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11 Jul 05 - 09:17 PM (#1520437) Subject: BS: Harry Potter: From: beardedbruce Reuters) -- Harry Potter's latest secret has slipped out in Canada, and publishers of the best-selling books hope the magical allure of author J.K. Rowling's autograph will get it back under wraps. Rowling's sixth book about the young wizard is scheduled to be released July 16, but a store near Vancouver briefly put the put the book on sale last week. Raincoast Books Ltd., which distributes the books in Canada, said a "small number" of the books were sold, and it has won a court injunction barring the buyers of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" from disclosing the plot. The court also ordered all the copies be returned to Raincoast, which has promised the early buyers book plates autographed by Rowling once the embargo is lifted. Millions of copies of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" are expected to be distributed to stores around the world, and publishers have launched big security efforts to keep the wizard's adventures a secret until the official release date. |
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12 Jul 05 - 09:41 AM (#1520513) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Sorcha Silliness over a book.... |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:29 PM (#1520567) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S Hey - kids are reading something! They aren't glued to a TV set or a computer game. And there's nothing wrong with that. I can't wait to read it myself. |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:33 PM (#1520573) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario I agree with sorcha - it's a lot of silliness over a book - but I also agree with Wesley - kids are READING - and yes, they have shown that HP WAS the initial trigger that appears to have reversed the decline of reading skills in the youth of the US (and to a lesser extent - worldwide). Granted it's probably a case of right place at the right time with the right publicity |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:35 PM (#1520574) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,maire-aine I plan to stop by the bookstore during the day on Saturday. That's what I did the last time. By late afternoon, they started to sell the reserved copies that weren't picked up that day, knowing they'd get another shipment soon. I expect to get well into it by the time I have to go back to work on Monday. M |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:43 PM (#1520584) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Big Al Whittle Of course you realise the ultimate book in the series will be Harry Potter meets Penn and Teller - and they tell him how its all done, so he gets disillusioned and goes into a career where bitterness and disillusion stand him him in good stead - like folksinging..... |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:43 PM (#1520585) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Granted it's probably a case of right place at the right time with the right publicity . Have you read them? I wouldn't call good writing silliness. |
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12 Jul 05 - 12:44 PM (#1520586) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S No - I don't think it's silliness at all. They get to market it anyway they want to. Keeping a tight lid on the book is very good for business. Something none of us will ever have to worry about.... |
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12 Jul 05 - 01:02 PM (#1520595) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario yes guest - I have read them. However you are twisting my words. I think the marketing campaign, and court injunctions against disclosure of the plot - and the whole media hype is silliness. Personally I think the books are good enough to sell well without ANY publicity - I never said anything about the quality of her work. But face it - there are any number of good children's authors out there. If it hadn't been the Potter books another series might have had the same success. |
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12 Jul 05 - 01:09 PM (#1520601) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c Comes down to large corporations and money every time. People will buy the books anyway, even if the plot is disclosed, but the hype helps sell more books and that makes money for the big boys. I'm going to wait until they bring out the seven book collection - my grandchildren are too young for them at the moment and I shall look for a friend who buys 6 and borrow. |
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12 Jul 05 - 01:20 PM (#1520608) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S Considering that the author was a single mother on welfare when she wrote the first book - then more power to her. Now she's the best selling fiction author of all time. I can't begrudge her making a lot of money with her ideas. Behind the large corporations there is a woman - JK Rowling - who writes some very good stories. The plot- the story - IS the product. Why shouldn't they try to protect it ? |
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12 Jul 05 - 01:40 PM (#1520628) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Clinton Hammond It's just a book... and I suspect from the hype, not a very good book at that... |
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12 Jul 05 - 02:17 PM (#1520654) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Charmion Oh, phooey, ClintonH, you have know way of knowing whether it's good or not -- and neither does anyone else until Saturday. Why not give it the benefit of the doubt? |
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12 Jul 05 - 02:21 PM (#1520658) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Clinton Hammond Cause I find that her books are sliding downhill the more she writes, and also, experience has taught me that if something is this hyped before it's release (be it movie, book, music, whatever) then it's probably trying to over-compensate for something.... I'll buy it, sure (When Costco has the hardcovers on sale)... but at this point I don't have very high hopes... |
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12 Jul 05 - 02:45 PM (#1520675) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: s6k Of course you realise the ultimate book in the series will be Harry Potter meets Penn and Teller - and they tell him how its all done, so he gets disillusioned and goes into a career where bitterness and disillusion stand him him in good stead - like folksinging..... LMAO!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!! THE FUNNIEST THING IVE READ THIS MONTH!!!! nice one weelittledrummer how about Harry Potter and the Masked Magician !!! |
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12 Jul 05 - 02:55 PM (#1520683) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Stilly River Sage The marketplace has always had popular books to sell, but I think the juxtaposition of the films, the ability to discuss the books openly on the Internet, the cosplay clubs, and various and sundry other off-shoot products make it big. The part of this that I find so satisfying is that the big publisher that got the American rights to the book is Scholastic, not Random House or Harper or Viking or who knows who any more. Scholastic has been out there in the marketplace selling good quality books to school children for decades, and the fact that they had the savvy to pick up the rights to this book means more power to them in their good work. The university library where I work is doing a special event on the 14th, leading up to the release. We're really not sure what to expect participation-wise. It could be the usual campus event, when students and faculty are attracted as much by the free food as by the activity. But it could also have a lot of interest due to the popularity of cosplay and the costume contest they're running that afternoon. It might be a great photo op! SRS |
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12 Jul 05 - 03:03 PM (#1520690) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee In the last volume Harry awakens and discovers that he's been dreaming and that he's really an extremely bored accountant in a mid-sized firm dealing in plumbing fixtures. Hermione is his ex-wife and this weekend is his turn to take care of the four kids, Ron Weasley is his duck hunting/beer drinking buddy who works for the city driving a garbage truck, and Cho Chang is a waitress at their favorite watering hole. Malfoy is the owner of the firm Potter works for, Crabbe and Goyle are two extremely incompetent co-workers. The half-blood prince, of course, is Potter's half-Airedale, half-dachshund dog, whose full name is Prince Of Piddles. |
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12 Jul 05 - 03:12 PM (#1520702) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S So who would be "He who must not be named" ? Tony Blair ? |
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12 Jul 05 - 03:28 PM (#1520714) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Mrs.Duck Like Clinton I will buy the book when it is reduced and will probably enjoy reading it although I would never accuse it of being good writing. Sadly I think the stories are inappropriate for the young audience that do read them and would not allow my children to read them until they were at least ten. |
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12 Jul 05 - 03:29 PM (#1520715) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Clinton Hammond "Sadly I think the stories are inappropriate for the young audience" Really? wow |
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12 Jul 05 - 03:56 PM (#1520736) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee JK Rowling has never said that the books were for young people. That was assumed, and might well be an incorrect assumption. As for kids reading them -- try to stop them. But...kids will read to their level, not to whatever we think is their level. Ergo, those who can read the books will do so and the others will not. |
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12 Jul 05 - 04:05 PM (#1520745) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Mrs.Duck Not really Rapaire afterall Jackie Collins is probably an easier read but I wouldn't allow my kids to read her. My point is that the HP books have been marketed at a younger audience and the first book was a much more child friendly story line but as they have progressed they have become much darker. Spin off toys are aimed at the 5 to 10 age group but I don't think children that young should be reading the books. And yes I HAVE stopped mine from reading them until old enough. |
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12 Jul 05 - 04:10 PM (#1520751) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario I have heard it said that basically each book SHOULD have been marketed to the age that Harry is in the book - unfortunately - they have all been marketed to the younger group. |
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13 Jul 05 - 12:02 AM (#1520959) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,B. >>The part of this that I find so satisfying is that the big publisher that got the American rights to the book is Scholastic,..<< Except for their habit of dumbing down books in translation, for fear that Americans won't buy their kids a book with the word "Philosopher" in the title ;-) |
