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Reading Harry Potter for the first time
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Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 4th, 2013, 11:37 am ]
Post subject:  Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I am about to start reading Harry Potter for the first time. My reasons for doing so are many (I ranted about some of my complaints here: http://aubreyhansen.com/2013/06/stop-di ... t-wizards/), but primarily I am reading it for study. As both a fantasy and a YA author, I have much to gain by studying Rowling's wildly popular work. Add in the fact that I'm a Christian writer so the moral debate surrounding Harry Potter is relevant to me, and this could get quite interesting.

To that end, I was wondering--is there anyone here who hasn't read HP before, or hasn't in a long time, and is also interested in reading it for study? I would very much like to discuss the first book with you, as well as the others if I get that far. Those who are longtime fans of the series are welcome in this discussion as well, but I'm particularly interested in sharing the journey with fellow writers who haven't taken the plunge before.

Any takers?

Author:  Cain [ August 4th, 2013, 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I've never read them. I don't think I ever will; I would have in order to take part in this little venture with you, but I don't have the time or energy right now to hardly read kiddie chapter books, let alone the Harry Potter books. :P Sorry about that; I hope you find some takers!

Author:  The Bard [ August 4th, 2013, 12:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I'm actually reading the first book right now. (About half way through.)

I already have a lot of thoughts but I don't want to go off half cocked. (And none of those thoughts have to do with the "magic")

Author:  Elly [ August 4th, 2013, 12:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Oooh. I may be a taker... even if not, I'll still be interested in your thoughts. I'm a HP fan and have read the first 4 books, I think. Where do you plan on having your discussions?

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 4th, 2013, 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

We are gonna talk right here in this thread. *points* So stick around! :D

Cool! Good timing, Joe. :cool: I plan to start the book either today or tomorrow. It was originally my weekend project but that's not happening :P , so it'll be this week's reading project. :)

Author:  Elly [ August 4th, 2013, 3:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Alright! :D I might join in then.

Author:  Varon [ August 4th, 2013, 4:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I'll join you when I pick it up from the library on Tuesday to start my first reread of the series.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 4th, 2013, 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Sweetness!

Author:  Idril Aravis Mimetes [ August 5th, 2013, 12:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I think I read Harry Potter until Book 6 and I've seen the first movie. I do want to do this book study with you all, but I'm just not sure I can get/borrow the books. And find time to read them all. :P

Author:  The Bard [ August 5th, 2013, 7:52 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I finished it last night. I'll hold off though till ya'll all finish it.

I'm trying to decide if i want to read the second one or not. I probably will since I haven't got much to read right now.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 5th, 2013, 8:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Idril, we'll probably be talking for awhile, so join in any time. :D This thread isn't going anywhere. Other people can always post on it in the future if they want to resume the discussion.

Awesome, Joe! I have to finish a script and have a story meeting tonight, but my goal is to at least get this started.

Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ August 6th, 2013, 11:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I would consider joining in, but I have to get the book, and I don't foresee getting it picked up any time soon. :P

Author:  Lady Elanor [ August 6th, 2013, 11:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Sadly I can't join in with this either. At least not this time, but maybe another time with another book. :)

Author:  Varon [ August 6th, 2013, 6:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I picked it up today, and started reading it. Two things struck me with the first sentence. First, it is definitely very British, and at the beginning, definitely a children's book. A bit like Roald Dahl, I think, though I don't remember if he was English or not.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 6th, 2013, 8:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

So next time I read a book I should start a thread and invite y'all to play along, is that what you're saying? :D

Finally got started on this! I'm not very far in, but I do like Rowling's style so far. The story has an innocent whimsy that makes the fantasy enjoyable. Her dialog and narration also has a humorously blunt quality to it.

Author:  The Bard [ August 6th, 2013, 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Her writing style doesn't seem to work for me. Its right on the boundary of whimsy and its somewhat jarring when she takes it to far sometimes.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 6th, 2013, 9:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I'm wondering if it will sober up as Harry (and, I presume, the target audience) grows. Some of the later movies look rather dark.

Author:  Idril Aravis Mimetes [ August 6th, 2013, 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Lt. General Hansen wrote:
Idril, we'll probably be talking for awhile, so join in any time. :D This thread isn't going anywhere. Other people can always post on it in the future if they want to resume the discussion.


*drags in a beanbag and some snacks* Then I'm here to stay. ;)

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 6th, 2013, 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Yay! :D

*snoops in Idril's snacks* What'd you bring? ^_^

Author:  Varon [ August 6th, 2013, 9:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Somewhere around Goblet of Fire is when things get much more serious, and a lot darker, I think, because that's when Voldemort really returns.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 6th, 2013, 10:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

*decides to be smart and not click on spoiler this time*

Author:  Idril Aravis Mimetes [ August 6th, 2013, 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Lt. General Hansen wrote:
Yay! :D

*snoops in Idril's snacks* What'd you bring? ^_^


*peers into Mary Poppins-ish bag*

A bit of everything. Cookies, cakes, brownies. Some salty food like potato chips, nuts. Some fruits (gotta be healthy, you know ;) ). And root beer of course. Lots of root beer. :dieshappy:

Varon wrote:
Somewhere around Goblet of Fire is when things get much more serious, and a lot darker, I think, because that's when Voldemort really returns.


I cannot recall up to which Harry Potter book I read, but I do remember when I felt that the books were getting darker,because Voldemort was returning and his power was getting stronger.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 7th, 2013, 6:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Quote:
"He'll have that scar forever."
"Couldn't you do something about it, Dumbledore?
"Even if I could, I wouldn't. Scars can come in handy. I have one myself above my left knee that is a perfect map of the London Underground."


:rofl:

Author:  Saya [ August 7th, 2013, 10:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

That's the beauty of these books. They grow up as Harry grows up. And, if you were my age when the books first came out, you grew up with Harry, which I think is really cool. You will not regret the read, I promise you that.

Author:  Varon [ August 8th, 2013, 2:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Lt. General Hansen wrote:
Quote:
"He'll have that scar forever."
"Couldn't you do something about it, Dumbledore?
"Even if I could, I wouldn't. Scars can come in handy. I have one myself above my left knee that is a perfect map of the London Underground."


:rofl:



Yep. Dumbledore is quite the character. His humor is spot-on for me.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 8th, 2013, 8:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Quote:
Dear Mrs. Rowling,

I realize your book Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone is fantasy, and therefore it is permissible that animals be able to do all sorts of unnatural things. Even so, it is physically impossible for a boa constrictor to "open its eyes" and "wink" (pg. 27). Snakes don't have eyelids.

Sincerely,
A reader and her pet snake

Author:  Idril Aravis Mimetes [ August 9th, 2013, 12:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Lt. General Hansen wrote:
Quote:
Dear Mrs. Rowling,

I realize your book Harry Potter and the Socerer's Stone is fantasy, and therefore it is permissible that animals be able to do all sorts of unnatural things. Even so, it is physically impossible for a boa constrictor to "open its eyes" and "wink" (pg. 27). Snakes don't have eyelids.

Sincerely,
A reader and her pet snake


*laughs*

Author:  Varon [ August 9th, 2013, 3:18 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Plus, it speaks a touch of Spanish, which I really liked. :cool:

I picked the next two up from the library today and I'll start them soon.

Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ August 10th, 2013, 10:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Did you finish book 1 already, Varon? I've been making steady but slow progress.

Author:  Varon [ August 10th, 2013, 10:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Reading Harry Potter for the first time

Yep. It's fairly short for a HP book and I managed to finish it in one day.

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