Dumbledore's Out in the Big Apple

Last Friday in New York, J.K. Rowling shocked her fans by revealing that the headmaster at Hogwarts was gay. Naturally, whether readers are particularly shocked or not, the news has sparked controversy from the academic to the religious world.

To be honest, all those purple robes and dodgy hats were bound to suggest something but it seems that Albus' sexuality has been welcomed by most fans. However, for others, particularly some religious groups, it has not been well received. Nigel Farndale of the The Daily Telegraph even suggests that "it is quite possible that the intolerant evangelical Christian Right in America will start burning Harry Potter books". Well, they've done it before.

Of course, there is no concrete evidence in the novels to say that Dumbledore was homosexual, it is simply the imagination of the author; "I have always thought of Dumbledore as gay", says Rowling. In my opinion, the sexuality of Harry's mentor is not essential in the books, however, academics searching for a subtext (previously trying to prove Harry's homosexuality) will undoubtedly scour the text to find suggestions of Albus' "passion". Farndale writes that perhaps Dumbledore took a dislike to Tom Riddle because the young wizard rejected his advances; after all, the reasons were never explained and Riddle soon waged war against Dumbledore as Lord Voldemort. But, did Voldemort's terrifying wrath really exist simply because he had a gay tiff with his former mentor? Personally, I think it's a bit extreme to say so.

Nevertheless, Dumbledore was always a man of tolerance and no doubt his iconic character has pleased the homosexuals of the 'muggle' world. So, although a slightly bizarre Potter announcement, the news will undoubtedly cause more discussion than was ever intended and lead to new interpretations of the novels; even if it doesn't have anything to do with the storyline. Question remains, however, why has Rowling chosen to tell us?

Calling all Harry Potter fans to let me know what you think - please comment.

So, are the Harry Potter books worth all the fuss?

According to my poll, 4 out of 5 people believe so. Well, I'm still on my holidays, basking in the 35 degree sun, on the beach, by the cool, blue sea with... sorry, got carried away. What I was getting to is that, fortunately, I have the time to try and tackle the 700 page Order of the Phoenix, which, as I previously guessed, my sister has surrendered to me - unread.

So, this is really just a short post to remind all you fellow English lovers that I am pursuing my curiosity about J.K. Rowling's, so called, 'masterpieces' but in the mean time, I'm also reading up on a few other styles. My next battle is the latest Sophie Kinsella installment, Shopaholic and Baby. I say battle, but really it's a breeze. It's just some light-hearted entertainment that will possibly put me off shopping... Nah! Could anything?! It'll probably just make me wish I was richer, which in turn will depress me. I will then organise a spending spree to cheer myself up. And so the cycle continues... On a plus, I might be richer than I think - it's pay day :) However, being in a foreign land, I can't check my balance. So, I'll have to get back to you on my actual economic status.

Have a good evening.

PS. If you hadn't guessed, they do have the Internet in Montenegro, so there's no break from my blogging.

Just an Update

Well, the summer's just begun; days almost rain-free, parents dragging bored kids round supermarkets just to keep them quiet, and the depressing sight of white socks and sandals. As a student, I have work to keep me occupied over the period. As a student, I just can't be bothered to do it. But, if there is one thing to enjoy about the summer, it's the lie ins.

Today, for the first time in about seven years, I slept past midday. It's quite a memorable day for me because I'm generally an early riser - but everybody has an off-day. I had to check about three different clocks just to make sure that it actually was 12:15 pm. I don't know how people can do it; I feel like I've missed half the day - well, yes I did, but that's besides the point. How on earth am I going to fit in all the important things that I have to do into my day? Stroking my dog, reading, adding to my blog, watching a film... I just don't know how I'll manage it.

Anyway, to the point of the post; Harry Potter. I might have mentioned that my brother kindly offered the fifth novel (Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix) to me and that I wanted to read and review it sometime soon. However, I returned home the other day to find my sister tucked up in bed, her nose stuck right in the pages. "Well, I haven't read it yet and I wanted to see what all the fuss is about" was her reply to "Er... what do you think you're doing?" So it seems I'm not the only one. Only, now I'll be left to wallow in my curiosity for more weeks to come until my sister finally surrenders the book to me (probably half-read). I suppose, this is an update just to let you know that I haven't forgotten about this important topic. Just hang in there, the review is on its way.

While I'm at it, I may as well let you know that I will be jetting off to sunny Montenegro on Friday 3rd and probably won't be offered the luxury of the Internet whilst I'm there. In which case, this spot might go cold for a couple of weeks. However, never fear, for holidays are the best time for reading. Therefore, upon my return I will have more reviews in my head than you can shake a stick at - enough to keep you satisfied and entertained for all the days you've missed.

I will also return 17 years of age. I expect birthday comments (12th August) but I also expect that this blog will become a bit of progress diary for either how much or how little I improve as I attempt to learn to drive. It might cost a bit of money to start with - but why else would I slog my guts out at work three days a week? (Only three days!) I'm a student, I'm allowed to be part time. It'll certainly save me money in the long run in comparison to the extortionate fares of trains and buses. The only way I managed to get a discount on rail fares was by giving them twenty quid first!

Anyway, I'm side-tracking, I'll save it for my letter to Gordon Brown.

Enjoy your day.

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.