Spoilers inside I just finished Harry Potter

urbantigers · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I... don't get it.

I've been reading the book at work (shhhh

) and I don't understand. It's a decent, not very original children's book as far as I can tell. I mean... the general plot, the genre, etc have all been done before and imho done better, and the prose isn't fantastic.

I can see why people read it and it is very readable, I'm not saying that they are bad, but could someone explain to me why this series of books is presented like the holy grail of literature? I have to be missing something. We sold more than 500 copies this weekend, almost none to children, so what is going on!

I don't mean to insult the books-- but they don't seem like they'd be outselling everything, ever.

I don't think they are presented as the holy grail of literature - all but the most ardent HP fans will admit they're not the best written books in the world - but I think it's the excitement of being in the middle of an incomplete series. The fact that you have an incomplete story and have to wait a couple of years for the next installment. That gives plenty of time for fans to speculate and lots of online forums to spring up so that people can discuss the books. And a lot of people have grown up with these books. Despite the fact that I think the books do have flaws, she writes a damn good story. A book doesn't have to be original to be good, it's the way in which the author tells the story that makes it good or not. If the author can make the reader care about the characters and what happens to them, they're well on the way to writing a good book. That's what's happened with HP - a lot of people really care for the characters and are desperate to know what happens next. It might not be to everybody's taste, but she understands teenagers very well and the characters are, generally, well written. I can't think of any other book that I've wanted to read in one sitting. Like lots of people, I kept this weekend free so that I could buy the book and then spend the whole day reading. She's got to have done something right for so many of us to want to do that. Certainly hype and the movie franchise helps, but remember that the books initially became popular by word of mouth, not due to any marketing exercise. I just find them charming and the whole world they are set in fascinating. Not the best books I've ever read, but amongst the most enjoyable.

I have lots of niggles about book 7, but in overall I liked it and was satisfied with the way things were tied up.

sofiecusion · Jul 23, 2007

The book was wonderful. I snapped at Scott for interrupting me during "The Prince's Tale". Snape's actions completely make sense now. I hated all the deaths, but I believe it was wrapped up very well.

I thought Harry would raise Ted, but it doesn't look like it....

katl8e · Jul 23, 2007

MY biggest surprise was DUDLEY'S behavior, when the Dursleys were leaving home. Not as dim-witted as I thought.

cairo · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Libby'sMom

Is the board you're talking about hpna.com? I've been a member since the beginning of the year there, but since I had under 100 posts I can't post until they lift it. I think they should have a special forum so I could post my ideas on the book.

No, I haven't heard of that one. These were my gaming forums. But it doesn't surprise me that other forums had to take action on this. You'd be amazed at how many people actually enjoy spoiling the book for others.

lookingglass · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Cairo

No, I haven't heard of that one. These were my gaming forums. But it doesn't surprise me that other forums had to take action on this. You'd be amazed at how many people actually enjoy spoiling the book for others.

I don't get that. Why would anyone want to spoil such and adventure for people.

I've had friends of mine calling me for the past few days asking me the ending. For the ones that really wanted to know I explained it.

Now I just have to wait for the next Jasper Fforde. That comes out on Tuesday!

april31 · Jul 23, 2007

I finished it yesterday morning. Something tells me that we might not have seen the last of the books just a feeling. I was disapointed at the end when it didnt say what happry was doing now. I kind of expected him to be a teacher.(defence of dark arts lol).

lookingglass · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I... don't get it.

I've been reading the book at work (shhhh

) and I don't understand. It's a decent, not very original children's book as far as I can tell. I mean... the general plot, the genre, etc have all been done before and imho done better, and the prose isn't fantastic.

I can see why people read it and it is very readable, I'm not saying that they are bad, but could someone explain to me why this series of books is presented like the holy grail of literature? I have to be missing something. We sold more than 500 copies this weekend, almost none to children, so what is going on!

I don't mean to insult the books-- but they don't seem like they'd be outselling everything, ever.

Is this the first one you've read?

I know that this isn't the end all be all of literature, but it serves as a nice easy entry ramp to the world of books. One of my cousins started reading them ten years ago when they came out. Because this was his starting point he got interested in reading in general. He's now way more of a bibliophile than I've ever been.

