Harry Potter Books 1-3
The books I am reading now are not part of any 52 book challenge, they are part of my current goal, all 6 Harry Potter books read by Christmas. This is a quick, combined post, about my thoughts for the first 3. Since it's been a couple weeks since I've read them, this probably won't be as in depth as future posts will be.
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 5 Stars
Having started reading this series long after seeing the movies (and, as it stands, I've seen the 4th movie and I'm currently reading the 4th book), it makes me appreciate the books even more. I usually read the book first, and then see the movies, but I don't know if I would have picked these books up if I hadn't seen the movies, at least the first one. As a side note, it was weird seeing the movie play in my head as I read, and the parts that weren't in the movie, just fell into place as if they were. Having said that, onto the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It's so much more than just a story about witches and wizards, granted that is probably what draws the younger readers to it, but what they probably don't realize is that they are getting a good lesson while enjoying a story. I don't understand why people want to ban these books from schools and libraries. It's not the 'witchcraft' that is the center of the story, it's the triumph of good over bad, and the friendships and teamwork it takes to overcome obsticles. If I had children, and they were old enough to understand the words, I would definitely allow them to read this book, I'd probably buy it for them myself. The story of a boy who grows up not knowing his parents, or the truth about how he died, or the truth about himself for that matter until he is 11. The description of the Dursleys isn't the kind-hearted family type you see on tv and it other lighter fiction, it's that of the other side of the fence. Unfortunately some children face family like that every day, knowing they aren't wanted there and neglected. But that doesn't hold Harry down, he doesn't want to be like the Dursleys. He finds out about himself, and Hogwarts, and his fame - which sometimes he wishes he didn't have. This is where the fiction part comes in, the magical world. He goes to this school, which keeps him away from the people who don't like him or want him. He makes friends (and of course, meets people who aren't so nice, but haven't we all??). He learns about his parent's death, learns why there are people out to kill him, why people know his name, what makes him special. And, in between his classes, he gets to battle a troll and with the help of his friends go through obsticles to find the sorcerer's stone so that it isn't used to something bad. In the course of the "school year" he learns alot about himself inside, like his strengths, and he realizes that not everyone is going to be like the Dursleys, and he certainly doesn't have to be.
One more thing about the book-to-movie translation. The movie was pretty close to the book, I would have liked to see all of the obsticles at the end though. How each head of house, and hagrid, had a special charm, and how the three of them worked together to get through them all.
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4 Stars
I liked this book, and the corresponding movie. All characters involved are a year older, and the issues they face get a little tougher. How many teenagers think about running away? How many do it? How many do it in a flying car? Ok, so the answer to the last one is none, but still. The real life situation is there, with the fictional sollution. The majority of Hogwarts believes Harry is the heir of Slytherin and he's going around petrifing people and talking to snakes and setting them against his classmates. People in general like to cast blame on the easy target, any way to push the blame away from themselves. Harry finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time a couple times throughout this book. But, he and his friends do what they have to do to make sure that no one dies. And once again, the good come out on top.
The book-to-movie transaltion - no complaints. As much as I'd like to see all the little details put into a movie, I know that can't happen.
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 5 Stars
I love this book! And it's corresponding movie! It's my favorite of the series so far (well, the book, it's really close about the movie. I need to see Goblet of Fire again to decide). Again, another year older, and increasingly harder things to deal with. Introducing the element of fear, and how fear can effect a person, and how in turn people can confront thier fears and overcome them. Or at the very least, ward them off. Granted, I'm not going to stand at the bottom of a roller coaster and shout "Expecto Patronum" and expect to ride the damn thing fearless. Since I have no patronus, if I want to conquer that fear, I'd have to put myself in line for a coaster, get on the ride, and just do it. And pray to the gods that I live to tell about it. Harry has things in his past he doesn't know about, rather he can't explain them because he truly doesn't remember what happened, but its enough to overcome him. Dementors feed off of your bad memories and try to steal your good ones. The point of the patronus charm is to use a strong good memory to overcome the bad ones the dementor is trying to push to the forefront.
