A Short Introduction To Harry Potter
Harry Potter is a orphan, forced to stay with his cruel aunt and uncle. Soon he realizes he has some extraordinary powers and he is taken to the wizard school of Hogwarts by Hagrid. He learns that his parents were killed by a dark wizard named Voldermont. From there on in all the books, Harry Potter tries to kill Voldermont, not only to avenge his parents death, but also save the Wizard world.
The books under this series are
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
A Short Introduction To Inheritance Series
This story comes from a village where, a poor farm boy named Eragon finds a dragon egg. He does not realize that the dragons egg belongs to the evil King Galbatorix.The dragon egg hatches due to Eragon's touch So soon Eragon is hunted down by King Galbatorix and his army. The king's enemies realize Eragon is a chosen one to get the egg, The kings opponents , that is the Vardens and elves try to protect Eragon as they believe Eragon is the chosen one to be the Dragon Rider and can help them to fight the King. The story thus continues. Inheritance has two books currently, Eragon and Eldest. The next book called Brisingr, is due release on September 2008.
Well, I know I did not give a very exciting, entertaining introduction to both the book, but I just wanted to keep it short. Both the book are very exciting and a compulsory page turner. Both have so many exciting twists that you will find yourself forcing yourself to read the books in one shot.
So this is the differences I find between Harry Potter and Inheritance Series.
Harry Potter is a very light read series. It has so many exciting, unthinkable and out of the world creations, that you simply cannot stop admiring the creativity of J.K. Rowling. For example, the dungbomb, chocolate frog, Hogwarts, the invisiblity cloak, platform 91/4 just to name a few.
But Harry Potter however has some very illogical twists and turns which is later made logical by the explanations of Albus Dumbledore (the headmaster in Hogwarts) in the book. For example in the first book, when Lord Voldermont confronts Harry Potter, he touches Harry Potter and suddenly his hands start becoming life less and begin to crumbling, thus killing himself. And thus Harry Potter kills Lord Voldermont just by touching him. Harry (and obviously the readers) remains puzzled about why is that Voldermont start crumbling like dry mud when touched and asks Dumbledore about it. Dumbledore gives a clean and clear explanation about a protection of love, cast by her mother, when she died trying to save Harry. Througout the whole series of the books, there are lots of similar illogical which are later made logical by some explanations by Dumbledore and other peers. Whereas the Inheritance series is a complete opposite of this, there are countless edge nail biting twists, but none of them are illogical. Everything follows a clean order, and everything remains in logical order all the time.
Harry Potter has some real good comic characters like Ron, Peeves the poltergeist. There are good laughable comic sequences involving even serious characters like Harry, the Durselys and even Dumbledore and Snape occasionally. Where as in Inheritance series, there are absolutely no laughs. The humor quotient in Inheritance is zero, non-existent. Inheritance is a very serious novelwith very very serious plots. Christopher Paolini claims Angela, the witch, is the comic character in his book. But I barely found her cracking some jokes or playing any pranks. So coming to humor harry Potter rocks. However, unlike the rest in its series, the last book in Harry Potter series,i.e Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows very grave and serious.
Eragon and Eldest is written much in a Lord Of The Rings style. Those who have read LOTR, know that the book is many times painfully high on details. The fine details given on "out of the context" things in LOTR can really get boring at times. The Inheritance trilogy written in LOTR style is also full of details, but details are only about things that matter and about things and factors which affect the story. On the other hand, Harry Potter is very low on details. That's why I called Harry Potter books for light reading initially.
I rate both Harry Potter and Inheritance series almost equally. Both are good in their own aspects
If you wish to check out some really cool Harry Potter, Eragon and Inheritance (Inheritance series) books, audio books, movies, posters, T-shirts, collectibles and other exciting stuff. Check here
My resource is the books of course. Is you wish to get them home delivered to you for the best prices or alternatively if you would like to download it , check out the site http://fantasy-books-movies-etc.blogspot.com/
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Friday 13 June 2008
Is Harry Potter Good? The Battle Between Harry Potter Series And Inheritance (Eragon Book) Series
Full Comments on Harry Potter Movie - Order of the Phoenix
After four Harry Potter movies, we finally get a chance to see Daniel Radcliffe kissing. As the movie cast grow into their teenage years, so does the "heat" in the scenes. The newest Harry Potter movie, Order of the Phoenix, showcases many more computer generated imagery (CGI) wonders.
In fact, when you watch the Order of the Phoenix trailer, you can see that almost every scene in the trailer has CGI in it. Thank goodness that the kissing scene was not CGI. Then again, a CGI kissing scene would be interesting too. Fans of the Harry Potter movies know that the newest sequel, Order of the Phoenix is not one to be missed. The movie was scheduled for release in cinemas on Wednesday 11th July 2007.
Being released almost a week later in the cinemas after the CGI Transformers movie, the newest sequel of the Harry Potter movies was set to challenge the $152 million and counting earnings of the CGI Transformers movie.
Also, CGI works of the new Harry Potter movie; Order of the Phoenix may not stand up to the likes of the Transformers movie but it should still be an entertaining feat to behold. It should be interesting to see how the fifth Harry potter movie, Order of the Phoenix, really appeals to the loyal fans.
Having a loyal cast for four movie sequels is an amazing feat. Harry Potter is one of the movies that have successfully presented the original cast since the first movie, The Philosopher's Stone. I think it is wonderful since the viewers can relate to the actor's style of acting which, I think makes movie sequels more successful.
Will we ever have enough of Harry Potter adventures? I doubt it, even though it is only my opinion but I am actually excited to see view Harry Potter well in to adulthood & watch how the character grows in the movies.
One of the lasting Harry Potter characters is Professor Albus Dumbledore. Micheal Gambon had played the old & wise character since the first movie, The Philosopher's Stone. His prowess as playing an old wizard is also equivalent to Ian Mckellan acting on Lord of the rings.
One may become confused between the two as both characters in both separate lines of movies have the similar wise & old wizard character. Nonetheless, the main characters of both movies are not the wizard character which makes it an excusable coincidence, in my opinion.
I write on a variety of topics. Visit http://www.abassterinternational.blogspot.com/
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Wednesday 11 June 2008
Child's Harry Potter Glasses and Wand Costume Kit
Child's Harry Potter Glasses and Wand Costume KitFrom BOS Halloween Toys
Price:
$14.99
Amazon Sales Rank: #167540 in Apparel & Accessories
Brand: Unknown
Features
Makes a great combination for your Halloween costume
Costume kit comes with character plastic harry potter wand
Also includes matching wire harry potter glasses
Officially licensed Harry Potter costume
Harry Potter Costume Glasses
Harry Potter Costume GlassesFrom BOS
Price:
$4.99
Amazon Sales Rank: #202559 in Apparel & Accessories
Brand: Unknown
Fabric type:One Size
Features
Makes a great Halloween costume
Costume glasses are an Official Harry Potter licensed merchandise
Costume fits most
Harry Potter Wand and Glasses Set
Harry Potter Wand and Glasses Set
Price:
$9.90
what do you expect for $10? Glasses were pretty flimsy, so don't expect to use them roughly. I got them for my kids' dress-up box, and they are already toast. The wand is made of tougher stuff, though.
Harry Potter IV Wand and Glasses Accessory Kit (B667)
Harry Potter IV Wand and Glasses Accessory Kit (B667)
Price:
$9.95
Harry Potter Wand & Glasses
a great prop this is a great toy everything came perfect and it is a great completion to the Harry Potter halloween costume
Harry Potter Deluxe Glasses Child (One-Size)
Harry Potter Deluxe Glasses Child (One-Size)From BuyCostumes
Price:
$3.99
Round, thin framed glasses, with clear plastic lenses.
