Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 18, 4,100 pages read - COMPLETED
As I read the last line in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. I felt as if I had closed the book of my childhood. I would be returning, tonight, to reopen and glance back at what I had closed temporarily; however, watching the film adaptation of the love of my childhood, I know that I have said my last farewell to the boy who lived. Of course Harry will always be in my heart, and I can go back and remind myself just how magical he had made twelve years of my life. At the same time I feel somewhat grounded, as if I've been soaring on a broomstick this whole time, and I've finally won the quidditch cup. I have positioned myself serenely on earth with wonderful memories that I will carry for the rest of my life. I have all of this, thanks to a woman who wanted to share her love for the written word with the world, and she wanted to spread the message that nothing, absolutely nothing, was more important than love. I believe that she is a gift to us all, having touched so many lives, that she has taught us all well, and how to live our lives with as much heart as possible. For this, I thank you Jo, and from every inch of my heart, I mean it.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 17, 3,822 pages read
I thought that it would be a good spot to leave off right after Dobby's death for tonight since that is where part one ended. I cried like a hysterical person when I saw him die in the movie, and I just broke down again. There are tear stains all over the page, and it got really hard at times to read it since my eyes were welling up so badly that I couldn't even see. Dobby is definitely one of my favorite characters, and I love him.
When I read this book first time round, I had to do a sneaker and look through the pages I haven't read yet to see when Ron would come back. I know! I'm bad, but I couldn't keep on reading without knowing that he was going to come back. Thankfully he was only gone for sixty-one pages. Is it pathetic that I've got them counted? I don't care. I love Ron. I love all of the good guys! It just goes to show you though how important Ron's dynamic is in the trio. Harry and Hermione don't talk when he's not there. He really holds the group together when he and Hermione haven't fallen out and it's Harry who keeps them in a group.
This may seem super cheesey, but I love what Jo did with Ron and the Deluminator. I can't believe that I never really caught this before, but that ball of light takes Ron to where his heart is leading him! He hears Hermione speak his name from the Deluminator, and then he clicked it, and the ball of light showed up outside the window. He went to it and it went right into his chest to his heart, giving Ron the ability to Apparate where ever his heart wanted to go. He wanted to be back with his friends to help, but the stronger desire, I think, was that he wanted to be with Hermione. That's why he heard her speak his name. It just goes to show you how compassionate Jo is, and that she is so smart in telling us to follow our hearts.
I'll be reading the last 288 pages tomorrow before the premiere, so I'll have an update before the movie, and then one on the movie after I've seen it. I warn you for a long one tomorrow, as I will be going into depth on the unfairness of Colin Creevey's death. What? I just like the kid. I know he's not all that important, but I think Jo made a mistake with that one.
When I read this book first time round, I had to do a sneaker and look through the pages I haven't read yet to see when Ron would come back. I know! I'm bad, but I couldn't keep on reading without knowing that he was going to come back. Thankfully he was only gone for sixty-one pages. Is it pathetic that I've got them counted? I don't care. I love Ron. I love all of the good guys! It just goes to show you though how important Ron's dynamic is in the trio. Harry and Hermione don't talk when he's not there. He really holds the group together when he and Hermione haven't fallen out and it's Harry who keeps them in a group.
This may seem super cheesey, but I love what Jo did with Ron and the Deluminator. I can't believe that I never really caught this before, but that ball of light takes Ron to where his heart is leading him! He hears Hermione speak his name from the Deluminator, and then he clicked it, and the ball of light showed up outside the window. He went to it and it went right into his chest to his heart, giving Ron the ability to Apparate where ever his heart wanted to go. He wanted to be back with his friends to help, but the stronger desire, I think, was that he wanted to be with Hermione. That's why he heard her speak his name. It just goes to show you how compassionate Jo is, and that she is so smart in telling us to follow our hearts.
I'll be reading the last 288 pages tomorrow before the premiere, so I'll have an update before the movie, and then one on the movie after I've seen it. I warn you for a long one tomorrow, as I will be going into depth on the unfairness of Colin Creevey's death. What? I just like the kid. I know he's not all that important, but I think Jo made a mistake with that one.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day 16, 3,341 pages read
I've finished HBP, and I am about to start DH, but I wanted to make this blog all about Dumbledore. I'll keep it short and sweet, as he always did with his start of the term speech.
I was reading the scene where Dumbledore dies, and it occurred to me that the last important thing he said was absolutely astounding. "'No Draco,' said Dumbledore quietly. 'It is my mercy, and not yours, that matters now.'" He is talking of how even though Draco has taken his wand, Dumbledore knows that he will not kill him, and he is trying his hardest to keep it that way, not so that he can live, so that Draco's soul remains pure. It is Dumbledore's mercy that will save Draco from committing murder, and he makes sure of this, by having Snape kill him, ensuring Draco will be left 'whole'.
In the words of Hagrid, "Great man, Dumbledore."
I was reading the scene where Dumbledore dies, and it occurred to me that the last important thing he said was absolutely astounding. "'No Draco,' said Dumbledore quietly. 'It is my mercy, and not yours, that matters now.'" He is talking of how even though Draco has taken his wand, Dumbledore knows that he will not kill him, and he is trying his hardest to keep it that way, not so that he can live, so that Draco's soul remains pure. It is Dumbledore's mercy that will save Draco from committing murder, and he makes sure of this, by having Snape kill him, ensuring Draco will be left 'whole'.
In the words of Hagrid, "Great man, Dumbledore."
Monday, July 11, 2011
Day 15, 3,243 pages read
I am one hundred pages away from being finished with Half Blood Prince, and I have got to say that it has been a pretty easy read. The majority of it is fluff to be honest. There are those few crucial chapters where Harry revisits memories about Voldemort in the pensieve with Dumbledore, but really that's about it. We get a lot of relationship type things in this book. All three of them seem to be getting relationship experience in this one which is good and interesting, but there wouldn't be much to this book if all of that was involved. That being said, I don't have much to comment on, but I do have a lot analysis so it won't be a waste.
I have an odd confession to make. Don't make fun of me, but immediately as I started reading chapter three, my mind reminded me that Harry was now sixteen, and that he had really grown up. Well, I-er, sort of started crushing on a fictional character.... This is certainly a laughing matter, and even I see the comedy involved, but I find myself imagining Harry differently now. When I read the books before, I still saw Harry as young, and never thought anyone could think of him in a romantic sort of way, but now I find myself eating my words. Harry is attractive, and it just goes to show you that what Hermione says, that he has never been more fanciable as true. I think what it is for me now is that he is no longer a child and he is choosing to face Voldemort because he loves all of his friends. That speaks volumes to me, so I guess I find that highly attractive. The same has been occurring for Neville as well but not as much. I'm sure while reading seven, I will be head over heels for the both of them lol. Hey! At least I'm not ranting on about how beautiful a creepy vampire is.
Now that I have addressed that completely embarrassing truth, I want to mention a few things that stood out to me before going into the Ron and Hermione analysis, which will be very lengthy.
1. I love it when Mr. Weasley asks Molly the security question, and she has to answer that she like to be called 'Mollywobbles' when they are alone together. AWWWWW!!!!!!!
2. The chapter image for chapter 16. I love that. Poor garden gnome lol.
3. When I first read the scene where Ron is poisoned and almost dies, I flipped out! I think I was twelve or thirteen, and I remember crying hysterically because I had this theory that Jo would kill Ron. The best friends always get it! Anyway I was relieved that Ron had escaped death in six, but it on solidified my belief that he would snuff it in seven since he had escaped death once. Let me just say that I am so happy that I was wrong.
Ron and Hermione Analysis (there is a lot, so bear with me!) :
1. When Hermione is naming off the different scents that the love potion gives off, she names what she smells: freshly mowed grass, new parchment, and...she trails off. Jo is implying that she smells Ron, more specifically, his hair (I read that somewhere). Harry has this same experience, only he smells the flowery scent of Ginny.
2. Only a page later, Ron gets jealous of Harry because Harry had told Slughorn that Hermione was the best in their year, and Hermione beams at Harry. "'Well what's so impressive about that?' whispered Ron, who for some reason looked annoyed 'You are the best in the year-I'd've told him so if he'd asked me!'"
3. Where Hermione tells Harry that he's never been more fanciable. "Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper." Jealous again eh? Harry looks confused so Hermione explains why he is so attractive all of a sudden, saying that he stuck to his story when the Ministry was spreading lies about him and specifically bringing up the scars from the writing on the back of his hand. "'You can still see where those brains got a hold of me in the Ministry, look,' said Ron, shaking back his sleeves.
'And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer either,' Hermione finished, ignoring Ron.
'I'm tall,' said Ron inconsequentially." Now we can start to see where Ron suspects that there may be something more than friendship between Harry and Hermione. Of course it's utter nonsense, since Harry is obviously so attracted to Ginny, but this is Ron we are talking about. He's not the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to understanding girls.
4. Man this scene is very obvious. Hermione and Ron are fighting about the Slug Club because he's sore that he can't go to any of the parties, and he says that her Cormac should hook up so that Slughorn can make them King and Queen Slug.
"'We're allowed to bring guests,' said Hermione, who for some reason had turned a bright, boiling scarlet, 'and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!'
'You were going to ask me?' asked Ron, in a completely different voice.
'Yes,' said Hermione angrily. 'But obviously if you'd rather I hooked up with McLaggen . . .'
'No, I wouldn't,' said Ron, in a very quiet voice." Once again, not the sharpest tool in the shed.
5. Ron has just been poisoned and is lying in the hospital wing. Hermione finally speaks after being there with the rest. "'Er-my-nee,' croaked Ron unexpectedly from between them." I think it's pretty clear what he was saying there. Either he was dreaming about her, or he heard her voice, and wanted to talk to her. Funny though. He didn't do that for the others....
6. This has got to be the biggest of them all, in my opinion any way. Ron's spell check quill's charm is wearing off, so he has to re-do his D.A.D.A. essay but Hermione pulls it out of his hands and helps him fix the misspelled words. "'It's okay, we can fix it,' said Hermione, pulling the essay toward her and taking out her wand.
'I love you, Hermione,'" -YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS! TAKE THAT LAV-LAV! "said Ron, sinking back in his chair rubbing his eyes wearily. Hermione turned faintly pink." I don't care under what circumstances in which he said this because all arrows point to him loving her anyway, so of course he means it! He just knows that he can get away with it when he says it that pretext. Hmmm, maybe Ron is a little smarter than I gave him credit for.... Nah.
So I think every reader should realize now that Ron likes Hermione. A LOT! Hermione likes Ron. Take that Dramione shippers! Stop being incessantly stupid!
I forgot to talk about this in my OotP blog, so I'll just do it now. I have always loved the idea of Patronuses and how they are all different for each person. I always wondered what my Patronus would look like, and I have come to the conclusion that I would like mine to look like a woodchuck. Odd choice yes, but they look funny when they run, and I know that my running style is very comedic, so I think it is a very good pick. Boys, what say you on this subject? What do you think your patronus is and what would be mine? In my opinion Josh is a ram. You're very stubborn, and you will charge at someone until they see your side. Very commendable. Zach, I think you resemble a mandrill baboon. Like Rafiki! You're smart and gentle, but can be very funny too.
