Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Harry Potter & Celebrity Apprentice
Not a big fan of Celebrity Apprentice, I was oddly intrigued this evening when I happened upon the episode featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter scheduled to open at Universal Studios this summer. The task required players to create and present a 3-d exhibit to studio execs and HP fans. I thought teams both were a bit condescending when presenting to the fans and wonder how much they really knew, or even researched, the HP experience.
They are blathering in the boardroom as we await the "winner" and subsequent backstabbing and firing. I'm going to search YouTube for new HP movie trailers.
They are blathering in the boardroom as we await the "winner" and subsequent backstabbing and firing. I'm going to search YouTube for new HP movie trailers.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Revisiting the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is available on DVD; I rushed to the store for my copy. After a bit of internal dithering, I purchased the special edition with digital copy (even though I'm not sure what to do with it at this point). I watched it last evening, pausing several times to listen and increasing volume on quieter scenes. I have not changed my opinion significantly regarding the film, but will watch it again looking for nuance.
The two-disc DVD included deleted scenes, most less than two minutes, and while interesting it was easy to see why they were not included in the final film. However, one scene titled "In Noctem" that someone posted on YouTube, is stunning. It precedes Dumbledore's death and provides a glimpse of Snape's internal struggle to balance his unbreakable vow and promise to Dumbledore.
The two-disc DVD included deleted scenes, most less than two minutes, and while interesting it was easy to see why they were not included in the final film. However, one scene titled "In Noctem" that someone posted on YouTube, is stunning. It precedes Dumbledore's death and provides a glimpse of Snape's internal struggle to balance his unbreakable vow and promise to Dumbledore.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Movie Reflections
I'm enjoying The Prisoner of Azkaban on ABC Family this evening, vaguely wondering why I wait to watch when I have the DVD collection, and reflecting a bit on the differences between previous HP movies and the most recent. I saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last weekend and like everyone else, have an opinion.
The movie was visually stunning and a bit dark in parts, as was the book. It focused a great deal on a few basic elements of the overall story such as Dumbledore's hunt for memories, Harry befriending the troubled and smug Professor Slughorn, provided glimpses of Tom Riddle as child (great casting, he was perfectly eerie and befitting the character), had some wonderful comedic moments with Ron, and allowed for the characters to grow into their destiny. There was a lot to like about the movie.
Much was missing in this movie, a natural occurrence for a 600+ page book edited to a two and one-half hour movie. It felt a bit hodge-podge, a rough stitching of several book vignettes put together as a bridge readying us for the next movie. Very little discussion of the half-blood-prince, we didn't learn Lupin was engaged, Hagrid was missing throughout most of the film, and the end felt contrived as opposed to meaningful. I disliked the added scenes that were really not necessary to the movie; specifically the Weasly's house and race through the swamp. I suppose that is why the movie is based on the book.
The movie was visually stunning and a bit dark in parts, as was the book. It focused a great deal on a few basic elements of the overall story such as Dumbledore's hunt for memories, Harry befriending the troubled and smug Professor Slughorn, provided glimpses of Tom Riddle as child (great casting, he was perfectly eerie and befitting the character), had some wonderful comedic moments with Ron, and allowed for the characters to grow into their destiny. There was a lot to like about the movie.
Much was missing in this movie, a natural occurrence for a 600+ page book edited to a two and one-half hour movie. It felt a bit hodge-podge, a rough stitching of several book vignettes put together as a bridge readying us for the next movie. Very little discussion of the half-blood-prince, we didn't learn Lupin was engaged, Hagrid was missing throughout most of the film, and the end felt contrived as opposed to meaningful. I disliked the added scenes that were really not necessary to the movie; specifically the Weasly's house and race through the swamp. I suppose that is why the movie is based on the book.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling, is a collection of wizarding tales brought to reader's attention in the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Transated by Hermonie Granger, the Beedle Bard collection provides Muggles with insight into traditional tales told to wizard children and includes stories of true love as well as those which are darker and dangerous ("Hairy Heart"). Accompanying each tale is insightful, and often pithy, commentary from Albus Dumbledore which provides readers with additional information regarding several series characters. Readers hoping for more Harry Potter adventure may be disappointed, but this is a nice collection that will undoubtedly find it's way in to many fan's personal libraries.Scholastic is donating net proceeds of this book to the Children's High Level Group.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Next year for the Half-Blood Prince
Even with strictly enforced time away from the computer during vacation, the news regarding Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie release date managed to infiltrate my little world away. Seems as if the Warner Brother's Batman movie made enough money for the fiscal year 2008 and they need a guaranteed cash cow for 2009. Unfortunately for Potter movie fans their favorite boy wizard was named the sacrificial lamb; the release date has been pushed from November 2008 to July 2009.