Also because my nephew like Harry Potter I handed him a copy of The Hobbit. He mowed his way through that and is now starting the Lord of the Rings books.

zissou'smom · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by urbantigers

I don't think they are presented as the holy grail of literature - all but the most ardent HP fans will admit they're not the best written books in the world - but I think it's the excitement of being in the middle of an incomplete series. The fact that you have an incomplete story and have to wait a couple of years for the next installment. That gives plenty of time for fans to speculate and lots of online forums to spring up so that people can discuss the books. And a lot of people have grown up with these books. Despite the fact that I think the books do have flaws, she writes a damn good story. A book doesn't have to be original to be good, it's the way in which the author tells the story that makes it good or not. If the author can make the reader care about the characters and what happens to them, they're well on the way to writing a good book. That's what's happened with HP - a lot of people really care for the characters and are desperate to know what happens next. It might not be to everybody's taste, but she understands teenagers very well and the characters are, generally, well written. I can't think of any other book that I've wanted to read in one sitting. Like lots of people, I kept this weekend free so that I could buy the book and then spend the whole day reading. She's got to have done something right for so many of us to want to do that. Certainly hype and the movie franchise helps, but remember that the books initially became popular by word of mouth, not due to any marketing exercise. I just find them charming and the whole world they are set in fascinating. Not the best books I've ever read, but amongst the most enjoyable.

I have lots of niggles about book 7, but in overall I liked it and was satisfied with the way things were tied up.

Thanks for explaining it! I guess, being where I am, it just seemed like everyone buying it is at least as old as me. I did find myself wanting to know what happened in the end, she does suspense well.

Originally Posted by lookingglass

Is this the first one you've read?

I know that this isn't the end all be all of literature, but it serves as a nice easy entry ramp to the world of books. One of my cousins started reading them ten years ago when they came out. Because this was his starting point he got interested in reading in general. He's now way more of a bibliophile than I've ever been.

Also because my nephew like Harry Potter I handed him a copy of The Hobbit. He mowed his way through that and is now starting the Lord of the Rings books.

Yes, it's the first one I've read in English. I do appreciate them for the wonders they've done for literacy, it's great to see children with this 400 page book with few illustrations.

*sigh* I guess it's just me

lookingglass · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

Thanks for explaining it! I guess, being where I am, it just seemed like everyone buying it is at least as old as me. I did find myself wanting to know what happened in the end, she does suspense well.

Yes, it's the first one I've read in English. I do appreciate them for the wonders they've done for literacy, it's great to see children with this 400 page book with few illustrations.

*sigh* I guess it's just me

The adventure is a bit spoiled for you then. Ten years ago when she first started this type of book was difficult to find. Now, due to her influence, we are seeing a lot more children's books come out that are better written and more complex.

Pick up Clive Barker's Arabat books. It's one of the few where the illustrations work with the novel. It's a new hybrid of the graphic novel and literature. It's an astounding road to take.

jcat · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

Yes, it's the first one I've read in English.

That explains a lot. I certainly don't want to put down the work of translators, especially since that's what I teach, but after having read all the books in English, two of them in German, and one in Spanish, and having skimmed through two Italian translations (I don't speak Italian, but was curious), I have to say that an awful lot gets lost in translation. One of the joys of reading the HP books is marvelling at the cleverness of the names of characters, spells/curses, and places, and most simply don't translate well, if at all.

About half my students and colleagues are reading the book right now (in English), and what they all seem most interested in is Snape. All I heard today was:"You can tell me/us whether Harry, Ron, or Hermione die, but don't reveal whose side Snape was really on!"

SPOILER!

I can understand that one of the Weasley's "had" to die, to make things more "realistic", and to spur on Molly Weasley, but why did she kill off Hedwig and Dobby? Perhaps Dobby had to die to prevent the existence of Aberforth in Hogsmeade from being revealed too soon, but why Hedwig? To cut Harry off from the "Muggle world"? If so, why do he and Ron have driving licenses at the end?

vanillasugar · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by jcat

I can understand that one of the Weasley's "had" to die, to make things more "realistic", and to spur on Molly Weasley, but why did she kill off Hedwig and Dobby? Perhaps Dobby had to die to prevent the existence of Aberforth in Hogsmeade from being revealed too soon, but why Hedwig? To cut Harry off from the "Muggle world"? If so, why do he and Ron have driving licenses at the end?

As much as I hate saying it, it makes sence that Hedwig died. Harry couldn't bring her with him on the journey with Ron and Hermione when they were in hiding. She would have been too much of a risk to let fly around (being very recognisable as a snowy owl), and the whole point of that part of the plot is that they were cut off from the world (and from Ron). Plus, she wouldn't have been comfortable in Hermione's beaded bag, so she would have been one more thing for them to worry about carrying around.

And as for Dobby. I really don't know about that one. As much as the deaths in this book sucked, I accepted them much more easily than I have the deaths of characters in other books. They're in war. Death happens.

