that the broom is my primary means of transportation.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 04:23 AM

Ah, for the UK market it was released under the title HP & the Philosophers stone - maybe it was considered that most Murkans wouldn't understand what a philosopher did. It was too familiar as the book here to get away with changing it.

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: hesperis
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 01:08 PM

My friend's said that I'm first in line after her to read it... unfortunately she lives just outsie of town, so someone else may get to it first.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 03:46 PM

"...at a price of £118"

I think something must have gonme wrong there...Or there's rather an excessive mark-up on Duck country.

Cover price here is £16.99, with the actual price in Tescos down to £9.97. Which is moe or less a paperback price, for a book with 766 pages. Seems fairly solidly bound.

Just finished it - I agree about it being a lot better written in various ways than the previous ones. Not in the same league as Ursula Leguin, or Tolkien, or Philip Pullman, but very pleasing most of the time.

I was glad to see JK Rowling having a go at the educational inspectorate who are infesting the system right now.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 06:10 PM

Read Alan Garner- The Weirdstone of Brisingamen Moon of Gomrath and my favorite the downright spooky Owl Service - JK is knocked into a cocked hat!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 06:20 PM

Fortunately, reading one book doesn't stop people going onto read others. In fact it can be habit-forming.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 06:31 PM

Sure that shouldn't be hobbit forming?

LTS


I'll get me coat

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 07:43 PM

That's a good pun, Liz. "Tolkien's books are hobbit-forming..."

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: LadyJean
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 12:04 AM

I'm trying to ration "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", to make it last. One of my hopes for the future is that the kids are mad for Harry. They're good books.
I swear I know the original for Dudley Dursley. I used to babysit for him. His parents didn't have enough money to spoil him as badly as Dudley. But, otherwise, he was the same kid. Now, I'm wondering when J.K. Rowling went to Ohio University and met Dru Evarts. Dolores Umbrage is just like her. I think that's the secret of Harry's success. J.K. Rowling's characters are so deliciously real. Even in her fantastic wizarding world. Reading the new book has been like seeing an old friend after a long abence. Thank you J.K. Rowling!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 07:59 AM

Well, I was going to wait for my daughter to buy the paperback, then cadge it off her. But we were in Maidstone on Saturday, went into the HMV shop, and ... well, one thing led to another, and we came out with two copies (she didn't want to wait for me to read it). I finished it on Monday night; would have been sooner, but we had to go to my best friends' daughter's wedding on Sunday.

I think the books are pretty good; not high literature, perhaps, but a jolly good yarn, and what more could one could ask? (And a bit easier than Dickens, Liz!) The charcters are developing like real children as they get older. Harry is a typical fifteen-year-old (except there's no w*nking, which is a bit inaccurate if memory serves), not quite a Kevin, but pretty close at times.

Interesting prediction from the divination mistress: bet it comes true!

Steve

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 08:04 AM

"...not quite a Kevin.."

Watch it!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Noreen
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:22 AM

LOL McG - my dad was a Kevin :0)

And my 16 yr old son is not... so far!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,Bagpuss
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 11:37 AM

My nieces are decidedly non plussed about the new Potter book, though they will read it at some point. They care more about when the next Lemony Snicket book is coming out.

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 11:53 AM

Since Harry Enfield is probably not universally familiar to Mudcatters, here is a page which explains what that "Kevin" crack by Steve was about. Very droll - but I sometimes wish Harry Enfield had called him Steve, or Fred or...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: artbrooks
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 12:55 PM

Thanks, McGrath, that's fun. I vividly remember (one of the few memories I still have from that long ago) huddling on my bed the night before my birthday, wailing to myself I don't want to be a teenager!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Amergin
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 01:04 PM

Thanks, Kevin...that was hilarious!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 07:55 PM

Oh, It's just so unfair!!! I hate you all!!!

No-one I know has finished theirs yet, so I can't cadge a copy..... boo hoo!!

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 08:08 PM

Read the Goblet of Fire again while you are waiting, Liz, because the new book keeps on referring back to stuff in that, and it'd help to be clued up.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Micca
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:00 AM

Liz I'll be finished soon....reading keeps getting interrupted by having to work!! You can borrow my book!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:02 AM

OOooppppssss last post was by ME...forgot to change my buscuit!!!

Liz you can borrow my book

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:07 AM

You can borrow mine, Liz: just call in when you're in Milton Keynes and I'll give it to you.

Good night Kevins everywhere ...

Steve

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 04:32 AM

Whee! Stood in line at the local Borders store Friday night from midnight to 1:30AM to get my copy. Finished half of it before 8AM on Saturday, with the help of the new 24-hour Starbuck's. (Gosh, I feel like Wichita is almost a city, now--what with a Starbuck's AND a Krispy Kreme that stay open all night.) I agree, Phoenix is her best yet. I've now re-read Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets, and am re-starting Prisoner of Azkaban tonight. Too much fun!

For those who complain that she is derivative of authors: are these the same people who are buying all of Terry Brooks's ripoffs of Tolkein?????

And any book that will induce a round-robin discussion among MY extended family is well worth buying in hardback.

Very nicely done, Ms. Rowling!