Half-Blood Prince Release Pushed Back
Hollywood Reporter- 8/14/08
Half-Blood Prince Release Date Pushed Back to Summer
MTV Movie News
There is already a grass-roots online-effort underway petitioning Warner Brothers to use the oringinal release date. As of this evening, there are 452 signatures affixed to the web page.
Change the Half-Blood Prince Release Date Back to November 21, 2008
Random musings? I do not particularly care about the writers strike and studio issues, it was a problem of their own making. I can say I wonder about the quality of the movies WB may have in their house planned for release in 2009. Is it not odd they do not have enough faith in the films slated for release next year and as a result HP is being delayed.
I can only begin to imagine the domino effect this decision will have on retailers merchandising for Halloween (costumes) or Christmas (toys, action figures, DVD's, and books). My dad has been looking for HP accessories for his train layout (he has two different Hogwarts train sets). I recently purchased the Weasley Car (it came with Harry and Ron, very cute) and the Knights Bus for him and we were waiting until November to expand the search since we believed more would be available in conjunction with the movie release. Now it seems I was lucky to get the two pieces.
Guess two books I read over summer vacation?
Half-Blood Prince Release Pushed Back
Hollywood Reporter- 8/14/08
"In a surprise move, Warner Bros. has moved the release date of "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" from Nov. 21 to July 17. Warners president Alan Horn blame last winter's 100-day WGA strike in large part for the shift, suggesting all the major studios have been hurt in the development of new tentpole films for next summer."
Half-Blood Prince Release Date Pushed Back to Summer
MTV Movie News
"Horn added that "like every other studio," Warner Bros. was still "feeling the repercussions of the writers' strike," which had affected scripts for other films, and changed "the competitive landscape for 2009." Because of this, the studio felt next summer was a "new window of opportunity" for the franchise. The film's producer, David Heyman, concurred, saying that this would allow them to "reach the widest possible audience.""
There is already a grass-roots online-effort underway petitioning Warner Brothers to use the oringinal release date. As of this evening, there are 452 signatures affixed to the web page.
Change the Half-Blood Prince Release Date Back to November 21, 2008
Interested in more information?
To: Warner Brother's Studios
"Harry Potter fandom is angered to discover that the Half-Blood Prince release date has been moved back nearly a year even after production has been completed to simply make more money in the summer vs a release in the fall. The first release date was November 21, 2008 and has now been moved back to July 17, 2009. As a fan base we need to fix this problem so please sign and let WB know we mean business."
- Harry Potter Film pulls vanishing act on cover of EW
- AFP: Studio "Muggles" postpone new Harry Potter Film until 2009
- AP: Poof! Next Harry Potter flick moves to summer
- Potter Delay Hexes, Vexes, Perplexes
- Next Harry Potter movie pushed back to July 2009
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Moves to Summer 2009
Random musings? I do not particularly care about the writers strike and studio issues, it was a problem of their own making. I can say I wonder about the quality of the movies WB may have in their house planned for release in 2009. Is it not odd they do not have enough faith in the films slated for release next year and as a result HP is being delayed.
I can only begin to imagine the domino effect this decision will have on retailers merchandising for Halloween (costumes) or Christmas (toys, action figures, DVD's, and books). My dad has been looking for HP accessories for his train layout (he has two different Hogwarts train sets). I recently purchased the Weasley Car (it came with Harry and Ron, very cute) and the Knights Bus for him and we were waiting until November to expand the search since we believed more would be available in conjunction with the movie release. Now it seems I was lucky to get the two pieces.
Guess two books I read over summer vacation?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince
It is that time again, time to anticipate the next Harry Potter movie. I think it is time to go back and read the book again. The Moviefone website says there are 114 days until the premiere! I better start looking for a movie widget (hee-hee).
- Harry Potter Web Site - Warner Brothers
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Movie Trailer Unveiled
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Moviefone
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer - MTV
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - MTV
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - IMDb
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Movie Web
- Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer - Movie Web
- Harry Potter search results - YouTube
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hypothetical spring break musings
Over the last few days, local newspapers and the Internet have been reporting the possibility, aka serious rumors, regarding Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows being made into two movies. Rumors, I might add, that seem to have been substantiated by the news release from Warner Brothers and everyone else; part one of Hallows will be released in 2010 with part two following the next year.
