tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post581324471003985138..comments2024-03-28T02:36:55.037-04:00Comments on Brooklyn Arden: Away for Vacay -- Hooray!Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05972029478350879112noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-77034982687003650052008-07-23T23:41:00.000-04:002008-07-23T23:41:00.000-04:00I love Goblet of Fire best because that book intro...I love Goblet of Fire best because that book introduces the international wizarding scene with the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, and I really loved the colorful array of characters like Fleur and Krum. I also thought the Triwizard events were very clever, and Harry was just really relatable in this book because of his fight with Ron, his crush on Cho, and his genuine nervousness going into all the events and being entered in the tournament at all. <BR/><BR/>I was also genuinely shocked by the plot twist with Moody and Crouch at the end, and I am not sure if I cried in the previous books, but I sort of remember and so I think that this might be the first HP book I cried at (the part when Harry brings Cedric back and won't let go of the body). <BR/><BR/>But not many people agree with me! Something about a plot hole but I've never noticed it lol.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970419162459193798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-29174657443356718882008-07-23T23:38:00.000-04:002008-07-23T23:38:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14970419162459193798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-3789054146739695642008-07-23T21:25:00.000-04:002008-07-23T21:25:00.000-04:00I have to say, my favorite is the Sorcerer’s Stone...I have to say, my favorite is the Sorcerer’s Stone. I think she probably worked on this one the longest and maybe even spent the most time opening herself up for critiques and revisions. Maybe she was more willing to listen to advice from editors, agents (or maybe other writer friends?) Of course I don't know if any of this is true, but I felt as she went on in the series, she became self-indulgent and stopped listening to editorial remarks… namely trimming things down. Don't get me wrong, I am a HUGE HP fan and admirer of JK Rowling. And it is amazing that kids not only read such lengthy books, but WANTED to! But I still have to wonder if, as time went on, she stopped listening to the advice of others. <BR/><BR/>I did love the nearly last scene in Order of the Phoenix where Dumbledore tells HP (and us, the dedicated reader) everything, but it took what, like, 700+ pages to get to that point.Sheri Perl-Oshinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08025716805041579831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-7849563682292483232008-07-23T11:41:00.000-04:002008-07-23T11:41:00.000-04:00Edit in my previous comment: "..brilliant manner i...Edit in my previous comment: "..brilliant manner in which she has pulled <I> off </I> the time-tuner concept"<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry, but I couldn't stand reading something I had written incorrectly!Sharanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10854112156033972511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-20601189378285743912008-07-22T22:43:00.000-04:002008-07-22T22:43:00.000-04:00POA... the story structure and pacing are the most...POA... the story structure and pacing are the most sound of all the books.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05514067724256745623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-27002979303619308972008-07-22T09:06:00.000-04:002008-07-22T09:06:00.000-04:00I would choose Order of the Phoenix as my favourit...I would choose Order of the Phoenix as my favourite among the seven. I really appriciate the way the mood of the book is written. I feel close to the characters emotions and reaction, without them being described to me. (We don't need the line "Harry was frustrated and scared" to understand that Harry was frustrated and scared.) That is a high level of comunicative skill! <BR/><BR/>I also like the way the descussion of the differences between good and evil, as well as the nuanses in these chatagories, are treated in this book. Before now, it has pretty much been good vs. evil. Now we discover different kinds of evil, and different kinds of good, in a new way. Harry being an anti-hero in so many situations is a good example, as well as Fugdes spesific kind of evil; aversion. <BR/><BR/>This book also does so much for the development of themes like choise, truth and unity. <BR/><BR/>The thing that most impresses me about this book (more each time I read it), is the fact that for a long time, nothing happens. There is no action or cliff hangers to keep the tension up, just the frustration silence before the storm. To allow that in a novell is bold, and gives the story so much more credability, than had it been any other way.Maja Leonorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06887743529135002763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-92024258042383892472008-07-20T19:23:00.000-04:002008-07-20T19:23:00.000-04:00Prisoner of Azkaban, because that was when I reali...Prisoner of Azkaban, because that was when I realised that I was hooked...