Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, but not good
Review: First of all, I adore the "Harry Potter" series. I have read all four books several times, seen the movie, and definitely consider myself a Potter-phile. I have been going through a sort of withdrawal while waiting for the fifth book to come out. The movie filled that void for a bit and so did the two school books, but it didn't make it go away. So, I've been reading books that have been compared to the series and books that are somehow related to them. This is one of those books.I have read several parodies and humor books in the past and this is actually one of the funnier ones I have read. It is funny because it does not take itself seriously at all. It pokes fun at itself constantly. Almost as often as it pokes fun at everything relating to "Harry Potter." Really, this book isn't surprising. "Harry Potter" has become so big that I'm surprised there aren't more books like this one. It isn't exactly insulting, as I feared it would be, because of the fact that it's obvious it's meant as humor. It takes some of the very basic concepts behind the series and twists them to the point where you'd have to be a phile to recognize the original idea. In that way, this book is aimed at fans. There is a lot of "potty humor" in this book, as well as a lot having to do with sex. The writing style is not good by any definition- even the author admits this. Though, I think that might have been the point. It reads more like a piece of (poorly written) fan fiction than a novel. It can be crude at some points, but it is entertaining nonetheless. I actually found myself getting really into it toward the end and was almost sad when it was over. Maybe that's just my withdrawal speaking, but I guess it means something.
Rating: 
Summary: A smart and very entertaining book
Review: Full disclosure first: I have known Michael Gerber for a couple of years and think he's a great guy. That said, if I didn't think the book was very entertaining then I would just say nothing at all. But the book is very entertaining, and smart, and well-written. Barry Trotter isn't just a parody of Harry Potter (although the book does that quite nicely, too), it is an excellent and engrossing story in its own right. All the details are amusing and quite creative. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Very funny...
Review: Heard about this on a local radio show. Me and the kids have read all the Potters, and I for one have been waiting for someone to poke fun at Harry for sometime. THis book does it and more -- it really is for the whole family too; there are some adult jokes, but they're sort of like Shrek (but funnier): a bit off-color but they'll fly right over the kids' heads. My whole family got a big kick out of it...is Michael Gerber going to do another Barry Trotter???? Try the book out, I say; you might just laugh a lot...
Rating: 
Summary: What a hoot....
Review: I am a huge Harry fan, having all the books in hardback and audio tape. I just upgraded to CD so I can listen in my car. A very fun way to make long drives, or when I am sewing of an evening.
I picked this up at Powell's in the Portland airport during an especially long, uncomfortable flight (4 planes, 2 airlines, 18 hours....) and wound up laughing out loud during my Portland to Minneapolis leg - my seatmate thought I was nuts, but it sure took the edge off the flight!
Don't look to this book for intellectual stimulation, or for a 'sacred' look at Harry in his adulthood. These people are more your every-day Joes, just looking for a way to get by, and stumbling more than they stand. A very relaxing, and relaxed, look at the Potters, by an author who is relaxed enough about himself and his writing to not only poke fun at his characters, but at himself.
Having an especially tough day? Pull this out and have a giggle, you deserve it!
Rating:
Summary: Hilarious Harry Potter parody
Review: I am the world's biggest Harry Potter fan, and so when I read an article about this parody in the Chicago Sun-Times I had to get it. What the hell, it's only ten bucks anyway. I'm so glad I did! It's one of the funniest things I 've ever read. It's not really a parody of a specifc book in the series -- instead, it starts when Barry (Harry) is twenty-two, made incurably lazy by his famous life, and unwilling to leave Wizard school, where everyone caters to his every whim. It's only when he learns that a Hollywood movie is being made out of his life -- and that if the movie suceeds the school will have to close and he'll have to get a real job -- that he is galvanized into action. What's especially hilarious is seeing the grown up Barry Trotter using magic in ways that any 22 year old guy would if he could -- to meet women, to get out of trouble he got himself into. Also wonderful is the way that Michael Gerber comes up with little bits of magic that are worthy of JK Rowling, except funny... like "Traveling Snuff," something wizards use to fly. Usually with snuff, you see, you stay in the same place and the snuff comes shooting out of your nose... but with magic snuff, IT stays in the same place, and when you sneeze, you go shooting up into the air. So, if you like Harry Potter, and you like to laugh, do yourself a favor and get this.
Rating:
Summary: Great for any age!
Review: I bought this book not really knowing what to expect (I read about it online), and I was absolutely floored! I personally liked it more than the book and the movie, and my 7 year-old -- who worships Harry and Co. -- loved it and loved the jokes! It is at times gross and silly but it is always hilarious, and never mean-spirited. A MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES HARRY!
Rating: 
Summary: Not for me
Review: I bought this book, mainly because I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and while waiting for J.K. Rowling's new book (seems like an enternity) I tried to wet my appetite a little with this book. I really wish I hadn't. I really did try to give it a chance. I didn't laugh once and the jokes that may have been funny, I just didn't get because the writing and spelling were sloppy and horrible. It would have been much better if the person could actually write and form decent sentences. I don't usually give up on books, no matter how bad, but I couldn't get past the third chapter. So, all you Potter Fans, do yourself a big favor and just save your time and money for the next Harry Potter book, the real one and not this rubbish.
Rating:
Summary: A terrible book
Review: I can't believe someone would copy such a great author. Personally I think he just wants money. I am a big Harry Potter fan but I'm not copying someone. Plus he only changed the first two letters of his name.
Rating:
Summary: Buy Bored of the Rings Instead
Review: I enjoyed the Bored of the Rings parody and was looking forward to reading this parody of the Harry Potter books. Unfortunately I didn't find it to be either witty or humorous. The puns are not particularly good and the storyline is amazingly unentertaining. It plods along with only the renaming of familar places and names to keep the reader mildly interested until it finally limps to a merciful conclusion. If you feel you must read this book, chip in with 20 or so friends to share it, then the expense might be worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Laugh a minute!
Review: I have listened to the tapes of the first four HP books during my daily commute and have re-listened to all of them. While listening and driving, I drift in and out of the story, but this tape is different. Almost every line is a gem and while laughing at one, the next comes crashing along and I have to pull off the freeway! It is best read or listened to in the privacy of your home without any distractions. I have listened to it several times and pick up something new every time. Great fun and highly recommended!
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