Hbp

[doomsayer]

I would have to say the book of the month is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. If you wish to learn more or see what i think about it check out:

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[Vennila X Vana]

We actually have a discussion going on about Harry Potter in the other Reading board. Check it out.

Nice website though! I'm not a huge Potter fan myself or else I would be into it.

[graguigleadhair]

Does anyone else think jk Rowling went a little romance crazy in the half blood prince?

[JEM]

To answer this question briefly: yes. :)

Since the fourth book, love has been a main theme of the books. I think J.K Rowlings is trying to show how a typical teenager views the world. She over does it a little, but overall the books are still very enjoyable.

[graguigleadhair]

.....I think J.K Rowlings is trying to show how a typical teenager views the world......
In the 5th HP book Harry's character changes drastically. He becomes very angry and prone to outbursts. I was 10 when the book came and out and my 16 year old neighboor said this character change makes him seem more like a real teenager. Now 15 I find that kind of insulting. Does anyone else think Harry's sudden need for anger managment makes him seem like a typical teen or is just the natural outcome of having to deal with the dursleys and constantly battle lord voldmort?

[JEM]

As I said in my last post, J.K. Rowlings overdoes it a little bit.

I am a teenager and I don't know anybody who acts like that. Some of his frustrations are warranted, yet a lot of his violent behavior seems to come out of nowhere. I know he had a hard life, but is that the fault of others? Did his peer groups kill his parents? No. Harry is not acting rationally.

[graguigleadhair]

Lets just be glad he got over that stage in one book and was back to the drastically calmer Harry in book 6.

[Vennila X Vana]

Yeah I think she does go to the extremes when trying to display "normal" teenager behavoir in her characters, and by doing so acheives the opposite of her intentions and turns many readers off. What I hated the most about the 6th book was that there was so much romance and that a lot of it seemed forced. I mean some of these relationshios were just a little out of the blue [names withheld for fear of HP fanfic writers attacking me.]

[graguigleadhair]

Although I didn't really like Harry and Ginny's relasionship when it was first introduced in book 6 I hated how it was ended. The speach he gave her was pratically straight out of the ending speach of spiderman. It was annoying then and it was annoying in Harry Potter.

[Vennila X Vana]

haha right after we read it my friend Chris and I started singing Spiderman! Cool that you thought that too. Yeah there are a lot of cliches in the book...

[graguigleadhair]

yeah. were you creeped out by the description of "the moster in Harry's chest" at all?

[Vennila X Vana]

Quite a bit actually...and there were many things like that.

The one thing I hated the most though was that whole entire chapter, "The Cave". Weren't you just shouting, "No Frodo save the ring!" the whole entire time?

[Isis]

"the monster in Harry's chest"...it sounded very fanficish. The whole book basically read like a really well written fanfiction. I loved it, sure, but it didn't captivate me like the others did [I was younger than, though. The shine of the series wears off after you've written things yourself, methinks]

Ron and Lavender...WTF!!??
That seemed entirely random. While things do happen like that plenty in real life, it was just sort of unsatisfying in the book.

[Vennila X Vana]

The one that seemed most out-of-the-blue to me was Lupin and Tonks. I'm glad it wasn't a very major thing because it was just making me mad.

I mean were there signs really? Did I miss them?

[graguigleadhair]

Quite a bit actually...and there were many things like that.

The one thing I hated the most though was that whole entire chapter, "The Cave". Weren't you just shouting, "No Frodo save the ring!" the whole entire time?
I haven't read any of the LOTR books or seen the movies, but after seeing how much everyone seems to love them maybe I will start

[graguigleadhair]

The one that seemed most out-of-the-blue to me was Lupin and Tonks. I'm glad it wasn't a very major thing because it was just making me mad.

I mean were there signs really? Did I miss them?

I was as shocked as you were but one of my friends talked about it before the book came out so I guess there were vague clues hidden somewhere.....

[Vennila X Vana]

I really liked the movies a lot but you should talk to Isis about the books. I think there are some movies you just have to see to understand the world. LOTR is one of those. And it's not even a bad movie, so it's win-win everywhere.