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13 Jul 05 - 01:03 AM (#1520990) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Stephen L. Rich I rather like the Harry Potter books. I'm looking forward to the next one, "Harry Potter and the Hairy Pot". |
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13 Jul 05 - 09:21 AM (#1521079) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Rapaire Ah, but I said that they read to their level. This includes their interest level. Jackie Collins stuff might be readable for a third grader (US school level), but I don't think that there are many third graders who would be interested. On the other hand, I have a 10 year old nephew who has read (himself!) all of the HP books and has enjoyed them; he eagerly awaits the next one. If he doesn't understand it, he told me that he either asks his mom ("Dad would make something up, like you do") or he will "skip over it, especially if it's mushy stuff." That said -- I really have to applaud, both personally and professionally, anyone who takes the time (and cares enough) to watch what their kids are reading (or watching, or listening to, or doing). |
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13 Jul 05 - 09:31 AM (#1521086) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,catsphiddle@work I've pre-ordered my copy through Amazon so I will get it the day it is released. |
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13 Jul 05 - 10:03 AM (#1521091) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario given the dozens of places around here that are all advertizing they will have it I doubt I will have any problems getting a copy - I need to get two actually - a belated b'day gift for a nephew and also a copy for me. |
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13 Jul 05 - 10:11 AM (#1521096) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: John Hardly Hairy Potter 1 Hairy Potter 2 Hairy Potter 3 |
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13 Jul 05 - 10:43 AM (#1521110) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave Bryant "I have heard it said that basically each book SHOULD have been marketed to the age that Harry is in the book - unfortunately - they have all been marketed to the younger group." The group of Harry Potter's fictional age will buy the book anyway as they've done with all the others, so why bother to advertise to them. You'll have a hard job trying and stop their younger siblings and friends from wanting to read them as well. |
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13 Jul 05 - 12:57 PM (#1521168) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: EBarnacle Lady Hillary and I intend to be at the Union Square Barnes and Noble for the Friday night midnight release party. The books are being offered at wholesale and it's fun to be among the children [and their parents] who eagerly await the book. My son has read the entire series and will continue with this one. |
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13 Jul 05 - 01:24 PM (#1521188) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Well if that's the case CatsPHiddle, can I borrow it on Monday please? LTS |
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13 Jul 05 - 04:57 PM (#1521244) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee We have received, and are cataloging, 14 copies. (We're going to honor the pledge; they won't be available until Saturday.) BWAAHAHAHAHAHA! |
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13 Jul 05 - 05:01 PM (#1521247) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Catherine Jayne Of course Liz!!... |
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13 Jul 05 - 05:17 PM (#1521260) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: WFDU - Ron Olesko The books are FUN, the writing is GOOD, and the hype is GENUINE. Don't forget, the interest in the Harry Potter series was there BEFORE the films and the media took interest in it. People are excited to read these books, not because somebody is telling them to do so. Rowling created terrific characters and her fans want to find out what is going to happen next. I love the fact they have closely guarded the content and people will all find out together. Good for the publishers!!!!!! Let people have some fun instead of whining about why they shouldn't!!! |
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13 Jul 05 - 06:02 PM (#1521305) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Considering the frantic discounting by the retailers I think a lot of fans gave up half way through the last one and have lost interest. |
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13 Jul 05 - 06:05 PM (#1521309) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee This one, in the US edition anyway, is 652 pages long. By the way, the last three words are "Ron and Hermione." |
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13 Jul 05 - 06:08 PM (#1521314) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Stilly River Sage The pricing has to do with the marketplace, not the popularity. I read the first four out loud to my children. The youngest would have been 7 or 8 at the time. Reading at bedtime was a pleasant family tradition continued until within the last year or two. I was there to answer any questions or to add explanations if I felt they wouldn't take in the meaning in a Bristish novel as it was read to American children. I enjoyed the books more with the kids there listening. I haven't finished reading the fifth book yet. I'm working on it in fits and starts. I do enjoy it, but I have other things to occupy me so have ot make the time to read it. When I was a child Tolkien's Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were enjoying one of their many revivals, and my father started by reading The Hobbit out loud to us. He read part of the LOTR and let us go with it. So I was about 10 or 11 when I finished reading them. My brother is 15 months younger and he was reading them at the same time, though more voraciously, so he sped past me and finished first. No one doubted our ability to understand, knowing we would ask about puzzles in the book. My dad was letting us read at level, as Rapaire suggests. It is a fabulous way to encourage a lifetime habit of reading. SRS |
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13 Jul 05 - 06:33 PM (#1521342) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Stephen L. Rich My strange joke earlier not withstanding, these books are fun to read. When I get one I have to make sure that I've got the entire day cleared of any other activity. I'm not going to be able to put it down until I've finished it. Stephen Lee |
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13 Jul 05 - 07:02 PM (#1521374) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Can't see anything positive about banning kids reading Harry Potter. Sounds like the sort of thing total control freaks who hit their kids 'for their own good' would do. |
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14 Jul 05 - 11:34 AM (#1521857) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Torctgyd Is it true that the US versions are substantially longer (in numbers of pages) than the British one's as the US publisher puts pictures in them (cos they're for children)? According to CNN a German Authoress has published letters from the new Pope condeming the Harry Potter books. Can't wait for mine to turn up on Saturday. I seem to be in a minority in liking HP5 the best so far (HP1 I found too childish and almost gave up - I'm glad I didn't now). |
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14 Jul 05 - 11:46 AM (#1521861) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: JohnInKansas I must support those who advocate close and careful control of the reading of their children. My parents permitted me to read The Collected Writings of Sigmund Freud (Dover paperback) at age 11, and The Theory of the Leisure Class at 12. My older sister gave me the larger hardback Complete Collection on Freud for my 14th birthday (she was strange too). No one objected to The Odyssey (W.H.D.Rouse translation) when I was 13 (although my mother did object to how much I was spending in related references on mythology - I still have Edith Hamilton's nice little one) or to the dozen odd Shakespeare plays I went through before entering High School. Having been permanently warped by this and other similar exposure, I offer myself as the prototypical bad example of what such stuff can do. WARN YOUR CHILDREN! John |
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14 Jul 05 - 11:49 AM (#1521863) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: JohnInKansas Addend: SWMBO just revealed to me that she was "permitted" to read Peyton Place when she was 9. THAT explains a LOT. (Her older brothers probably explained it to her.) John |
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14 Jul 05 - 11:57 AM (#1521870) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Ellenpoly I'm a great fan of JK Rowling. I love her books and pre-order them now every year from Amazon. I'd rather buy them from my local bookseller, but the difference in price is simply too much for my very lean pocketbook. Every year I re-read the last two to prepare me for the next one. Each book has totally captured my interest and I'll be waiting with a big smile on my face for the post to arrive on Saturday. I read loads, literally hundreds of books a year, quite a few of them are children's books and a good book is just that-good. I never thought I'd agree with anything Chancellor Gordon Brown ever said, but I really do believe he's right when he said JK Rowling has done more for literacy around the world than (just about) anyone else. Having been a teacher I know that getting a child interested in reading is the most important gift one can give. If Rowling has that ability, which she obviously does, more power (and money) to her. |
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14 Jul 05 - 12:08 PM (#1521882) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee Yessir, this is sure a good book. That bit with Ron and Lavender...whooohooooo! Hot stuff! And who would have figured Ginny and...oh, wait. Nevermind. I can't tell you about this stuff. Mostly because I haven't read the book. |
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14 Jul 05 - 12:30 PM (#1521895) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,maire-aine I've been reading the HP books since they started out, and I think they've become more graphic and violent as they've gone along. I've always told people who asked, that I thought the reader should at least be the age that Harry is in the book-- not for small children. I didn't read The Hobbit & the Ring trilogy until I was in college, but I started reading the complete works of Arthur Conan Doyle (mostly Holmes, but also the White Company) when I was twelve. It's all a matter of taste, I guess. Maryanne |
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14 Jul 05 - 12:33 PM (#1521898) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario the local library in my home town - normally staffed by sane people - attempted to prevent my reading 'Lord of the Rings' when I was in 4rth grade. Told me it was "over my head". After my mother finished handing them theirs on a platter - I enjoyed the books thoroughly. |
