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[CCBC-Net] HP7- appeal, etc.
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From: Robin L. Gibson <gibsonr>
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:55:00 -0400
Like Randall, I remember hearing about the first book through word of mouth, not hype/publicity from the publisher, etc. And I also found it very appealing -- such incredible wish fulfillment -- what child wouldn't want to receive such a letter and realize he/she is magic? I think Rowling's writing is a bit more than serviceable, but I think the real appeal is in the story -- such incredible plotting, great pacing, characters kids can identify with, humor, and, to top it all off, magic. I had the pleasure of taking my 8 year old and a friend to an HP 7 library party, and the best part was listening to their conversation in the car (Wouldn't it be great if magic were real? Don't you like the books much better than the movies?).
I thought the pacing of HP 7 was especially well done. Such an intense book, with one event after another, yet Rowling makes moments for quiet, to give the reader a chance to slow down -- to grieve at Shell Cottage -- and a moment of humor and relief at the height of the battle when Ron expresses his concern for the house-elves and Hermione tackles him (finally!). For me the best example of this is the chapter of Snape's thoughts -- again, at the height of battle, a chance to look back. And this chapter explains so many things, and is so sad and compelling.
I've been reading the first book aloud to my 5 year old at night while also seeing the movie of HP 5 and reading HP 7, and it has been incredible to look at all the connections, hints, and ideas that were there from the beginning. Each time I read I realize again what an incredible job she has done with the plotting, with the construction of this world. And no, it isn't entirely original, but as Randall said, what is? I love the sources she draws from, and I think they offer opportunities for discussion and further reading. I talking about Harry drawing the sword out from the Sorting Hat in Book 2 with my 8 year old, he talked about magician's pulling rabbits out of a hat. I asked if he could think of another example of someone pulling a sword out of something, and he came up with Arthur (he loves the Arthur legends). So then I asked what that signified, and he came up with Arthur being the true heir, and then the idea of Harry being an heir of sorts (though not the heir of Slytherin!). This also made Neville's drawing the sword out of the hat seem perfectly natural to me -- and I was so glad to see Neville shine. I also really appreciated how multiple characters, even Crabbe, destroyed Horcruxes. Harry couldn't have done it alone.
I think it's interesting how the movies inform our ideas/perceptions of the books. I personally really admire Alan Rickman, and so I always wanted to think Snape was really okay. I think Rowling gives you plenty of clues and reasons to doubt, but really keeps you wondering about Snape, until almost the very end. What a wonderful character!
Sorry for the length of this message -- I've been on vacation and not able to write before, and just so much to say! Thanks!
Robin
Quoting Randall Wright <randall.w.wright at comcast.net>:
> It's a good think you don't have to be a speler to be a author and
> "pundent", eh? I subscribe to the Klem Kadiddlehopper school of
> intelligence.
>
> And speaking of intelligence. My kids keep asking me why I don't write a
> Harry Potter. By that they of course mean a best seller that will give them
> an inheritance.
> So, my question is: how did She-who-must-not-be-named do it? What is it
> about the books, especially the first three that were the catapult that
> captured the world? I've heard people say it was the hype. But before the
> hype there was the amazing word of mouth. I followed the books from the
> beginning, and it seemed the hype came after-the-fact, almost an
> afterthought. Perhaps the hype added another tens position to her monetary
> value.
>
> I read the first book before they really took off, and I was captured. I
> couldn't wait for the second. Then the third just made me want even more.
> After that, I was hooked by the momentum of the story. For the life of me, I
> can't figure out why.
>
> The writing is serviceable. It is not incredible, but she has enough command
> of words to provide the vehicle. The story is not completely original (but
> then whose is?). Perhaps it's her speling? So, how can I do the same thing?
> Why Harry Potter and not my "Dead Toads don't Squelch" or "Darth Vader and
> the Attack of the Clowns"?