I'm not sure exactly when the sixth movie is due out (I could look, though I am more interested in the Pitt vs. Marquette basketball game right now), but would guess since they are currently filming Half Blood Prince it would be this summer or nearer the holidays.
In the meantime, here are a few links to Deathly Hallows information:
It's early yet, but Pitt is winning!
Update: later that evening ...
I could not let it rest. According to the Internet Movie Database, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is due in theaters November 21st. And ... Pitt is still winning.
Update: 3/18/08
From Library Journal - Book News: Rowling's Deathly Hallows Split into two Films
From RTE Entertainment: Final Harry Potter film to be split in two
I'm not sure exactly when the sixth movie is due out (I could look, though I am more interested in the Pitt vs. Marquette basketball game right now), but would guess since they are currently filming Half Blood Prince it would be this summer or nearer the holidays.
In the meantime, here are a few links to Deathly Hallows information:
- The Leaky Cauldron: Harry Potter Books, Movies, and More
- David Heyman Talks Splitting Deathly Hallows, Both Films Possibly Two and a Half Hours Long
- Empire Magazine Article: David Heyman
- Deathly Hallows" To Be Split into Two "Harry Potter" Movies: MTV Movie News
- UK The Daily Mail: It's Harry Potter and a film of Two Halves
- Final "Harry Potter" book will be split into two movies - Los Angeles Times
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Trailer, Cast, Showtimes: New York Times
It's early yet, but Pitt is winning!
Update: later that evening ...
I could not let it rest. According to the Internet Movie Database, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is due in theaters November 21st. And ... Pitt is still winning.
Update: 3/18/08
From Library Journal - Book News: Rowling's Deathly Hallows Split into two Films
From RTE Entertainment: Final Harry Potter film to be split in two
"According to Warner Brothers, it is with the length of the novel and the complex storylines in mind that Rowling, the movies' producers and the studio decided they would need two parts to tell the story."
"Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the movie version, and his co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are all filming the sixth movie 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. All three have confirmed that they will appear in the final films." --RTE Entertainment
Saturday, December 15, 2007
HP5, dog food, & ice cream
Tuesday after work I rushed out to buy Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; one for me (regular wide-screen) and one for my dad (2 DVD set) for Christmas. After dinner that evening I relaxed watching HP5 and was transported back to Hogwarts for year five. I have enjoyed each of the preceding HP movies, first in the theater then on DVD, and all have had a different "something" about them. However, HP5 is the first one that after leaving the theater I remarked to my dad that had I not read the book, it would have been confusing.
Like the book, the movie becomes not only a bridge between the beginning and end of the series, but also between HP as young boy and HP as a young man. It becomes obvious adults in the wizarding world while opting to protect the young, are in many ways inhibiting their growth. I spent time again this evening watching the end of the movie, attempting to catch some dialogue that was difficult to hear over the music accompanying the scenes; Ron really needs to speak up and Luna, though effectively childlike and wize, has a voice that could cut glass. Casting remains consistently on-target; the actress who plays Dolores Umbridge is a complex mixture of perky kindergarten teacher and evil personified ("I really hate children, you know") and Lucius Malfoy, my favorite bad guy, is the epitome of arrogant.
Though, I must admit Snapes has one of the best quotes (aside from Hermonie telling Ron he has the emotional depth of a teaspoon) in the movie, delivered in his customary droll tone: "However, if you do intend to poison Potter, I assure that I have the greatest sympathy."
After adjusting the audio (emphasis on less bass for the music) on my television, I watched the last hour of the movie (choosing scenes is much simpler than fast forward) a short while ago taking a break from baking and weather forecasts of gloom, doom, and blizzards. I still am unable to understand what Ron says to Harry and Hermoine when explaining how they escaped from Umbridge's office, but have learned the first wave of snow has passed through Northeastern Ohio and we are now bracing for the second batch of weather containing the ultimate "mixed bag" of precipitation. Approximately four inches of snow is laying on the ground and it sounds as if we have entered the freezing rain portion of the evening (it's pinging off of the existing snow).
In a brief moment of clarity, I remembered to purchase a snow shovel this morning so I will not have to use my small garden shovel to clear the path to the alley behind my garage. I also learned something new; we always discuss how predictions of snow storms drive the populace to the grocery store for milk and toilet paper. Today the cashier at the grocery store set me straight, what people buy when a snow storm is forecasted is - wait for it - ice cream and dog food. Yes, ice cream and dog food. Seems they kept an informal record at the store one winter and those were the results. I hated to disappoint her as I had neither in my cart, but she gave me a pass since I did have toilet paper.
I am kind of wishing I had some ice cream.