That's all for now. I am finally caught up with all of my reading, but I think I might just go ahead and finish HBP tonight. I'm almost finished with anyhow. Cheers!
I have an odd confession to make. Don't make fun of me, but immediately as I started reading chapter three, my mind reminded me that Harry was now sixteen, and that he had really grown up. Well, I-er, sort of started crushing on a fictional character.... This is certainly a laughing matter, and even I see the comedy involved, but I find myself imagining Harry differently now. When I read the books before, I still saw Harry as young, and never thought anyone could think of him in a romantic sort of way, but now I find myself eating my words. Harry is attractive, and it just goes to show you that what Hermione says, that he has never been more fanciable as true. I think what it is for me now is that he is no longer a child and he is choosing to face Voldemort because he loves all of his friends. That speaks volumes to me, so I guess I find that highly attractive. The same has been occurring for Neville as well but not as much. I'm sure while reading seven, I will be head over heels for the both of them lol. Hey! At least I'm not ranting on about how beautiful a creepy vampire is.
Now that I have addressed that completely embarrassing truth, I want to mention a few things that stood out to me before going into the Ron and Hermione analysis, which will be very lengthy.
1. I love it when Mr. Weasley asks Molly the security question, and she has to answer that she like to be called 'Mollywobbles' when they are alone together. AWWWWW!!!!!!!
2. The chapter image for chapter 16. I love that. Poor garden gnome lol.
3. When I first read the scene where Ron is poisoned and almost dies, I flipped out! I think I was twelve or thirteen, and I remember crying hysterically because I had this theory that Jo would kill Ron. The best friends always get it! Anyway I was relieved that Ron had escaped death in six, but it on solidified my belief that he would snuff it in seven since he had escaped death once. Let me just say that I am so happy that I was wrong.
Ron and Hermione Analysis (there is a lot, so bear with me!) :
1. When Hermione is naming off the different scents that the love potion gives off, she names what she smells: freshly mowed grass, new parchment, and...she trails off. Jo is implying that she smells Ron, more specifically, his hair (I read that somewhere). Harry has this same experience, only he smells the flowery scent of Ginny.
2. Only a page later, Ron gets jealous of Harry because Harry had told Slughorn that Hermione was the best in their year, and Hermione beams at Harry. "'Well what's so impressive about that?' whispered Ron, who for some reason looked annoyed 'You are the best in the year-I'd've told him so if he'd asked me!'"
3. Where Hermione tells Harry that he's never been more fanciable. "Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper." Jealous again eh? Harry looks confused so Hermione explains why he is so attractive all of a sudden, saying that he stuck to his story when the Ministry was spreading lies about him and specifically bringing up the scars from the writing on the back of his hand. "'You can still see where those brains got a hold of me in the Ministry, look,' said Ron, shaking back his sleeves.
'And it doesn't hurt that you've grown about a foot over the summer either,' Hermione finished, ignoring Ron.
'I'm tall,' said Ron inconsequentially." Now we can start to see where Ron suspects that there may be something more than friendship between Harry and Hermione. Of course it's utter nonsense, since Harry is obviously so attracted to Ginny, but this is Ron we are talking about. He's not the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to understanding girls.
4. Man this scene is very obvious. Hermione and Ron are fighting about the Slug Club because he's sore that he can't go to any of the parties, and he says that her Cormac should hook up so that Slughorn can make them King and Queen Slug.
"'We're allowed to bring guests,' said Hermione, who for some reason had turned a bright, boiling scarlet, 'and I was going to ask you to come, but if you think it's that stupid then I won't bother!'
'You were going to ask me?' asked Ron, in a completely different voice.
'Yes,' said Hermione angrily. 'But obviously if you'd rather I hooked up with McLaggen . . .'
'No, I wouldn't,' said Ron, in a very quiet voice." Once again, not the sharpest tool in the shed.
5. Ron has just been poisoned and is lying in the hospital wing. Hermione finally speaks after being there with the rest. "'Er-my-nee,' croaked Ron unexpectedly from between them." I think it's pretty clear what he was saying there. Either he was dreaming about her, or he heard her voice, and wanted to talk to her. Funny though. He didn't do that for the others....
6. This has got to be the biggest of them all, in my opinion any way. Ron's spell check quill's charm is wearing off, so he has to re-do his D.A.D.A. essay but Hermione pulls it out of his hands and helps him fix the misspelled words. "'It's okay, we can fix it,' said Hermione, pulling the essay toward her and taking out her wand.
'I love you, Hermione,'" -YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS! TAKE THAT LAV-LAV! "said Ron, sinking back in his chair rubbing his eyes wearily. Hermione turned faintly pink." I don't care under what circumstances in which he said this because all arrows point to him loving her anyway, so of course he means it! He just knows that he can get away with it when he says it that pretext. Hmmm, maybe Ron is a little smarter than I gave him credit for.... Nah.
So I think every reader should realize now that Ron likes Hermione. A LOT! Hermione likes Ron. Take that Dramione shippers! Stop being incessantly stupid!
I forgot to talk about this in my OotP blog, so I'll just do it now. I have always loved the idea of Patronuses and how they are all different for each person. I always wondered what my Patronus would look like, and I have come to the conclusion that I would like mine to look like a woodchuck. Odd choice yes, but they look funny when they run, and I know that my running style is very comedic, so I think it is a very good pick. Boys, what say you on this subject? What do you think your patronus is and what would be mine? In my opinion Josh is a ram. You're very stubborn, and you will charge at someone until they see your side. Very commendable. Zach, I think you resemble a mandrill baboon. Like Rafiki! You're smart and gentle, but can be very funny too.
That's all for now. I am finally caught up with all of my reading, but I think I might just go ahead and finish HBP tonight. I'm almost finished with anyhow. Cheers!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 13/14, 2,689 pages read
Had to do a blog for today and yesterday. I had no time to do one last night since I was a day behind and had to catch up and read well into the night. Order of the Phoenix has got to be my second favorite out of the series. It's really the first time we get to glimpse at a wizard duel, and it is the most exciting scene in the book when they are at the ministry.
There wasn't a lot that I remember from the book since I didn't write too many notes on this one because I just wanted to get it done, but I love the whole chapter where Dumbledore explains to Harry how he and Voldemort are connected. It ties a whole bunch of loose ends together, and it gives Harry a better idea of what he is going to have to do, but we see more of that in six.
Ron and Hermione Analysis:
Page 404, Hermione kisses Ron on the cheek, and he "touched the spot on his face where Hermione had kissed him, looking puzzled, as though he was not quite sure what had just happeneed." Well, uh, Ron, Hermione just KISSED you as she wished you good luck before your first quidditch match. She didn't kiss Harry on the cheek, just you. how difficult is that to understand?
RANT WARNING!!!!!!
Cho Chang, you are the epitome of a stupid, flirtatious, teenage girl. You're popular and pretty and you expect that to get you everywhere in life. You couldn't go to the meeting in the Hog's Head on your own, you had to bring a stupid friend along with you because you have to be surrounded by friends to feel good about yourself. I know your kind Cho Chang. Not everything is about you. Your date with Harry was even more annoying than the scenes with Lavender in six.
"I've been meaning to ask you for ages.... Did Cedric-did he m-m-mention me at all before he died?"
What do you think the world is Cho? Because it is not a fairytale. You think Cedric died some valiant death like a knight and yelled out your name as Voldemort killed him? What the hell is wrong with you girl?! You know how things work in the wizarding world. How else would Voldemort had killed him other than the killing curse, which you know kills someone instantly. Cedric didn't have time to even think about you before he died. What probably went through his mind was "Holy shit did that bundle just say to that man to 'kill the spare?'". His spirit that showed up to Harry in the priori incantatem didn't even mention you. He thought about his parents. Go ahead and cry some more. Oh, and Zach, when the book says that Harry got back to the common room half an hour later, he says that Cho kissed him and then cried on him, not that they made out for thirty minutes. Sheesh girl, pull yourself together. It isn't true when they say that women look more beautiful when they cry. YOU ANNOY ME!!!!!!!!
Let me apologize for that now. I understand if you skimmed over that. It was a lot Cho bashing. Onto the goods. Let me just say, FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY YOU ARE SO AWESOME! I love the whole 'Career Advice' chapter, where the twins hand it to Umbridge. She deserved every last bit of it. It was probably the only time Jo shines a positive light on Peeves. I love imagining Peeves flying beside Umbride and blowing raspberries whenever she talked. Jo was always a brilliant writer, but I love her style of comedic revenge. Also dealing with Umbridge, it makes me smile and laugh heartily whenever I read the chapter where Harry's interview with Rita gets published. Sprout gives twenty points to Gryffindor, Flitwick gives him some candy, and Professor Trelawney, who hates Umbridge and has been subjected to her terrible cruelty, actually predicts that Harry won't in fact die a sudden horrific death, but live to a ripe old age, become Minster of Magic, and have twelve children. I laugh out loud at this every time.
Let me just say that working with children has showed me a lot about myself, and it shows me a lot about the characters of other people. When Umbridge grabs a hold of Marietta and vigorously shakes her, when the girl isn't saying what Umbridge wants her to say, that proved to me right there, that she was in fact a very horrible woman. She had done things before to make herself seem evil and terrible, but behaving violently like that with a teenager, it furthered my hatred for her. She later on tries to punish Fred and George with whips, but they, as I mentioned before, stuck it to her good. Once more she shows how truly vile and evil she is when she is about to use the Cruciatas Curse on Harry so that he will tell her what she wants to know. I wish that Jo made a scene where she dies at the hands of a half-breed, but then again I'd like to think that Kingsley just kicks her out of the ministry all together because she deserves to live a life without privilege.
So Sirius died...and I didn't cry. I really thought that I would this time, but in truth I have never once cried over Sirius, and for those who know me, I am a crybaby. I think seeing that memory of Snape's told me so much about Sirius' character, and I guess I wasn't that fond of him. I know that he says that he wished he hadn't had James do those things because he was bored, but I don't like bullies. Sirius is lovable, and he is just what Harry needed in his life, and I am thankful for him. I do miss his presence in the books, but something about his death never got me emotionally stirred. Not really sure why, but what can you do.
One time where I had a good cry in the book was the scene in St. Mungo's with Neville. I kept thinking about how bitter it must be to have parents, but not be able to tell them anything and get an answer back. Just the fact that he keeps his mother's gum wrappers because she gives them to him makes me tear up. Poor Neville deserves every bit of the heroic scene he gets in seven, and I have decided that Neville is now my favorite character in the books.
That concludes five for me, and now I am off to read almost half way into six tonight. I hope that I reach the bird scene with Ron and Hermione hehe. Cheers!
There wasn't a lot that I remember from the book since I didn't write too many notes on this one because I just wanted to get it done, but I love the whole chapter where Dumbledore explains to Harry how he and Voldemort are connected. It ties a whole bunch of loose ends together, and it gives Harry a better idea of what he is going to have to do, but we see more of that in six.