Nice accessory. Used with Gryffindor robes, tie and wand--C.H. won a costume contest! Good value for the price--looks pretty real.
Harry Potter Glasses-Classic Style Child
Harry Potter Glasses-Classic Style ChildFrom BuyCostumes
Price:
$3.49
Product Description
Reminiscent of a young Harry Potter, these glasses are black with "tape" arcoss the bridge. Glasses are 100% UV Protection (UV 400). This is an officially licensed Harry Potter product.
breaks easily Although my 6-year-old looked adorable in these glasses and the quidditch robes, they broke the third time he took them off his face. We tried to repair them with super glue, but they kept breaking (in different spots around the glue).
Harry Potter Glasses and Wand
Harry Potter Glasses and Wand
List Price:
$12.83
Price:
$9.58
Amazon Sales Rank: #10852 in Apparel & Accessories
Brand: Rubies Costume Co
Harry Potter Glasses Costume Eyeglasses
Harry Potter Glasses Costume EyeglassesFrom Rubies
Price:
$4.95
Harry Potter Glasses Costume Eyeglasses plastic. one size (childs).
Thursday 5 June 2008
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
Product Description
Read by Jim DaleRunning time: 20 hrs., 30 mins. 12 cassettesHarry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his fourth year of magical adventures in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This year Harry turns 14 and becomes interested in girls -- one in particular. And with Dark Magic comes danger, as someone close to Harry dies. You'll have to listen to learn more! The audio is available on July 8th.
Great Read Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Author: J.K. Rowling Date: July 8, 2000 Publisher: Scholastic press Reading Level: Ages 9-12 # of Pages: 734 Genre: Fiction In this fourth edition the main character Harry Potter is now 14 years old. Of course, Harry is still that same boy from book one with the lightning bolt scar, only now he is slightly older and he begins to understand the challenges that face him ahead. It seems like just another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry until the Tri-Wizard Tournament is announced and Harry is mysteriously entered into the tournament as a contestant. The Tri-Wizard Tournament is a magical competition that tests the contestant's bravery, knowledge, and magical skill. Along with the tournament readers are introduced to two other magical schools (Durmstrang and Beauxbatons) and get a rare glimpse of the wizarding world during the Quidditch World Cup. Again, Rowling combines her vivid details of the wizarding world to paint an amazing picture that allows the reader to revel in even the smallest details that make Harry Potter so special. Along with the death-defying Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry must now focus on the return of Lord Voldamort and his death eaters. Once again, Rowling also introduces a few new characters into the story, both good and evil. A new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor arrives at Hogwarts and some problems are created by house-elves throughout the story. The positive about this book is that they first third of the book spent reviewing the previous three Harry Potter books, so even if you have not read them you can start at book four and have a good idea of what is happening. Also, many points of the plot are left open leaving room for book five. There really is not a negative to this book. Honestly, after reading the first three books I was leery that Rowling was not going to be able to continue writing such engaging stories, but once again she proves that she is able to keep the magic alive. Rowling does an excellent job of reintroducing the main characters and keeping her faithful readers engaged. Personally, this is my favorite book from the popular series. Rowling is able to take this story to a new level by creating a slightly darker version of the popular series and allowing the main characters to experience challenges unseen in the previous books. Goblet of Fire is the first time that a main character actually dies at the hands of Lord Voldamort, the main villain within the series. This is also when Harry Potter, the main character, begins to develop into a young adult and begin to take on the responsibility as the main rival of Voldamort. Overall, this story marks a turn in the Harry Potter books that expresses a more "adult" tone to the story.
It's Good I've been reading the "Harry Potter" series sense Gr. 2. The first was ok, the second was mildly intertaining and the third took a giant step in making the series understanding. But the forth is far by the funniest and most clever of the series. I like it how the author (J. K. Rowling) squeezes more information from book to book. It's very understandable and fast to read. If your a fast reader you can probably get to Chapter 3 in about 2hrs. This book is "AR" (Acellarated Reading) and is fun to read. It is worth 32 Points (Awesome). As other books you search for big points this series can take you up far. My friends and I read the "Harry Potter" series and love the films. I heard the other books like books 5-7 have more than fifty Points (I almost threw up it was so high!). I reccomend these books for people who like long stories that make some sense in each book.
Harry Potter and the Four Champions Triwizard Tournment ,Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasly. Harry potter has a horrible life under the commands of the Dursleys. He wants to get to Hogwarts, a wizard and witchcraft school, one of the three, Beaxubutions and Durmstrang. This year the Triwizard Tournment is happening at Hogwarts it hasn't happened in over one-hundred years. The champions are Viktor Krum, one of the worlds greatest seekers, Cedric Diggory, a fellow hogwarts, Fluer Delacour, a Beaxbutions student, and Harry Potter, himself! The problem is Harry did not put his name into the goblet of fire. He is too young. Who put his name in the goblet of fire? Draco Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins have badges that say "Vote For Cedric Diggory, The Real Hogwarts Champion". If you press it into your stomach, it says "POTTER STINKS". The first task is easy for Harry it gets harder and harder until the final task. I would recommend this book to readers who like fantasy and magic. By Zoe
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
Product Description
In one of the most hotly anticipated sequels in memory, J.K. Rowling takes up where she left with Harry's second year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Old friends and new torments abound, including a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, an outrageously conceited professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, and a mysterious force that turns Hogwarts students to stone.
More Magic Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (year 2 at Hogwarts) is a fitting follow-up to the first book. It succeeds at continuing the mystery-solving, tongue-in-cheek good humor of the first story, which makes it fun to read, and yet it also begins to introduce many of the central themes and elements of the series as a whole. Several very memorable characters are introduced to the series here (Mr./Mrs. Weasley, Dobby the house elf, Lucius Malfoy, Fawkes, etc.) It is also where we begin to learn about Voldemort's past. I could spend a great deal of time complimenting this book for its wit, humor, and overall enjoyability, but suffice it to say that it is a fun read--and a quick read, which cannot be said for the latter portion of the Harry Potter series. The only major "gripe" that I have (and I may be the only one) is that in this book, the believability of the adults/teachers in the story--already dubious in book 1--takes a turn for the worse. I personally find it hard to believe that so little action would be taken in the face of potentially fatal attacks. This is consistently the case throughout the series, however, and is probably necessary on some level: Harry would never get to solve anything if the teachers managed to collectively have more brains than a teenager. Not much more to say really, I definitely recommend this book.
Awesome!!! I loved every word. I think the books are so much better than the movies. Don't get me wrong, I love the movies, but there is so much detail in the book that I only wish was in the movie. Great read!!! 5 STARS!!!
Harry Potter - book on CD Shipping was quick and the reader on the CD was interesting. Good voice for reading.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)
Harry Potter has to sneak back to Hogwarts, after accidentally inflating his horrible Aunt Petunia. But once there everyone is whispering about a prizoner who has escaped from the famous wizard prizon, Azkaban. His name is Sirius Black, and as a follower of Lord Voldemort he is determined to track Harry Potter down -- even if it means laying siege to the very walls of Hogwarts!
Harry Potter fan I liked, is in good condition,parece nuevo, a mi sobrina le encanto thank you !!!! por tener todos estos tipos de libros.
Great story, great performance by Jim Dale It's a great story, with much more detail and interest than the movie that was based on it. Jim Dale's performance is excellent and really brings life to the characters. I took off one star because one of the disks was scratched & Amazon cowered behind their policy that they would not allow an exchange of an audio product that was opened.
