From: MalibuInc at aol.com <MalibuInc>
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 23:00:45 EDT

I wasn't being sarcastic when I said I was reading Beowulf and The Lord Of The Rings in second and third grade. I was always a voracious reader. I also read avidly the Greek and Norse Mythology. I am not trying to diminish Rowling's achievements. Its wonderful that children have embraced her stories. I think the first book in the series does belong in the pantheon with Tolkien and Lewis. I didn't like the second book. The third was grand, and the fourth was my least favorite. I'll probably love the next one.

More than any of the writers I've mentioned, Rowling's books remind of the Hardy Boy's novels. (Does anyone read Hardy Boys books anymore?) Each story features a mystery that has to be solved by a young protagonist. The young protagonist has to solve the mystery with little assistance from adults. Children feel powerless and identify strongly with characters their own age who are self reliant.

Also someone made a comment that Harry has no one. This isn't true. Harry has Cirus Black and Dumbeldore. Both characters aid Harry at different times, and each from a distance. Neither can directly intervene because of adult interference. Ultimately, because of this, Harry must solve his own problems.

I was also fascinated by the similarities between Harry and Voldemort, both having Muggle blood. I suspect, like Harry, Voldemort was a lonely child with few people to rely on. The line between good and evil is choice.

Preston McClear
Received on Mon 11 Sep 2000 10:00:45 PM CDT