[graguigleadhair]

"the monster in Harry's chest"...it sounded very fanficish. The whole book basically read like a really well written fanfiction. I loved it, sure, but it didn't captivate me like the others did [I was younger than, though. The shine of the series wears off after you've written things yourself, methinks]

Ron and Lavender...WTF!!??
That seemed entirely random. While things do happen like that plenty in real life, it was just sort of unsatisfying in the book.
I was very confused/annoyed by ron and lavender but very happy about ron and hermionie, I've been hoping for that relasionship since the first book!

[Vennila X Vana]

I was as shocked as you were but one of my friends talked about it before the book came out so I guess there were vague clues hidden somewhere.....

I must be a dense reader then...

One of my friends is really into writing HP fanfiction and Lupin/Tonks was rare even in that community so it was just the most wtFAUX thing out of the entire book. Lavendar/Ron was what I disliked most though. Ugh, I don't think I want to see this movie with all the groping described between those two!

[Isis]

Hopefully it will be tastefully implied, or something. Like we'll just hear someone say "where's Ron?" And then Hermione looks so disgusted that it's obvious.

How could anyone not hope for Ron/Hermione? They've acted like a married couple since day one.

As far as reading the LOTR books, don't bother with the prolouge of the Fellowship. It's background info on hobbits and isn't all that important. Useful treatment for insomnia, though. Again, the beginning of the Fellowship is somewhat different from what happens in the movie, though it doesn't change much. I'd say read the books first, or see the first movie, read the books, then see the next two.

[graguigleadhair]

How many LOTR books are there?

[Isis]

Three.
The Fellowship of the Ring; the Two Towers; the Return of the King.

Then The Hobbit comes just before that; it's a simpler, lighter and fun read, but not essential.

[JEM]

Going back a couple posts...

I never would have guessed that Ron was going to date Lavender. Remember Harry's experiance at the Yule Ball in Book 4.

I liked The Cave chapter. Although I thought the chapter in the ministry was much better. I didn't like the note at the end either. Does anybody think they might know who those initals belong to? I think I might. I don't want to spoil anyone's surprise, so if you are interested PM me.

[graguigleadhair]

I kind of think it was wierd to have Ron dating anyone. Harry's crush on Chow and Herminoes date with Krum were the closest any of the main characters got to dating and then all of a sudden there making out in the hall ways.

[Vennila X Vana]

Cho Chang.*

Has anyone seen her character or what's it supposed to look like? I'm curious.

They're.*

Yeah the change was quite sudden and unbelievable.

I wish Krum had more of a character, I liked him.

[JEM]

There is an illistation in the 5th book of her, in the chapter where Harry takes her to the tea house.

I didn't like Krum and I thought that Herimonie was the last person to go out with him. A nerd going out with a star athlete, or a star athlete stalking a nerd (in the library). This is not a typical teenage senerio.

[Vennila X Vana]

No, I meant in the movies. I mean all the characters [especially Ginny] looked nothing like I expected in the movies.

I thought typical teenagers didn't really have stereotypes like that...

I thought Krum was a really cool character and there was so much potential, I mean he was a quiet pro-athlete who opts for Hermione. I wish he had a bigger role.

[graguigleadhair]

I thought Krum was an interesting character too. I just wished he had stuck around long enough for ron to attempt to beat him up in a jelaous rage.

[Isis]

Krum never seemed like your regular high-school jock, though. He was already a proffesional, and sort of quiet and understated rather than like, say, Malfoy.

I'd like to see him show up again.

Also, with all the ends to tie up, I think the 7th book is going to be the longest. There are mysteries to solve; more to learn about Snape and Lilly and Lord Voldemort; Harry has to do some horcrux-finding and beating of evil. I'm guessing it'll break 1000 pages.

[graguigleadhair]

Does anyone think harry will go back to hogwarts?

[JEM]

There is no one to get him to come back. So he won't go back to learn. I think that the adventure will take him back to Hogwarts, where the final battle, between Voldemort and Harry, will occur.

[graguigleadhair]

Really? I always kind of thought the final battle would take place where Harry's house was.