Peak of Magic Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (year 3 at Hogwarts) is regarded by some as the best book of the Harry Potter series. After recently re-reading the entire series, I think am ready to jump on the bandwagon. For starters, this book has a very compelling plot, brilliantly crafted characters (most notably, Sirius Black) and a critically important plot twist towards the end which shapes the next several books of the series. It introduces the friends of Harry's father, all of whom have extremely important roles to play in the series. It creates a sense of danger, but still manages to be humorous and fun at the right times. And this is the last book in the series that manages to keep itself to a fairly low word count. There are several key moments of humor (centering on the marauders and Dumbledore's offhand observations, for instance) and poignancy (Harry finding out the truth about the betrayal of his parents, conjuring of patronuses, and saving the lives of characters whose deaths would have been tragic). And this, of ALL of the books in the series, is the only one where I don't feel like the adults are improbably inept. The way in which Harry "solves" the mystery (or gets forcibly dragged to the solution!) is believable and unique to him, such that I can accept that none of the teachers would have solved it. This story is important as it shows Harry starting to believe in his own abilities, and beginning to really take a stand for what he knows is right. He shows mercy and compassion, a sense of justice and conviction, and of course hope and love. In a way, this book has the "happiest" ending of any in the series, and certainly a meaningful one. In short, is this the best book in the Harry Potter series? I can't say absolutely that it is, but I'm certainly having difficulty convincing myself that it's not.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)
Product Description
The book that took the world by storm....In his fifth year at Hogwart's, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be- Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Along the way he learns about the strength of his friends, the fierceness of his enemies, and the meaning of sacrifice.
Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix is a suprising, entertaining book. The main characters are Harry,Ron and Hermione.The main characters broke the rules that would get them expelled from Hogwarts.My favorite character is Ron Weassly because he never fights to make people stop teasing him.I can relate to the character Ron because I don't like to be teased. I also find ways to make them stop teasing me. I loved the book; every page was exciting.I recommend this book to people who like fiction and have questions after every chapter.
My favorite of the series While "Azkaban" and "Goblet of Fire" began the transition of the series towards the darker and more mature side, "Order of the Phoenix" was the first to really explore the pure evil that Voldemort and his death eaters were capable of and the conflicting feelings going through Harry's mind. This was when Harry first realized how close of a connection he really did have with Voldemort: he could be in his head and vice-versa. I loved that Rowling explored this more mature side to the story and the way that Harry was maturing along with the stories. Overall, this was my favorite book from the series.
Heart over Mind Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (year 5 at Hogwarts)... This is a very tricky book for me to review. I have mixed feelings about it for a lot of reasons, which I will elucidate momentarily. However, I decided to award it 5 stars, based more on my "gut reaction" than anything else. Here's why: This book is chalk full of some of my absolute favorite moments in the series. The character of Umbridge, while extremely one-dimensional, is also very effective as a foil to Harry in this book. She frustrates me to no end, and I dearly wish her to get her comeuppance. Thus, any circumstance in which someone stands up to her (notably, Fred and George, McGonagall, and Dumbledore) is an absolute delight, and these are the moments that stand out in my mind when I think about the book. We also meet the fantastic, imaginative character of Luna Lovegood, one of my favorites. Another great thing about this story is the fact that the central struggle is not between "good and evil," (i.e. Harry/Dumbledore etc. vs. Voldemort), but rather it is between, as spelled out in book 4, what is right and what is easy. Harry, Dumbledore, and a select group of believers are preparing to fight the danger of Voldemort's return, whereas the Ministry of Magic is in outright denial of the return, and goes to unbelievable lengths to frustrate Harry's and Dumbledore's attempts to spread the word. This generates a unique story, in which characters who should be on the same side are working against each other, and I think it creates a wonderful dramatic tension. It also inspires "Dumbledore's Army," one of the most effective examples of character growth in the series. On the other hand, the book has several faults that are hard to ignore. For one, it is very LONG, and could use a great deal of editorial tightening. It also begins to have a lot of plot holes and logical gaps, and returns to the disturbing trend of inept adults (does the Order of the Phoenix accomplish anything at all in the course of the year?). Perhaps the most annoying aspect of the book is the nearly unbearable negativity of Harry throughout, which may be understandable given his circumstances, but it certainly gets old fast. In the end, I guess I am able to overlook the shortcomings of the story and simply enjoy its better moments, possibly because by this point in the series, I am already committed to the long haul. It is definitely the last book of the series that has much left of the "fun" that made the first part of the series so enjoyable, so... enjoy it while you can!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Product Description
Read by Jim Dale8 hours 17 minutes, 6 cassettesHarry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.
Audio is Awesome Jim Dale's reading of the book was excellent and I do have to say that I have not listened to an audio book that I have enjoyed more. Dale's changing of his voices to mimic the character was very interesting yet not over done. I could envision each character due to his inflections and changes in speech patterns. During the entire eight hours of the reading of this audio book, not once was I bored by the reading of it. I can only hope he will read the next book in this series. Alas, I have been very late in reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone but I can guarantee that I'll be much quicker in getting the next book. I truly enjoyed this book even if it was originally written for children - this book is enjoyable no matter what your age and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of fantasy.
A Fun Listen I enjoyed the book so much that I wanted to be able to listen to it in the car on long drives. It is a lot of fun, though sometimes the narrator is a bit "over the top" with his accents and emoting. He takes a little getting used to.
Wonderful...truly a performance I love the Harry Potter series, but I was unsure of the audiobooks. Jim Dale really brings J.K. Rowling's books to life. He doesn't read--he performs. I would recommend them to anyone!
Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
Product Description
Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron, to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape. From a dangerous descent into the Chamber of Secrets to the Triwizard Tournament to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, each adventure is more riveting and exhilarating than its predecessor, and now all six books are available together for the first time in an elegant paperback boxed set.
Harry Potter Collection Thank you, a beautifully presented set exactly as described. Shipped very quickly as promised. Well worth it.
Harry Potter series The books were great and the company sent them in an extremely timely fashion. I would order from them again.
Best Fantasy Ever If you haven't read them..... Then get on it. These are the greats books ever. They have a little of everything. They are great for all ages. The later books could be a little scary for younger children but that is why the parent should read them first. Just great books all around.
Harry Potter Boxset Books 1-7
HARRY POTTER BOXED SET 1-7 includes the seven phenomenal Harry Potter hardcover books by best selling author J. K. Rowling. These books are housed in a collectible trunk-like box with sturdy handles and privacy lock. Bonus decorative stickers are included in each boxed set.
The Complete Potter So maybe I was the only person on earth that had not a single one of the Harry Potter books on my shelves, but now thanks to this wonderful set I have all seven, and in hardback! The quality of the books is a given. All seven volumes in original hardback with original cover art. What's not to love. It showed up in the box that it was shipped from at the manufacturer and inside is the collector's chest. Not really much more than a Point of Sale container in my opinion, but a decent effort was put into the art work to make the experience of recieving and opening it fun. I keep my books in the case just for kicks, but it should certainly not be the reason you decide to make this purchase, especially if you already have all the books. Each book was individually shrink wrapped inside the chest and it also included a fun sticker book that any kid under age 7 is gonna love. great value, great product, amazing stories (I am only half way through the 1st book, but already in love with the characters) J.Vaughn
Harry Potter Box Set Perfect condition and one of the few sets that came with the decorative trunk to hold the books. Great transaction.
