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spencer on Tuesday August 26, 2008

Wow!

Wow wow. Depending on your feelings on the whole Harry Potter story, you may think this is either an overstatement or an understatement. For me, it's actually an understatement. I really loved the whole series. Being so slow in getting to these books, there were a lot of expectations to live up to. I believe that the stories surpassed all expectations. In fact, a lot of people would say "well it's fun reading" almost apologetically. To you, I say "wo. It's more than just fun reading. It's really fun reading, interesting and complex/multi-layered characters, a new world, great imagination" and on and on. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for not going on about how great these books are.

I would say the storyline expanded and evolved overtime and that is something that made me really love it. My first impression was that the story was the same for every book. Harry goes to school, Voldemort tries to kill him, he wins through luck and a plot hole, start next year.

But no. That's what the movies lead you to believe. The movies for the most part are misleading and a dissapointment (yet entertaining).

Here are the four stages of Harry Potter in my mind:

The classic plot of the first 2.5 books. Defeating Voldemort lies in chance, luck, destiny. and love (Harry's strength). Harry goes to school and through luck/preordination defeats the bad guy. Good, but basic. Starting with the end of book 3 you begin to understand that there is more to the story.
Voldemort's return to power and Harry must not just defeat him from trying to kill Harry Potter, but because his return means something dyre for the magic world. Defeating Voldemort depends on the good wizards coming together, confonting him because good will overcome evil. This is obvious by the end of book 4. Prior to this, the peril seems targeted to Harry. But with book 4/5 there is a better understanding of the magnitude of Voldemort's evil.
The most powerful magic is to have power over death. Defeating Voldemort is only possible if they can destroy those things he has set up as protections to keep him alive. This is evidenced through the Philosopher's Stone (but not obvious that it's important until you understand Voldemort in book 6), the horcruxes, and the deathly hallows. All great wizards have wanted to take this step to using magic to have this power over death.
The power and mystery of the wands. Defeating Voldemort happens because Harry realizes the deep magic mysteries of wands. And this is what it finally comes down to, isn't it.

Of course, it's a mixture of all the above. Each is necessary. But I really liked how the plot revealed more complexities. How, even within the final book you still don't have all the keys to finish the plot until the end. It was very intriguing to me.

I also loved the fun and imagination of the magical world. It was very moving to me to see how characters rallied together. It was also very refreshing in the end how Harry really "filled his own shoes" and took charge, whereas he struggled with being able to do that for a long time.

Finally, I'm quite sad to have finished it. I miss reading those books. Harmony and I have both finished all 7 books, but haven't taken the 7th book back to the library because, well, it's not due yet and we just don't quite want to give it up.

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Lauren on Tuesday August 26, 2008

I think the Wow WOW WOOOOOWW! Did happen with me. Just maybe not within earshot of the Spencer and Harmony Roundy family. As a matter of fact, I think it happened to most everybody. Why do you think that these books have made J.K. Rowling richer than the queen?

I agree with everything that was said. This was a well crafted story from the beginning, and the movies can't be used as a judgement agains the books, because the movies just don't compare. One of the things that I really appreciate about the books, is that the first book is at about the maturity level of an 11 year old (Harry's age). The 12th, that of a 12 year old. And so on. This is incredibly intriguing to me, because J.K. Rowling not only made the books a bit more mature each time, but she also matured as a writer.

I really appreciate that about the books.

I also had that same sense of saddness when I finished the series. It was hard, and is still hard for me to say goodbye to such a great set of stories. Luckily, we can re-live them by sharing them with our children. These books will clearly be a thing for future generations to enjoy, and I will certainly be passing them on. It will be cool to say, "I was around when the final book was first released."

jennifer on Tuesday August 26, 2008

I have truly enjoyed these books. I also agree with all that has been said

Virginia on Wednesday August 27, 2008

I'm glad you are finally a believer! Now, Darrell needs to become a believer. Books 5, 6 and 7 became more intriquing for me when we got into the horcruxes and the pensieve (thoughts from the past). I love listening to Jim Dale read them on tape. That is far better than reading them yourself or watching the movie. I wish I had been smart enough to buy them when each book was released. Costco sold them for far less than you can buy them now. Just reading your review makes me want to start listening to them again.

harmony on Sunday August 31, 2008

I'm so glad I finally read these books. They were awesome. My husband does a great job of writing his thoughts about it, something I have no energy to do, but I loved reading them and talking about them with him. I was crying at parts in the last two books. And then I cried because it was over! I'll definitely read this series again sometime. Which is wierd, I don't think I've ever felt that way before.

bruce_roundy on Sunday August 31, 2008

Nice review, Spencer- Mom and I have listened many of the books on audio and that's really a treat. The narrator makes them come alive by actually speaking in the voice of the different characters- really enjoyable.