Ron and Hermione Analysis:
Page 404, Hermione kisses Ron on the cheek, and he "touched the spot on his face where Hermione had kissed him, looking puzzled, as though he was not quite sure what had just happeneed." Well, uh, Ron, Hermione just KISSED you as she wished you good luck before your first quidditch match. She didn't kiss Harry on the cheek, just you. how difficult is that to understand?
RANT WARNING!!!!!!
Cho Chang, you are the epitome of a stupid, flirtatious, teenage girl. You're popular and pretty and you expect that to get you everywhere in life. You couldn't go to the meeting in the Hog's Head on your own, you had to bring a stupid friend along with you because you have to be surrounded by friends to feel good about yourself. I know your kind Cho Chang. Not everything is about you. Your date with Harry was even more annoying than the scenes with Lavender in six.
"I've been meaning to ask you for ages.... Did Cedric-did he m-m-mention me at all before he died?"
What do you think the world is Cho? Because it is not a fairytale. You think Cedric died some valiant death like a knight and yelled out your name as Voldemort killed him? What the hell is wrong with you girl?! You know how things work in the wizarding world. How else would Voldemort had killed him other than the killing curse, which you know kills someone instantly. Cedric didn't have time to even think about you before he died. What probably went through his mind was "Holy shit did that bundle just say to that man to 'kill the spare?'". His spirit that showed up to Harry in the priori incantatem didn't even mention you. He thought about his parents. Go ahead and cry some more. Oh, and Zach, when the book says that Harry got back to the common room half an hour later, he says that Cho kissed him and then cried on him, not that they made out for thirty minutes. Sheesh girl, pull yourself together. It isn't true when they say that women look more beautiful when they cry. YOU ANNOY ME!!!!!!!!
Let me apologize for that now. I understand if you skimmed over that. It was a lot Cho bashing. Onto the goods. Let me just say, FRED AND GEORGE WEASLEY YOU ARE SO AWESOME! I love the whole 'Career Advice' chapter, where the twins hand it to Umbridge. She deserved every last bit of it. It was probably the only time Jo shines a positive light on Peeves. I love imagining Peeves flying beside Umbride and blowing raspberries whenever she talked. Jo was always a brilliant writer, but I love her style of comedic revenge. Also dealing with Umbridge, it makes me smile and laugh heartily whenever I read the chapter where Harry's interview with Rita gets published. Sprout gives twenty points to Gryffindor, Flitwick gives him some candy, and Professor Trelawney, who hates Umbridge and has been subjected to her terrible cruelty, actually predicts that Harry won't in fact die a sudden horrific death, but live to a ripe old age, become Minster of Magic, and have twelve children. I laugh out loud at this every time.
Let me just say that working with children has showed me a lot about myself, and it shows me a lot about the characters of other people. When Umbridge grabs a hold of Marietta and vigorously shakes her, when the girl isn't saying what Umbridge wants her to say, that proved to me right there, that she was in fact a very horrible woman. She had done things before to make herself seem evil and terrible, but behaving violently like that with a teenager, it furthered my hatred for her. She later on tries to punish Fred and George with whips, but they, as I mentioned before, stuck it to her good. Once more she shows how truly vile and evil she is when she is about to use the Cruciatas Curse on Harry so that he will tell her what she wants to know. I wish that Jo made a scene where she dies at the hands of a half-breed, but then again I'd like to think that Kingsley just kicks her out of the ministry all together because she deserves to live a life without privilege.
So Sirius died...and I didn't cry. I really thought that I would this time, but in truth I have never once cried over Sirius, and for those who know me, I am a crybaby. I think seeing that memory of Snape's told me so much about Sirius' character, and I guess I wasn't that fond of him. I know that he says that he wished he hadn't had James do those things because he was bored, but I don't like bullies. Sirius is lovable, and he is just what Harry needed in his life, and I am thankful for him. I do miss his presence in the books, but something about his death never got me emotionally stirred. Not really sure why, but what can you do.
One time where I had a good cry in the book was the scene in St. Mungo's with Neville. I kept thinking about how bitter it must be to have parents, but not be able to tell them anything and get an answer back. Just the fact that he keeps his mother's gum wrappers because she gives them to him makes me tear up. Poor Neville deserves every bit of the heroic scene he gets in seven, and I have decided that Neville is now my favorite character in the books.
That concludes five for me, and now I am off to read almost half way into six tonight. I hope that I reach the bird scene with Ron and Hermione hehe. Cheers!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Day 11/12, 2,169 pages read
Sorry for not posting yesterday. I was with Carola, and she once again allowed me to watch those Koreans most of the day so I only read about 150 pages. We tried kimchi as well, and we didn't really like it. It was not as good as I had hoped, but there are things that are bound to disappoint us in life, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix not being one of them. I absolutely love this book. There is so much going on, but there is never a dull moment. The comedy is always there to make it all better.
Onto funny quotes:
1. When Mrs. Black's portrait is howling at Sirius. "'Yoooou!' she howled, her eyes popping at the sight of the man. 'Blood traitor, abomination, shame of my flesh!'"
2. When the group talks about Kreacher bawling when Sirius won't let him take a Black family crested ring up to his room. "'It was my father's,' said Sirius, throwing the ring into the sack. 'Kreacher wasn't quite as devoted to him as my mother, but I still caught him snogging a pair of my father's old trousers last week.'"
3. This one isn't funny, but it is a total deserved slap in Umbridge's face, and I love it too much to leave it out. When McGonagall is continually interupted by Umbridge in her inspection. "'I wonder, said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.'" BAM!
Ok so in the beginning, I noticed that Aunt Petunia wasn't talking about James when she mentioned that she heard that awful boy telling her about the dementors. She was actually talking about Snape, but we don't know that yet, do we?
A bit of Ron and Hermione analysis here. Percy sends Ron that pompous letter encouraging him to sever ties with Harry. Ron proceeds to rip up the letter furiously and throw it in the fire. "Hermione was looking at Ron with an odd expression on her face. 'Oh give them here,' she said abruptly." She means their homework. She then helps the two of the boys with their work. I believe we have just seen the beginning feelings of love sprouting in Hermione's heart for Ron. She sees his true feelings for Harry, and I believe that speaks volumes to Hermione. The two are also bickering a lot more with each other in this book as well.
So Umbridge hates half-breeds. I wonder what happened in her youth that made her so afraid of them. I hope it was something terrible....
This thoroughly outraged me, and it just goes to show you how far the Ministry is going to try to dampen the name of Albus Dumbledore and anyone who is affiliated with him. " "' Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madam Marchbanks. 'This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore.' (For a full account of Madam Marchbanks' alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page 17)." " Look at how they discredit her name and what she says by saying that she was involved in rebellious goblin groups. This is utter nonsense. This woman is an older witch and has probably been on the Wizengamot for just as long as Dumbledore, and I don't blame her for resigning once that whole High Inquisitor business was put through.
I hate Dolores Umbridge. I'm sure every other Harry Potter reader does too, but I have so much rage pent up in me over this character that I'm pretty sure that I hate her a lot more than the boys do. Just look at this quote. She says this to Harry when only she and him can hear, thus showing her true colors, and I'm sure her polyjuice essence would be the color of dark putrid green. "'Oh no,' said Umbridge, smiling so widely that she liked as though she had just swallowed a particularly juicy fly. 'Oh no, no, no. This is your punishment for spreading evil, nasty, attention-seeking stories, Mr. Potter, and punishments can certainly not be adjusted to suit the guilty one's convenience...'" That bitch.
Mistake in the book! It says on page 338 in the U.S. hardcover edition that Colin and Dennis Creevey attend the first D.A. meeting in the Hog's Head, but Dennis is only a second year. What is he doing in Hogsmeade? Either it is a mistake, or Dennis is a lot smarter and more gifted than he seems. I choose to believe the latter, just because he is a Creevey brother.
That's all for now. I've got a day of catching up to do, but I have all day to read, so I might be finishing Order of the Phoenix tomorrow. We'll see! Cheers.
Onto funny quotes:
1. When Mrs. Black's portrait is howling at Sirius. "'Yoooou!' she howled, her eyes popping at the sight of the man. 'Blood traitor, abomination, shame of my flesh!'"
2. When the group talks about Kreacher bawling when Sirius won't let him take a Black family crested ring up to his room. "'It was my father's,' said Sirius, throwing the ring into the sack. 'Kreacher wasn't quite as devoted to him as my mother, but I still caught him snogging a pair of my father's old trousers last week.'"
3. This one isn't funny, but it is a total deserved slap in Umbridge's face, and I love it too much to leave it out. When McGonagall is continually interupted by Umbridge in her inspection. "'I wonder, said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking.'" BAM!
Ok so in the beginning, I noticed that Aunt Petunia wasn't talking about James when she mentioned that she heard that awful boy telling her about the dementors. She was actually talking about Snape, but we don't know that yet, do we?
A bit of Ron and Hermione analysis here. Percy sends Ron that pompous letter encouraging him to sever ties with Harry. Ron proceeds to rip up the letter furiously and throw it in the fire. "Hermione was looking at Ron with an odd expression on her face. 'Oh give them here,' she said abruptly." She means their homework. She then helps the two of the boys with their work. I believe we have just seen the beginning feelings of love sprouting in Hermione's heart for Ron. She sees his true feelings for Harry, and I believe that speaks volumes to Hermione. The two are also bickering a lot more with each other in this book as well.
So Umbridge hates half-breeds. I wonder what happened in her youth that made her so afraid of them. I hope it was something terrible....
This thoroughly outraged me, and it just goes to show you how far the Ministry is going to try to dampen the name of Albus Dumbledore and anyone who is affiliated with him. " "' Hogwarts is a school, not an outpost of Cornelius Fudge's office,' said Madam Marchbanks. 'This is a further disgusting attempt to discredit Albus Dumbledore.' (For a full account of Madam Marchbanks' alleged links to subversive goblin groups, turn to page 17)." " Look at how they discredit her name and what she says by saying that she was involved in rebellious goblin groups. This is utter nonsense. This woman is an older witch and has probably been on the Wizengamot for just as long as Dumbledore, and I don't blame her for resigning once that whole High Inquisitor business was put through.
I hate Dolores Umbridge. I'm sure every other Harry Potter reader does too, but I have so much rage pent up in me over this character that I'm pretty sure that I hate her a lot more than the boys do. Just look at this quote. She says this to Harry when only she and him can hear, thus showing her true colors, and I'm sure her polyjuice essence would be the color of dark putrid green. "'Oh no,' said Umbridge, smiling so widely that she liked as though she had just swallowed a particularly juicy fly. 'Oh no, no, no. This is your punishment for spreading evil, nasty, attention-seeking stories, Mr. Potter, and punishments can certainly not be adjusted to suit the guilty one's convenience...'" That bitch.
Mistake in the book! It says on page 338 in the U.S. hardcover edition that Colin and Dennis Creevey attend the first D.A. meeting in the Hog's Head, but Dennis is only a second year. What is he doing in Hogsmeade? Either it is a mistake, or Dennis is a lot smarter and more gifted than he seems. I choose to believe the latter, just because he is a Creevey brother.