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14 Jul 05 - 12:50 PM (#1521910) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Clinton Hammond "HP1 I found too childish and almost gave up" It was aimed at ten yer old kids... what did you expect??? |
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14 Jul 05 - 11:52 PM (#1522083) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Shanghaiceltic Well if the below is true what more can you want for publicity than the Pope wading in. Maybe the last book will be 'Harry Potter and Iquisition' Personaly I quite like the books, good escapism. Harry Potter distorts the soul, says Pope (Filed: 14/07/2005) The Pope believes the Harry Potter books "distort Christianity in the soul", according to two letters published on the internet. The comments were made to a German author who wrote Harry Potter - Good or Evil? which criticises J K Rowling's best-selling series. Gabriele Kuby sent Pope Benedict XVI a copy of the book in 2003, when he was still a cardinal, and the pontiff's replies have now been published. "It is good that you enlighten people about Harry Potter because these are subtle seductions which act unnoticed and by this deeply distort Christianity in the soul before it can grow properly," wrote the Pope. He thanked Kuby for her "instructive" book, in which she says the Potter series corrupts the hearts of the young, preventing them developing a sense of good and evil. In a second letter, sent two months later, the Pope "gladly" gave his permission for Kuby to make his judgment public. The signed letters were published days before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book in the series is published. The Vatican had previously given the books an apparent seal of approval. Fr Peter Fleetwood, a senior official, told a press conference in 2003: "I don't think there's anyone in this room who grew up without fairies, magic and angels in their imaginary world." |
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15 Jul 05 - 01:21 AM (#1522107) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: JohnInKansas I heard parts of the media hit on "the Pope's comments" on TV this morning, but wasn't able to get the whole story due to some interruptions. The whole story has to be pieced together from various sources, but isn't too hard to find via Google. As usual, there are two sides to the story, each claiming to be "the true representatives of holy doctrine" but... Briefly, in 2003 it was reported by numerous media sources that "the Vatican approves of Harry Potter." This was apparently the result of a reply by one Monsignor Peter Fleetwood during a press conference for the release of a Vatican document on the New Age movement. The question was out of context, and the Msgr did not indicate that he'd read the book(s). His comment was (paraphrased) that "based on what he'd heard, he thought they were fine stuff." Various reports differ on whether he made any representation that he was "speaking for the Vatican." A "more official" statement came two years earlier, (when) "Rome's official exorcist, Fr. Gabriele Amorth, warned parents against the books in an interview with the Italian ANSA news agency. Fr. Amorth, who is also the president of the International Association of Exorcists, said bluntly, "Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness, the devil."" I haven't seen this statement in context, so it's hard to tell how much "spin" has been applied by those who quote it. A German anti-HP author and sociologist, Gabriele Kuby, wrote to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was Prefect for the Doctrine of the Faith at the time, and is the present Pope Benedict XVI, expressing her dislike of the HP tales. Cardinal Ratzinger replied with a statement of agreement with her views, which can be read either as strongly critical of HP or merely as "politely non-argumentative" depending on how one chooses to take it. Critics of HP contend that no one in a position to speak for the Vatican, and informed about the HP books, has ever endorsed them. At least two persons in positions where they may have been acting as "Vatican spokespersons" have made statements critical of the HP books. The most complete summary of events on both sides - that I found - is at Pope Benedict and Harry Potter (.pdf 9 KB) by Michael D. O'Brien (credentials unknown, but definiteley anti-HP). English translations of Cardianl Ratzinger's letter to author Kuby, and his subsequent letter giving permission for her to quote his comments are included at Pope Opposes Potter. Facsmile .pdf files of both letters (in German) can be found at links there as well. My own interest here was in whether the "Vatican view" in any way parallels the opposition to HP that I've seen among local fundamentalists. That question is unresolved. For those not familiar with the "Kansas Bigot Church," their principal doctrine appears, to me, to be "If you give me permission to hate someone or some thing, I will follow you blindly wherever you wish to take me." It seems politically effective, but I'm not sure what faith it demonstrates. I don't see anything strong enough, or unambiguous enough, in anything from the Vatican to be taken as a serious condemnation of HP. I'm sure the media will pick it up if anything further is released. John |
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15 Jul 05 - 10:10 AM (#1522135) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave Bryant I'm 3rd on the list to read the next HP book after Linda's son Tom and Linda herself - can't wait. |
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15 Jul 05 - 10:42 AM (#1522166) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,sandra in sydney walking thru the backdoor well, it's 1237 Sat morning here & the latest Harry Potter will be released at 9.01 & I will pick up my copy sometime tomorrow cos I don't think I have time to get it today. My alarm will ring in 6 hours (eek!!) then it's rush out into a very full Saturday. I'll probably try to fit in picking it up so I can read it Sunday, but as I'm on holidays this week, I have a choice of 5 complete days to devote to it cos I intend to finish it in one day, like all other fiction I read. I'm a fast reader, & can't bear to close a book before finishing it. sandra (fan but not fanatic) |
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15 Jul 05 - 11:50 AM (#1522237) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee Ya know, a lot of people read a lot of crap into a lot of things. Could be one reason I gave up on literary criticism....Read The Pooh Perplex by Frederick Chews to see what I mean. |
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15 Jul 05 - 06:39 PM (#1522345) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Interesting that they still celebrate CHRISTmas at Hogwarts.... LTS |
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15 Jul 05 - 07:25 PM (#1522374) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Stilly River Sage Please, I must ask all of you who read much faster than I (after I get the book back from moonglow who will inhale it in a couple of days) After you read it, don't give the story away! Thank you. Now if I could convince the friends of my kids at school--someone always has to prove something by ruining part of the story for everyone else. Be mature Mudcatters and keep it to yourselves. Thank you. :) |
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15 Jul 05 - 09:08 PM (#1522434) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee Okay, here's some excerpts: Harry gazed up and greater fear than he'd ever known before in his life stabbed through him. At the same time his scar blazed with such pain that he collapsed, staring up at the sign swinging in the gentle breeze, the sign reading "Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle, Attorneys-At-Law." "Of course there are girls upstairs at the Three Broomsticks! Why do you think they call her MADAME Rosemurta, anyway?" asked George incredulously. "Harry," said Hermione quietly, "these tests don't lie. You have to face the fact that Severus Snape is your father." "For God's sake, Weasley," drawled Malfoy, "roll off her and let Crabbe show you how it's done." When Snape had his back turned again, Hermione whispered to Ron, "You know, you can stir around in my cauldron anytime." She flicked her long black wand against her tight leather pants and purred, "It's MISTRESS Ginny, Potter, MISTRESS Ginny. Now get down on your belly and beg Mistress's forgiveness like a good little worm." McGonigle pointed her wand at Dumbledore and shouted "Viagra!" "Great man, Dumbledore," murmured Hagrid. "A bit of a twit, but a great man all the same." "Ah, Harry," said Hermione, looking pale. "You know the other night...and, well, I got the spell wrong...and, oh, Harry, you were right! You were right! The words WERE 'Contra Ceptio' and not 'Pro Ceptio.' What are we going to do?! Harry?.. Harry?" "Harry," whispered Angelina, "why don't you let me show you some positions you won't find on the Quidditch field?" "Sorry, Malfoy," grinned Harry. "I thought it was the snitch. You know, you really should either wear underwear or fasten your robes when you play Quidditch or accidents like this will happen." |
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15 Jul 05 - 09:28 PM (#1522442) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c ROTFLMAO |
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16 Jul 05 - 02:31 AM (#1522473) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: John O'L Rapaire - That sounds like a book worth waiting for. When can we expect to see it in the shops? |
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16 Jul 05 - 03:15 AM (#1522481) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak J K Rowling read the first chapter live at Edinburgh Castle last night, at midnight. The place was packed with thousands of children who just sat, totally silent, totally entranced through it... Tell me another book that has that effect on children... most can't sit still through a commercial, yet you could have heard a wand drop in Edinburgh last night.... Looking forward to reading it myself, but even at £4.49 (Safeway/Morrisons), I'll wait for the paperback to come. LTS |
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16 Jul 05 - 10:29 AM (#1522491) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: rumanci If I may make a correction Liz it was the sixth chapter JKR read from at Edinburgh Castle. I can only be sure of that because when the kid called out when she stopped "What happens next ?" My lad was yelling out "What happened BEFORE that? !!!!!" :-D rum |
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16 Jul 05 - 10:32 AM (#1522493) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Mary in Kentucky I just picked up a three-page handout at my library...Harry Potter trivia and crosswords. If anyone is interested, I'll post a pdf file somewhere. |
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16 Jul 05 - 11:32 AM (#1522513) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave the Gnome Got 2 today - Both covers. for three people to read them. Hope to take one of them away with me to my Vmware course on Monday. Wonder if I'll get the two confused? CAN you run sorcery in a magic window? Is the spell Linustorvalds supra Billgatus? Ah well. Guess I will soon sort it out. Cheers DtG |