Like the book, the movie becomes not only a bridge between the beginning and end of the series, but also between HP as young boy and HP as a young man. It becomes obvious adults in the wizarding world while opting to protect the young, are in many ways inhibiting their growth. I spent time again this evening watching the end of the movie, attempting to catch some dialogue that was difficult to hear over the music accompanying the scenes; Ron really needs to speak up and Luna, though effectively childlike and wize, has a voice that could cut glass. Casting remains consistently on-target; the actress who plays Dolores Umbridge is a complex mixture of perky kindergarten teacher and evil personified ("I really hate children, you know") and Lucius Malfoy, my favorite bad guy, is the epitome of arrogant.
Though, I must admit Snapes has one of the best quotes (aside from Hermonie telling Ron he has the emotional depth of a teaspoon) in the movie, delivered in his customary droll tone: "However, if you do intend to poison Potter, I assure that I have the greatest sympathy."
After adjusting the audio (emphasis on less bass for the music) on my television, I watched the last hour of the movie (choosing scenes is much simpler than fast forward) a short while ago taking a break from baking and weather forecasts of gloom, doom, and blizzards. I still am unable to understand what Ron says to Harry and Hermoine when explaining how they escaped from Umbridge's office, but have learned the first wave of snow has passed through Northeastern Ohio and we are now bracing for the second batch of weather containing the ultimate "mixed bag" of precipitation. Approximately four inches of snow is laying on the ground and it sounds as if we have entered the freezing rain portion of the evening (it's pinging off of the existing snow).
In a brief moment of clarity, I remembered to purchase a snow shovel this morning so I will not have to use my small garden shovel to clear the path to the alley behind my garage. I also learned something new; we always discuss how predictions of snow storms drive the populace to the grocery store for milk and toilet paper. Today the cashier at the grocery store set me straight, what people buy when a snow storm is forecasted is - wait for it - ice cream and dog food. Yes, ice cream and dog food. Seems they kept an informal record at the store one winter and those were the results. I hated to disappoint her as I had neither in my cart, but she gave me a pass since I did have toilet paper.
I am kind of wishing I had some ice cream.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Harry Potter: Sales & Censors
Publisher's Weekly is reporting sales figures for Harry Potter:
And with what could be termed both an unfortunate and natural progression of the books popularity, ALA's I Love Libraries site has a well timed article on censorship and Harry Potter. In Harry Potter and the Censor's Flames, Judith Krug, director of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, discusses the downside of Harry Potter sales and the continuous challenges school and public libraries face. She also makes an interesting point about this process:
Tags: Harry Potter sales, Harry Potter & censorship, ALA, Publishers Weekly
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows sold 1.7 million copies in its first full week on sale through outlets that report to Nielsen BookScan. The additional sales, for the week ending July 29, brought total sales through BookScan retailers to 6.9 million." (Publishers Weekly, 8/2/07)
And with what could be termed both an unfortunate and natural progression of the books popularity, ALA's I Love Libraries site has a well timed article on censorship and Harry Potter. In Harry Potter and the Censor's Flames, Judith Krug, director of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, discusses the downside of Harry Potter sales and the continuous challenges school and public libraries face. She also makes an interesting point about this process:
"I believe, in fact, that what some parents and adults find most threatening about the Potter series is what engages young minds and fires the imagination of young people- Rowling's willingness to deal with the truth that adults in children's lives can sometimes be unthinking, authoritarian, and even evil. The best books always have raised questions about the status quo - and are the most threatening to censors who want to control what young persons read and think about. Like the tyrannical Defense Against Dark Arts Professor Dolores Umbridge, who insisted on providing a "risk-free" education to the young wizards at Hogwarts, they would limit education and information to facts so incontestable that they arouse no controversy at any level, thereby leaving young people unequipped to think about and address larger questions about the nature of our society." (Krug, ALA, OIF, 8/2/07)
Tags: Harry Potter sales, Harry Potter & censorship, ALA, Publishers Weekly
Thursday, July 26, 2007
A best seller?
A post on the LM_Net list serv mentioned the follwoing article by Michael Giltz of the Huffington Post, Why Harry Potter Won't be a Bestseller. Due to the simple matter of children's books not being included in the NYT best seller list, Harry Potter will not be a NYT best seller.
Looks as if there may be a grass roots effort in the making.
Tags: Harry Potter, NYT best sellers list, Huffington Post, Michael Giltz
"It happened in 2000. The Harry Potter books -- a once in a lifetime publishing phenomenon -- were dominating the bestseller lists, with three titles ensconced in the Top 15 at the same time. It just wasn't fair, moaned publishers of more "serious" fiction. It kept more deserving titles off the list, titles that people would never hear about, said bookstore owners. And so in a rash, indefensible decision, the New York Times decided to banish children's books solely to their own separate list." (Giltz, HP, 7/20/07)
Looks as if there may be a grass roots effort in the making.