>
> Randall Wright
> Author and Speler
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:55:00 -0400
Like Randall, I remember hearing about the first book through word of mouth, not hype/publicity from the publisher, etc. And I also found it very appealing -- such incredible wish fulfillment -- what child wouldn't want to receive such a letter and realize he/she is magic? I think Rowling's writing is a bit more than serviceable, but I think the real appeal is in the story -- such incredible plotting, great pacing, characters kids can identify with, humor, and, to top it all off, magic. I had the pleasure of taking my 8 year old and a friend to an HP 7 library party, and the best part was listening to their conversation in the car (Wouldn't it be great if magic were real? Don't you like the books much better than the movies?).
I thought the pacing of HP 7 was especially well done. Such an intense book, with one event after another, yet Rowling makes moments for quiet, to give the reader a chance to slow down -- to grieve at Shell Cottage -- and a moment of humor and relief at the height of the battle when Ron expresses his concern for the house-elves and Hermione tackles him (finally!). For me the best example of this is the chapter of Snape's thoughts -- again, at the height of battle, a chance to look back. And this chapter explains so many things, and is so sad and compelling.
I've been reading the first book aloud to my 5 year old at night while also seeing the movie of HP 5 and reading HP 7, and it has been incredible to look at all the connections, hints, and ideas that were there from the beginning. Each time I read I realize again what an incredible job she has done with the plotting, with the construction of this world. And no, it isn't entirely original, but as Randall said, what is? I love the sources she draws from, and I think they offer opportunities for discussion and further reading. I talking about Harry drawing the sword out from the Sorting Hat in Book 2 with my 8 year old, he talked about magician's pulling rabbits out of a hat. I asked if he could think of another example of someone pulling a sword out of something, and he came up with Arthur (he loves the Arthur legends). So then I asked what that signified, and he came up with Arthur being the true heir, and then the idea of Harry being an heir of sorts (though not the heir of Slytherin!). This also made Neville's drawing the sword out of the hat seem perfectly natural to me -- and I was so glad to see Neville shine. I also really appreciated how multiple characters, even Crabbe, destroyed Horcruxes. Harry couldn't have done it alone.
I think it's interesting how the movies inform our ideas/perceptions of the books. I personally really admire Alan Rickman, and so I always wanted to think Snape was really okay. I think Rowling gives you plenty of clues and reasons to doubt, but really keeps you wondering about Snape, until almost the very end. What a wonderful character!
Sorry for the length of this message -- I've been on vacation and not able to write before, and just so much to say! Thanks!
Robin
Quoting Randall Wright <randall.w.wright at comcast.net>:
> It's a good think you don't have to be a speler to be a author and
> "pundent", eh? I subscribe to the Klem Kadiddlehopper school of
> intelligence.
>
> And speaking of intelligence. My kids keep asking me why I don't write a
> Harry Potter. By that they of course mean a best seller that will give them
> an inheritance.
> So, my question is: how did She-who-must-not-be-named do it? What is it
> about the books, especially the first three that were the catapult that
> captured the world? I've heard people say it was the hype. But before the
> hype there was the amazing word of mouth. I followed the books from the
> beginning, and it seemed the hype came after-the-fact, almost an
> afterthought. Perhaps the hype added another tens position to her monetary
> value.
>
> I read the first book before they really took off, and I was captured. I
> couldn't wait for the second. Then the third just made me want even more.
> After that, I was hooked by the momentum of the story. For the life of me, I
> can't figure out why.
>
> The writing is serviceable. It is not incredible, but she has enough command
> of words to provide the vehicle. The story is not completely original (but
> then whose is?). Perhaps it's her speling? So, how can I do the same thing?
> Why Harry Potter and not my "Dead Toads don't Squelch" or "Darth Vader and
> the Attack of the Clowns"?
>
> Randall Wright
> Author and Speler
-- Robin L. Gibson 55 Old Farm Road Granville, Ohio 43023 gibsonr at denison.eduReceived on Fri 17 Aug 2007 09:55:00 AM CDT