That's all for now. I've got a day of catching up to do, but I have all day to read, so I might be finishing Order of the Phoenix tomorrow. We'll see! Cheers.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Day 10, 1,819 pages read
I haven't finished with my set 272 pages today, but I just finished Goblet of Fire, and I had too many thoughts in my head, so I decided to write my blog entry today just on GoF and start Order of the Phoenix after I'm done with this.
Book 4:
The last two chapters of this book really had me silently sobbing. I'm not talking about the cute little trickling tears you get when something touches you, I mean the tears that just won't stop and fill your eyes so rapidly that you can hardly see. It was so odd for me because I had never cried over Cedric before. His death is sad, yes, but we didn't really get to know him that well. I wasn't even mainly crying for Cedric either. Just the whole situation made me angry and full of grief. I guess it really finally hit me that Harry can't be a kid anymore. First he has no parents, there's an evil less than human thing after him, and now he can't even enjoy the simple things because of all of the haunting memories he has. He watched someone die. When Dudley says, "Who's Cedric? Your boyfriend?", I am going to have to walk away from the book and rage in my bathroom or something. Everything just changed so quick, and it's all going to shit. Cornelius Fudge is the stupidest, popularity hungry, fat pig that ever comes into these books. God I am not looking forward to Umbridge because she is even worse. Friends, if I get moody over the next three days, blame it on that woman. It all just makes me want to cry for a long time and skip ahead to book seven where everything is fine, but alas that would be cheating, and then that victory would taste as sweet as it would if I read the next two.
That being said, I would like to address something that I have been thinking about ever since I was younger. The first time I read Goblet of Fire, I remember being thoroughly confused about Barty Crouch Jr. I had no idea that he was indeed pretending to be Moody at the time, so I recall my first impression of Barty Crouch Jr., or as I would like to call him Barty from now on, a lot different from the one we meet later on in GoF. Barty is nineteen, so possibly a year out of Hogwarts. He is brought into a trial where he is convicted of torturing Frank and Alice Longbottom into insanity. What struck me is how differently he acted in the trial compared to the other Death Eaters that were being convicted along with him. He was screaming to his father that he was innocent, that he didn't do it, he didn't know. What didn't he know? That line stumped me. I read on. Later after Dumbledore pulls Harry out of the pensieve, Dumbledore admits that because the crime was committed after Voldemort fell, the Ministry was hard-pressed to find the ones who did it, and because of the state of the Longbottoms, their evidence was not too reliable. Harry even asks Dumbledore if that means Barty might not have been involved, and he admits to not being able to answer. After I read this I thought, well he was wrongly convicted. I just couldn't believe that that young boy would be working with those evil people. Later when I read that he had actually been a Death Eater and feigned his own death, I was shocked! How could the boy we saw from the court room turn into this bloodthirsty, evil man? The shift in character was too much, but me being only ten at the time, I chose not to worry about it. As I older now and more keen to try and figure out what exactly happened to Barty, I read his scenes carefully, making note of everything he said. What I have deducted from my character research on Barty is that he was just too young to know what he was really doing the first time round. He didn't really know that he was going to torture them into insanity. It clearly scared him, but I think it was his time spent in Azkaban that really made him into the madman that he was. He was so innocent in the beginning, but then we see such a broad character shift in him. He is a minor character in the series, but he is one with the most depth.
Question: How did Voldemort get his old wand back? It should still be at Godric's Hollow where his soul split.
Ok, I have to go read OotP now. I get a nice long break from work, so I'll be able to read a lot more during the day.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Day 9, 1,589 pages read
AHHHHHHHHH! My eyes are burning! They are watering so badly that I can barely see to type this, so forgive me if I have more typos than usual. I read close to 300 hundred pages today. I had to force myself to stop after falling asleep twice with the book lying precariously on my chest and waking up from strange dreams that included me being Hermione and telling both Krum and Ron to get off it and going to dance with Harry, who seemed very pleased with the outcome. Anyway, I hope that I have a good rest tonight so that I can finish Goblet of Fire and begin Order of the Phoenix tomorrow. Let me just fangirl for a moment and say that I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL COLIN AND DENNIS ARE IN DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY!
Now that that is over with, on to Ron and Hermione analysis. Where to begin. Ok well first off I guess I should address something that has bothered me for a long while. When I read this book when I was in fifth grade, so I was ten, I knew that Ron was crushing on Hermione, and she was totally sighing about him in her dormitory and scribbling his name and hers all over spare pieces of parchment. I guess it must be a girl thing because when I talked about it with the other girls who had read the book they were all convinced as well, (apart from some nutters who wanted her to be with Harry because they thought Daniel was cute) but talking to the boys, they all thought that Hermione wouldn't end up with either of the two. WHAT?! I don't know what was wrong with you boys back then, maybe it was that you didn't recognize feelings for girls that way yet because you were more concerned with how the hell Ash was going to beat the Kanto League and if there was a new way to scare the pants off that girl you sit next to in class, not knowing that you are acting EXACTLY like Ron and believing that you only like her as a friend, but you totally didn't get it, and it is so painfully obvious!
Here are some key points to prove that Ron is actually feeling different toward Hermione:
(Yes, I am pulling out the bullet points!)
Now that that is over with, on to Ron and Hermione analysis. Where to begin. Ok well first off I guess I should address something that has bothered me for a long while. When I read this book when I was in fifth grade, so I was ten, I knew that Ron was crushing on Hermione, and she was totally sighing about him in her dormitory and scribbling his name and hers all over spare pieces of parchment. I guess it must be a girl thing because when I talked about it with the other girls who had read the book they were all convinced as well, (apart from some nutters who wanted her to be with Harry because they thought Daniel was cute) but talking to the boys, they all thought that Hermione wouldn't end up with either of the two. WHAT?! I don't know what was wrong with you boys back then, maybe it was that you didn't recognize feelings for girls that way yet because you were more concerned with how the hell Ash was going to beat the Kanto League and if there was a new way to scare the pants off that girl you sit next to in class, not knowing that you are acting EXACTLY like Ron and believing that you only like her as a friend, but you totally didn't get it, and it is so painfully obvious!
Here are some key points to prove that Ron is actually feeling different toward Hermione:
(Yes, I am pulling out the bullet points!)
- Josh made this clear in his blog post a few days ago about Ron seeming to look at Hermione in a new light. So basically Ron said, hey you're a girl. Go with one of us! But he was really thinking, hey you're a girl, and you're actually pretty, go with me, not Harry!
- Ok so once they are at the Yule Ball, it is so clear that Ron is pissed that Hermione was not lying about being asked to the ball already, and not only is she going with someone other than him, she is going with the guy he idolizes! Betrayal beyond words for Ron Weasley. Jealousy like he has never felt before in his life all in one glare. "You're fraternizing with the enemy!" Really Ron? That was all you could come up with to hide the fact that you are sore that you don't get to dance and look at Hermione for four hours? Lame.
- After the Yule Ball, Hermione basically tells us what the hell is going on between her and Ron. She, like every other girl who is reading the series, has cottoned on that Ron is jealous of Krum and wanted to take her to the ball. "You know what the solution is then, don't you? Next time there's a ball ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!" Then Ron, being a dumb boy, can only gape at her disappearing form like a codfish and then splutter to Harry that she was 'totally missing the point.' Yeah half of the readers know she hit the nail on the head Ron. Nice try.
- A favorite bit of evidence of mine that Ron has now got it bad for Hermione is that, there is a lone figurine arm, that has quidditch robes on it that looks exactly like the ones that belonged to a walking Krum that he had purchased at the Quidditch World Cup lying dismally under Ron's bed. Hmmm. I can only imagine a very red faced Ron snatching the figurine Krum up after the Yule ball and ripping him to bits.
- This is the last bit I read before I had to stop today. Ron has found out from an article that Rita Skeeter wrote on Hermione that Krum has asked her to come visit him over the summer and that he has never felt this way about another girl before. He didn't believe it at first considering it is Rita we are talking about, but as Hermione wondered outwardly how she could've found that out, Ron was forced to believe it as true. His reaction is enough to predict their future wedding. "'....how did she know Victor asked me to visit him over the summer?' Hermione blushed scarlet as she said this and determinedly avoided Ron's eyes."-SEE!-"'What?' said Ron, dropping his pestle with a loud clank. 'He asked me right after he pulled me out of the lake...' ...'And what did you say?' said Ron, who had picked up his pestle and was grinding it on the desk, a good six inches from his bowl, because he was looking at Hermione." Hermione blushes for a bit and talks on. "'And what did you say?' Ron repeated, pounding his pestle down so hard that it dented" -Holy shit!-"the desk." Ok, boy, you have got it bad, and you can't see her blushing? She just tells you that she didn't even answer krum because she was too worried about Harry and YOU! How obvious does a girl have to make it that she likes you?! I know that a famous quiddtich player is showing her a whole bunch of attention, but she basically told you to ask her out next time there was a ball. She doesn't want to tell you about what Krum said because she knew how you would react! She didn't want you to start fighting with her again! Aish Ron. You really have a thick skull.
I'm too tired to quote anything, but I found it funny when Harry calls Rita a cow and Dumbledore pretends to go deaf so that he didn't hear it. Pretty funny, and also when Ron is saying to Hermione that Rita has made her out to be some sort of scarlet woman! Good stuff.
There's something that I've been really thinking about, that is making me wish that I was at the pensieve chapter, but I am not, so I'll have to keep quiet about that for now, but I am about to go into a deep character analysis on someone who I was always curious about before. You're in store for a very good blog tomorrow. I've left off where Barty Crouch was acting like a madman to Harry and stunned Krum, and Harry has been taken back to the Gryffindor common room by Hagrid. Almost done with four!!!!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Day 8, 1,297 pages read
Phew. I should be fine now. I read my required 272 pages today. It wasn't as hard as I though it would be though. I had a good time reading it too. I remember absolutely loving four when I was younger because of the tournament, and the relationship building between Ron and Hermione. The Quidditch World Cup is one of my favorite scenes in the entire series.
Four is really starting the dark scenes in the series and foreshadowing all of the hardship that is coming for the trio. I actually felt a pang in my chest when Amos mentions Cedric being able to tell his grandchildren that he beat the famous Harry Potter in quidditch, but we all know that that won't ever happen for Ced, the poor guy. At least he wasn't stuck with that awful Cho Chang. Poor excuse for an Asian if you ask me, and I know plenty of wonderful, charming Asians.... It is revealed later by Jo in some article or interview that Cho marries a muggle. I could only let out a victorious laugh as I read that, punching my fist in the air.
All right, so one thing that absolutely makes me laugh uncontrollably, is the effect Veela have on the men in the books. All of them start acting foolish and saying ludicrous things to impress them. Ron actually says to one that he invented a broomstick that can fly to Jupiter. I guess Malfoy has a way to get to Pigfarts! On a more serious note, Arthur says something that really speaks volumes. During the Quidditch World Cup final, the Veela become angry at the way the game is turning out that they turn into bird like women that throw fireballs. Mr. Weasley says smartly, "And that boys, is why you should never go on looks alone." This is nice to hear, but more disappointing when Bill ends up with Fleur, who is part Veela. I don't see any redeeming quality in Fleur that makes her more than a pretty face, other than she loves the pieces out of Bill. I guess any guy would go weak at the knees for a beautiful girl that loves them so much they don't care if they face was brutally attacked by a werewolf and has ugly scars to prove it. It just disappoints me that Jo would make any Weasley, other than Percy, so shallow.