[Vennila X Vana]

Hmm...I never gave much thought to the final battle actually. I think it would make more sense to have it at Hogwarts. We don't really hear much about where Harry lived, actually do we even know where?

[JEM]

I don't know. Harry seems to love nothing as much as Hogwarts. Harry misses his parents dearly, but why would Voldemort want to go back to a place that he lost his powers.

Vennila, Didn't Harry live next door to his current residence. If it is in any book it is the first book. Should I look it up? Am I a nerd? YES

[Vennila X Vana]

Do we appreciate your nerd-ness? YES.

Current Residence= The Dursley's n'est pas? I don't think Petunia would have accepted that, and then everybody on their lane would know and there might be references to his house with it being right there. So I don't think so. Plus it's so disconnected from the plot, like I just never even thought of such a place existing before now.

[JEM]

Okay you are right.

After about a minute and a half of reading this is what I got:
1. He lives between the dursey house and Bristol (where Harry feel asleep) (page 15)
2.His house wasn't totally destroyed(15)
3. So, yes the last battle could occur at Harry's former house.

[Vennila X Vana]

Ooh, I thought it was totally destroyed. Now it's a more plausible explanation. The last battle will probably happen at the place of the last horcrux. Do you think theres one at Harry's house?

[JEM]

It is possible, but I don't think so.

The other horicruxes were small, sword, watch, etc. Why would he change his pattern to something huge, at least something much larger then a sword. If I use this argument then hogwarts won't make sense either. I think that maybe a portion of hogwarts, like a part of the chemistry dungeons contain the last horticurx. Voldemort would have gotten a kick out of hiding one right under Dumbledore's nose.

[graguigleadhair]

Hogwarts would make sense for the final battle but jk rowling doesn't often make sense. She just kind of struck me as the sort of author who would want the series to "come full circle" end where it began sort of thing.

[JEM]

I think that she won't. She often refers to past events, but they have played to this point a minor role. An example: Snape saved Harry's life in the first book, maybe that will make Harry spare his during the seventh. I think that is how she will refer back to the first books.

[graguigleadhair]

hmmm thats another thing. Does anyone have an opion on what side snapes on? I beleive he's on the dark side but most people I talk to think he's on the good side.

[JEM]

Snape is on the bad side. He killed Dumbledore. And yes he is dead...he is not hiding at Sirius's house (I have heard this theory). Nobody protected Dumbledore with love. Although I was surprised you could use an unforgiveable curse on Hogwarts grounds, you can't use other spells. Going back to the topic, yes he is a bad guy, no I don't think he will die in the next book.

[graguigleadhair]

My friends have a theory that dumbledore told snape to kill him prior to the murder. At first I thought they were crazy but they make a pretty good argument.

[Isis]

I think that Snape is actually a good guy. You know what happened when he was about to kill Dumbledore? He seemed to hesitate, and Dumbledore pleaded. This is the same man who said "death is but the next great adventure" - so I think that, if he knew he was going to die, he'd just accept that it was his time and that was the way it was going to be. It's sort of crazy, but I think he was telling Snape to stick to the plan. [Something I believe he was talking to Snape about earlier in the book, as well]. Dumbledore also told Harry that if he had to save himself, then he'd have to leave Dumbledore behind and escape.

So my theory is that Snape and Dumbledore had some sort of plan, some sort of agreement.

[JEM]

First, Isis- I think Dumbledore was telling Harry that retrieving the horcrux was very difficult to achieve and can be deadly (Voldemort was planning on anybody retrieving anything). Dumbledore also referred back to Harry what he said because he didn't know wheter the drink would kill him. He wanted to see snape, because snape was an accomplished chemist. I don't know why he didn't ask for Slughorn, maybe because he was used to snape (16 years compered to 1 year).

Secondly- Unforgivable curses only work when you get really mad and someone and you want to see them die (remember book 5). Snape wanted Dumbledore dead and so he used a curse and Dumbledore died. He was a bad guy!!!:)

[Isis]

You have a point there. But I think there's a difference between Harry using the curse and Snape using the curse - Harry wasn't used to it, and he needed the anger to fuel the power. Since Snape had obviously had practice with the Unforgiveable curses, anger and hate might not have been a prerequisite for a successful curse.