Tags: harry potter, loisirs, reading

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Harry Potter 3, 4, 5, and 6

spencer on Sunday August 3, 2008

I started reading Harry Potter in May. Now I've finished numbers 3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and 6 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

I took a break during our vacation to California, but read # 4 before we left Utah. I pretty much devoured #s 5 and 6 as I spent quite a bit on the train recently. I'm still really enjoying reading the books. But what do I think of each? Thanks for asking. Here's what I think:

#3 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban:

I really enjoyed how this one introduced Sirius Black, and the twists, learning more about Harry's history, etc. Only problem was that I remembered the movie too well as I had recently seen the end on TV, so the plot twists weren't as suprising. Overall, my favorite thus far (meaning of 1, 2, and 3).

One of my original criticisms with the movies was that it seemed like each show was the same exact plot with a few detail changes. However, reading them, I don't feel the same way.

#4 - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire:

This book felt quite slow for some reason. I was a little disappointed with it to tell you the truth.

However, the ending was really good to me and got me very excited about the whole series. It was the first time that I could tell there was a much larger plot to this Harry Potter than I had ever imagined.

Also made me think that Dumbledore is really awesome, just like everyone says.

#5 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix:

This is the one that I could not put down. I absolutely hated the Ministry of Magic and Dolores Umbridge. I think this is one of the few books/stories were I got really mad at the characters. Normally I can distance myself from the story and say "you can't get mad at the character because it's just written that way".

I loved how Dumbledore and Harry managed things in the end, quite surprised by the ending.

I know I saw movies 1 - 4, don't think I've seen this one, and haven't seen 6 (or 7 obviously).

#6 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince:

I meant to take a break between #5 and #6, but since we had them both, I picked it up and before I knew it, had finished it.

I think J.K. Rowling took the opportunity with this book to slow things down and provide information necessary to the story. Although it was slower, I wasn't bored like with #4. I'm surprised by the ending, but don't believe that they way it is presented is really what happened in the story.

Now I'm taking a short break (less than a week hopefully, I still have to borrow it from the library) and I'll start number 7!

Which of the seven was your favorite book?

Oh - careful not to give away any of the plot here - since I want to have no ideas of what is in #7, and Harmony is still in the middle of #5.

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Artigam on Sunday August 3, 2008

I totally agree with you about book 5. I got sooo mad when I was reading it. I couldn't help myself from welling up at anger at the injustice going on at Hogwarts. I loved the ending though!

Lauren on Monday August 4, 2008

I am surprised that you didn't like number 4, since that is most people's favorite. However, 7 was my favorite, followed by 6, then 5, then 4, then 3... I'm sure you get where this is going. I'm looking forward to eventually reading them again.

Maybe I liked them in that order because I always like the one that I recently finished the most....

spencer on Monday August 4, 2008

I am clearly not most people, in fact I'm only one person.

I really, really liked the end of #4, but it didn't make up for the rest of the book enough for me to say that I liked the whole book.

So far I'd have to say I think 5 is my favorite, because it got me the most engaged with the story.

Maybe you should re-read them in a random order and see if your favorite changes

LaurenChild on Monday August 4, 2008

I loved book three for a long time, because I loved the twist at the end. I think it would have been even better for you if you hadn't seen the movie before reading the book, because that was one of the biggest twist endings... I definitely was most engaged in the 5th book, for the same reason. I was so mad at Umbridge, and I was so angry that no one believed Harry. I loved the 6th book, it was just exciting, and you got to learn so much more. I do love the seventh, I'm excited for you to read it. I flew through that book so fast right when it came out, I have to read it again, I've forgotten a lot of the details. Glad to hear you're into the series though! I'm obsessed, I wish there were more to look forward to. I think it'll be exciting for you to see one of the movies after you have read the book though, I don't know if you've gotten a chance to do that? It's really fun.

Tags: loisirs, harry potter, reading

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Who Reads Harry Potter?

spencer on Monday May 19, 2008

Harmony and I are a little behind, perhaps. But Harmony picked up 12 novels from the library last week (evidently she's a book worm now). Three of the books she brought home were Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

So at first I thought it was funny that she got these, and how quickly she finished the first one. But now, a week later, I've finished the first two and now have to wait for her to finish the third one before I can read it.

