From: Maia <maia>
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 1999 08:59:23 -0500

It was with something of a shock that I received the monthly how-to-remove-yourself file this morning; I guess I knew it was almost December, but it seems that we are nowhere near wrapping up our discussion of Harry. The tenor on the list these last few days has struck me as kin to the temper of a bar brawl; but then, what do I know, I've only read about them in books! :)

I've now thought more, read more, and written more about Harry in the last month than just about any other literature besides my own writing (which I think has barely maintained the upper hand.) He (she?) has certainly inspired a fever in us all. It's hard to know whether it has been more from the popularity or the specific substance of the books, but at this point, as book-people, many of us have been hooked by the conversation.

For myself, the endless Harry debate has permitted me to reframe some of my own preferences about the genre of fantasy, and oddly enough, I think I know myself better as a writer. So not unlike the many librarians and booksellers who are grateful for the _event_ of Harry - that he has brought readers and buyers back to the shelves - I too, am grateful that, at least for once, the public has fixed itself on something I can comprehend, and that has allowed me to comprehend myself better.

All in all, I'm not overwhelmingly fond of Harry, but I'm perfectly well aware that I will read the next four books. I want to know what happens to Hermione, I want to learn more about McGonagall, and I'd enjoy another round with Lupin. I'm interested in how Rowling will handle her foreshadowed events, whether the series will develop further towards high fantasy as some have suggested, whether the pro?pitalist, somewhat cynical worldview will increase as adolescence takes hold, or pass away. Rowling's life has changed dramatically since Harry was begun, and I'm curious to see whether this will affect her writing. We've talked about the dungeons to riches aspect of Harry - well, Rowling has hit that herself now. I wonder what insights she will share?

I expect that the Harry controversy will dissipate as the time between books stretches out again. Overall, grown-ups just aren't that interested in what kids are doing; modern day adulthood is adequately engrossing on its own. And most of the folks I've seen who've been "alerted" to Harry are interested because of the scandalous overtones, and will move easily on to the next issue that the media presents for consumption. Forgive me if this seems cynical on my part, but I do think it's true.

But that's clearly "them" and this is "us", and I'm not at all sure where Harry has left us. Frustrated and annoyed, exhilarated and amused, defensive and accusatory, (and jealous too?) -- we've gone through the range of emotions this month. And while that made a great deal of sense when we were trying to look "Through Indian Eyes", it's a little unexpected when we're "just" talking about Harry. Perhaps we should all go reread our Jung; I know he's next on my list. (Although Linda may have an alternative suggestion!)

So when everyone's made their final comments, (and thrown their clubs in whatever directions seem necessary), I do hope that we all will take time to clean our heads before next month's discussion. Myself, I'm so looking forward to hearing about favorites from 1999 - and I would be sad to see that ruined by echoes of the last few days' nastiness. Midwinter seems an awkward time to be fighting about religion anyway... something about the idea of rebirth seems appropriate here.

So, respects and cheer to everyone,

Maia
Received on Wed 01 Dec 1999 07:59:23 AM CST