Stil though, that's something to consider.

[JEM]

Another point to consider (I know you heard this argument before) is the unbreakable vow. Snape promised that he would assist Malfoy, if it appears that a mission of his would fail. Malfoy would never change to the good side, so Snape can never change to the good side or else he would perish. Also he promised to protect Malfoy from harm. This vow might make Snape kill Harry or one of Harry's allies. I think a vow like this lasts forever, but I don't know.

[Vennila X Vana]

Oh yeah that's something else. This vow. What do you think it entails, and why does Snape make it in the first place? This is the one thing I really liked in this book, Snape's character, it was well-done I think.

[Isis]

Snape is a man of intrigue. When I started the series, I hated Snape. I think we were supposed to. But while it went along, he got cooler and more interesting - there's a lot about him that no one really knows for sure [and a lot of information that probably died with Dumbledore, because I doubt Snape will be telling anyone anytime soon]

Maybe Snaped owed Narcissa? Some sort of distant family loyalty, or something?

[graguigleadhair]

Ok two things. First, I know that you have to have anger to perform an unofrgivable curse, and I think snape was angry at dumbledoor. I think that snape was angry with dumbledoor for making him agree to kill him. And 2nd, snape vowed he would help Malfoy, and he did by killing dumbledoor. It wouldn't break the vow if he did it with good motives

[JEM]

Both were Slytherans, but that is all I know about past favors. That is a good idea though.

Graguileadhair, anger is not hte only requirment. Hate is also needed (book 5).

Snape actually upheld the vow when he killed Dumbledore because Malfoy couldn't do it himself. I believe that Snape killed Dumbledore to uphold the vow.

[graguigleadhair]

Maybe he could have transfered his hate? You know, like when your little and you have to kick the ball really hard so they tell you to picture it as someone you hates face? Maybe he could have been picturing dumbledoor as harry when he killed him.

[JEM]

That is possible, and I don't know of anything that contridicts that, but I don't think that is the case. Who was Snape thinking of? Harry? James? Sirius? He hated all of these guys and all of them were Dumbledore's allies.

[graguigleadhair]

Maybe thats why it worked so well all of the people he hated were very close to dumbledoor so it made the hate treanference easier.

[JEM]

Yes, but if he hated all of Dumbledore's friends (or at least a vast majority of them) why would he be friends with Dumbledore? Some of Dumbledore's friends are also very powerful wizards, so I don't think that is the reason. I think the reason is that he was not friends with Dumbledore.

[graguigleadhair]

I think theres a 50/50 chance of snape being on the good or bad side.

[JEM]

If I was a betting man, which I'm not. I would say 25% good/75% bad. I don't know how he is going to end up being a good guy though.

[kathma]

I've heard that RAB is supposedly Siruis's brother. I really hope this is true. Maybe this is JK's way of bringing Sirius back. I mean, his brother might not even be dead.

[kathma]

could one of the horcrux's be Wormtail's silver arm?

[kathma]

Harry was totally wrong to assume that the reason Dumbledore trusted Snape was because Snape was "sorry" he had told Voldemort about the prophecy. What if Snape actually told dumbledore where the horcruxes were?

[JEM]

First off, I agree with RAB. Regulus Black, Sirius's brother, is mentioned on page 112 (if my memory serves me right) of book 5. He was a death eater who was killed by Voldemort or by another death eater. He was killed because "he panicked while completing a mission for Voldemort" so it is very possible.

I don't think that there would be a reason for Voldemort to hide it in Wormtail's silver arm. All the other horticruxes are prizes. That is not the case in terms of the arm.

I don't think told Dumbledore anything. Why would he? or a better question: How would he know where they are? Nobody knows except Voldemort, and maybe Dumbledore knew.

[maressa]

Do you guys think harry potter is well worth reading?
Sometimes i feel I cant join discussions because of the fact that i've never read the books (except for 10 pages of the first one but it bored me out)

[JEM]

The first book is very boring, but the overall the series is great. I would strongly suggest reading the series. Although if you read this whole discussion, you probably know the whole story. :-)

[maressa]

Yeah..hehe. I found the first book a little bit babyish...umm the first ten or so pages of it, and discontinued reading it. Maybe I should start again!

