Sunday, 22 July 2007

A Day in Literary History

Yesterday, 21st July 2007, was an important day for modern literature; it was the release date for the final chronicle in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has no doubt already been purchased and read cover to cover by millions, but I can't count myself among them. Ever since finishing book number four (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) I haven't kept up to date with the ones to follow it. As enjoyable as the books are, I myself feel that I have read better examples of British literature.

However, the release of the seventh novel has intrigued me and my curiosity is leading me to read the fifth book (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). I want to find out what the fuss is all about, and to see if the final three novels can shift my opinion from "Well... they're alright" to "They're blimmin' fantastic!"

I hope in a week or so's time to be able to review book number five and the whole Harry Potter situation. But, I need your help. First thing's first, vote in the poll on the left hand side of this blog, just so I can get an idea of whether I'm a total outcast of opinion. Did you queue up outside bookstores in the early hours of yesterday morning to buy the last novel? I'd have liked to have queued, gone in, picked a book on gardening and bought that instead - just to catch a few reactions and because I can. But, still being under the legal driving age, and living in the sticks, doesn't make these things easy for me - so technically I can't. [Sorry, straying slightly there.] Secondly, leave me a little comment. Feel free to totally tear me to shreds - I probably am a freak for not being crazy about J.K. Rowling's masterpieces. But also feel free to sympathise - I'd like to know I'm not alone.

Have a happy Sunday.

2 comments:

Ron Hill's Alter Ego said...

I haven't read any of the Potter books - but I did like the charity record he did with The Proclaimers.

However, I too was intrigued - and so, on Saturday morning I popped into our local Jempsons store and picked the book up off the shelf. I then did a bit of speed reading and read the last page - just to see how he dies.

I now feel fulfilled - and I don;t have to spend two months reading Books 1 to 6 to to see what the fuss was all about.

Anonymous said...

how friggin' dare you not worship the literary masterpieces that are, harry potter! no.. ok you're entitled to your own opinion and i do agree with you that they're not the most incredibly written books ever but it doesn't matter because the storylines are gripping and they lead me to a new world which i feel happy in. any book that does that has gotta be good, hasn't it? anyway, yeah i'm a harry potter freak and i will be until i die! (but the films are poo) love you shivvi! xxxx