Harry Pottering

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!