Saturday, July 21, 2007

You could actually hear the thud as I posted my last post.


Given the flop that was my last post I have decided to put up a topic more likely to arouse response.


My family just received the new Harry Potter book. DW decided that we are going to read it as a family. We read the first two chapters (between babysitting the wife's nieces and nephew). So far I am not bored. Must say, this is the first fiction read in quite a while. Rowling can weave a tale.

So, what are your thoughts on the last tome of the wizard world? You reading it? You give a poop? Hate it? Love it? Have at it. I will update as we get further into the text.


HH =)

7 comments:

spontaneous expressions said...

I suppose I give a poop but not a big one. More like one of the little floaters that ride on top rather than one of the big sinkers that require two flushes. I'm waiting for my boys to acquire a stronger interest. I love the idea of reading the book together as a family. Great bonding activity. Keep us posted on how it goes.

HH said...

I haven't read the other books, so I find myself asking my kids a lot of questions about background stuff (who is Mundungus??).

Its nice to sit around and read together. My kids are very good readers. I like the voices my son uses when he reads dialog. Its a hoot.

I am impressed with Ms. Rowling's ability to create characters that are endearing. For example when Dobby died (recognized him from the movie)I found myself with a lump in my throat. My poor daughter wept for a minute.

The wife and son, both decided they couldn't wait and read the entire book. MY wife finished it in one marathon session of about 12 hours. The son took a little over a day to finish it.

Gonna read some more when the daughter gets home from Gymnastics.

HH =)

Counterintuitive said...

indifferent really even though I teach children's lit. I am glad that my oldest son is reading again. He used to read a ton but hasn't been reading much but a video screen over the last year or so but he wolfed down the new HP.

shane said...

haven't read any of the books, but, i confess that i like the movies. i hate that i like them--and that real life seems so dull in comparison--but i do like them.

Lisa said...

The BF and I read the book in a marathon Harry Potter weekend. I had read them all. Like the last few books, I loved it, although I do feel, like Shane, that the books and movies make real life seem rather more dull in comparison.

I saw the latest movie about a week before the book came out, and found myself crying at various points. It surprised me that part of the time, the tears were related not to something markedly sad happening in the plot, but had to do more with my being triggered by some feeling of wonder or joy that Harry was experiencing. I also felt, very acutely, my sadness at not having children of my own to experience the story with. I know I'm by no means too old, especially to adopt (and that's something I've always wanted to do), but I often feel like I sealed my fate in divorcing young and then spending years dating guys whose priority was NOT marriage. My BF now, too, seems to feel like there's all the time in the world. For him, maybe that's true.

Anyway, that's my own sorry state. In terms of the book, I cried most during a certain scene towards the end, but I won't say what it was and ruin things unless you tell me you've finished the book by now. For all of the literary snobs who think JK Rowling is not worthy of their time, I say to them "Fine, then. More for me."

:)

HH said...

Lisa,
How delightful to see you again. I just read your blog and will be responding momentarily.

I finished Potter. Gotta say, it was pretty entertaining. I don't understand why some condescendingly say it is a children's book. The subtle social dynamics articulated by Rowling are definitely pointed toward a more mature crowd.

I agree with Shane and you that it really makes ones life seem boring by comparison. Sometimes, escape through fantasy is a nice break from the reality that is the USA (and all of its BS politics at the moment).

Best,

HH

Lisa said...

Nice to see you again, too! I have put up about 3 new posts, although the first was by far the longest. I may be posting more today/tonight, if time allows.

See you in the blogosphere. :)
L