Lin

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 09:19 AM

Finally saw it for sale in Netto for £7.98!
Decided that the paperback version will not be much cheaper, and a long wait until they think they have squeezed as much cash as they can out of the hardback print run, so bought it.
Might get around to reading it some time in the next couple of weeks.
See you all then!
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 11:43 AM

We got ours for 2 quid off, then as we came out of the shop, we saw the shop next door had them at 3 quid off! I think they'd sold out, though ...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 11:51 AM

For the cost concious Tesco online are selling it at £7.80 or so. Or at least they were on the advance sales.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,KingBrilliant
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 12:32 PM

I just watched the webcast Interview and Reading from the Albert Hall. Om has gone there with her class from school. She told me they had good seats - and sure enough there was a shot of her reading along in her copy of the book.
I did think JK was a bit of a money-grabbing nutter what with all the sue-ing that has been going on - but she came across really well on the webcast. And she read it fantastically - after a nervous start she go completely absorbed in it - and so did I....

Kris

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 01:10 PM

Here is the website for the Albert Hall event - http://www.msn.co.uk/liveevents/harrypotter/event/. Wouldn't work with my connection, but others might be luckier. LKooked weird - two people in an interview on a lit-up strage, and the auditorium packed with thousands of people listening in.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 01:21 PM

I've just had another look at that site - and it's not continuous performance - next show in 40 minutes, and twice daily till July 3rd. This is bizarre...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Penny S.
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 04:58 PM

Enough copies in school to build a Wendy House.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: DMcG
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 05:34 PM

My 16-year old has suddenly realised she could just about be leaving University before the series finishes if the writing rate matches this book, though! She's not happy about the idea ...

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 05:40 PM

Picked up 2 copies yesterday. Had one wrapped and gave it to my kid to be opened on Saturday (his b'day) and read the other one in 2 sittings. It is a fast read as it is not printed compactly. Umbrage got exactly what she deserved but not enough of it. I was disappointed at who got bumped off, as I felt the individual should have been allowed to develop more over the next few books; ah, well.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST,kingbrilliant
Date: 27 Jun 03 - 03:19 AM

The Albert Hall thing was a one-off event staged for schoolkids. Schools could enter a competition to win the chance to buy tickets. Om's class were really lucky and were right at the front - Om's face appears several times on the webcast.
It was transmitted live initially - then its left on as an archive for the next week - so you can connect in and listen anytime.
On a 56k modem its not great quality - just slow-changing stills from the video stream + reasonable audio.
I watched it live on the broadband link & that was fantastic.
Its very good - the interview bit is quite interesting, but her reading is absolutely stunning.

Kris

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 27 Jun 03 - 06:46 AM

Just finished it - so I an go on my hols tomorrow in peace:-)

I have my own views on certain bits and pieces but as JK Rowling has never criticised me I am reluctant to do so to her! Besides it would be churlish in the extreme to pick up one or two things that were not entirely to my liking out of such an epic. All in all an excellent read and very enjoyable.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: MMario
Date: 27 Jun 03 - 08:15 AM

And in bits not being to our liking she has captured life perfectly - because so often life just don't go the way it ought!

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 27 Jun 03 - 03:02 PM

I read it! I enjoyed it, yet I must take 'umbrage' at the imposition of a new headteacher!

The placenames continue to enchant! so far we've had;
1, How do you fit another street into London's crowded map ?
2, When and where do black wizards shop ?
3, How would you best describe Sirius Black's ancestral pile ?

1, Diagonally               (Diagon Alley)
2, Nocturnally             (Knockturn Alley)
3, a Grim Old Place    (Grimmauld Place)

Nigel

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 03 - 07:04 PM

well the Grimmauld Place wass kind an interesting name i thought...especially considering that Black's dog form was mistaken for a Grim in the third book....

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 10:19 AM

BTW, this was the first ever non-German language book to make first place by number of copies sold in Germany. Quite an achievement.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 05:45 PM

You mean they bought it in English? Now that is impressive. It's impossible to even conceive of that happening with a book in a foreign language in this monoglottal country.

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 05:47 PM

Do you mind - due to the meticulous way some people read books, there are still some of us who haven't held a copy yet, let alone read it..... and although I know who dies, there are still some surprises left that I'd like to discover on my own thank you very much......

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 06:04 PM

Liz I've finished my copy, I'll bring it round tomorrow for you to borrow!!

Khatt

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 06:06 PM

McGrath, bought in English (the German translation will make No. 1 in November). Sorry I didn't make that part clear. Translations have quite often made first place in sales.

For the music angle, more often than not an English language song leads the pop charts since at least the late 60s. But for books that is a first.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Jun 03 - 06:19 PM

450,000 books sold in Germany on the first weekend.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Cluin
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 06:00 PM

Watching the first movie on DVD this past weekend had me thinking about flying on a broomstick. It'd be damned uncomfortable. Get a long 1" wooden dowel and put it on the backs of two chairs separated. Then rest your entire weight on it for about 5 minutes.

Pretty hard on the crotch. And that's with even pulling any Gs on it.
You'd think they'd affix a bicycle seat to it or something?

Better yet, how about a flying La-Z Boy chair?

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 02:24 AM

Try side-saddle.. it's much less painful on the fundiments.

LTS

Subject: RE: Harry Pottering
From: The Walrus
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 03:09 AM

Either way, warm (self heating?) underwear is recommended for high altitude work.

W