I would tell my friends to get it Well i like it and it is great my books are safe and they won't get damaged at all. I would tell more then a friend about it. I am gonna order from here again.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
Product Description
This must-read fantasy takes you inside Hogwarts again for Harry's 6th year. What's in store for the wizard and his friends? What danger does his greatest enemy have planned? And who is the half-blood prince? Find out in this long-awaited adventure! Winner of two 2005 Quill Book Awards: Best Children's Chapter Book in the middle grade category and readers' choice for Book of the Year!
function registerNamespace(ns)Good, but too much tell rather than show ***relatively minor spoilers below*** Once I got started, I devoured HP and the Half Blood Prince in about a week. This was a nice change from the plodding Order of the Phoenix, which I forced down over the course of several months. The HBP focuses primarily on the development and evolution of the main characters. There are only a few big events but boy, are they shocking. The final pages throw the ball high into the air, to be caught somewhere in Book 7. I fault the HBP on two points: First off, many reviewers have observed that HBP is largely a setup for Deathy Hallows (which I have yet to read). But HBP also spends many pages attempting to wrap up and weave together the events of Books 1-5. Rowling tries to pull it all together-- characters, incidents, items from HP's past-- into one over-arching plotline. At times it feels very strained, and it's evident that Rowling dreamed up most of these explanations and connections far after the time they were originally written. Secondly, there are, of course, a number of rather astounding twists towards the end. However, unlike in previous volumes, I don't feel that these twists were handled very well. Their explanations seem feeble, half-hearted, and overall unsatisfactory. The twists inevitably result in character assassination of cast members whose reliability served as much of the foundation of previous volumes. The destruction of reliability is a bit too abrupt, and subsequent attempts to patch or explain away this loss feel like a band-aid over a dagger through the heart. Perhaps the Deathly Hallows will help bridge these rifts. Overall, it's still a very enjoyable, engrossing read. I feel like a young school girl in admitting that intrigue over the various romances prodded me to continue flipping pages. Several scenes and lines made me laugh out loud or smile, always a sign that a reading is time well spent.
Build-up "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by itself is a very good novel. When compared to its predecessor "Order of the Phoenix" and the last installment "Deathly Hallows", it doesn't quite measure up. The sixth book of the series is largely a build-up to transition to the final stand-off in the seventh book, but it seems like there is just a little too much talking and not enough classic Harry Potter action. I guess this was a pretty necessary transition, however, as it does set up the conclusion of the series very nicely. I suggest that if you have not read this book yet to make sure that you have the seventh book handy as you are going to want to continue on as soon as you finish this one.
Great book just like the rest. Like all the books before its a great work. My entire family (that can read) has read every book (my wife and I listen to them on cd). My 5 yr old has been harry potter for the past 3 years for holloween.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Amazon.com Readers beware. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series is not for the faint of heart--such revelations, battles, and betrayals await in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that no fan will make it to the end unscathed. Luckily, Rowling has prepped loyal readers for the end of her series by doling out increasingly dark and dangerous tales of magic and mystery, shot through with lessons about honor and contempt, love and loss, and right and wrong. Fear not, you will find no spoilers in our review--to tell the plot would ruin the journey, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is an odyssey the likes of which Rowling's fans have not yet seen, and are not likely to forget. But we would be remiss if we did not offer one small suggestion before you embark on your final adventure with Harry--bring plenty of tissues.
The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission--not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man--and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. Attentive readers would do well to remember Dumbledore's warning about making the choice between "what is right and what is easy," and know that Rowling applies the same difficult principle to the conclusion of her series. While fans will find the answers to hotly speculated questions about Dumbledore, Snape, and you-know-who, it is a testament to Rowling's skill as a storyteller that even the most astute and careful reader will be taken by surprise.
A spectacular finish to a phenomenal series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a bittersweet read for fans. The journey is hard, filled with events both tragic and triumphant, the battlefield littered with the bodies of the dearest and despised, but the final chapter is as brilliant and blinding as a phoenix's flame, and fans and skeptics alike will emerge from the confines of the story with full but heavy hearts, giddy and grateful for the experience. --Daphne Durham
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Saturday 10 May 2008
The House of Gryffindor - Hogwarts' Bravest
The House of Gryffindor is the place where most Harry Potter fans would love to be sorted into by the venerable Sorting Hat. Not only is it the house where the hero, Harry Potter, and his friends belong, this is also the house where the wizards and witches are known for their great courage. Founded by Godric Gryffindor, this house proudly displays its strength and courage with its golden and scarlet blazon, featuring a mighty lion on a red-colored background.
The House of Gryffindor is located on the seventh floor of the Hogwarts castle, the entrance to which is slyly hidden behind a painting of a fat woman in a pink silk dress. Though she is not one to refuse entry if told the right password, the Gryffindor students had better be careful if disturbing her precious sleep.
Behind this painting is the Gryffindor commons room, which remains busy and full of students during most of the daylight hours. It has a common bulletin board, where one can find all kinds of news: from the news about the latest rules and regulations of the school, to the news about the next date of the Hogwarts trip, to advertisements for second-hand books. There is also a fire place, through which one can connect with the outside world, using the "floo network". Besides these, there are the usual tables and chairs, where the students get together for studying and chatting with their friends.
This common room of the House of Gryffindor leads to two staircases, one leading to the boys' dormitory and the other leading to the girls' dormitory. The girls' staircase feature an enchantment that prevents boys from entering the girls' dormitory. However, as the girls are considered more trustworthy, no such enchantment guards the boys' staircase.
The head of Gryffindor house during Harry Potter's schooling is the stern but trustworthy teacher, Professor Minerva McGonagall. The house ghost is Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, better known as "Nearly Headless Nick" because of his partially beheaded neck.
The House of Gryffindor (just like the other houses of the Hogwarts School) also has been the place where some of the most famous and successful wizards and witches have belonged. For instance, this house was the one to which the very head of the Hogwarts School, Sir Albus Dumbledore, once belonged.
Other well-known figures from Harry Potter's world who have belonged to this house include Harry Potter's parents (James Potter and Lily Evans), and his godfather, Sirius Black. Gryffindor had also housed all the members of the Weasley family (the "Redheads"), without exception.
The House of Gryffindor, like any other aspect of the Hogwarts castle, closely guards its secrets, and much remains hidden that may yet be unfolded. Full of great mysteries of the past and great aspirations for the future, this house is where courage and loyalty are treasured above all.
Amy Koelle is a self-confessed Harry Potter enthusiast (some would say "addict"), and is the principal content creator for HarryGear.com. She also publishes a monthly Harry Potter newsletter, available at: ==> http://www.harrygear.com
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Harry Potter Movie Actor - Why Only British Actors For The Movie Series?
J.K. Rowling and the Boy Wizard, both share a very humble beginning. The author was unemployed and living on state benefits as she completed her first novel. So also, the first book was rejected by many publishers before Bloomsbury finally published it by reportedly paying a mere £10,000 for the rights to Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone.
When Scholastic published the first book in The US, it changed the name of the first book from The Philosopher's Stone to The Sorcerer's stone ostensibly to better suit the taste of the American readers. The change was done much against the wishes of J.K. Rowling who lacked the muscle to oppose the change being a virtual nobody at the time.
But by the time the first book was adapted into a movie, the books had already become an international phenomena and Rowling now had the clout to control her creation. She very effectively used this clout to demand a strictly British Cast for the movies and she has been successful so far, thus giving employment to most of the British Screen Actors Guild.
She nonetheless allowed the inclusion of many Irish actors such as the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and for casting of French and Eastern European actors in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire according to the nationalities of the characters from the book.
Her fierce opinions about keeping Americans out of her films has caused a lot of heart burn among the Americans as reflected in the views and opinions expressed on websites and blogs across the net.
One school of thought is that the Americans would never be able to perfect the accent needed for the very British children's adventure stories set around the boarding schools. In this respect, the movies get the essence of the quintessential British boarding school genre with its elderly school masters, vast dining halls, competing sports houses, dormitories, train stations and children's fascination with sweets. The films even stage the broomstick-bound equivalent of a soccer game. Followers of this school of thought argue that the Americans would never sound English and make for the critics to have a field day.
Another school of thought is that the exclusion of American actors from the cast smacks of Euro-Racist attitude as well as hypocrisy - a direct result of the pompous attitude of the haughty British.
If an American can never sound truly English then by the same rationale, should Brits never play Americans then? Because not every Brit can pull off a straightforward American accent either.