[Maddie]

I think Harry's sudden maturity is slightly unrealistic, especially since we didn't see this character development - He just suddenly came back to Hogwarts and started making mature and adult-like decisions.
Maddie

[JEM]

I agree, the change was too abrupt. I am not so sure that his decisions are now more mature. He is just as impulsive now as he was before.

[Isis]

I read the first book when I was eight, so I was fully immersed in the series before any concept of "childishness" in a full length novel would bother me, because I considered anything longer than an "I Can Read" book pretty hot stuff. Personally...I'd say it's worth getting into, but if it bores you then maybe it's not the book for you, maressa. the books are fun though...

As for Harry's sudden maturity, I think his visible anger faded a lot between the fifth and sixth books.

[Maddie]

Every movie has a corny moment....it's a fact of life
Maddie

[JEM]

Trying not to get too off topic:toung:, if you want to see a movie which is all corny moments watch the musical 1776. For example, Richard Henry Lee ends most of the words he says with -ly.

Harry Potter can also get corny with all the special effects.

[Imelda]

You guys obviously don't have a teenage sibling. My sister went from child to decision making/tantrum throwing/stroppy teen in about three weeks. And Harry's anger, I unfortunately, can completely identify with. Being ignored and kept in the dark in no fun and does lead to shouting matches. Just not usually with headmasters.

Maressa, you should give it a try again! The first book is the most childish, but by the time you've read the lot, you see the deeper themes that are in there. Besides, you should at least read it so you can give an objective opinion on it, whether you agree with us worshippers or think it's a pile of junk!

[JEM]

I have a 17 year old brother and he just got to that point. I am younger then him and I don't know anyone like that.

The second book is my least favorite, but the 1st book is the slowest.

[Oblivion]

I thought that the Harry Potter book was disapointing, i didnt like the ending with dumbledore and all, and i hated that snape actually turned out evil, the romance didnt seem forced, but i didnt like the ron and his gf parts, i mean teenagers dont do that that much!!! the book was also very short to, it should have been longer, oh well i still got enjoyment so i'm no one to complain right, beggers cant be choosers.:suspiciou , i think


lol:p

[Isis]

i mean teenagers dont do that that much!!!
;_; I beg to differ.
Some people in my school...well, it's rather disgusting.

[JEM]

i hated that snape actually turned out evil
I disagree with the point. I hated Snape. Now, if he actually turns out to be evil, I have a real reason to dislike his character.

[Imelda]

I have my own Snape theorys, but they don't belong on here. Suffice to say, I don't think he's evil. As for the romance... well, there was too much, but at my school there were some people definitely doing that a lot. *gags*

[JEM]

I think there is a possiblity that Snape is good, but I really don't like him. Remember in book 5 when Harry tries to do a curse on a death eater? He couldn't do it. The reply was you really have to hate someone for a curse like that to work. Snape must have hated Dumbledore for the curse to work. Also he made an unbreakable vow. This vow means that he has to support the dark side.

[Oblivion]

Now 15 I find that kind of insulting. Does anyone else think Harry's sudden need for anger managment makes him seem like a typical teen or is just the natural outcome of having to deal with the dursleys and constantly battle lord voldmort?


I found this extremely insulting as well....not all teens kiss or have outbursts 24/7 :evil:

[JEM]

Another unrealistic aspect of Hogwarts is how enthusiastic the kids are about school and how they are smart enough to stop the strongest wizard in the world from attacking hogwarts each year. Every other wizard is scared of him, yet Harry can fight him without being very scared.

[Imelda]

Yeah the scared part is weird, but the enthusiatic bit? I was one of those freaky kids that adored school, and I'd have loved it more if it was magic school!

[Ameerah8]

I was one of those freaky kids that adored school, and I'd have loved it more if it was magic school!

Is it not normal to like school or something? I like it. I think that a lot of people do like school. A lot, and not just nerds and dorks. I know I'm a nerd and I'm positive I'm not a dork, and I like school. But your right about the kids being all smart, it is kinda fake.