Alongside confronting fear, he's lead to believe, that he's got a murderer after him. Later in the story he learns that this person is the reason his parents are dead, because he betrayed their trust and sold them out to Voldemort. And that this person is also his godfather. Even worse, he's got to find this out while hiding under his invisibility cloak because no one will sit him down and tell him the truth to his face. The thing about our elders is they think that by keeping things from us, it'll keep us from getting hurt. That's not always true. But, I digress. How would you feel if you found out that the person your late parents trusted most with their lives, enough to be named godfather of their child, was the very reason that they were killed? I think Harry's reaction was realistic, I'd want the person dead too. But, he's a fair enough person to at least hear things out. And, when the truth is told in the end. When Scabbers is un-animagi'd (I know that isn't a word, but I think it makes sense), and showed for the wizard he truly is - Peter Pettigrew, and the whole story about how it was Peter - not Sirius - that sold out Harry's parents, he listened. And was rational, for a boy of 13, to give Peter the chance to clear Sirius's name. And then, the worst possible fate, let the dementors have him. It's a fate worse than letting Sirius and Lupin kill him. It's true what Harry says, allowing them to kill Peter, the truth dies with him. But while he's alive, the truth can be told and Sirius is free. Of course, everything in theory sounds perfect, and we all know life isn't perfect. And while the full moon distracts Lupin and Sirius, and Harry isn't quick enough (although he tries) Peter gets ahold of a wand, puts himself back into rat-form, and gets away. And here come the dementors, to add insult to injury. And Harry uses all that he's learned and casts the patronus to ward them off.. but it's too much? Or is it? Harry wakes up in the hospital wing, and Sirius was captured and faces the dementors kiss - which isn't the way things were supposed to work. But this isn't the real word, it's the magical world, and with things such as a time turner Harry and Hermione can go back a few hours and make sure things happen the right way. And save 2 lives by setting Buckbeak free. The time-turned Harry and Hermione were there all along, helping themselves out, only this time some small things done differently changes the outcome for the better. Proof that sometimes we know what we're doing, and other times we need help, and sometimes we realize that if we had made one extra (or different) decision, the outcome could turn out drastically different. But, as human beings we have no time turner, we just have to trust ourselves to make the right decisions and live with the outcomes. Buckbeak and Sirius fly off into the night, and Harry and Hermione put themselves back into time where they should be, and no one is the wiser. Ron is thoroughly confused, but we like him that way. :)
**
Overall - of the 3 books I've read so far (I'm keeping my comments on Goblet of Fire out of this post because even though I've seen the movie, I haven't finished the book) I'd give J.K. Rowling a huge thumbs up and WAY TO GO and BRAVO for creating a magical world that people of all ages (well, mostly all ages) can read about and enjoy, and even relate to. Because really, if you take away the magic, what are you left with? The story of a boy who lost his parents at the age of one. He's raised by his aunt and uncle who mistreat him because of strong dislike for his parents, although they are relatives. Said boy grows up, goes to school, makes friends, and faces the challenges that everyday children deal with and their troubles become more difficult as they get older. He deals with his troubles with the help of his closest friends. These are good people who do what they can to make sure than the bad people don't win. And isn't that what we all do? Try to be good to others, because we want them to be good to us, and so we can show those that aren't so nice that we don't want them to ruin things for the other nice people?
In the magical world that Harry lives in, Harry is made out to be the hero in all of the stories. But, he doesn't ask to be, sometimes mentions he doesn't want to be, and in not being afraid to ask his friends for help, knows that he may not be without them. I think we can take the magic away from that too, and say that some people always tend to come out on top of their situations. And others may look at them and see that they always overcome their obsticles and may think they want the attention. Most people don't ask for obsticles to come their way, and if they happen to overcome what ever is thrown at them, chances are they have had help along the way - and will admit to it. I know that some of the challenges I've faced, I wouldn't have overcome without some help. And know that if it hadn't been for certain people I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would I be the person I am today. And I fully admit it.
Harry may be a young wizard, and a hero, but Harry is everyman, everyboy, everyperson. Don't we all have a little "Harry" in us?