The argument may soon be put to an end.
Warner Bros have invited Madonna's daughter Lourdes (nicknamed Lola), an American to play a role in the next Harry Potter movie - The Half-Blood Prince. Lourdes is only 11 but she might just be able to break the stranglehold of the British actors on the Harry Potter Movies.
Zulekha Alam is an enthusiastic Harry Potter fan and the webmaster of the Harry Potter Fansite http://www.harrypotterandthedeathlyhallowsstore.com Visit the website for comprehensive information on the Harry Potter phenomena including Harry Potter Books, Movies, DVDs and other Harry potter Products. In particular please visit http://www.harrypotterandthedeathlyhallowsstore.com/harrypottermovie5.html for information regarding the latest Movie and its DVD version to be released shortly.
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Use Harry Potter Trivia in Effective Reading Lesson Plans
Why not change the format of your comprehension questioning in your reading lesson plans for each Harry Potter novel? This will in fact work with any novel study.
After each chapter or section of the book is completed, ask your students to submit a trivia question about what they have just read. The questions can be both simple and complex. The teacher will also strategically add his/her own questions, making sure to cover the comprehension and/or grammar questions that are important. Spelling questions can also be added using new words learned from that chapter. Trivia can also include questions on other lessons such as science and math which relate to the passages that have been read.
After all the questions have been received, divide your class into the 4 Hogwarts house teams: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. These four teams can be changed from time to time for each new book or they may be kept constant. The competition among the children in each house will further increase their desire to read effectively so they can help their teams. Children with more advanced reading and comprehension skills will want to help out those in their teams who may be struggling, thus offering some peer coaching.
Children will look forward to reading the assigned chapters and learn to enjoy reading and to comprehend the written content much more effectively when Harry Potter Trivia is used in your classroom.
Valerie Giles owns and operates Cyber-Prof: Teacher Resource Site an educational web site that specializes in resources for school and teacher supplies . Free stuff for teachers, teaching strategies, K-8, educational toys and games, back to school, classroom technology and home school curriculum. http://www.cyber-prof.com The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.
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The Pope Hates Potter - Both of Them
This month a court in Burlington, Kentucky issued the largest settlement to date against the Catholic Church in the “Priestofeelya” scandal.
Judge John Potter ruled in favor of the victims against the church to the tune of $120 million dollars (place pinky to corner of mouth.)
On such an infamous and history making day, there was little doubt the Vatican would issue a statement. That’s why no one was particularly surprised when Pope Benedict came out using the strongest language from the Vatican in some time denouncing Potter.
Harry Potter.
OK, in his defense, the guy with the Big White Hat is rather aged. Already beat the “three score and ten” often quoted from the Psalms. Possibly he meant to denounce JOHN Potter and simply had a senior moment. Certainly the Vatican did not allow this precedent setting commentary on their policies go without comment.
I guess the “Holy See” just doesn’t “see” it. (Clever pun quota met for today.)
According to Ratzinger, reading about some four-eyed-son-of-a-witch is much more harmful than a confessional fondling by Father Nutsinhander. Surely these youngsters were asking to be fondled, what with their bambi-like eyes, impish naiveté and round buttocks, playfully hidden beneath the folds of an alter-boy dress.
What sexually repressed, hard on in a penguin suit could resist asking them to visit his Rectory?
Catholics should begin addressing the real source of the sexual abuse scandal—stop reporting abuse. It worked for 50 years, it will work for 50 more.
Kevin Scott is the owner of http://www.WhoreChurch.com exposing the luncacy going on in the name of Christ. Visit now for a whole new perspective on your faith. You might get mad, but it will surely make you think.
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Intriguing Dream Images
The first three installments of the Harry Potter series have shown us flashbacks, hallucinations, magic mirrors, time travel, and other altered states of consciousness as Harry drifts in and out of reality. Haunted by ghosts of his past, a demonic wizard hell-bent on destroying him, and soul-sucking dementors who want to tap into his misery, Harry’s state of mind is a constant concern for his friends and adopted family at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” however, for the first time we are invited into Harry’s tortured dreams as he enters his fourth year at the school.
Director Mike Newell includes three dream sequences taken from the book by J.K. Rowling. Although all the dreams take place in the same location with the same characters and have the same theme (i.e., let’s kill Harry Potter), their presentations differ greatly and therefore produce different emotions in the viewer.
The first dream sequence begins the movie. We see an old caretaker notice a light in an abandoned house that he’s watching. He angrily marches over to the house expecting to find some unruly teenagers. Instead he finds Lord Voldemort, Wormtail, and another mysterious man talking about the ultimate demise of Harry. A huge snake slithers by the caretaker as he listens outside the door. Suddenly his presence becomes known and as the caretaker is attacked, Harry awakens in a terrified state from the dream.
Unlike dream sequences that use black and white or distorted color, garbled sound, and illogical images to indicate an altered state of consciousness or specifically a dream, this first dream sequence has no visual or aural cues. The dream occurs in real-time; we feel what Harry feels and we assume that it’s really happening. Until we see Harry awaken, we believe (and are supposed to believe) that the scene is actually taking place. This director’s trick (and in this case also the author’s trick) hooks us immediately into the action, and then shocks us by revealing that it was all just a dream.
The second dream sequence happens in real-time also. We know it’s a dream, however, because we see Harry sleeping fitfully in bed before it starts. Throughout the sequence, we see scenes of Harry sleeping. The dream is similar to before, but we learn a little more this time. Because it’s not a surprise, this dream looks like a typical movie dream with slow motion, blurring, and an unreal quality. Harry awakens in a frightened sweat again. We don’t feel quite as threatened this time because we’re led to believe that Harry suffers from recurring nightmares (and with his troubled past who could blame him?)
The third time we see Harry’s dream is through a flashback as he recalls the dream out loud in Albus Dumbledore’s office. We’re still confused about the relevance of these dreams. Because the dream is not happening in real-time, but is a brief flashback – a mere memory of what Harry thought he dreamed, the dream’s importance may be lessened. After recounting the dream, he asks Dumbledore if the dreams could possibly be something other than random and meaningless. Could they be telepathic scenes currently taking place or possibly prophetic dreams that predict Harry’s future? The final thirty minutes of the film answer this question.
The reason why filmmakers (and authors) use dream sequences is to increase audience involvement and connectedness to the character. Getting inside of Harry’s head allows us to feel his horror and share his sense of dread.
By keeping us off-guard as to whether or not these dreams are true events, real-time dreams, or memories of dreams, the director confuses us as to what is real and what is an illusion. It’s cinematic sorcery that bewitches us into reading the book, going to the multiplex, and buying the DVD.
Copyright 2006 Leslie Halpern
Central Florida-based entertainment writer Leslie Halpern is the author of “Dreams on Film. The Cinematic Struggle Between Art and Science” (McFarland & Company), a book that analyzes representations of sleeping and dreaming in the movies. She also wrote “Reel Romance. The Lovers’ Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies” (Taylor Trade Publishing), a book that reviews date movies for couples, and suggests romantic ideas inspired by these films. Her articles have appeared in hundreds of entertainment trade and consumer magazines. Visit Leslie’s website at http://home.cfl.rr.com/lesliehalpern/leslie_halpern.htm
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Do The Potter
It seems like inspiration is everywhere when you look for it. Consider my latest source of joy, Harry Potter. I haven't even seen the new movie, only the previews, and was moved to tears. My six year old daughter Emily thought this was rather amusing, as I passed the popcorn.
What struck me as so awesome while watching the preview of Harry Potter, was a line that might not impress a lot of people, but I felt like he was speaking so brilliantly, and clearly, that I had to share it. In the trailer, Harry is trying to rally the other witch and wizard students to help him fight the newest dark enemy. Everyone is afraid. Protesting that they can't. Impossible to do it. And Harry, in all of his Hollywood glory says, "All truly great wizards started as nothing more than we are now. If they can do it, why not US?!" ( Or something very similar. I was so knocked over that I could be hallucinating.)