I love that Colin Creevey has a bigger role in this book, and we are introduced to his younger brother Dennis, who I believe is equally as brilliant as Colin. This cute, funny, tiny kid fell into the lake as the first years traveled over the lake. He was so excited that he didn't even realize he was shivering from the cold of being thoroughly soaked through. This is excitement only increases as he informs his brother that he was pushed back into the boat by something in the water, and Colin tells him that it was probably the giant squid! The two of them are just so amiable that I smile whenever she writes about them. Later on when the students from the other schools arrive Dennis says something so hilarious that I just have to share it with you.
"Something large, much larger than a broomstick- or, indeed, a hundred broomsticks- was hurtling across the deep blue sky towards the castle, growing larger all the time.
'It's a dragon!' shrieked one of the first years, losing her head completely.
'Don't be stupid....It's a flying house!" said Dennis Creevey."
I know that the Moody we are reading about right now is a mad death eater, but man is he friggin' awesome. That Barty Coruch Jr. doesn't mess around son. He done wizard mafia fucked dat Draco Malfoy up! I would like to say that even though you are a mind addled, torturing delinquent, you boy know how to teach snot heads like Malfoy a lesson. Well played, Crouch, well played.
Speaking of Crouch, I find it hilarious that Barty Crouch Sr. can't remember Percy's last name and calls him Weatherby. Needed to be said.
Onto funny quotes. Here a few that stood out for me:
1. This one is about Percy talking about the state of his in-tray if he was gone from the Ministry for five days, and how he was sent a pile of dragon dung before.
"'That was a sample of fertilizer from Norway!' said Percy, going very red in the face. 'It was nothing personal.'
'It was,' Fred whispered to Harry as they got up from the table. 'We sent it.'"
2. This quote appears when the trio overhear Draco about how he was originally going to attend Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, but his mother didn't want him to be so far away from home, so he went to Hogwarts instead.
"'Ah, think of the possibilities,' said Ron dreamily. 'It would've been so easy to push Malfoy off of a glacier and make it look like an accident.... Shame his mother likes him....'"
That's all for today. I have left off where Harry's name has just been called out of the Goblet of Fire. There will be a lot of Ron and Hermione relationship analysis tomorrow. <3
Four is really starting the dark scenes in the series and foreshadowing all of the hardship that is coming for the trio. I actually felt a pang in my chest when Amos mentions Cedric being able to tell his grandchildren that he beat the famous Harry Potter in quidditch, but we all know that that won't ever happen for Ced, the poor guy. At least he wasn't stuck with that awful Cho Chang. Poor excuse for an Asian if you ask me, and I know plenty of wonderful, charming Asians.... It is revealed later by Jo in some article or interview that Cho marries a muggle. I could only let out a victorious laugh as I read that, punching my fist in the air.
All right, so one thing that absolutely makes me laugh uncontrollably, is the effect Veela have on the men in the books. All of them start acting foolish and saying ludicrous things to impress them. Ron actually says to one that he invented a broomstick that can fly to Jupiter. I guess Malfoy has a way to get to Pigfarts! On a more serious note, Arthur says something that really speaks volumes. During the Quidditch World Cup final, the Veela become angry at the way the game is turning out that they turn into bird like women that throw fireballs. Mr. Weasley says smartly, "And that boys, is why you should never go on looks alone." This is nice to hear, but more disappointing when Bill ends up with Fleur, who is part Veela. I don't see any redeeming quality in Fleur that makes her more than a pretty face, other than she loves the pieces out of Bill. I guess any guy would go weak at the knees for a beautiful girl that loves them so much they don't care if they face was brutally attacked by a werewolf and has ugly scars to prove it. It just disappoints me that Jo would make any Weasley, other than Percy, so shallow.
I love that Colin Creevey has a bigger role in this book, and we are introduced to his younger brother Dennis, who I believe is equally as brilliant as Colin. This cute, funny, tiny kid fell into the lake as the first years traveled over the lake. He was so excited that he didn't even realize he was shivering from the cold of being thoroughly soaked through. This is excitement only increases as he informs his brother that he was pushed back into the boat by something in the water, and Colin tells him that it was probably the giant squid! The two of them are just so amiable that I smile whenever she writes about them. Later on when the students from the other schools arrive Dennis says something so hilarious that I just have to share it with you.
"Something large, much larger than a broomstick- or, indeed, a hundred broomsticks- was hurtling across the deep blue sky towards the castle, growing larger all the time.
'It's a dragon!' shrieked one of the first years, losing her head completely.
'Don't be stupid....It's a flying house!" said Dennis Creevey."
I know that the Moody we are reading about right now is a mad death eater, but man is he friggin' awesome. That Barty Coruch Jr. doesn't mess around son. He done wizard mafia fucked dat Draco Malfoy up! I would like to say that even though you are a mind addled, torturing delinquent, you boy know how to teach snot heads like Malfoy a lesson. Well played, Crouch, well played.
Speaking of Crouch, I find it hilarious that Barty Crouch Sr. can't remember Percy's last name and calls him Weatherby. Needed to be said.
Onto funny quotes. Here a few that stood out for me:
1. This one is about Percy talking about the state of his in-tray if he was gone from the Ministry for five days, and how he was sent a pile of dragon dung before.
"'That was a sample of fertilizer from Norway!' said Percy, going very red in the face. 'It was nothing personal.'
'It was,' Fred whispered to Harry as they got up from the table. 'We sent it.'"
2. This quote appears when the trio overhear Draco about how he was originally going to attend Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, but his mother didn't want him to be so far away from home, so he went to Hogwarts instead.
"'Ah, think of the possibilities,' said Ron dreamily. 'It would've been so easy to push Malfoy off of a glacier and make it look like an accident.... Shame his mother likes him....'"
That's all for today. I have left off where Harry's name has just been called out of the Goblet of Fire. There will be a lot of Ron and Hermione relationship analysis tomorrow. <3
Day 8, 1,297 pages read
Phew. I should be fine now. I read my required 272 pages today. It wasn't as hard as I though it would be though. I had a good time reading it too. I remember absolutely loving four when I was younger because of the tournament, and the relationship building between Ron and Hermione. The Quidditch World Cup is one of my favorite scenes in the entire series.
Four is really starting the dark scenes in the series and foreshadowing all of the hardship that is coming for the trio. I actually felt a pang in my chest when Amos mentions Cedric being able to tell his grandchildren that he beat the famous Harry Potter in quidditch, but we all know that that won't ever happen for Ced, the poor guy. At least he wasn't stuck with that awful Cho Chang. Poor excuse for an Asian if you ask me, and I know plenty of wonderful, charming Asians.... It is revealed later by Jo in some article or interview that Cho marries a muggle. I could only let out a victorious laugh as I read that, punching my fist in the air.
All right, so one thing that absolutely makes me laugh uncontrollably, is the effect Veela have on the men in the books. All of them start acting foolish and saying ludicrous things to impress them. Ron actually says to one that he invented a broomstick that can fly to Jupiter. I guess Malfoy has a way to get to Pigfarts! On a more serious note, Arthur says something that really speaks volumes. During the Quidditch World Cup final, the Veela become angry at the way the game is turning out that they turn into bird like women that throw fireballs. Mr. Weasley says smartly, "And that boys, is why you should never go on looks alone." This is nice to hear, but more disappointing when Bill ends up with Fleur, who is part Veela. I don't see any redeeming quality in Fleur that makes her more than a pretty face, other than she loves the pieces out of Bill. I guess any guy would go weak at the knees for a beautiful girl that loves them so much they don't care if they face was brutally attacked by a werewolf and has ugly scars to prove it. It just disappoints me that Jo would make any Weasley, other than Percy, so shallow.
I love that Colin Creevey has a bigger role in this book, and we are introduced to his younger brother Dennis, who I believe is equally as brilliant as Colin. This cute, funny, tiny kid fell into the lake as the first years traveled over the lake. He was so excited that he didn't even realize he was shivering from the cold of being thoroughly soaked through. This is excitement only increases as he informs his brother that he was pushed back into the boat by something in the water, and Colin tells him that it was probably the giant squid! The two of them are just so amiable that I smile whenever she writes about them. Later on when the students from the other schools arrive Dennis says something so hilarious that I just have to share it with you.
"Something large, much larger than a broomstick- or, indeed, a hundred broomsticks- was hurtling across the deep blue sky towards the castle, growing larger all the time.
'It's a dragon!' shrieked one of the first years, losing her head completely.
'Don't be stupid....It's a flying house!" said Dennis Creevey."
I know that the Moody we are reading about right now is a mad death eater, but man is he friggin' awesome. That Barty Coruch Jr. doesn't mess around son. He done wizard mafia fucked dat Draco Malfoy up! I would like to say that even though you are a mind addled, torturing delinquent, you boy know how to teach snot heads like Malfoy a lesson. Well played, Crouch, well played.
Speaking of Crouch, I find it hilarious that Barty Crouch Sr. can't remember Percy's last name and calls him Weatherby. Needed to be said.
Onto funny quotes. Here a few that stood out for me:
1. This one is about Percy talking about the state of his in-tray if he was gone from the Ministry for five days, and how he was sent a pile of dragon dung before.
"'That was a sample of fertilizer from Norway!' said Percy, going very red in the face. 'It was nothing personal.'
'It was,' Fred whispered to Harry as they got up from the table. 'We sent it.'"
2. This quote appears when the trio overhear Draco about how he was originally going to attend Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, but his mother didn't want him to be so far away from home, so he went to Hogwarts instead.
"'Ah, think of the possibilities,' said Ron dreamily. 'It would've been so easy to push Malfoy off of a glacier and make it look like an accident.... Shame his mother likes him....'"
That's all for today. I have left off where Harry's name has just been called out of the Goblet of Fire. There will be a lot of Ron and Hermione relationship analysis tomorrow. <3
Four is really starting the dark scenes in the series and foreshadowing all of the hardship that is coming for the trio. I actually felt a pang in my chest when Amos mentions Cedric being able to tell his grandchildren that he beat the famous Harry Potter in quidditch, but we all know that that won't ever happen for Ced, the poor guy. At least he wasn't stuck with that awful Cho Chang. Poor excuse for an Asian if you ask me, and I know plenty of wonderful, charming Asians.... It is revealed later by Jo in some article or interview that Cho marries a muggle. I could only let out a victorious laugh as I read that, punching my fist in the air.