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16 Jul 05 - 11:48 AM (#1522528) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Jerry Rasmussen Got mine today. Reading it. Gotta go.. Jerry |
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16 Jul 05 - 12:17 PM (#1522545) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Alice Last night my son and his friends dressed up as characters from Harry Potter and went to the local Barnes and Noble. Because my son has very long curly hair Click here I used a hot iron to straighten his hair (length went to between his shoulder blades). He sprayed his hair white with costume hairspray, dressed all in black and wore a floor length black robe and black gloves - adult Malfoy. His friend tea-dyed two pillowcases sewed together so they looked dirty, got elf ears from the costume store, and went as Dobbie. They did it just for the fun of it, not knowing there would be a costume contest at the store. They both won the contest. Found the book in his room this morning and read the last page. Yes, the last three words are "Ron and Hermione". Alice |
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16 Jul 05 - 12:26 PM (#1522552) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Sooz A school near us was planning a Harry Potter day yesterday. The pupils were to dress up and spend the day doing wizardy things. That was until the local vicar complained that it was satanic and unsuitable. The day was cancelled. |
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16 Jul 05 - 12:31 PM (#1522556) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: dianavan Thank you, J. K. Rawlings, for motivating our children to read. Whether the child reads the book themselves or has the book read to them, it promotes literacy. One of the best things about the books is that both parent and child can enjoy the story. Doesn't matter who reads it, spending time on a daily basis with any book promotes literacy. Rawlings has done a fine job of writing a novel that captures the imagination. So the pope thinks that Harry Potter, "...corrupts the hearts of the young, preventing them developing a sense of good and evil." I think that the Harry Potter series does a very good job of developing a sense of good and evil. I think Ratslinger is afraid that kids know more about HP than about JC. What does he suggest they read, the bible? |
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16 Jul 05 - 12:43 PM (#1522560) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Alice OOOPS, need to fix that link: Click here It was eerie to see him with long, straight white hair. Wish I'd take a photo of that. Alice |
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16 Jul 05 - 12:59 PM (#1522576) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: WFDU - Ron Olesko I heard a rumor that Rowling kills Jar Jar Binks in this book!! Please tell me it isn't true. Next to Frodo, Jar Jar was my favorite character in the films. I also heard that Pierce Brosnan won't be returning in the next film. The things you can pick up on Entertainment Tonight! |
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16 Jul 05 - 01:48 PM (#1522621) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee I've just mailed my copy to my wife. I actually only got to page 132, didn't even finish Dumbledore's first private lesson for Harry (they dive into a Pensieve, but for what I don't know -- pearls, maybe). That's 'cause she's in DC and is almost out of stuff to read. Greater love no man hath.... I wouldn't worry about the Pope. All 15 of the copies we had on hand, 2 copies of the CD version, and 2 copies of the tape cassettes were gone by 0915 this morning. The local paper was there, too. |
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17 Jul 05 - 04:14 AM (#1522760) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Dianavan - Please take a little time to read your posts before hitting send.... her name has neither an *S* nor an *A*. Her name is ROWLING. LTS |
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17 Jul 05 - 05:01 AM (#1522779) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Catherine Jayne My copy came in the post yesterday!! I will be reading it today!! |
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17 Jul 05 - 05:20 AM (#1522787) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak So I'll be reading it next week then? *BG* LTS |
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17 Jul 05 - 07:29 AM (#1522834) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Ellenpoly Mine arrived yesterday around 7:50am. The look on the face of our post lady showed she was prepared for a long day. I've been apportioning it out to myself, trying to make it last. But has anyone beside me noticed that the print on this book is larger than on the last two?? In other words, the publisher has tried to make it look bigger than it really is. Shame that...but it won't stop me from enjoying every word. I just hope Rowling isn't going to make us all wait another two years for the last one...but I bet she does. |
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17 Jul 05 - 07:54 AM (#1522843) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,ragdall Alice, your son is lovely! He looks too kindly to pass for Malfoy. I'm #49 on the waiting list at the public library, but I discovered that they have about a dozen copies "available" on the seven day loan shelf. Surely I can read it in 7 days? (I'm happy to read that it has larger print, Ellenpoly.) The library opens again at 10:00 a.m., Monday. I wonder how many other people will be waiting for the doors to open and how difficult it will be to trip them all? |
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17 Jul 05 - 08:51 AM (#1522867) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: LilyFestre The local Barnes and Noble made an event around the release of the newest HP. They had magicians and face painting...stayed open extra late so copies could be sold at 12:01am. Maybe it sounds like a lot of hype to some of you but I've seen a 10 year old boy counting the days down until he could read this book...when is the last time you saw a child so excited to read that they were counting the days until they could read a new book? I'm sorry but I think this is a great thing...and if it takes all the secrecy and hype...so be it. The 10 year old has a 13 year old sister who refuses to read anything. The mother has tried everything with the girl and has decided to do whatever it takes to get the younger one interested in reading. So for now, it's Fantastic 4 comic books and Harry Potter....he's reading...without being asked to, told to or otherwise coerced into it....HE IS READING AND LOVING IT! That's the bottom line, isn't it? BTW....mother and son went to Barnes and Noble 7 hours early....and spent the time reading TOGETHER....excellent!!!!!!!!! Michelle |
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17 Jul 05 - 10:03 AM (#1522896) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST I love the idea of bigger print. It is easier on the eyes when reading it to the kids in their bedroom with the nightlight on! Hooray no more squinting. |
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17 Jul 05 - 10:10 AM (#1522901) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Tam the man I think it is a book for Chidren and people that have not grown up. I couldn't give a shit about Harry Potter, I haven't seen any films or read the books. So I couldn't tell you anything about Harry Potter. I mean Grown up men and women getting excited over a bloody book. |
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17 Jul 05 - 11:09 AM (#1522950) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee Tsk, tsk, Tam. I certainly hope you're not serious. Books -- actually the recording of knowledge -- is what seperates us from the rest of the animals. We can pass on the knowledge we gain so others don't have to make the same mistakes over and over (assuming always that they're smart enough to learn). And there is a lot of good in the Potter books, if nothing else than dealing with the fears of humans. |
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17 Jul 05 - 12:16 PM (#1523004) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: dianavan Liz - Sorry about the spelling. I have a friend by the last name of Rawlings; it was just an oversight. Big deal - I'm sure you knew who I was talking about. |
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17 Jul 05 - 12:21 PM (#1523009) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Nigel Parsons Read it (between 11.30 a.m. & 11.45 p.m. yesterday. Definitely NOT dissapointed. For those who are awaiting the loan of a copy, you could always read the story of Naked Quidditch in the meantime! Nigel |
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17 Jul 05 - 12:32 PM (#1523018) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Amos Hahaha!! Funny stuff indeed, Sir Parsons! Thanks for the grin. A |
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17 Jul 05 - 08:52 PM (#1523053) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c O got a copy online from Amazon. I'm about halfway through it and it's addictive. This is one of the few times that Mudcat being down didn't worry me! |
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17 Jul 05 - 09:24 PM (#1523070) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,rags I think it is a book for Chidren and people that have not grown up. How true! I ..... erm..... I ..... only read the Harry Potter books to make sure that they are suitable reading for the children entrusted to my care. -- Yeah, that's it! This series makes young boys want to read, it's wonderful! I watched a seven year old, his eyes glued to a Harry Potter book "hidden" in his desk during my lesson, unable to stop reading it. I pretended not to notice. If he could read Harry Potter, missing practicing reading, "Run, Lad, Run!" seemed unimportant. |
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17 Jul 05 - 09:47 PM (#1523084) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow I was at a barbecue today. Lashings of free food and drink, ball games, bouncy castles and music. And there was this boy of about nine, sitting on a bench, oblivious to it all, reading Harry Potter - no, not the new book, the last one, the Order of the Phoenix. |
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17 Jul 05 - 10:20 PM (#1523108) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,ragdall In a "natural pool", at a hot spring in northern British Columbia, I saw a girl of about twelve, gingerly holding her copy of one of the older Harry Potter books well above the water as she comlplied with her parents wishes that she spend time in the pool. |
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17 Jul 05 - 11:00 PM (#1523129) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Amos Here's another link to the Naked Quidditch Game with all chapters in series; it appears there was an ownership problem of some sort... A |
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17 Jul 05 - 11:35 PM (#1523149) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Rapparee I've always been partial to this. |