Meaning, that everyone who is accomplished, enlightened, famous, notorious, self made, etc...all started somewhere. And more often than not, they started on their quest against major obstacles. As a coach, I try encourage clients to imagine, "What if?" What if I COULD go back to college and become a teacher. What if I did take a risk and open my own business? What would it be like to try and run a marathon? As humans, we come up with all sorts of interesting excuses as to why what we profess to be our greatest wish, is impossible. I can't go back to school because I don't have the money. Who am I to think that I could open my own business? Running a marathon would be too hard. My answers: student loan, who are you NOT to open your own business, and so what? I realize that I am simplifying, but you get the picture. You have to start saying SO WHAT to welcome what might be so. (Someone really cool said that I can't remember who.)
Personally, I am working on two books. Occasionally, I'll fall into the trap of listening to some self limiting thoughts like, "Who do you think YOU are to write a book?" But, you know, who am I not to? I have a lot to say. haha And, I am going to "Practice the Potter" and realize that all great authors, before their first book, sat in front of a blank paper or computer screen, and took it one word at a time.
So, over the next week, try and notice when you are putting up your own road blocks. Observe your thoughts and challenge them. They are only thoughts, and you can choose them. Ask yourself, "Who would I be without that thought?" If Harry Potter used his magic wand to eliminate the thought, "I will never be a writer," how would your day/week/year/life be different?
I'd be slaying chapters, dude!
Have a great day!
Susan
Copyright (c) 2007 Susan Hyatt
Susan Hyatt is a dynamic life coach, author, speaker, and owner of Ideal Life Design. She is passionate about helping clients create work/life balance, and design their ideal lives. http://www.ideallifedesign.com
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Movie Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
As a long-time fan of the Harry Potter book series, it is always with trepidation that I approach a new Harry Potter movie. With the recent release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I felt even more uneasy than usual. As the longest book in the series to date, it was almost painful thinking of all the potential cuts that would be made to package an 800+ page book into a two-and-a-half hour movie. After my relative disappointment with the movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I admit I was quite worried about the new Harry Potter movie.
Thankfully, though, the movie met nearly every expectation I had. Everything in the book had been culled except for the main thrust of the plot and all of the action, but this resulted in the most action-packed, breathless Harry Potter movie thus far, from the dementor attack, to Harry's first kiss with Cho, to the final battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort. The only drawback to this approach is that major themes were presented as simple one-time occurrences and some of the continuity of the book was lost in the movie.
One main theme where this was apparent was Harry's detention punishments by Professor Umbridge. The book focused much more on the physical torture being inflicted on Harry and his resilience in the face of the unfair, brutal detention sentence. Another theme only briefly mentioned in the movie is the interaction of the adult members of the Order of the Phoenix and their desire to shield the children from its meetings and actions. The students, on the other hand, do their best to penetrate the secrets and learn what they can about the Order. The movie only glosses over these interactions, which make up significant portions of the book.
However, in such a short movie, it was amazing that so many themes were hit upon. Although it is in more of a "Greatest Hits" type of format, there are really only a few scenes or themes that did not make it into the movie. One of the more powerful scenes in the book that I found missing from the movie was the students' visit to Ron Weasley in the hospital after the snake attack, where they were also introduced to Neville Longbottom's parents, who had been tortured into madness by the Death Eater, Voldemort follower Bellatrix Lestrange. This visit provided some valuable insight into both the main characters as well as Neville, in an emotionally powerful scene. Although it was not central to the book, it was a scene well worth seeing in the movie.
Arguably, the character of Dolores Umbridge is the most irritating professor to have graced the halls of Hogwarts during Harry's years there. The movie does a remarkable job of bringing out the most unlikeable traits of the Professor Umbridge. From her irritating cough, "Hem, hem," to the use of Ministry of Magic Educational Decrees to take away the students' rights and privileges and take over control of Hogwarts, to the arrogant attitude that results in her eventual downfall late in the story, it is hard to imagine a more grating character. The actress who plays Umbridge does so masterfully.
The special effects in the movie, as in all of the Harry Potter movies, are great, and the acting is believable. While it could not have been easy paring down a book of this size into a more manageable movie, the end result is a wonderful visit to Harry's world and the best summary of the book that could be expected. For anyone who has not read the books or seen any of the other movies, all this talk of "He Who Must Not Be Named," Muggles, and wizards wearing black masks of death will seem absurd and confusing, but for those of us Harry Potter fans, the movie only makes the week-long wait for Book 7 that much slower. In fact, in my case, the movie did exactly what I am sure it was designed to do: when I got home, I pre-ordered the book on Amazon.com and will be eagerly reading in when it gets here on Saturday.
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Harry Potter and The Game Of Quidditch
The game Of Quidditch was invented by the famed author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling in her first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
The game is played by wizards and witches, and is first seen on the grounds of Hogwarts's school. The viewer is first introduced to it when Harry Potter is invited to join the team after he's been seen disobeying orders, flying his broom with wild abandon and mastery, by one of his Professors.
On broomsticks, the players attempt to take the ball through one of three small hoops at each end of the field, measuring 500 feet in length. Opposing players are allowed to do almost anything to stop the ball from it's goal, as well as to intercept it and take it to their own goal. Just like other ball-focused games, there are goals at each end and players have specific jobs to perform.
Chaser - This team member is assigned the task of removing the Quaffle from the other team and scoring, just as the name implies. There are three chasers per team.
Beater - A beater is a member who uses a separate ball, a Bludger, to propel toward the other team in an effort to stop them from scoring. There are two beaters on each team.
Keeper - The position of keeper is much like the goalie. His job is to stop the other team's ball from scoring. There is one keeper on each Quidditch team.
Seeker - The seeker is charged with catching the Golden Snitch. This feat ends the game, and awards 150 points to the team who is able to perform this amazing task. Harry Potter plays the position of Seeker.
There are four balls in a quidditch set, and each are magical balls. The seeker has to catch the Golden Snitch, which is worth one hundred fifty points and ends the Quidditch game. This ball is gold, obviously, and sprouts wings upon its release. It's very fast, very nimble and is somehow quite easy for Harry Potter to obtain. He's a natural seeker.
The bludger is used as a projectile. Each of the two Beaters throws a bludger to unseat or, at least, to cause a fumble, in order to prevent a successful carry of the Quaffle.
The Quaffle is the game ball, per se. The ball is larger and is designed to be carried, much like a football, under the arm. If a Chaser is successful in scoring, he's taken the Quaffle and gotten it through the two-foot wide goal (hoop). A successful goal is worth ten points in a game of Quidditch.
While the reader/viewer sees Quidditch often at Hogwarts, you soon learn it's a worldwide phenomenon when you see, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth Harry Potter book, that there is a Quidditch World Cup.
Since the books' worldwide success, real 'Muggle' teams have sprung up all over the globe, especially in England. The mystique of the game is that it's not only fantastical but it also makes normal, game-like sense, so the popularity will not likely die out soon. Quidditch, while made invented and made popular by Rowling, has captured the hearts of millions of young people.
Are you a dedicated follower of Harry Potter? Cannot bear to miss out on anything to do with Harry Potter, Quidditch and all things related? Then you need to visit The Harry Potter Shop
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Monday 28 April 2008
Harry Potter and the Book Banners
The objections raised by some fundamentalist Christians to the Harry Potter books continue to make the news.
The Christian attacks on the Potter series aren't an attack on witchcraft and magic, so much as an attack on the imagination and freedom of expression - and by extension an attack on literature. The Harry Potter books aren't 'How To' manuals on witchcraft, nor is the author, J.K. Rowling, advocating the practice of witchcraft.