BRAVO! Once more to J.K. Rowling
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 5 Stars
Having started reading this series long after seeing the movies (and, as it stands, I've seen the 4th movie and I'm currently reading the 4th book), it makes me appreciate the books even more. I usually read the book first, and then see the movies, but I don't know if I would have picked these books up if I hadn't seen the movies, at least the first one. As a side note, it was weird seeing the movie play in my head as I read, and the parts that weren't in the movie, just fell into place as if they were. Having said that, onto the book.
I really enjoyed this book. It's so much more than just a story about witches and wizards, granted that is probably what draws the younger readers to it, but what they probably don't realize is that they are getting a good lesson while enjoying a story. I don't understand why people want to ban these books from schools and libraries. It's not the 'witchcraft' that is the center of the story, it's the triumph of good over bad, and the friendships and teamwork it takes to overcome obsticles. If I had children, and they were old enough to understand the words, I would definitely allow them to read this book, I'd probably buy it for them myself. The story of a boy who grows up not knowing his parents, or the truth about how he died, or the truth about himself for that matter until he is 11. The description of the Dursleys isn't the kind-hearted family type you see on tv and it other lighter fiction, it's that of the other side of the fence. Unfortunately some children face family like that every day, knowing they aren't wanted there and neglected. But that doesn't hold Harry down, he doesn't want to be like the Dursleys. He finds out about himself, and Hogwarts, and his fame - which sometimes he wishes he didn't have. This is where the fiction part comes in, the magical world. He goes to this school, which keeps him away from the people who don't like him or want him. He makes friends (and of course, meets people who aren't so nice, but haven't we all??). He learns about his parent's death, learns why there are people out to kill him, why people know his name, what makes him special. And, in between his classes, he gets to battle a troll and with the help of his friends go through obsticles to find the sorcerer's stone so that it isn't used to something bad. In the course of the "school year" he learns alot about himself inside, like his strengths, and he realizes that not everyone is going to be like the Dursleys, and he certainly doesn't have to be.
One more thing about the book-to-movie translation. The movie was pretty close to the book, I would have liked to see all of the obsticles at the end though. How each head of house, and hagrid, had a special charm, and how the three of them worked together to get through them all.
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 4 Stars
I liked this book, and the corresponding movie. All characters involved are a year older, and the issues they face get a little tougher. How many teenagers think about running away? How many do it? How many do it in a flying car? Ok, so the answer to the last one is none, but still. The real life situation is there, with the fictional sollution. The majority of Hogwarts believes Harry is the heir of Slytherin and he's going around petrifing people and talking to snakes and setting them against his classmates. People in general like to cast blame on the easy target, any way to push the blame away from themselves. Harry finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time a couple times throughout this book. But, he and his friends do what they have to do to make sure that no one dies. And once again, the good come out on top.
The book-to-movie transaltion - no complaints. As much as I'd like to see all the little details put into a movie, I know that can't happen.
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 5 Stars
I love this book! And it's corresponding movie! It's my favorite of the series so far (well, the book, it's really close about the movie. I need to see Goblet of Fire again to decide). Again, another year older, and increasingly harder things to deal with. Introducing the element of fear, and how fear can effect a person, and how in turn people can confront thier fears and overcome them. Or at the very least, ward them off. Granted, I'm not going to stand at the bottom of a roller coaster and shout "Expecto Patronum" and expect to ride the damn thing fearless. Since I have no patronus, if I want to conquer that fear, I'd have to put myself in line for a coaster, get on the ride, and just do it. And pray to the gods that I live to tell about it. Harry has things in his past he doesn't know about, rather he can't explain them because he truly doesn't remember what happened, but its enough to overcome him. Dementors feed off of your bad memories and try to steal your good ones. The point of the patronus charm is to use a strong good memory to overcome the bad ones the dementor is trying to push to the forefront.