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18 Jul 05 - 08:14 PM (#1523746) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow Dylan put it pretty well: "Ah, but I was older then - I'm younger than that now." Here's An Introduction to Arithmancy , by one Hermione Granger. From the Wizarding Wireless Net - Muggle Internet Edition, which has lots of other good stuff... |
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19 Jul 05 - 09:31 AM (#1523883) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,catsphiddle@work I started reading my copy copy on Sunday afternoon and I finished it yesterday!...An excellent book! |
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19 Jul 05 - 09:32 AM (#1523888) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST £4.49 at Morrissons? I thought Tesco was almost reasonable at £7.97 compared with list price of £16.99 and major bookshop price of just over a tenner. Considering a paperback of that size would have a list price between £7 and £9 I went for Tesco's offer. Plenty in stock on Saturday afternoon. It was less turgid than Order of the Phoenix but still not a patch on the earlier novels. |
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19 Jul 05 - 09:47 AM (#1523907) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario well - in our family there was one copy advance ordered from Amazon - which has yet to arrive and so far has cost $45. the other two copies were picked up saturday morning for a TOTAL of $32 - I didn't have much time to read it last night - I'm barely up to page 300. |
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19 Jul 05 - 09:48 AM (#1523909) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Ellenpoly I've never read a book so slowly! I'm half-way through and wishing I were only a tenth of the way. JK Rowling said she thought that "Order of the Phoenix" was too long. I did to, the first time around. TIME interview with JK Rowling But in the re-reading, I wanted it to be even longer. Moral of this story, I'm already prepared to mourn the end of Number 7 in two years time. ..xx..e |
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19 Jul 05 - 11:36 AM (#1524017) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy SOD IT. Bought the book and on the first day I placed it done upside down and the back cover fell open revealing one of the last few pages of the book..... my eyes instantly saw who dies in the book. So no surprises for me ! So if you do no want to know who dies then do not scroll to the bottom of this note..... Fooled you! You didnt think I would ruin it for you as well did you! |
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19 Jul 05 - 06:08 PM (#1524043) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c Finished it today - wish I hadn't! Excellent book but it nearly had me in tears toward the end. I hope number 7 isn't too long coming. |
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20 Jul 05 - 09:30 AM (#1524153) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario definately worth a re-read. I thought the characterizations were back "on-track" - - though I really think this needed a couple ()okay - lots) more chapters or to be split into two books. There were a lot of things that were glossed over that could have been done in MUCH more detail. Among other things - Tonks. |
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20 Jul 05 - 11:09 AM (#1524265) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy half way through. I was late back to work today as I HAD to finish the chapter. |
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20 Jul 05 - 11:37 AM (#1524306) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak So I'll be over for it tonight Khatt!!! I was supposed to be going to work tomorrow...... : ) At our concert rehearsal Saturday, the Tenor soloist could barely raise his head out of it to sing his piece. LTS |
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20 Jul 05 - 01:06 PM (#1524415) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Lin in Kansas Friday night, 12:01 AMhere in Kansas America, there were a number of Draco Malfoys, Harry Potters, and even a couple of adult Dumbledores--and one creaky old lady running a 102-degree fever (which I didn't know until I got back home) standing in line at the Borders store to pick up our reserved copies. My line-up numbers were 343 and 344. I got my two books at somewhere around 2:00AM. And I hope I never "grow up" if that means giving up that kind of fun--what a kick to see all the kids, wide-eyed and excited, waiting to find out what happens to their favorite characters next! I had a lovely chat with the 12-year-old and his mother in front of me who had been there all evening (since 9PM) enjoying the party. He was doing his best to talk her into buying two books, so they could both read it right away. But he did not take at all to my suggestion that maybe his mother could read the book to him -- oh, no! He wanted his very own copy and he wanted to read it his very own self. More power to your pen, Ms. Rowling!!!! Great stuff, but sad in spots; a lot like real life. And by the way, the first book (before movies or any giant hype) was so successful that Scholastic Books, heretofore a small publishing company, nearly went under trying to meet the demand. So if they want to hype the plot and keep secrets, they've earned it as far as I'm concerned! Lin |
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20 Jul 05 - 05:41 PM (#1524568) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Is the larger type in both versions or just the Childrens cover? LTS |
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20 Jul 05 - 05:42 PM (#1524569) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Oh, and I claim 100!! LTS |
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20 Jul 05 - 06:04 PM (#1524587) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow Apparently this is the first time a novel has been simultaneously published in ordinary print along with a large-print version and a braille edition. I suspect this was done at the insistance of J.K.Roweling. There was a quote in one of the papers from a ten year old boy saying how he was looking forward to being able to read it at the same time as his sighted friends this time, instead of waiting till his mother had finished reading it to him, which took a couple of months, and made life awkward, trying to avoid hearing what was going to happen. And he was going to be able to read the braille version in bed in the dark, which was more than his sighted friends would be able to do. |
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21 Jul 05 - 03:01 AM (#1524872) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Wonder how long it will be before the audio version hits the shelves.... LTS |
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21 Jul 05 - 04:23 AM (#1524905) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Terry K I'm just glad that people are now seeing the books as what they really are, good yarns for kids of all ages. When the first one came out we had all these people telling us that the books "could be read at several levels" and were really for adults, and were so well written etc etc. At least all that nonsensical pretence seems to have dissipated and the whole phenomenon seems to be back in its correct context as "pop literature". I'm all in favour of anything that gets people reading but let's not forget that reading only stuff that has little literary merit is a bit like teenyboppers listening to crappy pop music. Let's hope they graduate to something better, or literature will become dumbed down as much as music and television. cheers, Terry I just re-read that and OK, maybe it does sound just a teensy bit pompous, but I'm sure you know what I mean! |
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21 Jul 05 - 04:34 AM (#1524908) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave the Gnome I finished it last night - Excelent indeed but left me depressed:-( Dunno if was the events or because I have finished it though. Never mind - I think I will start from the Philosphers Stone when I get home:-) Cheers DtG |
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21 Jul 05 - 01:44 PM (#1525182) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,MMario according to various news sources there is an "unofficial" (read pirate) audio track available via the web. That's quick work! |
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21 Jul 05 - 04:56 PM (#1525213) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow If you want an audio version, I'm sure you've got the technology available. But it does take time reading a book that way. That isn't a bad thing. Someone gave me a copy of the Order of the Phoenix on umpteen cassettes by Stephen Fry, and it kept me company as I was driving around for ages. |
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22 Jul 05 - 12:04 PM (#1525395) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Big Al Whittle Potter rhymes with a lot of things harry Potter Well known rotter nasty specs like a train spotter. |
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22 Jul 05 - 01:42 PM (#1525459) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S The audio version is already out. We have it. My wife bought her copy on Sunday or Monday if I'm not mistaken. Jim Dale is the guy who reads it and does a great job with all of the voices. He's read all the Potter books - at least here in the US. I'm not familar with the Stephen Frye versions. |
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22 Jul 05 - 07:36 PM (#1525813) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak Well I read it in a little under 8 hours..... it's good , well written and twisty...there were a few tears too... but on the whole, I am left feeling slightly disappointed with something... can't put my finger on it... LTS |
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22 Jul 05 - 09:45 PM (#1525902) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: emjay Why all the discussion about the quality of the writing? Who is to decide and what does it matter? It seems like really good writing to me, and age appropriate to anyone who wants to read it. I just wish I had been as smart as Ellenpoly and read the preceding two before each of the more recent ones came out. Oh well, I have them all to reread and I will. I thought the newest one was terrific, maybe the best yet, ends with a real cliffhanger -- and I have to wait two years for the next one! And then they'll be over? Please Ms. Rowling, what will you do next? While I was waiting in line to pick up my prepaid copy, I picked up a copy in Irish. Well, I could read a few words, agus and some others. fun! Quick work! We will get the audio version read by Jim Dale who is wonderful. I have heard so many stories of reading this one by other addicts, almost like the "Where were you when...?" stories we all share after a major event. While I recognize there are some who don't like them, don't want to read them, you are allowed but I am sorry for you. Maybe some Mudcatter will write a song about Harry and all, maybe Marion Parsons could write one like her song about Anne with an E. |
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22 Jul 05 - 10:54 PM (#1525937) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Janie Finished it early this evening. My 11 y.o. got it about lunchtime on Saturday and was finished before supper on Sunday. The little twerp (God love 'im!) could not help but tell me who died by whose hand. I was glad to see some of the fun come back into it.... And I thought it more hopeful than the previous two of the series. We will probably also get it on audio to listen to on trips. My son and I have enjoyed repeated playings of the other books on our travels. Janie |