All right, so one thing that absolutely makes me laugh uncontrollably, is the effect Veela have on the men in the books. All of them start acting foolish and saying ludicrous things to impress them. Ron actually says to one that he invented a broomstick that can fly to Jupiter. I guess Malfoy has a way to get to Pigfarts! On a more serious note, Arthur says something that really speaks volumes. During the Quidditch World Cup final, the Veela become angry at the way the game is turning out that they turn into bird like women that throw fireballs. Mr. Weasley says smartly, "And that boys, is why you should never go on looks alone." This is nice to hear, but more disappointing when Bill ends up with Fleur, who is part Veela. I don't see any redeeming quality in Fleur that makes her more than a pretty face, other than she loves the pieces out of Bill. I guess any guy would go weak at the knees for a beautiful girl that loves them so much they don't care if they face was brutally attacked by a werewolf and has ugly scars to prove it. It just disappoints me that Jo would make any Weasley, other than Percy, so shallow.
I love that Colin Creevey has a bigger role in this book, and we are introduced to his younger brother Dennis, who I believe is equally as brilliant as Colin. This cute, funny, tiny kid fell into the lake as the first years traveled over the lake. He was so excited that he didn't even realize he was shivering from the cold of being thoroughly soaked through. This is excitement only increases as he informs his brother that he was pushed back into the boat by something in the water, and Colin tells him that it was probably the giant squid! The two of them are just so amiable that I smile whenever she writes about them. Later on when the students from the other schools arrive Dennis says something so hilarious that I just have to share it with you.
"Something large, much larger than a broomstick- or, indeed, a hundred broomsticks- was hurtling across the deep blue sky towards the castle, growing larger all the time.
'It's a dragon!' shrieked one of the first years, losing her head completely.
'Don't be stupid....It's a flying house!" said Dennis Creevey."
I know that the Moody we are reading about right now is a mad death eater, but man is he friggin' awesome. That Barty Coruch Jr. doesn't mess around son. He done wizard mafia fucked dat Draco Malfoy up! I would like to say that even though you are a mind addled, torturing delinquent, you boy know how to teach snot heads like Malfoy a lesson. Well played, Crouch, well played.
Speaking of Crouch, I find it hilarious that Barty Crouch Sr. can't remember Percy's last name and calls him Weatherby. Needed to be said.
Onto funny quotes. Here a few that stood out for me:
1. This one is about Percy talking about the state of his in-tray if he was gone from the Ministry for five days, and how he was sent a pile of dragon dung before.
"'That was a sample of fertilizer from Norway!' said Percy, going very red in the face. 'It was nothing personal.'
'It was,' Fred whispered to Harry as they got up from the table. 'We sent it.'"
2. This quote appears when the trio overhear Draco about how he was originally going to attend Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts, but his mother didn't want him to be so far away from home, so he went to Hogwarts instead.
"'Ah, think of the possibilities,' said Ron dreamily. 'It would've been so easy to push Malfoy off of a glacier and make it look like an accident.... Shame his mother likes him....'"
That's all for today. I have left off where Harry's name has just been called out of the Goblet of Fire. There will be a lot of Ron and Hermione relationship analysis tomorrow. <3
Day 6/7, 1,025 pages read
I am falling behind the boys. A lot of girls will be horrified if I don't get a move on, and I will never forgive myself if I fail this challenge. I finished three two days ago and read nothing of four yesterday. I've done the math and now I HAVE to read 272 pages everyday before the premiere. It's gonna be a miracle if I pull this off. I think I'll just have to read a whole bunch of four today, which shouldn't be a problem because four was my all time favorite before I re-read five.
Book 3:
There is so much that I wanted to cover on three, but now I can't remember. I feel like I am back in AP English, and I have to type up an essay on Heart of Darkness, but I haven't really understood what happened. Of course I know what happened in three, but there is going to be a lot of stuff that I miss because I haven't been writing anything down or marking things with post-its. I HAVE NO POST-ITS! It is criminal, yes; therefore, to abide by the law, I shall buy some. I believe the Zach and Josh police will be giving me my first official, 'Your blog was crap! Give us your sword of Gryffindor!' warning, and I am not giving back that beauty that they so kindly gave me almost a year ago.
Ok so covering the book. Overall I was very refreshed while reading three. The ending was different from the first two in the fact that the school doesn't know about the end of the year escapades that Harry, Ron, and Hermione participated in, and it isn't necessarily a win-win for them either. Sirius escapes from the dementor's kiss, but Harry won't be able to live with him.
Something that I really liked was how Hermione got to have a turn to work with Harry at the end. In two, Ron was the one with Harry down in the Chamber since Hermione is petrified, but in three Ron is in no fit state to go with them on the time traveling trip, so it's just Hermione. I was happy to see the difference between Ron and Hermione in the time of need. Ron is braver and less scared than Hermione when it comes to helping Harry, but Hermione has her head kept tight on, instead of the other two who will lose all abandon and probably get themselves killed by being so foolhardy. Zach mentioned Ron's role in the trio and how he finally figured out that Ron is the link between the trio and the wizarding world. This is true, but I also think that Ron is the character that Harry can always fall back on, and when he isn't there in four and seven for Harry, you can see a distinct change in the way Harry acts. It is just Jo showing how important all types of love are, especially that of friendship. Harry and Hermione are friends yes, but it is odd without the link of Ron there to hold them all together. When Hermione is in a fight with Ron in three, Harry feels bad for her, but Ron is there with him, so he gets on fine without her. When Ron is gone it is a completely different situation, and we'll see about that when the time comes in four where Ron gets a good taste of jealousy for Harry's fame.
Onto the development of Ron and Hermione. Those two with their fighting. It's funny how they don't know what their feelings mean yet.
On to FOUR!!!!!!!
Book 3:
There is so much that I wanted to cover on three, but now I can't remember. I feel like I am back in AP English, and I have to type up an essay on Heart of Darkness, but I haven't really understood what happened. Of course I know what happened in three, but there is going to be a lot of stuff that I miss because I haven't been writing anything down or marking things with post-its. I HAVE NO POST-ITS! It is criminal, yes; therefore, to abide by the law, I shall buy some. I believe the Zach and Josh police will be giving me my first official, 'Your blog was crap! Give us your sword of Gryffindor!' warning, and I am not giving back that beauty that they so kindly gave me almost a year ago.
Ok so covering the book. Overall I was very refreshed while reading three. The ending was different from the first two in the fact that the school doesn't know about the end of the year escapades that Harry, Ron, and Hermione participated in, and it isn't necessarily a win-win for them either. Sirius escapes from the dementor's kiss, but Harry won't be able to live with him.
Something that I really liked was how Hermione got to have a turn to work with Harry at the end. In two, Ron was the one with Harry down in the Chamber since Hermione is petrified, but in three Ron is in no fit state to go with them on the time traveling trip, so it's just Hermione. I was happy to see the difference between Ron and Hermione in the time of need. Ron is braver and less scared than Hermione when it comes to helping Harry, but Hermione has her head kept tight on, instead of the other two who will lose all abandon and probably get themselves killed by being so foolhardy. Zach mentioned Ron's role in the trio and how he finally figured out that Ron is the link between the trio and the wizarding world. This is true, but I also think that Ron is the character that Harry can always fall back on, and when he isn't there in four and seven for Harry, you can see a distinct change in the way Harry acts. It is just Jo showing how important all types of love are, especially that of friendship. Harry and Hermione are friends yes, but it is odd without the link of Ron there to hold them all together. When Hermione is in a fight with Ron in three, Harry feels bad for her, but Ron is there with him, so he gets on fine without her. When Ron is gone it is a completely different situation, and we'll see about that when the time comes in four where Ron gets a good taste of jealousy for Harry's fame.
Onto the development of Ron and Hermione. Those two with their fighting. It's funny how they don't know what their feelings mean yet.
On to FOUR!!!!!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Day 5, 860 pages read
Gah! I only read 100 pages today. I am getting super behind. I am going to have to do a big haul tomorrow, and really knuckle down so I can keep up and achieve my goal.
A few things I noticed while reading PoA was how there are more details about the wizarding world in this novel. We obviously saw the owls delivering mail, quidditch, and floo powder in the last two books, but the world Harry belongs to is becoming more real as each book is written, and it is really becoming apparent in this one, and that may be why I love this one more than the first two. Jo introduces us to Hogsmeade, which gives us another look at the wizarding world and its culture. I just love the Honeydukes Sweet shop scene. Jo paints the picture so well, and I am always in awe of all of the sweets she created for the books!
One scene that I always loved, and still do, when I was a kid, was the boggart scene. It always made me wonder what my biggest fear was. Thinking back, I do believe that my biggest fear was Samara from theat awful movie The Ring, but what I would do to make her comical was have her trip and fall as she came out of the tv. Now that I am older I am scared of more real things, I believe that a boggart would turn into the dead body of my father. That's somewhat similar to Molly Weasley later on in the series, but I am not sure how to make that comical. Possibly have him jump up and start pretending to play the guitar and sing in his long lost voice that left him after he starting smoking years ago.
Harry just found out that Sirius is his godfather, and that is where I have left off for the night. Hopefully I can have a longer update tomorrow. I am a bit disappointed with myself, but you should blame it all on Carola, who allowed me to watch K-Pop music videos all day. Those darn Koreans always screwing with my priorities....
A few things I noticed while reading PoA was how there are more details about the wizarding world in this novel. We obviously saw the owls delivering mail, quidditch, and floo powder in the last two books, but the world Harry belongs to is becoming more real as each book is written, and it is really becoming apparent in this one, and that may be why I love this one more than the first two. Jo introduces us to Hogsmeade, which gives us another look at the wizarding world and its culture. I just love the Honeydukes Sweet shop scene. Jo paints the picture so well, and I am always in awe of all of the sweets she created for the books!
One scene that I always loved, and still do, when I was a kid, was the boggart scene. It always made me wonder what my biggest fear was. Thinking back, I do believe that my biggest fear was Samara from theat awful movie The Ring, but what I would do to make her comical was have her trip and fall as she came out of the tv. Now that I am older I am scared of more real things, I believe that a boggart would turn into the dead body of my father. That's somewhat similar to Molly Weasley later on in the series, but I am not sure how to make that comical. Possibly have him jump up and start pretending to play the guitar and sing in his long lost voice that left him after he starting smoking years ago.
Harry just found out that Sirius is his godfather, and that is where I have left off for the night. Hopefully I can have a longer update tomorrow. I am a bit disappointed with myself, but you should blame it all on Carola, who allowed me to watch K-Pop music videos all day. Those darn Koreans always screwing with my priorities....
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Day 3/4, 760 pages read
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Sorry that there wasn't an update yesterday. I was off at Cedar Point with the boys Josh and Zach, and boy did we have a blast. I want to thank them on here for a very wonderful day yesterday. You both put up with my motion sickness so well, and gave me a nice long break from rollercoasters after lunch. Even though I was sick for the half of the day, I'm glad that I made you both laugh, and as you have told me you will have lasting memories of that day, some which include, "WHY DID I DO THIS!!!!!!" on the millenium force. You two are the very best, even when Josh is laughing at me on the rides instead of asking me if I'm alright the way Zach was. <3
That being said, we move on wards!
