Rating: 
Summary: A modern classic? I think not.
Review: As a 15 year old reader, this book seems to me just the type of book our society would embrace. It resembles an above average action movie- just sit down, relax, and put your brain on autopilot, and pretty soon, you're done, and you've achieved a superficial satisfaction with predictable plots, boring, uncomplicated characters, and enough gizmos and special effects, however predictable, to make you feel that the book achieved some kind of inventiveness. Endearing characters! How? To be endearing, characters must have flaws- something to sympathize with! Do these characters have flaws, or can they even be described using more than 2 different adjectives each? The good characters are good, kind, and selfless. Any mistake is either not their fault or easily forgiven- few consequences. The bad characters are "bad to the bone"- be it the family- (believable? Or just another bland twist on the evil stepsisters/stepmother/Roald Dahl-esque family in 'Matilda' premise?) - or the bully, Malfroy. Can't he possess any endearing traits? Most bullies possess some redeeming qualities, or at least are a victim in some way themselves. The types of magic used in these stories are also unremarkable. Spells, enchanted objects, incantations...how mundane. And used to excess. Cheep thrills and the long = better mentality add up to the Harry Potter mania. I wouldn't be so scathingly negative if it weren't for the Harry Potter series' popularity. They are *somewhat* entertaining, but meanwhile, people are raving that these are THE greatest books ever, or at least close. People think that no other children's fantasy comes close. That is a monsterous misconseption! When a younger reader, I read tons of children's fantasy. True, proven, innovative classics do exist. Just look at Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit', Peter Beagle's 'The Lost Unicorn', 'The Phantom Tollbooth', C. S. Lewis' 'The Chronicals of Narnia', wonderfully funny Roald Dahl, Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' sequence, Lloyd Alexander's 'The Prydan Chronicles', John Bellairs' fun, darkish fantasy/mysteries, Phillip Pullman's still unfolding, greatly promising 'His Dark Materials' series, Diana Wynne Jones' marvelously twisted, ingenious, funny books, Madeline L'Engle's fabulous 'A Wrinkle in Time' (and sequels)- among thousands of other titles. All of the above are wonderful, innovative, deceptively simple (in some cases), and unforgettably unique books all worthy of multiple re-readings. To Harry Potter, like a mediocre action movie, I will only give one screening. The question is not whether the above books have a plethora of merits, but whether you will read some and wade into deeper waters than lightly enjoyable Harry Potter books.
Rating: 
Summary: The grimmer side of Harry Potter's life
Review: Book IV is a fantastic entry into the growing saga of young wizard Harry Potter. The first 150 pages or so seem a bit slow, compared to the beginnings of the prior volumes in the series, but persist, good reader! After that, the story quickly picks up, and escalates to a dizzying tale of suspense by the end, at which point the seeming slowness of the first portion is explained. Quite masterfully done, Book IV also shows the beginning of Harry's growth into adulthood, with its responsibilities and its heartaches, including one grim lesson: Sometimes the good guy has to content himself with getting out alive instead of winning. I devoured this book in one sitting (about 7 hours), and am now somewhat disgruntled that it will be another year before I can continue with this intriguing series. This is storytelling at its finest. Very highly recommended for all ages.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Splendid!
Review: I thought this book was great and would reccomend to anyone! By far one of the, if not the, best of the series Harry Potter! It makes me depressed when i finish the book because i want to keep knowing what happens.. I hope J.K. Rowling will contine writing! Thank you!
Rating:
Summary: This is not a kids book, nor was it meant to be
Review: I have read many reviews from this site that say it is inapropriate for children, it is. And you know why, its a young adult book. The author never intended for this to remain a childrens series, she has said the books will continue to get darker and darker in mood, and less appropriate for the second and third graders who are reading this book! The characters aren't even kids anymore, they're teenagers, by the next book they'll be almost old enought to drive. Personally, I'm 16 and I loved the book. I thought it was well written and a great read.
Rating: 
Summary: HARRY POTTER ON ECSTACY
Review: I WOULD NOT RECCOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WITH LITTLE CHILDREN. IT COULD WARP THEIR FRAGILE, EASILY-MANIPULATED MINDS AND SCAR THEM FOR LIFE WITH A FALSE VIEW OF REALITY.
Rating:
Summary: 43 years old, and not too old for Harry Potter Books!
Review: I am a 43 year old mother of an 8 year old boy, and we LOVE Harry Potter. We got the first book at Christmas, and as soon as it was finished, we ordered the second. Half-way through the second, we ordered the third book. And, as soon as it was possible, we pre-ordered the then untitled book 4. And each time, we have not been disappointed. My son can, and does, read quite well on his own, but Harry Potter brings us back together, snuggled on the couch, while I read aloud, doing all the voices. It is a lot of fun, especially as Ms. Rowling writes with such detail that the words just seem to read themselves, and the voices take shape all on their own. This fourth book is much more intense, and darker than the first three, and I kept pausing during some of the scenes, to be sure my son wasn't too frightened. He would just say, "I'm fine...keep reading! " And I would. The fact that Harry and his friends are growing up is wonderful, however, I hope Ms. Rowling doesn't lose to many of her younger fans by making them grow too fast. The intesity, hormonally and well as wizardly, could be much worse for the younger kids, and that would be too bad. But, I wouldn't trade Harry Potter for anything, as it brought my son & I back together on the couch over a good book. LONG LIVE HARRY POTTER!
Rating:
Summary: A book for a dyslexic child
Review: My son has severe dyslexia. He does not like to read; but if the book is Harry Potter, he will try to read. I enjoy listening to him giggle as he reads. Harry Potter is working his magic and showing my son how much fun it is to read. Grins.
Rating:
Summary: There she goes again!
Review: Again she does it! There's just no stopping JK Rowling! Again she assembles a delightful cast of characters to keep you laughing, crying and on the edge of your seats throughout the whole book. In this particular book you meet ANOTHER DADA (defense against the dark arts) teacher who is pretty much my fav character (Nagini, Sirius, Voldemort, Lupin, Moody), he teaches the students about the 'Unforgivable Curses'. Voldie's pet snake is in this one too. She never really does anything but the fact that she's there made me like her all the same. I would warn parents to be cautious when reading this to their younger ones. It's darker and there is more violence. There is also a bit of language. Even so, they all combined with the good old humor and suspense to make an intoxicating book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book is definatley a classic, way to go, JK!
Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I won't waste time reviewing the plot, as it is given above, but I would like to express my pleasure at how well-written and intelligent all of J.K. Rowling's books have been. It is nice to find a children's book series that is entertaining and isn't patronizing in nature; I think that Harry Potter's popularity among adults as well speaks to that fact. I don't think there has been as good a children's writer since Roald Dahl. As to the accusations of celebrating the occult... I say have some imagination! Didn't you want to have special powers when you were 11? Curl up with Harry and the world of Hogwarts, have a good giggle and try to guess where the next plot twist will take you. I'm eagerly awaiting book 5...
Rating:
Summary: Worth the Wait!
Review: Don't let the hype turn you off. This is a magnificent addition to the Harry Potter series -- full of magic and humor and memorable characters and adventure. As you've no doubt heard, this IS a darker book than the previous three, but it is still filled with fun as well. Too much has been made in the press of "Harry discovers girls" and "a character dies." These are not the major focus of the book.Don't let the hype cause you to jump into the Harry Potter series here. Book 4 is NOT the place to begin. AND, you don't want to deprive yourself of the enjoyment of the whole series. I'm preparing to read this one again before I let my husband read it -- I want to savor the adventure again. Now, the only problem is waiting for Book 5! But, if this book is any indication, it too will be worth the wait.
|
