J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
I am still dipping back into rereading these, even though my trip is done. I am a completist and I gotta read 'em all! It’s hard to judge this one on this own merits, but it does have some interesting ups and downs for Harry and some really funny bits as well. I think this is the only one that doesn’t end in some sort of big showdown, but instead a quiet reflection on loss.
Showing posts with label harry potter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label harry potter. Show all posts
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
2018 book 6
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Sometimes I have less patience for Teen Angst Harry Potter, but this time around I was like YEAH! YELL about injustice! LEAD revolutionary groups (with the inspiration and help of Hermione, of course)! Of course one does wish that Harry was occasionally more sensible, but then there would be much less to the story. I mean, it is slightly unwieldy, but Rowling does pull most of the threads together in the end. I do sometimes wish we saw more of Hermione's parents ans their home life—the fleeting glimpses here and there are so interesting.
Sometimes I have less patience for Teen Angst Harry Potter, but this time around I was like YEAH! YELL about injustice! LEAD revolutionary groups (with the inspiration and help of Hermione, of course)! Of course one does wish that Harry was occasionally more sensible, but then there would be much less to the story. I mean, it is slightly unwieldy, but Rowling does pull most of the threads together in the end. I do sometimes wish we saw more of Hermione's parents ans their home life—the fleeting glimpses here and there are so interesting.
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
2018 book 4
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Finishing rereading this is the perfect way to wrap up my Harry Potter vacation! I had been alternating the HP books with other ones, but from here on out, I just want to plow through the rest of the story. This book is so well plotted and the characterization is just excellent—really a high point in the series.
Finishing rereading this is the perfect way to wrap up my Harry Potter vacation! I had been alternating the HP books with other ones, but from here on out, I just want to plow through the rest of the story. This book is so well plotted and the characterization is just excellent—really a high point in the series.
Wednesday, January 03, 2018
2018 book 2
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Besides being generally one of the strongest books in the HP series, this one in particular is the PERFECT book to reread before visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, since it lovingly describes so many details of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The more I reread these, though, the more it becomes obvious that Snape's character cannot be redeemed. Does the wizarding world not have therapists? That guy needs to work on his anger issues.
Besides being generally one of the strongest books in the HP series, this one in particular is the PERFECT book to reread before visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, since it lovingly describes so many details of both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The more I reread these, though, the more it becomes obvious that Snape's character cannot be redeemed. Does the wizarding world not have therapists? That guy needs to work on his anger issues.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
2017 book 217
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I maintain that this is the weakest of the HP books, but the creation of Gilderoy Lockhart is an all-time winner. A champion example of a hilarible mansplainer. I will also submit a hot take at this time: I do NOT understand y’all who are into Draco Malfoy. In the first book he is a snobbish asshole; in this one, he is straight up racist and relishes the thought of Muggle-borns dying. So like, what is the appeal there? Anyway, Hermione manages to save the day while basically in a coma, so yay for that.
It looks like this is the last book of the year for me—here’s to more good reading in 2018!
I maintain that this is the weakest of the HP books, but the creation of Gilderoy Lockhart is an all-time winner. A champion example of a hilarible mansplainer. I will also submit a hot take at this time: I do NOT understand y’all who are into Draco Malfoy. In the first book he is a snobbish asshole; in this one, he is straight up racist and relishes the thought of Muggle-borns dying. So like, what is the appeal there? Anyway, Hermione manages to save the day while basically in a coma, so yay for that.
It looks like this is the last book of the year for me—here’s to more good reading in 2018!
Thursday, December 28, 2017
2017 book 215
J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
I will very soon be going to THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, fulfilling what feels like a lifelong dream—even though I know that is not logically possible—so of course I had to immerse myself in some HP to prepare. This is such a good intro to the world and sets up so much of the later stuff, though I do think Dumbledore is way more problematic than intended. This is balanced out by NEVILLE. I LOVE YOU, NEVILLE.
I will very soon be going to THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, fulfilling what feels like a lifelong dream—even though I know that is not logically possible—so of course I had to immerse myself in some HP to prepare. This is such a good intro to the world and sets up so much of the later stuff, though I do think Dumbledore is way more problematic than intended. This is balanced out by NEVILLE. I LOVE YOU, NEVILLE.
Wednesday, August 09, 2017
2017 book 138
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
I remembered thinking this was not that great, but actually it is okay! The bones of an interesting story are there, but the play format doesn't give much to work with--like it's hard to build narrative tension and have good character development with just dialogue, I guess. Is it just my everlasting fondness for (most*) of the characters that makes me like it? Or my love of time travel and alternate universes? I guess it is interesting to read a story that is primarily about someone trying to learn to be a good father, and also magic. Would this be more satisfying if I were seeing it performed, and not just moderately entertaining? I mean, it does read almost like fan fiction, but pretty good fan fiction. Heteronormative fan fiction though.