I thought it was nice the way she implied that wizards and muggles were living more harmoniously. Not necessarily joining societies, but not quite as segregated as they had been. Harry and Ron getting drivers licences show that.

lookingglass · Jul 23, 2007

Originally Posted by jcat

That explains a lot. I certainly don't want to put down the work of translators, especially since that's what I teach, but after having read all the books in English, two of them in German, and one in Spanish, and having skimmed through two Italian translations (I don't speak Italian, but was curious), I have to say that an awful lot gets lost in translation. One of the joys of reading the HP books is marvelling at the cleverness of the names of characters, spells/curses, and places, and most simply don't translate well, if at all.

About half my students and colleagues are reading the book right now (in English), and what they all seem most interested in is Snape. All I heard today was:"You can tell me/us whether Harry, Ron, or Hermione die, but don't reveal whose side Snape was really on!"

SPOILER!

I can understand that one of the Weasley's "had" to die, to make things more "realistic", and to spur on Molly Weasley, but why did she kill off Hedwig and Dobby? Perhaps Dobby had to die to prevent the existence of Aberforth in Hogsmeade from being revealed too soon, but why Hedwig? To cut Harry off from the "Muggle world"? If so, why do he and Ron have driving licenses at the end?

I think that Hedwig died because it was like Harry's childhood slipped out of his fingers. She was the one last connection that he had to that time period.

I think that he and Ron have drivers licenses because they got the idea from Ron's father. He was always so much into Muggle culture that he would have had great joy in that fact.

jane_vernon · Jul 23, 2007

Agreed - I think the licenses are also a fact of Hermione and Harry's life as well - Both being brought up by Muggles and living in Muggle society - Plus I can understand why Harry wouldn't want to have to do much magic anymore

But why Tonks and Lupin? And who does bring up Teddy?? I reckon the Teddy story might be one of the stories she *may* be writing about - Cause it wasn't well explained, and as he was Harry's godchild, why didn't he live with him? (Although I suppose Tonk's mother was still alive as far as we know)

libby'smom · Jul 23, 2007

I too, think that Hedwig had to die. We knew that people were going to die, but that was his first real intro into the wizarding world. With her gone I think it's another thing to force Harry to grow up, and realize that Voldermort and the DE's aren't joking, they are going to kill everything that Harry loves.

As for the license Harry, and Hermione would have probably done fine, but Ron who's never even driven a car (well in book 2) it would be a big step because his family had not lived with Muggles, whereas Harry and Hermione have lived in both.

I think Dobby had to die, but to me, it seemed symbolic. He did things that brave wizards and witches had done. Even though he was a house elf, I don't know to me it seemed like he was of equal status to a wizard in my eyes. I don't know if I'm explaining myself right.

It was like all the underdogs, or what the witches and wizards deemed unacceptable shined in this book. The house elves, Ron, and heck even Neville! I was so proud of him in this book. And even Kreacher, with his meat cleaver in the front of the house elves at Hogwarts.

telynn · Jul 23, 2007

I can understand why Teddy wouldn't be raised by Harry. He was only 17. And probably wanted to finish school too. I can imagine that they had to let some older kids finish up their classes seeing how topsy-turvy things were for the last couple of years. I would imagine the grandmother would want him, seeing how she lost her husband, daughter and son-in-law. But I'm sure Harry was a big part of his life. Hence the comment about how if he marries a Weasely he would "really be a part of the family".

katl8e · Jul 23, 2007

Of course, Teddy would be raised by his grandmother, just as Neville was raised by HIS.

Speaking of Neville, he really came into his own. I can see Ginny being one of the Dumbledore's Army ringleaders (when you're the only girl, in a houseful of boys, you grow up tough) but I'm quite pleased to see that Neville found his spine.

telynn · Jul 23, 2007

Going back to book 1, who would have thought that the Neville from that book would have ever stood eye-to-eye with someone as evil and powerful as Voldemort?

theimp98 · Jul 23, 2007

i still think harry should have died to remove the
horcruxe since harry was one.
I am really to bet she changed it just to make people happy

angelkitty · Jul 24, 2007

I JUST FINISHED IT LAST NIGHT.. WOOOHOOO...

Anyone wanna talk about it that has finished it too.. I've got so many things I wanna say...

Heather

lookingglass · Jul 24, 2007

Originally Posted by Telynn

Going back to book 1, who would have thought that the Neville from that book would have ever stood eye-to-eye with someone as evil and powerful as Voldemort?

I know... I'm glad he went from the boy who couldn't remember anything to the man who helped win the war.

**** Spoilers inside**** I just finished Harry Potter

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Mo(w)gli's can opener

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Spoilers inside I just finished Harry Potter