Tags: Harry Potter, NYT best sellers list, Huffington Post, Michael Giltz
AL Direct: Harry Potter link
American Libraries Direct is an email newsletter from American Libraries, the official magazine of the American Library Association. Yesterday's issue, arriving in my mailbox after I left for the day, includes a link to a Booklist article by Ilene Cooper (who also penned Booklists Deathly Hallows review). Posted online and in the June 1st issue of Booklist, Cooper discusses Harry Potter, the cultural phenomenon; Writer's and Readers: The Trouble with Harry. The article concludes with:
My introduction to Harry came during my library science coursework in the fall of 1999. Fulfilling a book-talk assignment for a children's literature course, one of my classmates book-talked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In closing, she mentioned a student had recommended the book and that they were excited about the story presented.
While I missed the Beatles introduction to America, I did indeed have the chance to participate in this particular cultural phenomenon. I have enjoyed it immensely.
Tags: American Libraries Direct, Booklist, Harry Potter
"Time will tell whether knowing if Harry dies will significantly taint the experience of reading the series, but one thing is certain: with all the attention and accolades Harry Potter has garnered, his biggest claim to fame is the way he has charmed children back into reading. The deliciously detailed books possess that rare ability to transport readers to another place, one where they are happy to linger, and that pleasure will remain, even for those who know how it all comes out. So while we can expect the books to lose a bit of their luster for a while, I suspect that ultimately they will make a comeback, especially after Harry’s original fans grow up and want to share him with children of their own."
"But, finally, there is one irrefutable point. In literature, as in love, there can only be one first time. Aren’t you glad you were there for it?" (Cooper, Booklist, 7/25/07)
My introduction to Harry came during my library science coursework in the fall of 1999. Fulfilling a book-talk assignment for a children's literature course, one of my classmates book-talked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In closing, she mentioned a student had recommended the book and that they were excited about the story presented.
While I missed the Beatles introduction to America, I did indeed have the chance to participate in this particular cultural phenomenon. I have enjoyed it immensely.
Tags: American Libraries Direct, Booklist, Harry Potter
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
That's what I'm talking about ...
Alison Morris at the Publishers Weekly blog Shelftalker posted this great story from Harry Potter Day at Titcomb's Bookshop in Sandwich, Massachusetts: Celebrating Harry in Sandwich.
Even better, the story goes on to say:
How cool is that?
Tags: Harry Potter, Harry Potter Day, Sandwich, Massachusetts, Titcombs Bookshop
"I think the town of Sandwich deserves a special prize for being so willing to share their resources, talents and genuine enthusiasm for the celebration of a book!" (Alison Morris, PW blog, 7/24/07)
Even better, the story goes on to say:
"Every penny raised from the trip will support the high school library, which recently learned that their book and materials budget for next year is $0!!" (Alison Morris, PW blog, 7/24/07)
How cool is that?
Tags: Harry Potter, Harry Potter Day, Sandwich, Massachusetts, Titcombs Bookshop
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
From Paper Cuts
The New York Times blog Paper Cuts: A Blog About Books, had a post this afternoon called The Harry Index. It contains a live RSS feed from Amazon listing the top 100 books, best sellers, today. As of 3:00 pm, eleven of the top twenty-five best sellers were Harry Potter related (that's 44%, I checked).
If you limit that list to children's books, after all Harry Potter is children's literature, the number changes to twenty-one of the top twenty-five best sellers being Harry related (yes, 84%). As the NYT blog poster mentioned, those numbers are bound to shift significantly as the week progresses and, generally speaking, everyone who wanted a Potter book has one. However, as the hoopla surrounding book seven continues in libraries and book stores, new readers may discover Harry and start back at the beginning. In our library each time a new Harry Potter movie or book is released the circulation of the entire series increases significantly (we have movies, books, and audio tapes to offer).
Tags: Harry Potter, Amazon.com, Amazon sales, Harry Potter sales, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
If you limit that list to children's books, after all Harry Potter is children's literature, the number changes to twenty-one of the top twenty-five best sellers being Harry related (yes, 84%). As the NYT blog poster mentioned, those numbers are bound to shift significantly as the week progresses and, generally speaking, everyone who wanted a Potter book has one. However, as the hoopla surrounding book seven continues in libraries and book stores, new readers may discover Harry and start back at the beginning. In our library each time a new Harry Potter movie or book is released the circulation of the entire series increases significantly (we have movies, books, and audio tapes to offer).