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*Dumbledore remains The Worst even in painted form.
I remembered thinking this was not that great, but actually it is okay! The bones of an interesting story are there, but the play format doesn't give much to work with--like it's hard to build narrative tension and have good character development with just dialogue, I guess. Is it just my everlasting fondness for (most*) of the characters that makes me like it? Or my love of time travel and alternate universes? I guess it is interesting to read a story that is primarily about someone trying to learn to be a good father, and also magic. Would this be more satisfying if I were seeing it performed, and not just moderately entertaining? I mean, it does read almost like fan fiction, but pretty good fan fiction. Heteronormative fan fiction though.
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*Dumbledore remains The Worst even in painted form.
2017 book 137
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The thing about trying to redeem Snape at this late date is that he never ever once showed any kind of kindness or a softer side throughout all these books. Like, even if you excuse his cruelty to Harry by blaming it on his grudge against Harry's father--how can you write off the way he treats Neville? Or Hermione? Fine, maybe he doesn't work for the most evil wizard of all time, but he is still an awful person. And for his only sign of goodness to be "I was in love with your mom for my whole life in a kind of creepy way and then was bummed when she died"--it's not really enough. There needed to be more than a shred of decency. Also Dumbledore is annoying and I am still not sure the wand stuff holds up. Of course, those are minor quibbles to a book that I have read and enjoyed and thought about many, many times. Snape is terrible though.
The thing about trying to redeem Snape at this late date is that he never ever once showed any kind of kindness or a softer side throughout all these books. Like, even if you excuse his cruelty to Harry by blaming it on his grudge against Harry's father--how can you write off the way he treats Neville? Or Hermione? Fine, maybe he doesn't work for the most evil wizard of all time, but he is still an awful person. And for his only sign of goodness to be "I was in love with your mom for my whole life in a kind of creepy way and then was bummed when she died"--it's not really enough. There needed to be more than a shred of decency. Also Dumbledore is annoying and I am still not sure the wand stuff holds up. Of course, those are minor quibbles to a book that I have read and enjoyed and thought about many, many times. Snape is terrible though.
Monday, August 07, 2017
2017 book 136
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
You know I have read these books too many times and spent way too much time thinking about them, but I still can't puzzle out how the detection of underage magic works. So in past books, the Ministry could tell when anyone (Harry or Dobby) did magic in Privet Drive, and in this one they say that the ministry doesn't track this (as far as I can tell) in wizard homes, because they rely on parents to monitor children's behavior. And then there is the whole thing with the Trace in book 7, which implies that the Ministry CAN detect specific underage wizarding magic. My point is: how can Dumbledore do a whole bunch of magic in Privet Drive in this book and no one says a thing? (Similarly, we don't SEE Arthur Weasley use magic there in the beginning of book 4 but it is implied that he used magic to repair the living room.) Is it like a proximity thing, and it's just that Dobby was closer to Harry than Dumbledore was? Am I (definitely) spending more time trying to figure this out than JK Rowling did? Anyway, I like this book, Harry is kind of a doof but backstory and teen hijinks are entertaining and the end packs a wallop.
You know I have read these books too many times and spent way too much time thinking about them, but I still can't puzzle out how the detection of underage magic works. So in past books, the Ministry could tell when anyone (Harry or Dobby) did magic in Privet Drive, and in this one they say that the ministry doesn't track this (as far as I can tell) in wizard homes, because they rely on parents to monitor children's behavior. And then there is the whole thing with the Trace in book 7, which implies that the Ministry CAN detect specific underage wizarding magic. My point is: how can Dumbledore do a whole bunch of magic in Privet Drive in this book and no one says a thing? (Similarly, we don't SEE Arthur Weasley use magic there in the beginning of book 4 but it is implied that he used magic to repair the living room.) Is it like a proximity thing, and it's just that Dobby was closer to Harry than Dumbledore was? Am I (definitely) spending more time trying to figure this out than JK Rowling did? Anyway, I like this book, Harry is kind of a doof but backstory and teen hijinks are entertaining and the end packs a wallop.
Sunday, August 06, 2017
2017 book 135
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I feel like on past reads of this book, I have been like "ugh, Harry, you're so whiny and angsty, get your act together!" but this time was more like, man if Dumbledore had been willing to have an honest conversation or if Snape could get his head out of his own butt for five minutes (like, he must see that Harry is nothing like James Potter when they have their occlumency lessons, but he is still a grade-A jerkface to Harry)--well, let's just say I am much more sympathetic to Harry now and maintain that Dumbledore is kind of the worst. Him and his dumb trickling tear. Meanwhile, I really just want like one scene of Hermione having a conversation with her parents. They seem so supportive and nice but they never get one line in these books! Not really relevant, just so,etching I was thinking about.