( it was the RAT??!!!!! )<BR/><BR/> God, She totally sucker-punched me and I knew I'd have to read the rest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-1065180625657317632008-07-20T13:06:00.000-04:002008-07-20T13:06:00.000-04:00Goblet of Fire was filled with fabulous action, in...Goblet of Fire was filled with fabulous action, intriguing new characters and spectacular new scenery. It was a thrill ride the entire way but when Voldemort rose out of that cauldren, none of that mattered anymore. It was the ultimate 'no going back' point in the series.Kai Strand, Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10012304963642303041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-21902256560992105742008-07-20T02:23:00.000-04:002008-07-20T02:23:00.000-04:00I voted for Half-blood Prince. I think the book is...I voted for Half-blood Prince. I think the book is wonderfully paced and it has some of Rowlings wittiest writing(probably the funniest book in the series). This is also the book where we get a true understanding of who Voldemort is as a character. It was fascinating to explore his past.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-25035696382169756602008-07-18T17:23:00.000-04:002008-07-18T17:23:00.000-04:00POA had twists you didn't see coming. It had rich...POA had twists you didn't see coming. It had rich character development. The characters weren't whiny; they were in between young and immature. POA had the least number of plot holes. Harry, Ron, and Hermione felt dynamic and balanced as a trio. And we had a break from Voldemort (who is described a bit blandly for such an evil guy.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-85211294310733617502008-07-18T16:07:00.000-04:002008-07-18T16:07:00.000-04:00I had to choose between POA and Deathly Hallows, b...I had to choose between POA and Deathly Hallows, but Deathly Hallows just about manages to win. <BR/><BR/>I think that POA is technically brilliant. It has a plot, some definite themes and one could sort of see where she was headed with the book, in the sense that one knew that there was a mass murderer called Sirius Black and some creepy Dementors involved. The surprise elements are, of course, Sirius's identity and the brilliant manner in which she has pulled the time turner concept. It worked, because it made sense- technically.<BR/><BR/>However, Deathly Hallows still wins. Because as Harry grows up, he learns, and he changes. And the things that matter to him also change. Things like sneaking off to Hogsmeade or winning Quiddicth matches seem to hold very little, or no importance to him now. He becomes more comfortable in relationships (all of them) is completely responsible and focussed. He is a man, in every sense of the word. <BR/><BR/>As one progresses with the books, one can see that Jo's writing becomes more and more..subjective. One could choose to interpret King's Cross in any manner whatsoever, and the same thing goes for slotting Draco as the bad/pitiable guy. She constantly tries to explain concepts like love, sacrifice and loyalty in her, but all of them are expressed SO beautifully in DH. <BR/><BR/>My point here is that, although DH may not seem as fine as POA structurally, it makes you think, <I> really </I> think. It's true that things MAY seem slightly rushed at the end of the book-like during the war at Hogwarts- and at times, one has no clue where the book really was headed. But that is why the book is so appealing- because it's not just plain good suspense or well-written action. Ideas like Snape's feelings for Lily, the concept of a horcrux, the death of the Creevey brothers and Dumbledore being a power hungry youth induce the feeling that Harry Potter- and Deathly Hallows in particular- is about much more than just magical time travel and flying broomsticks.Sharanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10854112156033972511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-68137006144327253132008-07-18T15:55:00.000-04:002008-07-18T15:55:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sharanyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10854112156033972511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-28776173319045815592008-07-18T14:38:00.000-04:002008-07-18T14:38:00.000-04:00I voted for Sorcerer's Stone because of its descri...I voted for Sorcerer's Stone because of its descriptions and the way it sets everything up for the rest of the series. I agree on the comment about the Dursley's--great villians. Maybe I just liked getting to know Harry and his friends...and I'm nostalgic.Amber Loughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12374291005610549082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-87121853098910582062008-07-18T13:18:00.000-04:002008-07-18T13:18:00.000-04:00While I love POA for the same reason folks have de...While I love POA for the same reason folks have described here, Sorcerer's Stone is my favorite. This book is seminal to so much that happens in all of the later books. Also, it introduces us to the works of magic. I will never forget the first time I read it...the first time I read the word "muggle" or "quidditch" etc. Finally, the way she opens the book is just simply brilliant! <BR/><BR/>Love the discussion!