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23 Jul 05 - 12:41 AM (#1525978) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: dianavan Terry K. - I don't think literature can be 'dumbed down', it stands on its own merit. Books, however, have been dumbed down for a very long time. Remember comics? Romance novels? Mysteries? Music was dumbed down by video. Theater was dumbed down by movies and movies were dumbed down by t.v. I guess a good rule of thumb might be whether or not a book stands the test of time. As far as literary merit, Harry Potter is rated highly when compared to everything else out there. Children are a big market. At least someone cared enough to produce something of value and something that could compete with Pokemon, Dora and Transformers. Now that is crap with no literary value! |
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23 Jul 05 - 01:45 AM (#1525991) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Can't believe she killed off Spock. Or was it Scotty? |
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23 Jul 05 - 02:01 AM (#1525998) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Cluin Gotta admit I was disappointed in this last HP book, ending-wise. Too many loose ends. Things were going along well, after a long slow start, but ended too quickly with too many questions unanswered, IMO as well as a disappointing climax (the "shocker" notwithstanding). There was no feeling of events of this book being wrapped up and ready to move on, as with the others. The other books were good complete adventures which, though obviously part of a series, could stand alone more or less. This one definitely felt incomplete and a come-on to leave people panting for the final book, which everybody who has come this far was going to be in for anyway. Still, great books, all of them; good reads. Have to suspend final judgement till the last one comes out in what is going to feel like a very long wait now. Poor kids. |
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23 Jul 05 - 02:08 AM (#1526000) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Cluin Oh, and if you found the teenaged hormonal Harry a bit annoying in the last few books, Ron and Hermione are doubly so in this last one, but for different reasons. |
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23 Jul 05 - 04:13 AM (#1526036) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Terry K Dianavan, you ever so slightly miss my point. I am quite aware of the various types of reading - comics etc have always had their place as have Mills & Boon. But they have always had their context too, and been accepted for what they are. My concern with HP is that if the phenomenon continues, children (of all ages) will see this as the standard for literature because the marketing men will not bother to release anything else. As has largely happened to the pop music business. So the delights of "real" literature will be lost because there's no money to be made in it. Like folk music. I see a number of posters regretting that they will have nothing to read until the next HP comes out in two years time - as if to say there's nothing else worth reading, at the same time claiming HP has "literary merit" - surely that's the proof they've read little else of consequence! cheers, Terry (tongue heading towards cheek at the end) |
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23 Jul 05 - 05:27 AM (#1526069) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Just finished reading it this morning. I gave myself a whole week (I usually read most books in a day or two) and I wished it had been much longer. As others have said, a lot has been left undeveloped, and if anything can be said in critisism that would be it. But these are children's books and I think there is enough to chew on for most people. A two year's wait for the last one is far too long, though. |
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23 Jul 05 - 05:34 AM (#1526077) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave Bryant Finished it, but have to keep stum until Essex Girl has read it. The ending is a bit depressing. What I want to know is how did Gryffindor win the last Quidditch match by such a large margin without Harry their seeker and captain ? |
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23 Jul 05 - 06:41 AM (#1526105) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c Terry K - take a look at the threads on books - one fairly recently. I think that most 'catters have plenty to read. Doesn't stop us wanting to find out what happened next with this one. |
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23 Jul 05 - 06:53 AM (#1526109) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow What I want to know is how did Gryffindor win the last Quidditch match by such a large margin without Harry their seeker and captain?" Simple. They cheated. Probably a Confunding Spell... |
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23 Jul 05 - 07:54 AM (#1526151) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST Ginny Weasley was a pretty good seeker when Harry was banned from playing by Dolores Umbridge... maybe she let Dean get on with the scoring and went after the Snitch in Harry's place. Not being so anally retentive as to have read the 'Rules of Quidditch', I am unaware of any ruling that would prevent this. |
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23 Jul 05 - 08:12 PM (#1526642) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Cluin And it was a bit much having Dumbledore drink 8 cups of Voldemort's pee. |
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25 Jul 05 - 04:25 AM (#1527617) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Ellenpoly Having now finished the book, I can understand what you meant by feeling a little disappointed, Liz. I was as well. I'm not sure why. Perhaps like many have said here, there was a lot more that could have been developed. It felt like I was reading the beginning of a summation, where Rowling was making sure all her ducks were in order for the last book, but not really spending as much time as she might have on many of the characters, or even the school year. But like I said before, I'd be happy if each book were much much longer. One thing I'd like to add though- I don't think children just read the Harry Potter books and then go back to watching TV and playing their video games until the next one arrives. I do think these books lead to others being read as well. There are many great children's authors out there who are benefiting from the HP books. Off the top of my head, I can think of several writers-Peter Dickenson, Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, Cornelia Funke, Phillip Pullman, Garth Nix, Phillip Reeve, Lemony Snicket(Brett Helquist) ...just to name a few-who follow in the same mode. It's about capturing a child's imagination. From there they can go where ever they want in their reading, and I believe they will. |
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25 Jul 05 - 06:35 AM (#1527674) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy Finished it at the week end. Thought I had worked out some of the twists in the plot only to be fooled again. Still I dont think it is her best. It certainly set up the last book to be a bit of an epic with lots of answers to be given. I still think that Harry only survived the initial attack by Voldemort because his mother and father becoming part of him... "you do have your mothers eyes"...... "you do act just like your father"...etc and most revealing I think is the bit where Harry summons his patronos by the lake. Re read it and see what I mean! And after the next book.. well what about "Son of Potter". |
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25 Jul 05 - 06:59 AM (#1527689) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Torctgyd "Son of Potter" presuposes Harry survives: I think that is presupposing too much. I did, however, have a dream after I'd finished the book that Fawkes was a Horcrux! Anyone worked out who R.A.B is yet, it must be in one of the earlier books; I'll have to re-read them now to see what clues are there! |
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25 Jul 05 - 07:24 AM (#1527701) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Cluin Regulus (A.) Black? |
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25 Jul 05 - 07:25 AM (#1527704) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Ellenpoly Regulus Black is odds on favorite for the moment (Sirius' Brother), at R.A.B. but I'm sure by the time the next book is out there will be dozens of theories. I really do advise going back and re-reading the books before the last one comes out. It's a long-playing mystery which JK Rowling planned in great detail. I don't think she'll be handing us any red herrings at this point. And now I'm going to back to my life... ;-D |
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25 Jul 05 - 08:16 AM (#1527728) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow I think if she decided to write another book in the series it'd be a prequel of some kind. |
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25 Jul 05 - 06:54 PM (#1528224) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Naemanson My take: JK originally meant to do 7 books, no more. But the books were too successful and the money machine wants her to expand the franchise. So now Harry has to go after the horcruxes before he can take on Voldemort. Thus, more books! I was a bit disappointed in this book but I will be there for the next one. |
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26 Jul 05 - 03:41 AM (#1528470) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Ellenpoly Actually she's been quite clear in saying number 7 will be the end of the series and after that she won't be doing any more fantasy books. (Apparently she never liked the genre and didn't realize she was writing a fantasy for quite a while!) And remember, there are only 4 horcruxes left. ;-D |
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26 Jul 05 - 11:53 AM (#1528773) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy Well Harry could do the busuiness then get killed off, leaving his orphaned son to seek revenge in "Son of Potter" |
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27 Jul 05 - 04:58 AM (#1529030) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Torctgyd Well actually, Harry is in fact one of the Horcruxes and therefore he can't kill Volde.... He Who Must Not Be Named |
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27 Jul 05 - 07:20 AM (#1529074) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: *Laura* I reckon him and Voldemort are BOTH going to die. And probably Ginny as well - just for good measure. I don't think Rowling is an amazing writer - I think she's an excellent storyteller. There is a difference. And I thought this book was a lot better than the last one - enjoyed it very much! :-) I like the hormonal Harry it's quite funny. xLx (p.s. - do you think she meant to have him thinking about Ginny whilst 'lying in bed looking up at the drapes on his four poster bed' - t.i.c.) |