[JEM]

I also like school, but that wasn't my point. You are not going to find in a school that 8 kids out of 32 kids per grade are willing to risk their lives for their school. I am a nerd/dork, and I wouldn't risk it.:bigsmile:

[Ameerah8]

not that it's a bad thing. but I guess your right.

[Imelda]

I had to risk my life at my school. But that was mainly because it was full of seriously dodgy types...

[JEM]

Let me rephrase that, not to many people will risk there lives for their school by choice not at their school. I am sorry that happened to you.

[Ameerah8]

So i read the 4th book, right. It was pretty good, the mushy kissy parts must be in the next book cause there wasn't really any in this one. But what I don't get was the part towards the end( page 696 to be exact) when Harry think's he see's a look of triumph in Dumbledore's eye's? what's that part supposed to mean? does it have something to do with the next book or what? I'm dieing here people what happen's next? wait don't tell me. what did snape do in the past? why is he on his second strike?What's going to happen to Malfoy and his crew, is Dumbledore going to kick him out because his dad is a death eater. And when snape kill's dumbledore (by the way when is that going to happen?!!?) will he return to the dark side or whatever? who's going to lead the school? is the school even going to keep going? is fudge going to fire dumbledore? AND PLEASE DON"T INGORE THIS< I REALLY WANT TO KNOW. I know it's annoying to have to go over the same thing again but plz? Man I can't wait to see the movie! It better be awesome or else I'm gonna sue the actors. lol:bigsmile:

[JEM]

The quote you are refering to is on page 696. It occurs after Harry tells Dumbledore that Voldemort is now stronger. More specifically after Harry shows Dumbledore his scar. There is nothing in future books that explain this. My personal opinion is that Dumbledore now had something to fight for, now that Voldemort can now kill Harry.
The last book (book 7) should answer all the question that we have. Or JK Rowlings might leave us hanging (again! scary thought).
I saw the first movie, wasn't impressed and then haven't seen anymore. Are they better?

Good luck with Books 5 and 6

[Ameerah8]

I though they were all pretty good, personally. But then again I've only read the 1 and 4th books complety, The 2d and the third I just got info from my friends as they read it.

[JEM]

Yes all of the books are good. Although, after reading the next two books you will get a couple answers, but a lot more questions.

[Isis]

The movies definately get better after the first one. I didn't like the second book, but the second movie was fun and well-done. Same with the third. The only problem is that they leave out things; however, if you take it more as a movie than as something mirroring a book, it's really, really good.

[Ameerah8]

UGH!!!! OMG I just saw the movie and it was HORRIBLE! they cut out what I though were important parts. IT sucked! and after all I heard about it being a good movie...and how it was sooo like the book. .K rowling must be mad too, I'd be it someone screwed up a movie about my book. I mean little things I can handle, but they took out all the important parts, and some of the good parts.. what a waste of money...and the movies here also suck... I miss seattle. warning to all people elsewhere DO NOT MOVE TO P.A. it's way more boring than your town believe me I know.

[JEM]

Do you mean you saw the 4th movie?

[Ameerah8]

uhh yeah. but I have to give them some slack the computer Graphics in the movie was pretty good...

[Oblivion]

i thought the movie was good, although they left out important details. I thought the writer from the Daily Prophet was hilarious

[JEM]

I saw the movie yesterday. I liked it. I didn't think any major events were left out. Some parts of the story were left out, but I don't think it really changed the story that much. The computer graphics were awesome. Harry flying around Hogwarts with the dragon chasing him was done exceptionally well. The book was, of course, better, but I would suggest this to anyone who likes the Harry Potter books.

Oh yeah, the humor in this movie was a little immature, but I liked it.

[JEM]

I recently saw the 3rd movie. The fourth movie is the best.

[Imelda]

The fourth film is a million times better than the others, though if you're not a rabid fan, you probably won't understand the plotline. Daniel Radcliffe's acting gets sooo much better, it's unbelievable. Scarily, I found him quite fanciable in GOF (did I just admit that?)