Tags: Harry Potter, Amazon.com, Amazon sales, Harry Potter sales, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
More Hallows reviews & info
Yesterday Roger Sutton, author of the Read Roger blog, posted a link to Horn Book magazine's review of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Sutton noted this review will be included in the October/November issue of Horn Book Magazine.
This morning Likely Stories, BookList's blog, has linked to their online review of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. No specifics are in place regarding it's publication date for the journal, but the reviewer has given the book a starred review.
Publisher's Weekly has an interesting blurb, That 8.3 Million Copies Sold Was Just the Beginning, detailing specifics concerning the books sold in the first 24 hours. There seems to have been a few problems with a print run and copies missing pages:
I'm finding a number of people who read the epilogue before reading the book so they would know who lived. A known end-of-book reader, after finishing the book I was glad I had refrained from that particular act.
Tags: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reviews, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Booklist reviews, Horn Book review
This morning Likely Stories, BookList's blog, has linked to their online review of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. No specifics are in place regarding it's publication date for the journal, but the reviewer has given the book a starred review.
Publisher's Weekly has an interesting blurb, That 8.3 Million Copies Sold Was Just the Beginning, detailing specifics concerning the books sold in the first 24 hours. There seems to have been a few problems with a print run and copies missing pages:
"There were also a few reports from booksellers of some misprinted copies, with pages missing toward the end, or duplicate copies of the same pages. 'It adds to the excitement of Harry Potter,' said Alan Fowler, co-owner of Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, Vt., philosophizing about the missing signature (pages 643-674) at the end of at least 26 of the store's copies. The mix-up was first uncovered early Saturday morning when a high school student who helped the store with its Potter party was just finishing the book. Because the printing error is so deep into the book, Fowler said, he's expecting to hear from more customers early this week." (PW, Roback and Milliot, 7/23/07)
I'm finding a number of people who read the epilogue before reading the book so they would know who lived. A known end-of-book reader, after finishing the book I was glad I had refrained from that particular act.
Tags: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reviews, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Booklist reviews, Horn Book review
Monday, July 23, 2007
Mum's the word
There is still a member on staff who has not finished reading Deathly Hallows (her daughter is currently "hogging" the book), so discussion regarding the conclusion has been limited to bits and pieces of conversation occurring when she is not in the room. I have found reviews and comments from other newspapers this morning and in lieu of gossip, I will share links:- Harry Potter fans: Did we tell you too much too early?
Seattle Times, 7/22/07 - 'Deathly Hallows' packs a punch
AP/MSNBC, 7/21/07 - Reviews of "The Deathly Hallows"
DesMoines Register, 7/21/07 - "Deathly Hallows" Offers Tragedy, Triumph
Clarksville Online, 7/21/07 - Rowling Conjures Exciting, Worthy Finish to Her Series
Houston Chronicle, 7/21/07 - 'Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows': Sad and Satisfying
MTV News, 7/23/07 - Harry Potter reviews from The N & O's young critics
News & Observer (NC), 7/22/07
And about those SALES!
- Potter Magic: Book Breaks Sales Records
GMA, 7/23/07 - Scholastic and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Make Publishing History with 8.3 Million Copies Sold in First 24 Hours
CNN Money, 7/22/07 - Final Harry Potter Book Breaks all the Records
New Zealand, 7/23/07 - Potter 7 'best-selling book ever'
CBBC Newsround, 7/23/07
Update: 7/23/07, later that same day ...
Roger Sutton, Horn Book Magazine editor and author of Read Roger, has posted a link to Horn Book's review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Additionally, he noted the review will be part of the October/November issue of Horn Book Magazine.
Tags: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter, Book 7, Opinion: Deathly Hallows
Sunday, July 22, 2007
I finished it!
I finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows a short time ago ago; it would have been sooner but the weekend intruded on my reading plans. I find myself elated with the journey's ultimate conclusion and a bit bereft that it is over. If I were to hazard a guess there will be many discussions forthcoming regarding the appropriateness of the ending, the writing within book seven, and a continuation of it's place in children's literature. Instead, here are a few comments and reflections, in no particular order, regarding my reading experience.I had a few qualms regarding my decision not to reread The Half-Blood Prince before Deathly Hallows was published, especially after talking to a co-worker on Friday and realized how much of the book I had forgotten. By then it was too late, the lure of Deathly Hallows was too great to take time for a refresher course. Rowling's did a good job with the first quarter of the book reminding me who was who, what was what, and detailing the quest being undertaken by Harry, Hermione, and Ron. By the end of the sixth chapter, less than 100 pages, I was up to speed and anxious to travel with old friends. The book opened with a rousing chase complete with Death Eaters, the reading of Dumbledore's last will and testament, and charmingly enough, a wedding. But once the quest began, there were a few rough patches.