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27 Jul 05 - 07:57 AM (#1529093) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow If that's a double meaning it's a pretty obscure double meaning... |
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27 Jul 05 - 08:15 AM (#1529116) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy The last book will be a blood-bath with characters being killed of as each horcux is tracked down and destroyed. The final "battle scene" is Harry, Vodermort, Nev(Who is the Real Chosen One)and Snape, The others getting wipped out earlier in the book. |
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27 Jul 05 - 08:38 AM (#1529142) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Torctgyd Well if Neville is the real chosen one let's hope that Voldie is vulnerable to herbology |
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27 Jul 05 - 11:27 AM (#1529283) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Peter T. Well, I thought it was dreary. I started reading them when I was forced to by a small child, and liked the whole concept of the earlier ones (having been to a boy's private school with 4 houses, but no magic or girls, I could sort of relate), and rather admired the way the books got deeper, there were parts of 4 and 5 that were quite superior writing, and chunks of Dickensian writing (she had been reading Our Mutual Friend at one point). But this book shows the limits of her imagination, unfortunately. For a start, there is far too much plot exposition for pages and pages and pages (the Dumbledore scenes in the past are really boring, the scenes in the country hovel have no life to them, they are a sort of cardboard Thomas Hardy, in part because she seems to be unable to do anything with landscape, which is strange). The cave landscape, and the lake of the dead are something out of more cardboard, or movies. Something striking is how much her writing is now being influenced by the movies of her books -- the characters have turned into counters to be manipulated as plot devices. They are all patched in and out. The elves appear, go away again (now eerily turning into Gollum in their talk), Snape does his thing, Madame Divination is now exactly like Emma Thompson, and so on. The Quidditch game is of no real interest, patched in. The really strange thing is that the Harry Potter-Ginny Weasley romance is handled so poorly -- the beginning works well, and then, oh well, they get together, and it is fine, and then Harry has to send her away because his enemies will strike him through her (this is a direct steal from Spider Man). It is very strange. It is as if the life has gone out of the whole enterprise completely, just as it was heading towards the end. It is a pity, I was looking forward to seeing Rowling forge ahead. A couple of nice jokes were what made it bearable. yours, Peter T. |
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27 Jul 05 - 11:39 AM (#1529296) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: *Laura* MGofH - maybe I'm just being a teenager then... I agree - Neville is the real chosen one. Maybe he will kill VOldemort. Althouth I still reckon Harry dies. xLx |
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27 Jul 05 - 11:57 AM (#1529310) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: MMario Peter- I agree - there were many frustrating things about this book - the blackened hand - which was pretty much ignored (excuse me? In a school full of teenagers?) The whole Tonks/Lupin bit either should have been explored or left out BTW - the spider man thingie was a direct steal from Superman - so probably it's even older. Standard plot device I have been expecting since the first time Ginny was dumbstruck in Harry's presence. I personally think Snape will be vindicated and shown to be a double agent for the good guys. I suspect Dumbledore will come back - which I really *really* wish wouldn't happen |
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27 Jul 05 - 12:29 PM (#1529349) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: clueless don Haven't read book six yet (I'm in the "Holds queue" at the local public library), but I have gathered quite a bit about what happens from reading various websites. I'm not trying to avoid "spoilers" - on the contrary, I am seeking them out! One thought has come to me - all this business of the horcruxes reminds me of the "Key to Time" sequence in Doctor Who. I'm sure that someone could tell me that that was in turn taken from an older folklore, so perhaps JKR didn't lift it from Who. Don |
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27 Jul 05 - 12:31 PM (#1529351) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: MMario The placing of a portion of the soul into some object to give some semblence of immortality goes back at least as far as the ainciant greeks. I believe the concept was also present in Polynesian myth and (not quite as sure) Native American. |
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27 Jul 05 - 12:31 PM (#1529352) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: *Laura* Ooh - yeh I agree. I think it's too obvious to have Snape as a proper bad guy - so I think he's just being a complicated double-crosser. At least I hope so. But I don't think Dumbledore will come back (apologies if anyone didn't know what happened yet!) There's a lot from Lord of the Rings there too - the enchanted forest with all the weird trees and stuff, the Dementors are blatently the Black Riders, Dumbledore is Gandalf (and Gandalf came back so maybe you're right MMario)... etc etc... xLx |
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27 Jul 05 - 05:56 PM (#1529653) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Peter T. All this horcruxes business just seems to me to be a lot of padding, to stave off the last confrontation. Collect up the pieces, and you will have a full person (Reminds me of the Beyond the Fringe skit about the Identikit -- "And so you piece together the face of the criminal?" "No, we piece together a likeness of the criminal. If we could piece together the criminal, then we would be a long way towards having the criminal, the criminal body usually being found beneath the criminal face"). Its real flaw is that it turns the plot into a treasure hunt, which is unnecessary at this stage. What with Horcruxes, and Dementors, and Azkaban, it is all getting way too complicated and wearisome. Seven is probably a book too far. If she were a ruthless self-editor, we would have had the great last war this time around. I consider this volume to be Harry Potter and the Half-Cash Cow. yours, Peter T. |
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27 Jul 05 - 05:58 PM (#1529658) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Peter T. Sorry, joke is lost! "If we could piece together the criminal face...." yours, Peter T. |
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27 Jul 05 - 07:06 PM (#1529729) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow Ideally she'd have written all the books before the first one was published, the way Tolkien did with the Lord of the Rings. Or at the other extreme, perhaps, written them in monthly installments, like Dickens. Book size chunks, coming out every year or so, but trying to contain a continuing story line, and heading towards a predetermined ending, must be the hardest one of all. Especially with all the hype and the films and all - it would be virtually impossible for her to avoid being affected by the way the characters have been portrayed in the films, because she knows all her readers are already seeing them that way. I have a feeling that at some time she might come back and revise this volume and extend some parts of it - not so much because that would be a way of milking the market, like a "directors cut" film, as because there are bits that need amplifying, such as the Tonks/ Lupin stuff mentioned by several people, and the back story for Dumbledore's blackened hand, and I can imagine her wanting to do that kind of thing, because she clearly cares about getting it right. |
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28 Jul 05 - 11:04 AM (#1530042) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,leeneia I used to work in a children's library, and I've read quite a few children's books. I wonder how many parents today can say the same. I've read one Harry Potter book (I've forgotten the name), and that was because I was desperate for a book to read on a trans-Atlantic flight. In my opinion, the book was cheaply done, far too violent, and read like a movie. The ending was simply wrenched into place after the author had written herself into a corner. (I suspect that the book was actually produced by a committee.) There are far better books for kids down at the public library. My view was shared by a friend of mine, eight years old, who told me, "We stopped reading it. It was too violent." |
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28 Jul 05 - 11:10 AM (#1530049) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: MMario Now you see I find the potter books far less violent then a lot of kids books I have read - virtually all the action takes place "off screen" as it were - and many kids books have explicit descriptions of murder, torture. |
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28 Jul 05 - 11:51 AM (#1530118) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy and of cours roald dahl books are not violent and all kids are nice and.. and ...and ... Oh come on you are all just green with envy of the money she has made. It is so easy to sit and judge. I dont see many of you writting books thats sell MILLIONS. As for pinching plots from Dr Who, Superman, and Spiderman I suggest you stop reading comic books and broaden your literary knowledge somewhat. |
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28 Jul 05 - 01:32 PM (#1530219) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: *Laura* Anyway - the books are aimed at the age of Harry. So - I turned seventeen this year, which means theoretically I'm the perfect age to read the one that's just come out. I know that younger kids read them - well thats fair enough and great that they want to - but the books aren't aimed at them so it should just be accepted that some of them will be too young for the books! (and of course - others won't have a problem). What I don't really see is how they are going to do the films of the later books without them being really lame - Harry gets pretty aggressive at times which is fine in the book but it won't work on a film unless they make it rating 12 or something - which kids won't like. I know lots of people probably don't think thats important - but... I think something like a sixteen year old who wont say 'crap' would just be.. well - lame! (I don't like the actor that plays Harry either.. but that's a seperate subject) xLx |
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28 Jul 05 - 03:08 PM (#1530348) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Tam the man I like books, but not Harry Potter, the only Harry Potter book/film is the one were they all die. (only kidding). I was just wondering if you lot watch big brother (UK). Tam |
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28 Jul 05 - 03:20 PM (#1530363) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: *Laura* I most certianly do NOT thankyou very much!! **indignant huff** xLx |