I read on the bus, on the way to/from work.

It's fun. I liked the 2nd one better than the first for these reasons:

Maybe a more complete/interesting plot (or I remembered the plot less from the movie than the first one).
Plot definitely had fewer holes in it. Some holes in the first one really bugged me.
More guessing on who was being used by Voldemort - quite a few people were suspects
More complex characters - is Harry Potter the heir of Slytherin? Is Hagrid really evil?

So, it's fun, easy reading. Have you all read them? One nice thing about waiting this long, is that there's no wait for "the next one."

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harmony on Monday May 19, 2008

Yes, it has been quite fun. I've actually been meaning to do a blog on my sudden bookiness. I have never considered myself well read, though English/Language Arts/Literature was always a favorite subject of mine, one which I did well in, and which I considered majoring in. I wasn't one to always be reading something. For the most part I stuck to reading whatever I was assigned to read in these classes (and probably sometimes just excerpts or cliff notes, for shame). I've wanted to pick up reading as a habit/hobby for a while now, but when going to the Library it was always difficult enough to just get the kids some books, and I was so overwhelmed by the amount of books I could check out that I never did it. But here in Geneva I'm finally enjoying reading. It has to due with their being a book club and friends who read, realizing that there are moments where it fits into my life, and also that Jennie and I go to the LIbrary together and she is well-read and having her there helped me not be overwhelmed by the kids and the books (plus the English section at the Library is just the right size for me.) I really have been interested in beefing up on Classics, but also contemporary books that have been well recommended by trusted people. So, maybe I'll still do a blog with all the books I've read since being here. I really enjoy it. Books are wonderful!

GrandpaC on Monday May 19, 2008

I began reading everything I could get my hands on around 5/6. I"m more discriminating now but I still have several books around from libraries at all times. Books provide us with the history of our world, peoples lives, humor, science, maybe even our future. I hope all my family will LOVE reading. For now, my love to you both. Grandpac

Lauren on Monday May 19, 2008

Those Harry Potter books sure are fun! They only get better and better; however, there are plot holes in all of them to some extent. J.K. Rowling is good at introducing things that conveniently resolve plots, and then she never uses them again in future situations, even if they would be more logical than the next convenient "plot resolver" that she invents.

Still, great books, cleverly written, fun to talk about, and easy to read.

Also, Jennifer just recently borrowed "The Lightning Thief" from the library. It is young adult writing, similar to Harry Potter, but very fun and very easy reading. We both quite enjoy those.

Now, if you really want some good reading (though a bit wordy) try Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" series. There is indeed an end in sight, and they are incredibly enthralling. Of course, you know I'm a geek when it comes to fantasy writing, especially the Wheel of Time. Expect to dedicate at least a year to the series (each book is close to 1000 pages, and there are 12 total books) and you have to read them each more than once because there are so many sub-plots and twists.

Virginia on Monday May 19, 2008

Wow! I can't believe you are finally reading Harry Potter.

We own all volumes so if you haven't finished them when you come, you can read them here and then discuss them with Lauren and Daniel. They always enjoy a good discussion over books and/or movies.

Artigam on Tuesday May 20, 2008

I am sooooo glad you are discovering the fun that is Harry Potter!!!! I finally started reading them in college after being prompted by my sisters. I couldn't put them down. 1-4 were out at the time and I remember staying up till 3 in the morning or later even when I had a class at 8 because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. Then it was torture waiting for the release of the 5th, 6th, and 7th books. Ofcourse I was at the bookstore at midnight to get my copy!!!!

Peter312 on Tuesday May 20, 2008

Coudn't get past number two, just too childish in the writing, although I am told that they all get better from 2 on, so maybe I will jump in and read the rest, since we have all of them I think. Nothing quite as fun and enjoyable to me then to read a good biography, history, or good spy, or adventure novel.

GrandpaC on Wednesday May 21, 2008

For those who like fantasy plus wonderful humor, social comentary, and ":out of the box" thinking, there is no one like the Disc Books of Terry Pratchett

Bri311nut on Wednesday May 21, 2008

I just saw a movie version of a Terry Pratchett book at the video store, and I thought about you Grandpa, I never finished the first one, I will have to go back to it. I am just finishing Last Of The Mohicans, and The Orchard Keeper. I am really into the novels of Cormac McCarthy right now.

bellrn on Friday May 23, 2008

I'm so excited you have discovered Harry Potter!! They are such fun books to read and when your children get older you can then read to them!! :)

I always get excited to hear that people are reading books, it is one of my favorite ways to pass the time!! :)

MikeSr on Saturday May 24, 2008

Can't beat books, any books. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I cannot live without books!"