<BR/>AmandaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-74329531470063032022008-07-17T20:36:00.000-04:002008-07-17T20:36:00.000-04:00I said Prisoner because I love the whole time trav...I said Prisoner because I love the whole time travel element and I think JK pulled it off amazingly. Plus, that's the first real wink to Ron and Hermione actually having kind of grown-up feelings for each other.<BR/><BR/>My 10 year old son, however, voted for Sorcerer's Stone because, and I quote, it's the original and a total classic. So there ya have it.<BR/><BR/>Have a wonderful vacation!<BR/><BR/>Best, <BR/>Kimberly J. SmithKimberly J. Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03891172462959218902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-60200311195116799202008-07-17T20:26:00.000-04:002008-07-17T20:26:00.000-04:00My favorite used to be OotP because of Harry's eve...My favorite used to be OotP because of Harry's ever grumpy, surly mood. So many people seem to be annoyed by his moody disposition, yet I found it a perfect blend of normal teenage agnst mixed with the growing realization of the enormity of the challenges that were to come. While POA is Harry's transition from boy too teenager, OotP is his first step into manhood. Harry for the first time, I think, realizes and is burdened by more of the mental struggle of his journey (as opposed to the physical fights with evil in other novels). Plus, Umbridge in Ootp is a worse kind of evil than Voldermort. <BR/><BR/>That said, my favorite of late seems to be DH. From the moment Harry, Ron and Hermione leave Gringotts until the end, the pace and prose of the last chapters are breathtaking. It is simply beautiful writing and storytelling. I love that the entire novel is the ongoing realization that good and evil are not black and white concepts. It's always complicated. Snape's story, is of course the main example, as is Dumbledore's but I found one of the most poignant moments to be when Narcissa asks Harry if Draco is alive and lets him live. Love and loyalty are complicated matters that always foil the best and worst of intentions. And Dobby's death was perhaps the most tragically beautiful moment in the entire series. It was so cruel and so unexpected, yet it was exactly what Harry needed. Plus, I absolutely adored Neville in all his bad-ass glory. I'm not sure there's any other way to explian how cool he was. <BR/><BR/>Happy vacation!<BR/><BR/>CSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-14894318472630612872008-07-17T19:20:00.000-04:002008-07-17T19:20:00.000-04:00Another POA vote, for much the same reasons as Ros...Another POA vote, for much the same reasons as Rose. Fantastic structure and pacing for all of those wonderful characters and details to play around in. Great action without a loss of emotional impact; it was the opposite -- the heart got all swole.<BR/><BR/>I will have to check out <I>Away</I>.<BR/><BR/>Have a wonderful trip!Olugbemisola (Mrs.Pilkington)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07326151417945506446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-58739259879432140052008-07-17T17:46:00.000-04:002008-07-17T17:46:00.000-04:00Cheryl, I sent a SQUID to you back in June of 07 ...Cheryl,<BR/><BR/> I sent a SQUID to you back in June of 07 after we spoke at a first pages conference in Pa (I was with Kelly Fineman). I've never heard back. Should it assume it was lost?<BR/><BR/>Colleen Rowan KosinskiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-22993365887420736422008-07-17T15:24:00.000-04:002008-07-17T15:24:00.000-04:00My favorite book in the HP series is Goblet of Fir...My favorite book in the HP series is <I>Goblet of Fire</I>. I enjoy it so much because it's the first time we really see the wider wizarding community (particularly, at the Quidditch World Cup) and Harry's horizons have broadened that much more. I enjoy the rivalry and intrigue of the Triwizard Tournament, too, but for me the moment that stands out in the book is at the end, with Dumbledore's speech about what is right vs. what is easy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-85692657983834482008-07-17T15:12:00.000-04:002008-07-17T15:12:00.000-04:00my favorite Harry Potter book? The whole series. I...my favorite Harry Potter book? The whole series. It's a symphony in different movements, each one achieving a different purpose but all contributing to the grand finale.ObiDonWanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00445445423431700252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-6806800723155027812008-07-17T14:40:00.000-04:002008-07-17T14:40:00.000-04:00Another vote for PRISONER OF AZKABAN. The structur...Another vote for PRISONER OF AZKABAN. The structure really catches you off guard -- you get more than halfway through the book, and they you go through a major portion of the book's action again. I have read other books in which you see the same scenes two or more times, from a different character's perspective each time, but I have not read a book in which you can see the same events twice in the eyes of the same character.