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28 Jul 05 - 04:57 PM (#1530517) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak No, reading about Big Brother was enough for me. LTS |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:38 PM (#1530573) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Tam the man Harry Potter books are all right if you like that kind of stuff Laura. I just don't like them that's all. The films are all right but the books no way. Tam |
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28 Jul 05 - 05:58 PM (#1530597) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Dave the Gnome Guest, leeneia I have never worked in a childrens library or any other library. I have read loads and loads of childrens books both as a child and as an adult. I have read childrens books to my 5 children. I have read adult books to my 5 children. If you think Harry Potter is too violent I suggest you stay in the library because the real world just isn't the right place for you. Not getting at you personaly, honest, I don't know you! I just think you need to think through some of your comments. Perhaps you could convince me otherwise. What do you rate as non-violent childrens literature? Jack and the Beanstalk? Little Red Riding Hood? Hansel and Gretel? Let is know. Looking forward to your response. Dave the Gnome |
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29 Jul 05 - 02:45 AM (#1530973) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak In the original version of 'Goldilocks' (a gentle story about vagrancy, breaking and entering, theft, vandalism and animal cruelty), the bears eat Goldilocks instead of the porrige. LTS |
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29 Jul 05 - 04:05 AM (#1530992) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,noddy Im sure they pinched the plot for Goldilocks from a Batman story!!!! |
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29 Jul 05 - 08:44 AM (#1531096) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: MMario What about one of the older versions of Sleeping Beauty where the prince RAPES her and she doesn't awaken until her twin children are put to her breast? Or Rapupnzel - where the prince's eyes are put out with thorns? |
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29 Jul 05 - 10:39 AM (#1531195) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: jacqui.c Makes HP look positively peaceful. |
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29 Jul 05 - 10:40 AM (#1531196) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: MMario btw - ONLY 11 DAYS, 14 HOURS, 22 MINUTES UNTIL gOBLET oF fIRE IS RELEASED Damn Capslocks! |
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29 Jul 05 - 05:28 PM (#1531455) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: GUEST,Cluin Huh? It's not coming out till mid-November. The film, that is. |
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01 Aug 05 - 02:28 AM (#1532431) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: alison well I thought it started off pretty well... certainly grabbed me more than the last one did (it took ages of willing myself to keep reading before it got me interested) the ending was good but sad...... but the middle was just so annoying ... all that teen angst & snogging..... bleuch!!! fair enough its what teenagers do ... but surely we could have had some adventures too!! would have rathered they'd went off and found a few more horcruxes.... looking forward to the last book..... I wished I'd re-read the previous book (although that would meand wading through the beginning again) just so I remembered more relating to the characters in the latest book. slainte alison |
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17 Aug 05 - 06:29 PM (#1544360) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Cluin Okay, so it was Dementor pee. Just finished rereading "Harry Potter and the Odour of the Penis" and it occurs to me that Harry himself may prove to be the last horcrux, though unintentional. Voldemort wouldn't have known about the one Regulus Black destroyed, perhaps returning an piece of soul to Voldemort which he inadvertantly passed to Harry when he tried to kill him as a baby. I suspect both Neville and the Weasley twins' joke shop will feature prominently in the last book. Rowling likes her underdogs, and she was gretly insired by Tolkien. Neville may have to try to destroy Harry (out of friendship) to kill Voldemort. |
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17 Aug 05 - 07:31 PM (#1544394) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: McGrath of Harlow Goldilocks - a very moral tale really, till they toned it down, and made it a bit pointless, since the bears would only have eaten her because she'd eaten their porridge. What goes around comes around. Don't go round ripping off bears... |
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17 Aug 05 - 08:05 PM (#1544427) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Liz the Squeak or bears will go round ripping off yours... head that is! LTS |
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24 Aug 05 - 07:52 PM (#1548992) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Cluin Latest Harry Potter spoiler. |
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25 Aug 05 - 08:31 AM (#1549300) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Tam the man I'm only kidding |
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25 Aug 05 - 05:57 PM (#1549773) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Wesley S Cluin - Am I missing something ? |
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25 Aug 05 - 07:08 PM (#1549815) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: Cluin I dunno, Wes. Can't see you from here. |
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26 Aug 05 - 09:30 AM (#1550224) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: From: EBarnacle Last week, while waiting in line to get tickets for Two gentlemen of Verona, I went to the garbage bin to throw out my teacup. There on top of the the pile was a copy of the current HP. It had definitely been to the wars and looked as though it had been thrown against things for a while. No pages were missing. [That was sure a quick run from the shelves to the trash.] I retrieved it and gave it to a friend who had not yet read it. |
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01 Feb 06 - 04:52 AM (#1658819) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Lin in Kansas EBarnacle: LOL! I can certainly understand someone flinging Half-Blood Prince into the trash because the reader was upset with what the author had done to her characters! I once did the same thing with the last book of The Lymond Chronicles (Checkmate, I think) by Dorothy Dunnett. I reached the place where one of her characters was killed, and it made so much sense to the plot that I believed it had happened--I threw the thing against the wall and screamed at her that "it wasn't FAIR" and "how dare she do that to me?" Fortunately, I eventually picked it up and finished it. I was much happier with Ms. Dunnett after that. And I'll be standing in line for the next Harry Potter, just like I was for the last two. By the way, since when are mysteries not considered literature? They have been considered so since shortly after the days of pulp fiction. I defy anyone to tell me that John D. MacDonald (one of the many excellent mystery authors) didn't write good literature! Lin |
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01 Feb 06 - 12:45 PM (#1659206) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: EBarnacle John D MacDonald has long been one of my favorite authors. I am still finding stuff I hadn't read at rummage sales and their ilk. Try Spider Robinson, his Callahan series [and other writings] are always fun. Definitely writes a good stick. |
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01 Feb 06 - 01:12 PM (#1659237) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Wesley S Another big John D MacDonald fan here. I've read several dozen of his books. Maybe he deserves his own thread. |
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01 Feb 06 - 01:15 PM (#1659243) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Cluin Here's another vote for John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series, though I read him more for the asides and reflections on humanity/society than for the mysteries themselves. I read a sci-fi by him that was pretty good too. A page of quotes. |
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01 Feb 06 - 03:18 PM (#1659375) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Amos I've read most of his "color" series and enjoyed them. But on the whole I enjoyed the last two Potter books, both of which I just re-read, more. I mean, how could cat-like reactions with a .38 or sawed off shotgun ever compare to a quick-witted Expeliarmus!!!? A |
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02 Feb 06 - 02:47 PM (#1660320) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Lin in Kansas Amos, one of the reasons I consider John D. MacDonald literature is that he very, very seldom has his heroes exhibit their "cat-like reactions with a .38 or sawed off shotgun." His books are more about his characters and life in general than anything else, and Travis just ain't your standard salvage consultant. I love MacDonald's books, as Cluin says, for the asides and reflections on humanity/society. He's turned me on to some things I would be sorry to have missed--Billie Holiday, for instance (see The Girl, the Gold Watch, and Everything, one of his three science fiction-fantasy novels. The others are, I believe, Ballroom of the Skies and Wine of the Dreamers.) I've collected his books, Travis and non-, since I was a teenager and I think I have all of them--around 70 or so. He's one of the three writers whose books, even in my earlier financially-challenged days, I bought in hardback because I liked him so much. (The others were Dick Francis and Elizabeth Peters.) And yes, EBarnacle, I've read Spider Robinson's Callahan books, too. Jake has some pretty good reflections and social commentary himself. But back to Harry Potter--Ms. Rowling is a darned good writer, and I have all the HP books too--but by my former criteria, I would probably have waited until the paperbacks came out. Books! You can't have too many! Lin |
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02 Feb 06 - 11:15 PM (#1660731) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Amos A lovely and meritorious counterpoint, Lin. You have reminded me how much I enjoyed Travis and his views on humanity. A |
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06 Feb 06 - 01:54 PM (#1662957) Subject: RE: BS: Harry Potter: Book 6 (Half-Blood Prince) From: Naemanson Lin, when I moved to Guam I was moved by a professional moving company. When they arrived that morning at my one bedroom apartment they arrived with the little truck and two men. They were confident and satisfied they could get me packed in half a day. Then I showed them the storage closet in the basement. They called for back up and a larger truck. At the end of the day, late, as they were closing up the doors on the large truck their "backup" brought with them, the supervisor said to me, "If I never see another book for as long as I live, it will be too soon." They believed you can have too many books. I did not agree with them and still don't. |