[Anjelika]

Cool What page are you at currently? I must admit I really have put aside my copy and havent read it since Feb this year. So we need to catch up with each other. Plus I really wish we could warm it up a bit. How do we re-capture the magic of Potter one - five? The intrigue?

Hmmm...Now there is the question...
what made you like Harry Potter? For me, it was the very first book, the intrigue around the little baby who had the odds against him...the fantasy of a new world that made reference to, but shut out the real world, Snape and the threat he held for Harry...

Ok, this is it. I love fantasy, but when it merges with reality, I detatch myself from it. I think that is what happens in Half-Blood. Its too close to reality, and the evil is really evil. It no longer teases us. It crashes our fantasies. Its too real. Am not saying real is bad, I am just saying, it deviates from that world of magic and sits smack in the middle of my real life. The excitement becomes almost predictable, which makes it boring. And I guess, for as long as Voldemort was 'dead', and the death eaters were inactive, I was happy. Now, its just so terrible. Coz of course evil is stronger now, and the sense of dread that it brings with it just kills me. I hate being sad, and I think beyond its predictability, this book is sad. and I really don't want to get to the stage that the spoilers have been refering to. I really don't want to know. and yet I must, because that is the way life is. I think J.K. Rowling should have been kinder to the kids (if not me ). But away with the diatribe...can I just get reading. Do tell me where you have fikad in the book, and I will play catch up.

Best,
Anjelika

[cinoman]

Hmm, very interesting - what you've said Anjelika. I have to say it took a while to absorb it all, but I pretty much agree with all you say about Potter getting closer to home. I hadn't really thought about that. Interesting. I had to go get the book and check. I'm now on page 300 exactly (weird). I guess I'm further along than I thought. What made me like Potter in the beginning. Well, I'll say that I enjoyed discovering all about Harry Potter on my own. I've discovered that when people recommend a book for me or really talk highly about it, I get disappointed when I get to read it for myself. For the "Sorcerer's Stone", I just got the book and started reading. The whole concept of a new world, fantastic characters and basically a very gripping writing style kept me glued. I realized one night at around midnight when I HAD to wake up to find out what would happen next. And I had a test the next day (this was a while back). Oh, by the way Anjelika - what do you think about the movies? Have you watched them? I'm 50/50 about them.

[Anjelika]

Hey Cinoman,

Glad you agree that the real/fantasy dichotomy has been breached and mixed up too much.

About the movies: I hate them. There is an over-emphasis on the visual effects at the expense of the narrative, which is the essense of the story. While I do sympathize with the producers and the directors and all those who tried to create this surreal world, I also question the potrayal, development and representation of the book characters. I also question the dialogue, the movement of the plot everything basically.

Those who havent had a chance to read Harry Potter think it is a bag full of c**p. The movies fail to captivate, they actually reduce the narrative to a number of exotic visuals and fail to engage the viewer with the intricacies of the novels.

Ironically, Lord of the Rings does a better job. E'en though I still prefer the novels, I think the movies were super. I remained glued to the screen all through the trilogy. I know, perhaps its because I have never somad all the books, but really, that was awesome!

Gosh, you are on page 300? You moving fast. I had better catch up. I am on page 40 or sth. But I will read and I will discuss it with you. Yaani at 300 you still say its boring? But we have to fika the end...that's our mission.

Enjoy...
Anjelika

[Anjelika]

Oh, and I must underline...I own three movies. That's how I know.

[cinoman]

Oh, Anjelika.
I have a confession to make. I've moved on. I'm now on page 584. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I've gone that far. On the bright side, I can tell you that it gets better. That's all I'll say. I think the second half of the book is much better reading. Again, I have to say that I agree with what you say. It's always been my policy that the book is better than the movie (in whatever case). I was reading a section and I just wondered how they would incorporate it into the movie (if, or rather, when they make it).
Anyway, don't be discouraged. I'm your cheering squad. Go, Anjelika - you can make it!!!

[Anjelika]

Began reading ardently. al catch up. seems interesting. will let you know when I hit finish line

[cinoman]

How'z it going so far? Excited yet? Weirdly enough, I got the last book the very next day after I was done with the sixth. After 3 years of lacking any form of Harry Potter, they're flocking to me. Good Luck, I suppose.

[Anjelika]

Guess what, I have actually moved inches! I am going on a retreat of sorts for the next few weeks, whereupon I intend to find out what happens to Dumbledore ( ) and everyone else. Then I will start on the last one (deathly hallows?) which as i said has been staring at me from my shelves for the last forever. Then am gonna know. But you are right, once you get reading, then all the magic rushes back. let me stop being a cynic (more like a scaredycat) and read what happens. Hope you have an even more enjoyable ride with 7. then we will talk..........

best,
Anjelika

[infinitepyro]

Originally Posted by cinoman

Potter fans HELP.
I've been so psyched and read all 5 books eagerly. The last book I read (#5) was a couple of years back and I took some time before starting the sixth. Now, I'm finding it kinda boring. It's like I lost the psyche or I'm not clicking. I'm about halfway. Tell me if it gets better.

I've read all the buks n believe me its the best J K Rowling evr wrote (includin Quidditch thru the Ages n Fantastic Magical Creatures n where 2 find em ). The last buk seems forced n Voldemort has 2 get outta character 4 the book 2 end. Kip readin mzeiya!

[cinoman]

Originally Posted by infinitepyro

I've read all the buks n believe me its the best J K Rowling evr wrote (includin Quidditch thru the Ages n Fantastic Magical Creatures n where 2 find em ). The last buk seems forced n Voldemort has 2 get outta character 4 the book 2 end. Kip readin mzeiya!

Thanks, man. I'm finding it slow beginning, but I'm slowly getting into it - like book six. Don't worry. From all the excitement my pals have been giving me, I'm sure it's worth it. How're you coming along Anjelika? Enjoying yet? Hope so.