I feel like on past reads of this book, I have been like "ugh, Harry, you're so whiny and angsty, get your act together!" but this time was more like, man if Dumbledore had been willing to have an honest conversation or if Snape could get his head out of his own butt for five minutes (like, he must see that Harry is nothing like James Potter when they have their occlumency lessons, but he is still a grade-A jerkface to Harry)--well, let's just say I am much more sympathetic to Harry now and maintain that Dumbledore is kind of the worst. Him and his dumb trickling tear. Meanwhile, I really just want like one scene of Hermione having a conversation with her parents. They seem so supportive and nice but they never get one line in these books! Not really relevant, just so,etching I was thinking about.
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
2017 book 134
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I went to see Belle and Sebastian on Monday, when I had just started rereading this, and at one point they has a backdrop of old album covers and I had a very vivid memory of a college summer in the attic room of a rented yellow house, listening to Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant, and rushing home from my summer job to read this for the very first time. And rereading it now is still just as thrilling and heartbreaking.
I went to see Belle and Sebastian on Monday, when I had just started rereading this, and at one point they has a backdrop of old album covers and I had a very vivid memory of a college summer in the attic room of a rented yellow house, listening to Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant, and rushing home from my summer job to read this for the very first time. And rereading it now is still just as thrilling and heartbreaking.
Monday, July 31, 2017
2017 book 133
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
And here is where the story really kicks it up a notch, and it's easy to just sit down and read the entire rest of the series from this point on. (Though am I the only one who thinks of Kate Beaton every time Sir Cadogan and his fat pony are mentioned?) But seriously, the temptation to stay up late to finish rereading this is REAL, and I have read this book easily 15-20 times before. Just gripping stuff. Though I do side-eye Harry for trying to kick a cat. Leave Crookshanks alone, ya big jerk. Of course, that is nothing compared to Snape in this book. That guy is really awful and no one will ever convince me otherwise. ANYway, Happy birthday, JK Rowling and Harry Potter!
Sunday, July 30, 2017
2017 book 132
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I guess I am back to rereading Harry Potter while I wait for the public library to have the budget for e-books again (massive sigh). But I mean, any reason is a good one to reread Harry Potter books, especially on Harry Potter weekend! I do admire how much Rowling laid the groundwork in the early books for everything that happens later--really solid details for sure.
I guess I am back to rereading Harry Potter while I wait for the public library to have the budget for e-books again (massive sigh). But I mean, any reason is a good one to reread Harry Potter books, especially on Harry Potter weekend! I do admire how much Rowling laid the groundwork in the early books for everything that happens later--really solid details for sure.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
2017 book 110
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The 20th anniversary of this book's release (and the Pottermore book club) made me think I should reread this, even though I just reread the whole series in December! I mean, I could read Harry Potter any time and be fine with it, really. The funny thing about rereading is how much the movie actors have taken over their characters for this one in particular--I just hear Emma Watson and Robbie Coltrane especially saying all these things.
The 20th anniversary of this book's release (and the Pottermore book club) made me think I should reread this, even though I just reread the whole series in December! I mean, I could read Harry Potter any time and be fine with it, really. The funny thing about rereading is how much the movie actors have taken over their characters for this one in particular--I just hear Emma Watson and Robbie Coltrane especially saying all these things.
Friday, December 30, 2016
2016 book 202
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
OK, so you all know I am a major HP fan, like I even like the epilogue and don't mind that everyone marries the person they started dating at like age 15. But I will forever give side-eye to the major Invisibility Cloak-related retconning here. And don't even get me started on Dumbledore. Even in death, Dumbledore gives rambling exposition-filled crybaby speeches. I would like him so much more if an editor had had a slightly heavier hand here! And Snape just can't be redeemed--fine, he (and Draco) aren't purely evil, but they are still both total jerkfaces. High five for awesome lady battle scenes though. And for a world so rich and full that it makes me wonder if they have like, wizard optometrists. (Where does Harry get new glasses from?? Can wizards just fix eyesight? Wand laser eye surgery?)
OK, so you all know I am a major HP fan, like I even like the epilogue and don't mind that everyone marries the person they started dating at like age 15. But I will forever give side-eye to the major Invisibility Cloak-related retconning here. And don't even get me started on Dumbledore. Even in death, Dumbledore gives rambling exposition-filled crybaby speeches. I would like him so much more if an editor had had a slightly heavier hand here! And Snape just can't be redeemed--fine, he (and Draco) aren't purely evil, but they are still both total jerkfaces. High five for awesome lady battle scenes though. And for a world so rich and full that it makes me wonder if they have like, wizard optometrists. (Where does Harry get new glasses from?? Can wizards just fix eyesight? Wand laser eye surgery?)