All of the story/character/plot elements uncovered by Harry, Ron, and Hermione were well-planned (and neatly tidied at the end). The early life of Dumbledore, Snape, and Harry's parents was thoughtfully explored. But for me, the middle lagged, bogged down by Harry's continued musings regarding Dumbledore's secrecy and transgressions (they were, to a certain degree, annoying). I would have enjoyed more emotional maturity displayed by this almost eighteen year wizard. That by and of itself was easily overlooked as things picked up again, but I did not quite grasp the mid-book melt-down Ron suffered. While Harry and Ron had their differences, Goblet of Fire comes to mind, Ron's defection during their quest felt contrived.
Yes, an argument could be made that Dumbledore had foreseen this event hence Ron's bequeathment actually an interesting foreshadow to the event - or - the locket horcrux being bandied about by the three added significant pressure to each individuals internal strife. However, with his burgeoning personal feelings for Hermione and friendship with Harry, not to mention this was his chance to participate as opposed to being a bystander, the abrupt departure, nee abandonment, did not ring true to Ron's character. I kept waiting for hidden motives to be revealed; he was charmed, it was all a ruse, or failing that it wasn't the "real" Ron. And even though Ron eventually returned to the fold and all was forgiven, it still was a bit of a blemish on the character.
The last part of Deathly Hallows moved along a a brisk pace, rushing towards the final showdown held appropriately at Hogwarts. Here there were many shades of gray as readers learned the truth behind Dumbledore's demise, Snape's previously unfathomable near hatred of Harry, the Malfoy's, and the almost casual evil of Voldemort. More importantly, here readers were treated to depth of character from Neville, Aberforth, McGonnegall, and the Weasley family (Mrs. Weasley was incomparable!). Extenuating and harrowing circumstances bring strength of character to the forefront, often results in loss of life, and renewal of hope. The Hogwarts war and aftermath did not disappoint.
Much discussion was held regarding which character's died in this final installment. I was a bit concerned with the blithe dismissal characters in the beginning (it was almost careless in nature), but in my opinion Rowling's took care not to insult her reader's intelligence by having every known character survive. Since the final book was the ultimate fight of good against evil, it was inevitable instances of death would be addressed.
I was pleasantly, yet oddly, surprised to see an epilogue. More happily ever after in nature than I expected, it laid to rest many "wonder what happened to...." questions. Generally speaking, I think most readers will be happy with the outcome of the seventh and final Harry Potter novel.
I was.
Now I will have to dodge my Dad's phone calls and continual questions regarding the end and if Hermione survived.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Ssshhhh ....
It's here. Really, I have seen and touched it.
There is excited whispering amongst the recipients here on staff.
It's lovely, a veritable vision of beauty and joy to behold, and pretty darn hefty in size (both length and weight).
Two of them are currently being cataloged, they will be added to the shelves tomorrow when we open at 10:00 a.m.
I am slightly peeved I can not take it to lunch with me (dang).
I now have plans for the evening and no more to say on this subject until tomorrow.
There is excited whispering amongst the recipients here on staff.
It's lovely, a veritable vision of beauty and joy to behold, and pretty darn hefty in size (both length and weight).
Two of them are currently being cataloged, they will be added to the shelves tomorrow when we open at 10:00 a.m.
I am slightly peeved I can not take it to lunch with me (dang).
I now have plans for the evening and no more to say on this subject until tomorrow.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Cranky musings
With respect to Bill Cosby’s HBO special Himself, I was going to title this post Sick and Tired (remember, and tired always follows sick), but decided cranky was probably more appropriate. Today, though not the first time, I found myself appalled with the continuous media hype concerning the embargo period, the overwrought musings of Rowling’s work as literature, the childish race to have the first review in print, and the elitist attitude of some who do not care about the Harry Potter release countdown and festivities. The following paragraphs are my cranky musings; one might even say rants, on those topics.
No, I am not attending any Harry Potter book readings. No, I will not be standing in line at 12:01 am to get my copy of the book. No, I will not be dressing in Harry Potter-esque regalia and touting the wonders of magic to my family and friends. No, I will not stay up all night to read the book in its entirety. No, I do not need to have any more children’s literature and/or other experts to impose on me their comments concerning the intrinsic value of this book. And lastly, no I do not feel the need to defend myself for enjoying the Harry Potter series of books.