It is clear to me as I am reading Prisoner of Azkaban that it was once my favorite Harry Potter novel. My binding is so worn that I can lay the book down on a table and it will stay open on the page I am reading without me having to hold it. Obviously it is this way for good reason; Prisoner of Azkaban has never failed to make me laugh out loud every ten pages. Most of it consistent banter between hilarious characters that introduced in the book like Stan Shunpike, the Knight Bus conductor, Sir Cadogan, the painting of a short and stout knight that is loud and bold, and Professor Trelawny, who is by far the most absurd character Jo has ever written for the series.
I remember anxiously waiting for the movie of PoA to come out because I wanted to see Marge blow up like a balloon. I hate that woman so much, I laugh derisively at her as she boobs off into the night sky, her shrieks growing fainter and fainter. As I am re-reading this one, I noticed something that I overlooked the many times I have read this book. First bear this in mind before continuing on, Aunt Marge is absolutely not a kind and considerate woman. She is her brother Vernon but in a woman's body, therefore, she is just as unpleasant as he is. Knowing this I looked at Harry through her eyes for a moment in the book a found a startling discovery as to why she may hate him so much. Marge has no idea that Harry is a wizard, the only things that she knows about Harry are the things that she hears from her brother and sister-in-law, and of course they never have a good thing to say about him. Marge was told that Harry got dumped on her brother's doorstep because her sister-in-law's irresponsible sister and her husband got into a car crash. She was made to believe by her brother and Petunia that Harry's parents were most likely alcoholics and that is how they got into the car crash in the first place. The Dursleys never confirm Marge's guesses about Harry's parents lives, but they never discount them either. This just gives Marge more of a reason to hate Harry besides her already being an unpleasant character in the first place.
Reading this book makes me amazed at how Jo really goes into the little details about the wizarding world. She even makes up their own little phrases to say, that is different from what we have heard in the 'muggle' world. When Harry is on the Knight Bus, Stan and Ern, the bus driver, are talking about the guards of Azkaban and Ern says, "Talk about summat else, Stan, there's a good lad. Them Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles." It's brilliant! Instead of saying that they give him the shivers or the shakes she makes up an entirely different word for it for them.
Another thing that I noticed with the Knight Bus scene is that Jo clearly makes sure to show the reader all of the different classes involved in their society that is very similar to ours. There is Harry, who is upper middle class, has enough money to buy plenty of things, and there is Stan and Ern who talk differently than most of the other characters in the novel. They aren't exactly Hagrid's style, but they are different in which they take short cuts with their words and uses the wrong pronouns. It is most apparent when Fudge comes into the scene and wants a 'private parlor' to talk to Harry so that he won't have to be interrupted by Stan and Ern. It is just another reason why Jo is so brilliant, and I really appreciate the difference in social class and how she writes the characters from each class.
One thing that confused me so much as a kid while reading this book was the scene when Ron takes Scabbers into the pet shop in Diagon Alley. I remember because it catches me off guard every time. Here is the conversation between Ron and the woman who works at the Pet Shop.
"It's my rat," he told the witch. "He's been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt."
"Bang him on the counter," said the witch, pulling a pair of heavy black spectacles out of her pocket.
Bang him on the counter?! Every time I read this line, I think, "What? What the heck will banging him on the counter do for Scabbers? It's gonna hurt that rat even more!" and every time I read on, I think, "Wow, Dawn. It's a British saying." Even though I read on and realize that she means put him on the counter, I wish that Ron would bang him on the counter anyway. The little berk Peter deserves more than a banging.
Onto funny quotes I have read so far. There are literally so many that I love in this book that I had to limit it to five, but a very funny five they are, and they go as follows:
1. This is Fred an George talking to Harry about Percy being annoying ever since he was made Head Boy.
...George heaved a sigh. "We tried to shut him in a pyramid," he told Harry. "But mum spotted us."
2. The mirrors in the rooms at the Leaky Cauldron all talk, and this time the mirror says something absolutely hilarious to Harry after he overhears that Sirius Black wants to kill him.
"I'm not going to be murdered," Harry said out loud.
"That's the spirit, dear," said his mirror sleepily.
3. This quote is another from the twins when they talk about Malfoy being a hypocrite for making fun of Harry for feinting when the dementors came onto the Hogwarts Express.
"That little git," George said calmly. "He wasn't so cocky last night when the dementors were down at our end of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he, Fred?"
"Nearly wet himself," said Fred, with a contemptuous glance at Malfoy,
4. This scene is just too much to type all of it out. This is probably my most favorite scene in the whole book, apart from Hermione slapping Malfoy of course, but it is when the trio are trying to find their way to Divination, and they are going to be late, so they get help from Sir Cadogan, the plump knight in a painting on the seventh floor. Just read the whole scene over again. It is the funniest character banter she may have ever written for the HP series.
"Farewell, my comrades-in-arms! If ever you have need of noble heart or steely sinew, call upon Sir Cadogan!"
"Yeah, we'll call you," muttered Ron as the knight disappeared, "if we ever need someone mental."
5. This is one of my favorite McGonagall lines in HP. It is the scene after Trelawny predicts that Harry will die, and McGonagall is trying to convince the class not to hold any merit to what she says, as she predicts the death of a student at the beginning of every year ever since she became employed at Hogwarts.
"You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework for today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
That concludes that blog entry for today. Sorry that I missed yesterday, but I'll have another big one for you tomorrow. :)
Sorry that there wasn't an update yesterday. I was off at Cedar Point with the boys Josh and Zach, and boy did we have a blast. I want to thank them on here for a very wonderful day yesterday. You both put up with my motion sickness so well, and gave me a nice long break from rollercoasters after lunch. Even though I was sick for the half of the day, I'm glad that I made you both laugh, and as you have told me you will have lasting memories of that day, some which include, "WHY DID I DO THIS!!!!!!" on the millenium force. You two are the very best, even when Josh is laughing at me on the rides instead of asking me if I'm alright the way Zach was. <3
That being said, we move on wards!
It is clear to me as I am reading Prisoner of Azkaban that it was once my favorite Harry Potter novel. My binding is so worn that I can lay the book down on a table and it will stay open on the page I am reading without me having to hold it. Obviously it is this way for good reason; Prisoner of Azkaban has never failed to make me laugh out loud every ten pages. Most of it consistent banter between hilarious characters that introduced in the book like Stan Shunpike, the Knight Bus conductor, Sir Cadogan, the painting of a short and stout knight that is loud and bold, and Professor Trelawny, who is by far the most absurd character Jo has ever written for the series.
I remember anxiously waiting for the movie of PoA to come out because I wanted to see Marge blow up like a balloon. I hate that woman so much, I laugh derisively at her as she boobs off into the night sky, her shrieks growing fainter and fainter. As I am re-reading this one, I noticed something that I overlooked the many times I have read this book. First bear this in mind before continuing on, Aunt Marge is absolutely not a kind and considerate woman. She is her brother Vernon but in a woman's body, therefore, she is just as unpleasant as he is. Knowing this I looked at Harry through her eyes for a moment in the book a found a startling discovery as to why she may hate him so much. Marge has no idea that Harry is a wizard, the only things that she knows about Harry are the things that she hears from her brother and sister-in-law, and of course they never have a good thing to say about him. Marge was told that Harry got dumped on her brother's doorstep because her sister-in-law's irresponsible sister and her husband got into a car crash. She was made to believe by her brother and Petunia that Harry's parents were most likely alcoholics and that is how they got into the car crash in the first place. The Dursleys never confirm Marge's guesses about Harry's parents lives, but they never discount them either. This just gives Marge more of a reason to hate Harry besides her already being an unpleasant character in the first place.
Reading this book makes me amazed at how Jo really goes into the little details about the wizarding world. She even makes up their own little phrases to say, that is different from what we have heard in the 'muggle' world. When Harry is on the Knight Bus, Stan and Ern, the bus driver, are talking about the guards of Azkaban and Ern says, "Talk about summat else, Stan, there's a good lad. Them Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles." It's brilliant! Instead of saying that they give him the shivers or the shakes she makes up an entirely different word for it for them.
Another thing that I noticed with the Knight Bus scene is that Jo clearly makes sure to show the reader all of the different classes involved in their society that is very similar to ours. There is Harry, who is upper middle class, has enough money to buy plenty of things, and there is Stan and Ern who talk differently than most of the other characters in the novel. They aren't exactly Hagrid's style, but they are different in which they take short cuts with their words and uses the wrong pronouns. It is most apparent when Fudge comes into the scene and wants a 'private parlor' to talk to Harry so that he won't have to be interrupted by Stan and Ern. It is just another reason why Jo is so brilliant, and I really appreciate the difference in social class and how she writes the characters from each class.
One thing that confused me so much as a kid while reading this book was the scene when Ron takes Scabbers into the pet shop in Diagon Alley. I remember because it catches me off guard every time. Here is the conversation between Ron and the woman who works at the Pet Shop.
"It's my rat," he told the witch. "He's been a bit off-color ever since I brought him back from Egypt."
"Bang him on the counter," said the witch, pulling a pair of heavy black spectacles out of her pocket.
Bang him on the counter?! Every time I read this line, I think, "What? What the heck will banging him on the counter do for Scabbers? It's gonna hurt that rat even more!" and every time I read on, I think, "Wow, Dawn. It's a British saying." Even though I read on and realize that she means put him on the counter, I wish that Ron would bang him on the counter anyway. The little berk Peter deserves more than a banging.
Onto funny quotes I have read so far. There are literally so many that I love in this book that I had to limit it to five, but a very funny five they are, and they go as follows:
1. This is Fred an George talking to Harry about Percy being annoying ever since he was made Head Boy.
...George heaved a sigh. "We tried to shut him in a pyramid," he told Harry. "But mum spotted us."
2. The mirrors in the rooms at the Leaky Cauldron all talk, and this time the mirror says something absolutely hilarious to Harry after he overhears that Sirius Black wants to kill him.
"I'm not going to be murdered," Harry said out loud.
"That's the spirit, dear," said his mirror sleepily.
3. This quote is another from the twins when they talk about Malfoy being a hypocrite for making fun of Harry for feinting when the dementors came onto the Hogwarts Express.
"That little git," George said calmly. "He wasn't so cocky last night when the dementors were down at our end of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he, Fred?"
"Nearly wet himself," said Fred, with a contemptuous glance at Malfoy,
4. This scene is just too much to type all of it out. This is probably my most favorite scene in the whole book, apart from Hermione slapping Malfoy of course, but it is when the trio are trying to find their way to Divination, and they are going to be late, so they get help from Sir Cadogan, the plump knight in a painting on the seventh floor. Just read the whole scene over again. It is the funniest character banter she may have ever written for the HP series.
"Farewell, my comrades-in-arms! If ever you have need of noble heart or steely sinew, call upon Sir Cadogan!"
"Yeah, we'll call you," muttered Ron as the knight disappeared, "if we ever need someone mental."
5. This is one of my favorite McGonagall lines in HP. It is the scene after Trelawny predicts that Harry will die, and McGonagall is trying to convince the class not to hold any merit to what she says, as she predicts the death of a student at the beginning of every year ever since she became employed at Hogwarts.
"You look in excellent health to me, Potter, so you will excuse me if I don't let you off homework for today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in."