<BR/><BR/>To me the most real and powerful emotions in the entire series are the ones Harry feels when, first, he realizes that the boy with the patronus he thought was his father was actually himself, and later when his relief at having made this life-saving discovery is overshadowed by embarassment and disappointment at himself for hoping it was really his father. <BR/><BR/>I think that last point captures why the series resonates so well emotionally. Harry performs great feats, faces tremendous danger, etc. -- in short, he experiences all the trials of the hero in any adventure story, and yet the the driving emotions are not fear or pride or a sense of duty regarding his quest. Instead, the biggest battle he overcomes is the one with his own emotions -- first feeling somewhat ashamed about his yearning for his parents and his need to belong, then becoming comfortable enough with his feelings to admit not only how he feels but also that he is somewhat embarrassed by those feelings, and ultimately accepting those feelings. The patronus on the lake scenes in POA is a complete emotional journey in itself that is like a miniature version of the on Harry undergoes through the entire series.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13821753699075625593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-31513663697525050042008-07-17T14:16:00.000-04:002008-07-17T14:16:00.000-04:00Arthur told me to read Amy Bloom's Away, too. I l...Arthur told me to read Amy Bloom's Away, too. I loved it. I'll be curious to see your thoughts when you return.<BR/><BR/>As for HP, I vote for The Half Blood Prince. I can't deny that seeing Ginny and Harry finally acknowledge their feelings for one another was very satisfying - a little romance goes a long way. I loved that Snape became even more complicated, and that at last, Harry's task became very clear.<BR/><BR/>Overall - Each book seemed to grow in character depth and plot and that seemed to be a reflection of both the ages of the characters and improvements in JK's writing. I found the often sullen nature of Harry that really kicked in Order of the Phoenix to be the start of Harry as a multi-layered, believably true character.Elise Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14205799699628024211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-27234696248072373532008-07-17T13:44:00.000-04:002008-07-17T13:44:00.000-04:00It's very hard for me to choose between Goblet of ...It's very hard for me to choose between <I>Goblet of Fire</I> (for being an awfully big adventure and taking the leap--at the very end of the book--and allowing a child to die), <I>Order of the Phoenix</I>, and <I>Deathly Hallows</I> (which I've only read once because it was so nerve-wracking). I think, though, that <I>Order of the Phoenix</I> gets my vote because of capslock Harry.<BR/><BR/>That's not to be silly, either. I read the first four books as though they were akin to something like the Betsy/Tacy books, where the books charted their lives into young adulthood and the narrative matured accordingly. I was always annoyed to read how the series was nothing more than children's books (as if that was a problem!) when it seemed clear to me that there was an incredibly complex story to be told, and there was nothing for it but to tell it honestly. So, opening <I>Order of the Phoenix</I> was vindication: I was right, and here was an angry young man who had every right to be angry, even if that made a lot of readers uncomfortable. <BR/><BR/>Then I have a secret favorite in <I>Chamber of Secrets</I>, because a young man rescuing a lovely young girl from an evil monster is a comfort-read romantic trope. Don't tell anyone! CoS is almost a stand-alone, but I always wondered if this had to be book two, because if the characters had been much older, I don't think that part could have been told without delving too far into themes of abuse and torture and obsession than the rest of the story had room for, given that is also an adventure, a hero's journey, a shcool story, a mystery, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-11596184108984967192008-07-17T13:17:00.000-04:002008-07-17T13:17:00.000-04:00My vote is for SS. It was the 'sweetest' ...My vote is for SS. It was the 'sweetest' of the series. It perfectly set the stage for all those to follow. It wasn't all dark & scary as the later ones. Also, it was given to me by my friend, Karen. She's not my soulmate! No, I think maybe she was my sister in some former life or something!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4074861.post-20043190086687741292008-07-17T12:26:00.000-04:002008-07-17T12:26:00.000-04:00I'll pipe in with a non-POA vote: my favorite is O...I'll pipe in with a non-POA vote: my favorite is Order of the Phoenix. <BR/><BR/>The reason I love OP the most is specifically because of the scene in Dumbledore's office after the fight at the Ministry. It has such great emotional weight, and you can almost SEE Harry growing up and changing right then and there. It was the beginning of Rowling removing all of his parental figures, and his reaction to that sets the stage for how intense 6 and 7 would be. <BR/><BR/>POA is fantastic, as are all the others, but OP and that scene have a special place in my Harry Potter loving heart.Life in Pennieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00549166232344292688noreply@blogger.com