Yes, I do have two copies of the book ordered through the library and have high hopes of their arrival before leaving work tomorrow. Yes, I have an opaque bag at the ready so it may be taken from the building with little or no fanfare, issue, or ruckus. Yes, I will discuss the book with co-workers who are reading the book; though I am sure we will wait until everyone is finished to even the playing field (so to speak). Yes, I do wonder if Harry will live or die with good defeating evil in the end. Yes, I know this is a work of popular culture and fiction and it may not stand the test of time as a classic; I do not have that particular expectation. And lastly, yes, I do expect to enjoy the time I spend reading this book.
What caused this particularly whiny, cranky rant? That would be the result of several blog posts I have read over the last few days. My particular favorite (insert extremely appropriate sarcasm on my behalf here) was a quote found in the Booklist online blog that originated in Guardian Unlimited: Art's Blog: Harry Potter's Big Con is the Prose. In it the author is discussing his dismay regarding the language IQ of those who enjoy reading Harry Potter and the lack of quality writing displayed by Rowlings:
No, I am not attending any Harry Potter book readings. No, I will not be standing in line at 12:01 am to get my copy of the book. No, I will not be dressing in Harry Potter-esque regalia and touting the wonders of magic to my family and friends. No, I will not stay up all night to read the book in its entirety. No, I do not need to have any more children’s literature and/or other experts to impose on me their comments concerning the intrinsic value of this book. And lastly, no I do not feel the need to defend myself for enjoying the Harry Potter series of books.
Yes, I do have two copies of the book ordered through the library and have high hopes of their arrival before leaving work tomorrow. Yes, I have an opaque bag at the ready so it may be taken from the building with little or no fanfare, issue, or ruckus. Yes, I will discuss the book with co-workers who are reading the book; though I am sure we will wait until everyone is finished to even the playing field (so to speak). Yes, I do wonder if Harry will live or die with good defeating evil in the end. Yes, I know this is a work of popular culture and fiction and it may not stand the test of time as a classic; I do not have that particular expectation. And lastly, yes, I do expect to enjoy the time I spend reading this book.
What caused this particularly whiny, cranky rant? That would be the result of several blog posts I have read over the last few days. My particular favorite (insert extremely appropriate sarcasm on my behalf here) was a quote found in the Booklist online blog that originated in Guardian Unlimited: Art's Blog: Harry Potter's Big Con is the Prose. In it the author is discussing his dismay regarding the language IQ of those who enjoy reading Harry Potter and the lack of quality writing displayed by Rowlings:
"... You’re one of the many adults who don't have a problem with the retreat into infantilism that your willing immersion in the Potter books represents. It doesn't make you a bad or silly person. But if you have the patience to read it without noticing how plodding it is, then you are self-evidently someone on whom the possibilities of the English language are largely lost."
"This is the kind of prose that reasonably intelligent nine-year-olds consider pretty hot stuff, if they're producing it themselves; for a highly-educated woman like Rowling to knock out the same kind of material is, shall we say, somewhat disappointing." (Guardian Unlimited, Nicholas Lezard, 7/07)
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and since I buy books for a living I am very familiar with the significance of critical literature reviews, especially as they pertain to children’s literature, the bulk of my collection development responsibilities. But there is a difference between critically reviewing a title and bashing the very readers who enjoy the work. The first is important; the second stresses said reviewer’s self-importance.
And today, under the “someone just had to be first” category, was the New York Times with a book review two days before the book’s release date.
- New York Times: An Epic Showdown as Harry Potter is Initiated into Adulthood
- Baltimore Sun: Raise a Butterbeer to the Final Tale
I did not read either review beyond the first paragraph, as I want to experience the book myself, the early reviews were meaningless. There was a bit of chatter regarding the rights of the fourth estate to present the particulars to their readers and other such drivel. Printing those reviews early was not about the public’s right to know. It was all about who outperformed everyone else and posted the first review. Of course there were the necessary rebuttals regarding the breach of faith/embargo by the American press…
- The Huffington Post: Harry Potter and the Fact That I Hate the New York Times
- BBC News: Entertainment: JK Rowling Rails Against Spoilers
As much as I am looking forward to receiving my copy and reading, I am simply sick … and tired … of all the folderol and subsequent foolishness surrounding the event. But then, what do you expect from someone "on whom the possibilities of the English language are largely lost?"
Tags: Harry Potter, Harry Potter reviews, Popular children's fiction, Juvenile fiction, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
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