The themes in the Harry Potter stories pit the good against the dark side. Magical themes happen to be an effective way to play out the drama in a manner that is engaging, especially for younger readers.
Professor Dumbledore, the Hogwarts headmaster, is clearly the personification of good and urges Harry to use the power of love when dealing with the dark side personified by Lord Voldemart. On one level the Potter books are morality tales that happen to take place in a make-believe world that is magical - but then a lot of literature contains magical themes, including books by famous Christian authors.
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein are examples of Christian authors who created magical worlds with plots that at root are moral and even Christian in philosophical intent. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Lewis creates an intermediary zone between the real and imaginary worlds using a prop - the magical wardrobe. Enchantment and make-believe allow the 'other world' beyond the wardrobe to become a possibility. Similarly Tolkein in Lord of the Rings invokes the powers of wizardry and magic. But it is used as a device to enable characters and events that couldn't feasibly exist in the 'ordinary' world. This doesn't mean that either Tolkein or Lewis were promoting magic or attempting to 'corrupt' the minds of young readers.
The problem with the criticism coming from a section of the evangelical community is that their interpretation of the books is much too literal. They seem to think that young readers are incapable of divining meaning and truth beyond the trappings of the tale. They get hung up on the trappings themselves rather than probe the deeper meaning of the stories. When they do look a little deeper, they often misconstrue the author's intent and try to spin the plot as evidence of literary evil doing. Fortunately, a few leading voices in the evangelical community have had the good sense to take a more objective view of the content, and have resisted the temptation to try and subvert a fictional fantasy in order to smoke out the devil.
In attempting to ban the Harry books or in other ways suppress them, the detractors ironically succeed in adding to their allure and power. When something is 'forbidden' it becomes a lot more tempting. When the D.H. Lawrence novel Lady Chatterley's Lover was banned, it did more for the sale of the book than any promotional campaign could ever have done. The same went for Ulysses by the great Irish writer James Joyce.
Moreover when you consider the amount of material on magic and witchcraft that is freely available in book stores these days, on the internet, in magazines, via certain video games or just by word-of-mouth - it makes it almost absurd to try and suppress Harry Potter books.
If Harry Potter gets banned in the bailiwicks of the offended - what's next on the list? Grimm's Fairy Tales? Rupert the Bear? Teletubbies? We live in a society in which diversity of opinion is an integral part of our fundamental freedoms. People who for personal or religious reasons attempt to create a chill by pushing for a ban of material as innocuous as Harry Potter, cater to a mean spirited approach that diminishes us all. Objectors can refuse to buy the books or have them in their home, and that's as far as it should reasonably go.
We are talking about tales for young readers after all - not Anton La Vey's Satanic Bible.
Aidan Maconachy resides in Ontario, Canada. He has a BA Hons and a BEd. He taught in the UK and Canada, and has been a contributor to a variety of magazines and newspapers over the years. You can visit his blog at http://aidanmaconachyblog.blogspot.com/
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Rupert Grint To Play Tintin In the Upcoming Tintin Movie
Tintin the movie has led to may rumors. The facts we do know is that Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are to direct two of the three films that will make up the Tintin trilogy.
The first Tintin movie is due to be finished in production by the end of 2009 and rumors abound about who will play the famous Belgian boy detective. There have been many people linked to the film in the past but the latest story is that Rupert Grint of Harry Potter fame will get the nod for the Tintin role.
Rupert Grint seems like an obvious choice. Rupert Grint first came to international attention as Ron Weasley the friend of Harry Potter the world famous young wizard created by J. K. Rowling in her very successful series of books that were then made into very successful films.
The first book Harry and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the USA) was a worldwide success. When made into a film in 2001 it stars of all it young main characters.
Rupert Grint as Harry’s friend was a lovable character who was more that a bit clumsy which many young fans could associate with. He soon became a well known star and with his shock of red hair was easily recognizable.
This red air makes him an obvious choice for the film as the Tintin character has the distinctive red hair too. The choice of a already much loved star in Grint with either Peter Jackson or Spielberg directing would help sell the film better in America where Tintin is still not the most recognizable cartoon character.
Tintin was introduced to the world only a few months before Mickey Mouse so was never really captured in the imagination of the American public who favoured their own plucky mouse rather than some European inspired boy detective.
Tintin still proves very popular worldwide however and if Rupert Grint were to play the role he would find himself as the star of one of the biggest films of the 2009. Rupert Grint can also be found in the films Thunderpants and Driving Lessons.
John Helios has been a big Tintin fan for a number of years. He is very much looking forward to the new Tintin movie directed by Spielberg and Jackson. You can watch a classic Tintin adventure as a cartoon it is Tintin and the broken Ear on his site.
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Is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie a Success?
Are you a true fan?
There is always a constant debate over whether or not true fans of a classic (which Harry Potter is surely on its way to becoming if not already having obtained this status) like the movie version of their beloved book for what it has tried to do (like squeeze an 800 page book into 2.5 hours!) or if they have to turn their noses up to the movie.
I stand by the declaration that true fans of a character or series are only true if they like ALL its major components. In the case of HP, the movies are just as much of a phenomenon as the books. Do not get me wrong, the books are always the way to go, but if you truly love Harry then you will truly love the movies too. To me it is like Star Wars. So many fans scoffed at the newest editions (1, 2, and 3) citing that they could never possibly be as good as the originals (4, 5, and 6). While this may be true, the new ones are awesome in their own right. True fans accept and learn to love any of their story counterparts.
That said, let us get to talking about The Order of the Phoenix book versus movie. This book is by far the dark horse of the Potter series. Harry is cast aside by the Wizarding World, ignored by Dumbledore, ostracized by Umbridge - it is no wonder he's constantly on the edge snipping at his best friends. All good series must have the one story where the hero is the underdog and this is it for Harry. As she always does, Rowling writes with her usual flair, sending the Weasley twins off with a bang, making us love Dumbledore even more when he rescues Prof. Trelawney from being banned from Hogwarts. Some of us may even feel sorry for Snape when Umbrdige gives him a hard time about his teaching. And of course, there is huge-hearted Hagrid and his attempt to save "Grawpy" his full Giant brother. These minor details plus the addition of some wonderful new characters, Luna "Looney" Lovegood being among the best, make book 5 the most detailed and intricate of the series. On top of this, as if we are not always heartbroken for Harry, we become even more so when Sirious is killed in the Ministry of Magic. Overall, I would say this is the best of the Potter books.
Now, with the movie recently out and on DVD for all to take home and watch, we question how and why the producers chose to keep and cut certain things from the story. For example, a small but I find very significant fact left out of the movie is that Harry is not made a Prefect and Ron is instead. While this may seem unimportant, it is one of the beginning clues to Dumbledore's distance from Harry and also our first glimpse of Harry as the fallen hero. Very important so why is it left out? Who knows? In the case of adding to the story, it's unnecessary and obviously for pure entertainment value the ending scene where Voldemort invades Harry's body and mind. While this is alluded to in the book, this scene plays a HUGE role in the movie. Again, why did they chose to emphasize this particular part? I guess I would have to say that for the entire following of HP fans out there that only watch the movies (and trust me their group may be bigger than the book readers) this is an important piece of the puzzle that the movie is fitting together.
Overall both the book and the movie are excellent and true Harry fans love both equally. Some days we may be more into the book and others the movie, but we true fans are crazy about it all!
For more great book talk and fun facts about The World of Harry Potter - http://www.book-club-queen.com/the-world-of-harry-potter.html
We're always adding book reviews! For more book reviews and book talk, visit me at http://www.book-club-queen.com.
Desiree, aka Queenie D is an English teacher, mom, and lover of books!