That concludes that blog entry for today. Sorry that I missed yesterday, but I'll have another big one for you tomorrow. :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Day 2, 650 pages read
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Late last night I finished the second book, and there wasn't much within dialogue for the plot line that I forgot, but there were a lot of funny quotes that I somehow seemed to have forgotten. I remembered the story well with Chamber, and have not many things to point out in this one.
So onto to funny quotes that had me laughing for ages:
Quote number one comes from our berk of a character Malfoy. This has got to be Draco's best quote in my book although it shows that he has no respect even for his closest friends which Jo tells us that this kid is one slimey sleeze ball. Anyway this quote occurs in the Slytherin Common Room after Harry and Ron both take polyjuice potion to look like Crabbe and Goyle. So Harry and Ron are basically interrogating Malfoy, and Malfoy brings up Azkaban. Harry being brought up a muggle has obviously never heard of it, so he says "Azkaban?"
"Azkaban-the wizard prison, Goyle," said Malfoy, looking at him in disbelief. "Honestly, if you were any slower, you'd be going backwards." Enough said. Best Draco quote ever.
Number Two comes from our very own Ronald Weasley when the trio are discussing what T.M. Riddle could have done for the school to receive a special award for services to the school and Ron smartly says, "Could've been anything," said Ron. "Maybe he got thirty O.W.L.S. or saved a teacher from the giant squid. Maybe he murdered Myrtle; that would've done everyone a favor...." I guess Ron would know soon enough how right he was.
Now onto my favorite part. Ron and Hermione analysis. All right, so I have thought long and hard about Ron's actions in Chamber because where there was only small evidence to go on that Hermione cared for Ron in one, there is bundles of things to show that Ron may be feeling something for Hermione. It appears to me that Ron doesn't fancy her yet of course, but there is an odd feeling that Ron is being a bit protective of Hermione. First you see it with Malfoy calling her a mudblood and Ron acting out and trying to curse him for it. There are more small occasions where he gets annoyed at her admiration of Lockhart. I wouldn't go so far as to say that he was jealous at these times, but Ron doesn't like Lockhart and thins he is a good for nothing liar, and he doesn't seem to like the fact that Hermione fancies someone like this and wants to protect her from him. Another moment that truly had me considering his feelings for her was when Malfoy talks about wanting Granger to be the next one attacked and wanting her to be the one killed. Ron clenches his fists and turns red in Crabbe's body making it look odd to Malfoy. Harry, who hears the same thing is angered but stays cool unlike Ron who obviously has a very touchy nerve when it comes to Hermione. Later on when Hermione is attacked, it is Ron who yells out her name instead of Harry. Once again Malfoy repeats that he wished Granger would have been the one who was killed after she was only petrified, only this time Ron didn't glare at him, he tried to attack him screaming that he didn't need a wand, he'd kill him with his bare hands. Luckily Harry held him back and Ron never got his hands on Malfoy. Once the news that the petrified people have been revived is told to the group in McGonagall's office, Ron instantaneously yells out "So Hermione's ok!" All of these moments made me wonder exactly how Ron viewed Hermione at this time in his character development. Harry, who cares for his two best friends deeply, doesn't call out her name when she is in danger or happy to see her, and I'm pretty sure Jo did this on purpose to show that it is in fact Ron who will fall in love with the girl of the trio. From what I can see now is that Ron feels protective over Hermione ever since the troll incident. He felt guilty but never truly admitted that he was wrong for teasing her in their first year, but I'm sure somewhere inside of his good heart, Ron decided that no one would ever tease or hurt her again. It only makes sense for him to see it that way especially since she could've died if he hadn't sent her to the bathroom crying in the first place.
I want to quickly address something that made me nearly sob at midnight this morning. Harry has a quote where he is talking to Dobby after he sets him free that made me set the book done and think what a genius Jo is.
""Harry Potter has set Dobby free!"
"Least I could do," said Harry, grinning. "Just promise never to try and save my life again."
The elf's ugly brown face suddenly split into a wide, toothy smile."
Thank God Dobby never promised him anything that day.
So currently I am on Prisoner of Azkaban which I will be reading all day long, so I'll have an update about today for you late on.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 1, 495 pages read
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Hello there. Here I will be putting my own spin on the Harry Potter books as I re-read them before the eighth and final Harry Potter movie is released. I have only eighteen days to do so, but I have already finished the first book and am halfway through the second, so I am feeling pretty confident that I will accomplish this feat.
Book 1:
I picked up number one remembering how the first time I heard the story was listening to it on tape in my fourth grade classroom. It was a great story then, and over the years it has aged along with me. After reading all of the books later in the series, I can look and see how the eleven year old Harry will become a teenager, and eventually become a man. It truly is symbolizing the end of my childhood as the movies come to a close, but I will always have the evidence that I was a happy child sitting on my bookshelf. I partly plan on never growing up fully, but how can you when you will always want to dress up and pretend with your friends that you are in fact witches and wizards. I'm sure that my friends all know this to be true as they gladly attended my eighteenth birthday party to do just this, so friends we will always have this magical experience with us. This way Harry Potter will never come to an end for us. He will live on in our hearts and possibly in the hearts of our future children.
Enough with the sappy stuff. Let's get done to the goods. Wow is number one boring in the beginning. Those Dursley's are just so savagely mean to poor Harry. The whole first three chapters i was wishing for Hagrid to show up and save him. Once he did I was fine, and got into the swing of Jo's writing style and was practically tearing through the book. One thing I really appreciated was the introduction of Draco in the book. She made him a proper git in my opinion and that was something the movie only succeeded at partially. There is no way in the books that Draco could ever be seen as attractive, but in the movies he's seen as a cold mysterious boy, and of course when he got older, girls were fawning over him and eventually pairing him and Hermione together in fan fictions, which is a BIG no no in my book. Anyway, Jo has a good way of showing a character's true colors with harry's first meeting with them, and I appreciate that as a reader.
Right now I can't think too much on the first book as I am currently reading the second and have too much of that plot line swirling around in my head, but one thing I am really paying attention to this time through is the relationship between Ron and Hermione. In one there is not much to go on to show that the two will eventually get married and have two children, but there are a few cute moments with them together. One, the troll incident. Two, when Ron is whacked across the head by that chess piece. The two of them already resemble Molly and Arthur, but Ron is a little less like his father at this point because one, he is a stupid immature boy, and two he is not in love with her yet.
Book 2:
Before I never really liked Chamber much, possibly because Jo never liked it much herself, but on this read through I am enjoying it a lot more than I have in the past. The trio is a year older and a year wiser, maybe not Ron, but Hermione makes up for him I guess. This mystery story is a lot better than the first, but it has less action involved and the book tends to fall into plot line slumps, however characters like Neville, Lockhart, and Colin make up for it by a long shot. One character who I believed should not have died was Colin, but we will go into a long debate about that when that actually happens, but while he is still breathing in book form I shall cherish his enthusiasm and bravery. The little guy actually mouths off to Draco as quick as a whip when he wants Harry to sign a picture of him to show his dad. So funny Neville moment. I think this guy is so amiable and likeable. Jo really wrote a winner here. So anyway, because of the attacks on muggleborns in the school, fake amulets and other protective devices were being sold by the older students to the young ignorant ones who were frightened out of their wits. Of course poor Neville will buy something. The other Gryffindor boys tell him that he was fine without them already because he is pureblood, but Neville, bless his soul, has already thought about this fact. He responds with, "They went for Filch first, and everyone knows I'm almost a Squib." I had to set the book down and laugh for a while before I could continue, and I didn't get too far after that and stopped on the next page. So the trio are about to steal polyjuice potion ingredients from Snape, and that is where I have left off for the time being.
Hello there. Here I will be putting my own spin on the Harry Potter books as I re-read them before the eighth and final Harry Potter movie is released. I have only eighteen days to do so, but I have already finished the first book and am halfway through the second, so I am feeling pretty confident that I will accomplish this feat.
Book 1:
I picked up number one remembering how the first time I heard the story was listening to it on tape in my fourth grade classroom. It was a great story then, and over the years it has aged along with me. After reading all of the books later in the series, I can look and see how the eleven year old Harry will become a teenager, and eventually become a man. It truly is symbolizing the end of my childhood as the movies come to a close, but I will always have the evidence that I was a happy child sitting on my bookshelf. I partly plan on never growing up fully, but how can you when you will always want to dress up and pretend with your friends that you are in fact witches and wizards. I'm sure that my friends all know this to be true as they gladly attended my eighteenth birthday party to do just this, so friends we will always have this magical experience with us. This way Harry Potter will never come to an end for us. He will live on in our hearts and possibly in the hearts of our future children.
Enough with the sappy stuff. Let's get done to the goods. Wow is number one boring in the beginning. Those Dursley's are just so savagely mean to poor Harry. The whole first three chapters i was wishing for Hagrid to show up and save him. Once he did I was fine, and got into the swing of Jo's writing style and was practically tearing through the book. One thing I really appreciated was the introduction of Draco in the book. She made him a proper git in my opinion and that was something the movie only succeeded at partially. There is no way in the books that Draco could ever be seen as attractive, but in the movies he's seen as a cold mysterious boy, and of course when he got older, girls were fawning over him and eventually pairing him and Hermione together in fan fictions, which is a BIG no no in my book. Anyway, Jo has a good way of showing a character's true colors with harry's first meeting with them, and I appreciate that as a reader.
Right now I can't think too much on the first book as I am currently reading the second and have too much of that plot line swirling around in my head, but one thing I am really paying attention to this time through is the relationship between Ron and Hermione. In one there is not much to go on to show that the two will eventually get married and have two children, but there are a few cute moments with them together. One, the troll incident. Two, when Ron is whacked across the head by that chess piece. The two of them already resemble Molly and Arthur, but Ron is a little less like his father at this point because one, he is a stupid immature boy, and two he is not in love with her yet.
Book 2:
Before I never really liked Chamber much, possibly because Jo never liked it much herself, but on this read through I am enjoying it a lot more than I have in the past. The trio is a year older and a year wiser, maybe not Ron, but Hermione makes up for him I guess. This mystery story is a lot better than the first, but it has less action involved and the book tends to fall into plot line slumps, however characters like Neville, Lockhart, and Colin make up for it by a long shot. One character who I believed should not have died was Colin, but we will go into a long debate about that when that actually happens, but while he is still breathing in book form I shall cherish his enthusiasm and bravery. The little guy actually mouths off to Draco as quick as a whip when he wants Harry to sign a picture of him to show his dad. So funny Neville moment. I think this guy is so amiable and likeable. Jo really wrote a winner here. So anyway, because of the attacks on muggleborns in the school, fake amulets and other protective devices were being sold by the older students to the young ignorant ones who were frightened out of their wits. Of course poor Neville will buy something. The other Gryffindor boys tell him that he was fine without them already because he is pureblood, but Neville, bless his soul, has already thought about this fact. He responds with, "They went for Filch first, and everyone knows I'm almost a Squib." I had to set the book down and laugh for a while before I could continue, and I didn't get too far after that and stopped on the next page. So the trio are about to steal polyjuice potion ingredients from Snape, and that is where I have left off for the time being.
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