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Summary: Not a true piece of fantasy literature...
Review: Having written a Master's Thesis on the fantasy works of Ursula K. Le Guin, I am amply qualified to judge works of fantasy in general. Though these books do contain magic, that alone is not enough to qualify them as fantasy literature. In fact, each one of these first three books is really not much more than a mystery book with Harry Potter as the aspiring sleuth. And while these books do utilize some elements of Joseph Campbell's hero's tale, they fall far short of true mythic proportions. Good fantasy literature, or good literature of any kind, for that matter, has a theme which runs throughout the book. JK Rowling, in each and every one of these first three books, drops a theme into the book, only at its completion--For instance, in book one we learn at the end that Harry has learned about love, and in book two we find out that Harry is a lot like Tom Riddle, but only at the very end, and then the head master points out that he is like him, except for the choices Harry makes. This latter example would have made an excellent theme, but Rowling is not concerned with theme, but only with fun. To her credit, these books are fun, but a theme is what gives a book real cohesion, and, ultimately, real staying power. If you want your children to read excellent fantasy literature, stay with Tolkein's The Hobbit, LEngle's A Wrinkle in Time, C.S. Lewis' The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Lowry's The Giver, and my favorite, Ursula K. Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea. You might note, that unlike these fine novels, Harry Potter has yet to win any serious awards such as the Newberry, etc. Nor is he likely to. Rowling's books are page turners, however, as are any decent mystery novels, and do help keep children reading who might otherwise close the book up. And that's the only good thing I have to say for them.
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Summary: What a nice boy that Harry Potter is!
Review: He is a nice boy, even if he is a wizard. The stories about his growing up, of which this is the second part are wonderful for both children and adults! This book, like the others is more about Harry Potter as a boy growing up, but spiced up with the problems that only a wizard in training could have.
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Summary: J.k Rowling does it again
Review: Hello and welcome to my reveiw , have you read my other reveiw`s , I wrote about the 3rd Harry Potter book. So once again , here`s my reveiw: Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets is the BEST BOOK I`VE EVER READ , now I know I said that the 3rd one was the best , but Im so serious , this is the best , its filled with action, and maybe a hint of romance , but this book is the BOMB! You`ve got to read it , it will blow your mind I wish I could give this book 10 stars! And guess what, I heard that they`re making a movie, cool huh . So people out there , go and pick up HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECERTS! Okay? -Hurry , go now , quick :)
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Summary: Forget nasty articles about them!
Review: Hello most of us have read at least one of the articles in the newspaper that says things about harry potter like sheer evil.I disagree. This book is very good and the story will take you in with their adventures! I highly advise you to at least try to read one and see if you like it (which you will) then you can see about the rest
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Summary: WOW KIDS THATS COOL
Review: Hello my name is Matt and I think this book was awesome. Harry potter was one of the best books I have ever read. Harry potter is a type of book that can be enjoyed and loved by all ages. The best part of the book is when the turn themselves into those two fat kids and seek around. Harry potter is the type of book that takes even the most serious adult into a wonder world and sends you imagination screaming for joy.
I gave this book 5 stars because as I read this book it was so well written that I would get angry when harry did or I would get happy or scared when harry did. This book was an emotional roller coaster and that's the type of book I like. If I could be Harry potter for one day, I would want to be Harry during this book. This book was so much more exciting then the others. This book was by far the best book I have ever read. As I said I give this book 5 starts because it is so good and just the fact that it is harry potter earned it three stars without me reading it. This book is perfect for every age, I am 18 and it certainly is my favorite.
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Summary: One of the best books ever . . .
Review: Hello, MY teacher read this book to us in class and it was one of the best books i've ever read! If you haven't read it yet you've got to bye or read this book! I can't tell you how good it is. If you don't want to read this book and all the other ones you've got to be just crazy! So go out and read this book. Even if you have to borrow it from a friend, read this book and the other ones: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone(1) Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets(2) Harry Potter and the the prisoner of Azakban(3) You've got to read 'em!
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Summary: Harry Potter- In my View
Review: Hello. My name is Katie Potter. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was about the best book I have ever read. With full detail and great, capturing words I felt like I was in Harry's little group, or it painted a picture in my head, more like a movie. As I said again, I love this books and all of the other, tremendously written Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.
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Summary: Hype machine.
Review: Here comes the second band wagon, has your kid jumped on it yet? This is the Britney Spears of children's fantasy. The music is bad, the singing is almost decent, but the hype is tremendous. The controversy also brews. Despite the fact that J.K. Rowling is not that much more than an overhyped plum, the series is still great for your kids. Why? Because they'll grow up thinking that reading can be fun. And that's an attitude that's more valuable than all the diamonds in Africa. So buy this for your kids if for no other reason than to get them to READ!
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Summary: Let magic prevail.
Review: Here is a sequel I was afraid wouldn't stand up to the original. Well, I
was wrong. In his second year at Hogwarts, young wizard Harry Potter meets
new challenges as a student, as a friend, and of course, as a hero unaware
of his greatness. New and colorful characters appear, like the flamboyant
Professor Lockhart. Rowling's story continues a lovely parable that pits
the lifestyle of wizarding folk against non-wizards, the muggles. The
comparison is between living one's life passionately and heroically versus
living a normal life by the book. Since the unfortunate events of last September 11th, I think Harry Potter offers children and adults alike a way
to answer the question: how do I live my life fully and make a difference to others? If this is a question you find yourself asking, read all the Potter books as well as a beautiful little book by Ariel and Shya Kane called "WORKING ON YOURSELF DOESN'T WORK." The Kanes' book is a clear and simple guide to living a magical life. I recommend these books because they have touched me. They demonstrate that we can all be wizards in our own right.
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Summary: A note to Parents
Review: Here's the perspective from a parent educator who is also a mother of four: I've read all three Harry Potter books to my older children (ages 8, 10, 12) and I think that Harry's a worthy Hero. He's an everyday kid - a bit unsure of himself, he makes mistakes, but he also makes good decisions. He has friends, but there are also kids who don't like him. He's average looking, a bit clumsy and wears glasses. He has courage, but he also gets scared. This ordinary kid gets to have extraordinary adventures. And even after goof-ups and enemies along the way - he always ends up successful in reaching his main goals - which are always for the greater good. These books are also packed with creative imagination that kids love: life-sized chess pieces that move themselves, invisibility cloaks, magic pets, secret passageways with mysterious passwords. Harry Potter books have enough mystery, intrigue and adventure to keep my 8-year-old ball-of-energy enthralled enough to sit still no matter how long I read - and always begging for more. Yet the books are fascinating to my 12-year-old bookworm who re-reads them numerous times.
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