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
2016 book 201
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
I think my feelings about this book are still a little bit colored by being so rudely spoiled before it came out, though I do appreciate how well Rowling matches up teenage hormonal drama with a big ol' exposition dump. It's all very gripping, despite a few moments of melodrama (I hate when Dumbledore gets all teary and cheesy). Sometimes I wish this series was told from Hermione's point of view--wouldn't that be hilarious, especially here?
I think my feelings about this book are still a little bit colored by being so rudely spoiled before it came out, though I do appreciate how well Rowling matches up teenage hormonal drama with a big ol' exposition dump. It's all very gripping, despite a few moments of melodrama (I hate when Dumbledore gets all teary and cheesy). Sometimes I wish this series was told from Hermione's point of view--wouldn't that be hilarious, especially here?
Monday, December 26, 2016
2016 book 200
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Sometimes I like this book more than others--sometimes I can't deal with CAPS LOCK TEEN ANGST HARRY POTTER, and sometimes the message of resistance really resonates with me. This was . . . one of the latter times. Plus, the introductions of Luna and Tonks, more screen time and badassery from Ginny and Neville, and a lovely poignant ending all combine for a very satisfying reading experience.
Sometimes I like this book more than others--sometimes I can't deal with CAPS LOCK TEEN ANGST HARRY POTTER, and sometimes the message of resistance really resonates with me. This was . . . one of the latter times. Plus, the introductions of Luna and Tonks, more screen time and badassery from Ginny and Neville, and a lovely poignant ending all combine for a very satisfying reading experience.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
2016 book 199
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
I guess it shouldn't surprise us that Rowling started a mystery series after the Harry Potter books--this one in particular is structured JUST like a classic mystery novel, which I think is why it's so strong. But packed with lots more magical adventures, of course, which makes it even better!
I guess it shouldn't surprise us that Rowling started a mystery series after the Harry Potter books--this one in particular is structured JUST like a classic mystery novel, which I think is why it's so strong. But packed with lots more magical adventures, of course, which makes it even better!
Friday, December 23, 2016
2016 book 198
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Remember when we were all waiting ages and ages for book 5 to come out, and had endless debates over which HP book was best? And I think a lot of us thought book 4 was "better" but that this one was our FAVORITE. It's where Rowling really starts to expand the wizarding world and its backstory, and also it is just awesomely action-packed (and Hermione gets to shine!). I admit that the werewolf revelation was never a shock to me--I took Latin in middle school, and we all had Latin names (I perpetually added on to mine, so by the end of 8th grade my Latin name was Claudia Olivia Lana Diana Saturnia Aventina Frumentumvir), and one of my good friends was [Latin version of her first name] with the middle name Lupa. And we used to draw little wolf faces on our notes. So if there was one word from Latin class I remembered, it was the word for wolf (and "Remus"--come on! be a little subtle!!). It doesn't matter, this book fits together so well.
Remember when we were all waiting ages and ages for book 5 to come out, and had endless debates over which HP book was best? And I think a lot of us thought book 4 was "better" but that this one was our FAVORITE. It's where Rowling really starts to expand the wizarding world and its backstory, and also it is just awesomely action-packed (and Hermione gets to shine!). I admit that the werewolf revelation was never a shock to me--I took Latin in middle school, and we all had Latin names (I perpetually added on to mine, so by the end of 8th grade my Latin name was Claudia Olivia Lana Diana Saturnia Aventina Frumentumvir), and one of my good friends was [Latin version of her first name] with the middle name Lupa. And we used to draw little wolf faces on our notes. So if there was one word from Latin class I remembered, it was the word for wolf (and "Remus"--come on! be a little subtle!!). It doesn't matter, this book fits together so well.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
2016 book 197
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Closing out the year by rereading some Harry Potter seems like a fine idea to me. I actually plan to reread the series fairly often but then am like, eh, I don't wanna reread Chamber of Secrets, and then I just stop! Because I'm a completist, and because there's so much here that's important for the later books so I can't just skip it, but also there are so many annoying parts in this one. I mean, I reread the first one back in September and am just now getting to this one, AND it took me a few days to read. This book needs more Hermione!
Closing out the year by rereading some Harry Potter seems like a fine idea to me. I actually plan to reread the series fairly often but then am like, eh, I don't wanna reread Chamber of Secrets, and then I just stop! Because I'm a completist, and because there's so much here that's important for the later books so I can't just skip it, but also there are so many annoying parts in this one. I mean, I reread the first one back in September and am just now getting to this one, AND it took me a few days to read. This book needs more Hermione!
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