I am doing a retrospective read of John Steinbeck. I am reading Cup of Gold about a young man several centuries ago, who leaves England for the Carribean to become a buccaneer, which he eventually does.

I am 800 of 1200 pages through a re-read of Tolstoy's War and Peace, but am bogged down and haven't been back ot it in a while. However, it is a classic because it is such a compelling read. Mike, Jr. noticed something within the first couple of hundred pages (he too got bogged down) that I did not see before and I think it is what Russian novels are known for: he regularly describes how a character is reacting to someone else, how their mind sizes up the other person or behavior. All in all a great read.

Anita on Sunday May 25, 2008

I am the only one in my family who has not read all of the Harry Potter Books! Not a one! I tend to get stuck on certain subjects. I like biographies and memoirs, just a little fiction.My reading list for the past year:

The Bible,Dreams and Shadows, Terror in the Name of God, The Counterinsurgency Field Manual,*Moment of Truth in Iraq by Michael Yon,The Myth of Islamic Tolerance,Hope Dies Last, Character is Destiny,Faith of My Fathers, The Bush Tragedy, The Audacity of Hope, The Nuclear Jihadist, The Long Road Home,The War I Always Wanted,Assasin's Gate, My War,Dinesh D'Souza-What's So Great About Christianity, America Alone, Ayaan Hirsi Alli-Caged Virgin, Londonistan, Steve and Me:Life with the Crocodile Hunter, Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, Just As I Am, Snow,Why America Slept,High Society,The Shia Revival,Blink,Lone Survivor,Door to Door,A Thousand Splendid Suns, In the Center of the Storm, Fiasco, Cobra II, The Truth About Hillary,**The Looming Tower(Pulitzer Prize)** Understanding Islam, Behind the Veil in Arabia, Princess,Daughter of Iraq Mayada,The Trouble With Islam Today,**The Places in Between,**Three Cups of Tea, Night, Reading Lolita in Tehran, The Kite Runner, Now They Call Me Infidel, The Language of God, The Prince of the Marshes, Why They Hate, Infidel, Kabul Beauty School, Bookseller of Kabul

GrandpaC on Monday May 26, 2008

That includes some HEAVY thought but what an opportunity to begin to understand today"s conflicts! Several days "discussions" around a breakfast table would be very worthwhile!

spencer on Tuesday July 1, 2008

Update: I finished #3 and am half-way through #4.

MikeSr on Wednesday July 2, 2008

I finally got back to War and Peace and am up to 950 of 1100. The master writer has addressed what it is to be ready to depart this life through Prince Andrei, who on his death bed, must say goodbye to his fiance and his adoring sister. They thought he might recover from his war wounds. In the process Tolstoy once again lays out how historians and generals are all vanity when they try to persuade us that a military campaign played out as they planned it. Instead, Tolstoy makes it clear that it is the actions of countless common people, the weather, and pure happenstance, that dictates who wins and who loses. He does this through analyzing how Napoleon made decisions he thought brilliant that were just what Kutuzov, the old, physically failing Russian general, needed to destroy the once invinciple French Army, after occupying Moscow (the Russian winter was a large part of Napoleon's downfall as well. Just as Hitler found out a century and 3 decades later!).

GrandpaC on Thursday July 3, 2008

As Bobbie Burns said "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley"

spencer on Sunday July 13, 2008

I finished number 4 - really liked the ending. Need to get my hands on #5. Although, I must say reading Harry Potter seems quite trivial compared to Mike's War and Peace updates.

MikeSr on Sunday July 13, 2008

Harry Potter is a joyful break from the day to day. The Trilogy is the same, only more intense: the greatest wisdom dispensed, I think from Gandolf, is that never give up hope, because you don't know what the next day will bring, even in seemingly hopeless circumstances. War and Peace like Potter and The Trilogy, is just great reading, with some timeless lessons of life, eh?

The problem with War and Peace is that when you finally get to the end, you can't remember much of the beginning!!! (ha, ha, ha!!). So, then you have to read it all again, and so on, it can last as a good read for a whole life!