Alongside confronting fear, he's lead to believe, that he's got a murderer after him. Later in the story he learns that this person is the reason his parents are dead, because he betrayed their trust and sold them out to Voldemort. And that this person is also his godfather. Even worse, he's got to find this out while hiding under his invisibility cloak because no one will sit him down and tell him the truth to his face. The thing about our elders is they think that by keeping things from us, it'll keep us from getting hurt. That's not always true. But, I digress. How would you feel if you found out that the person your late parents trusted most with their lives, enough to be named godfather of their child, was the very reason that they were killed? I think Harry's reaction was realistic, I'd want the person dead too. But, he's a fair enough person to at least hear things out. And, when the truth is told in the end. When Scabbers is un-animagi'd (I know that isn't a word, but I think it makes sense), and showed for the wizard he truly is - Peter Pettigrew, and the whole story about how it was Peter - not Sirius - that sold out Harry's parents, he listened. And was rational, for a boy of 13, to give Peter the chance to clear Sirius's name. And then, the worst possible fate, let the dementors have him. It's a fate worse than letting Sirius and Lupin kill him. It's true what Harry says, allowing them to kill Peter, the truth dies with him. But while he's alive, the truth can be told and Sirius is free. Of course, everything in theory sounds perfect, and we all know life isn't perfect. And while the full moon distracts Lupin and Sirius, and Harry isn't quick enough (although he tries) Peter gets ahold of a wand, puts himself back into rat-form, and gets away. And here come the dementors, to add insult to injury. And Harry uses all that he's learned and casts the patronus to ward them off.. but it's too much? Or is it? Harry wakes up in the hospital wing, and Sirius was captured and faces the dementors kiss - which isn't the way things were supposed to work. But this isn't the real word, it's the magical world, and with things such as a time turner Harry and Hermione can go back a few hours and make sure things happen the right way. And save 2 lives by setting Buckbeak free. The time-turned Harry and Hermione were there all along, helping themselves out, only this time some small things done differently changes the outcome for the better. Proof that sometimes we know what we're doing, and other times we need help, and sometimes we realize that if we had made one extra (or different) decision, the outcome could turn out drastically different. But, as human beings we have no time turner, we just have to trust ourselves to make the right decisions and live with the outcomes. Buckbeak and Sirius fly off into the night, and Harry and Hermione put themselves back into time where they should be, and no one is the wiser. Ron is thoroughly confused, but we like him that way. :)
**
Overall - of the 3 books I've read so far (I'm keeping my comments on Goblet of Fire out of this post because even though I've seen the movie, I haven't finished the book) I'd give J.K. Rowling a huge thumbs up and WAY TO GO and BRAVO for creating a magical world that people of all ages (well, mostly all ages) can read about and enjoy, and even relate to. Because really, if you take away the magic, what are you left with? The story of a boy who lost his parents at the age of one. He's raised by his aunt and uncle who mistreat him because of strong dislike for his parents, although they are relatives. Said boy grows up, goes to school, makes friends, and faces the challenges that everyday children deal with and their troubles become more difficult as they get older. He deals with his troubles with the help of his closest friends. These are good people who do what they can to make sure than the bad people don't win. And isn't that what we all do? Try to be good to others, because we want them to be good to us, and so we can show those that aren't so nice that we don't want them to ruin things for the other nice people?
In the magical world that Harry lives in, Harry is made out to be the hero in all of the stories. But, he doesn't ask to be, sometimes mentions he doesn't want to be, and in not being afraid to ask his friends for help, knows that he may not be without them. I think we can take the magic away from that too, and say that some people always tend to come out on top of their situations. And others may look at them and see that they always overcome their obsticles and may think they want the attention. Most people don't ask for obsticles to come their way, and if they happen to overcome what ever is thrown at them, chances are they have had help along the way - and will admit to it. I know that some of the challenges I've faced, I wouldn't have overcome without some help. And know that if it hadn't been for certain people I wouldn't be where I am today, nor would I be the person I am today. And I fully admit it.
Harry may be a young wizard, and a hero, but Harry is everyman, everyboy, everyperson. Don't we all have a little "Harry" in us?
BRAVO! Once more to J.K. Rowling
posted by Jennifer Imparato | 3:11 AM
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