Want more information on book clubs? Looking for a book to read? Want to share something you've read? Visit http://www.book-club-queen.com for a fantastic adventure in reading!
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Harry Potter: The Boy Who Made Kids Love Reading
With all of the controversy surrounding Harry Potter, including cries to ban the book from schools, the novels have done something that American parents and teachers, as a group, have failed to do. They have made our children read.
A recent study by Scholastic notes some intriguing statistics among the kids of Harry Potter's world. Parents and kids both credit Potter with getting kids to read for fun; just over half of the kids surveyed said they neglected to do so before latching on to the series. Almost two thirds – 65% - have noted improvements at school since they started Rowling's works.
More important than grades, however, is the entire shift in attitude towards reading. Previous surveys have found that children's reading drops after the age of 8. The average Harry Potter reader, however, start the series at 9 and continue to read – and reread – the books as they get older.
Reread the books. This single statement spoke volumes to me. Most people I know read a book once and then never again. Most people, who will watch the same movie over and over, refuse to read a book they have already enjoyed because 'they know how it ends'. They watch the same television shows with the same expected, overused endings. Yet we have kids now reading and rereading books. The idea boggles the mind.
Speaking of mindboggling, you do realize that most adults read less than five books after they graduate school, be it high school or college. Reading is apparently too difficult for most people. But Rowlings has lured her audience to read not one but six books, and eagerly anticipate the seventh. Not only that, but according to the aforementioned survey, half of Harry Potter readers will seek out a new series to devour. One in three – that is 33% - intend to reread the series. Oddly, only 27% intend to look for a new Rowlings book; perhaps the rest are afraid of being sucked into another ten year series.
You can put me down for all three sections, personally (no word was spoken on overlap, by the way). I will reread the entire series immediately before Book 7 comes out, trying to time it so that I receive my book 'just in the nick of time'. That's how I managed the last two books. I will continue to seek out new books and new series to read. And I will eagerly anticipate Rowlings next book – although I might wait until she concludes her next series before I start reading this time around.
Nola Redd is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Fiction Writing.
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Harry Potter In Rome, Muggles Be Aware!
To all those who feel a bit magical and have decided to fly out to Rome on a Nimbus 2000 on a very special weekend for the magic world. Nothing to be missed. Rome is behind to nobody and all the major bookstores will be open at 08:00 am sharp on the 21st of July for the last chapter of the Harry Potter saga. Book your Rome accommodation and you will spend a very original weekend with the most known wizard in the world.
Feltrinelli International, one of the major bookshops in Rome is located in the Termini area, therefore you could book one of the very many hotels around there. 4 star hotels as well as 2 star guest houses and bed and breakfast to satisfy all kind of wizard and witch. It would be nice to stay in the area since the bookstore is organizing events that will go on for the whole day. At 08:00 breakfast with Potter, at 17:00 Tea Time and at 18:00 reading with Alison Victoria. Not to be missed!!
The Almost Corner Bookshop is doing something even more original. It will be open from 01:00 to 01:30 am which is exactly 12:00 Greenwich time. The bookstore is located in the Trastevere area which is once again rich of nice bed and breakfast and cosy hotels. Trastevere is, according to many, one of the most characteristic, more mysterious areas of Rome. It is full of narrow alleys and gloomy ends. Some parts of the area are so quite to seem nearly inhabited, just the perfect spot for a nice trip abroad of the Hogwarts students. Rome is even organized to host a real quidditch game. Circo Massimo could be the ideal location to enjoy a super cool quidditch match besides of course… that is full of history.
After you have purchased your book you could spend a few hours in the Avalon Pub. Wood tables and benches, gloomy atmosphere, gates, armours, it resembles a castle. You could really feel at Hogwarts. Avalon takes its modern name from the celtic Annwyn, or rather the fairy godmother island. Nothing better! Enjoy.
Rome offers nice lodgings and cheap bed and breakfast around the Vatican area for the muggle world, for those who don’t believe in magic and for those who refuse to see its positive aspects; for those who agree with Rev. Amorth who condemns Harry Potter novels affirming it can easily lead to Devil and could confuse a young child who reads the novel. For those who believe that magic is Evil, Rome offers nice hotels with or without private facilities for those who are on a budget but still want to enjoy the protected atmosphere of a holy world. Relax. Don’t be so uptight. Don’t worry, Christian parents. Harry Potter is not the real world! It is an imaginary world. Children know the difference between the two.
Come on then! The pro Harry Potter could spend the weekend in Rome without having to hide. They could purchase the last book of their favourite hero and spend a nice weekend booking a hotel room where Harry Potter would book it too. For the others….oh well Rome is big enough. The Eternal city will accommodate you as well.
Paola Lo Russo is a Rome Guide and expert of his city. You can find more informations about Rome hotel reservations and Italy hotels on http://www.RomaClick.com
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Sunday 27 April 2008
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling - Book Review
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was perhaps the most anticipated book ever. It certainly received a lot of media attention this year, before its release. The final book in the series, it was expected to provide an answer for all the many questions Harry Potter fans were speculating about. Would Harry survive? Would Voldemort win? What about Ron and Hermione – would they be alright? Would Harry and Ginny get back together? Was Dumbledore’s faith in Snape justified?
I was amongst those who had pre-ordered the book to find out all the answers. It was with mixed emotions that I received it on the day of its release, because I knew that after this there would be no more Harry Potter novels to look forward to. Of course, that didn’t stop me from settling down with the book immediately.
In this seventh installment of the series, we find Harry once more at Privet Drive, ready to say farewell to it for the last time. This year, he won’t be a student at Hogwarts. He has a task to complete – he needs to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. Harry being Harry, he is determined to go alone rather than risk the lives of his friends. Things work out a bit different than planned, and soon he is on the run from the dark powers of Voldemort with Ron and Hermione at his side.
Like most Harry Potter novels, friendship, courage and hope are at the centre of the storyline. As I followed the characters on their near-hopeless quest, I felt despair on their behalf and I do admit I shed a couple of tears when everything got very bad.
The grand finale of the book and the inevitable confrontation between Harry and Voldemort is like a tightly woven web. Everything comes together in the lead up to the conclusion, and I found myself satisfied with the way it turned out.
Afterwards, we catch a glimpse of the future and get to find out what happened to the various remaining characters. I found this to be a nice bonus and closed the book with a smile.
There are only a couple of negative sides to "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", in my opinion. My main grievance is the editing. It feels rushed, there are quite a few errors and there are many run-on sentences. I spotted one sentence of more than 90 words in length. This could potentially cause difficulties for some readers. There were a few instances where I felt the lengthy sentences took away from the tension, especially at crucial moments in the plot. Additionally, there was a lot of repetitiveness in description.
The second “issue” I have is that there seem to be some inconsistencies in the plot. Some aspects do not add up. Perhaps, to a casual reader, this will be unnoticeable but the editor in me made me flick back several times and re-read paragraphs. This did somewhat hinder the overall reading experience.
For parents wondering whether or not this book is suitable for younger children, I would advise you to give the book a read first. There are darker moments and a few characters do find their end. Some of them are popular characters, which could cause some upset.
Overall, I did enjoy this installment and I would certainly recommend it to others. J.K. Rowling is an excellent author who knows how to hold a reader’s attention. The plot is interesting and the characters are so believable you can’t help but feel for them and care for their fate.
According to the author bio, J.K. Rowling has written fiction since she was a child. She wrote her first “book” at the age of six. Her Harry Potter series is known throughout the world and loved by readers of all ages. Apart from the main series, Rowling has written two companion books, "Quidditch Through The Ages" and "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them", both in aid of Comic Relief.
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was first published in 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, with ISBN 978-0-7475-9105-4.
Kit Marsters is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.
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