Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition) Review

Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a smooth and clever translation, perfect for the person who wants an enjoyable quick read to refurbish fluency in the language. The bright style of the original is preserved, and it is obvious that the translator has his own sense of humor as well, playing with words and phrasing without sacrificing accuracy. This book would make an excellent supplementary text for students at about second-year level.
I would like to see the other books in the series put into Latin, although I know that is too much to hope for; however, these books would be a wonderful study series if translated in accord with the level of the book in English, each becoming more complex.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)



Buy NowGet 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)

Read More...

Harry Potter y la Órden del Fénix Review

Harry Potter y la Órden del Fénix
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm an adult with a reasonable command of Spanish as a second language. I can read a newspaper fairly easily, and I can hold mutually interesting conversations with people, so long as their speech isn't too slangy, to regional, or too fast. I found Potter #5 in spanish translation to be an entertaining way to do some "continued reading". If you're an adult who feels sheepish about reading kid's books, trying to improve or maintain your command of Spanish, this will give you a good excuse.
There's nothing like reading a book like this to make you realize that there's many different kinds of vocabulary. Compared to say, magazines, newspapers, or more technical books, Potter #5 is chock-full of everyday dialogue, human relationships, colloquial expressions, and words having to do with emotional states, facial expressions, noises, and such. Not to mention the more specialized vocabulary, like, "spell", "dungeon", "sorting hat", or "dark arts". I certainly found a good dictionary to be useful.
Although this book is published by a press in Spain, the characters speak a Spanish closer to the Latin American than the iberian variety (e.g, the "y'all" second person plural verb inflection is not used, and "coger" is avoided). This is, I suppose, a reflection of the demographic weight of Latin America vis-a-vis Spain, and, for all I know, is standard practice in one-size-fits all translations. I suspect it is a careful translation, although my Spanish really isn't good enough to tell.
If you think that reading a translation from the English is a poor way to learn about hispanic culture, I would reply that 1) the Potter books are hugely popular in spain, 2) This is a european, not a north american book. whereas we have not a single authentic castle, Spain has hundreds of 'em. And 3) who cares, if it gets you reading spanish?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter y la Órden del Fénix



Buy NowGet 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Harry Potter y la Órden del Fénix

Read More...

Harry Potter Und der Stein der Weisen (German Edition) Review

Harry Potter Und der Stein der Weisen (German Edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Chances are if your thinking on buying this book in German, you've probably already read the Englsih version, so I won't bog you down with any lengthy opinion on the story itself except to say it is a modern classic, full of mystery and suspense that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Foreign language versions of English novels are notoriously difficult to translate, largely due to the high number of English words which have no exact translation in say, German or French. But on the whole, this was an exceptionally translated peice, with no major blunders sticking out (the Spanish version is full of them) The most obvious chnage is of "Hermione" to "Hermine" Perhaps Hermione would feel strange to pronounce to a native German speaker, not sure on that one.
A lot of people will tell you Spanish and French are far easier to learn than German. I found German more fun to learn, most people who say it is a difficult, technical language do not know that English and German belong in the same group of languages (Germanic) French, Spanish and Italian are in a completely different group (Romantic) So to brush up on language skills, or just to have fun reading a novel in another language, HP is probably the most fun and easy to understand novel on the market.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter Und der Stein der Weisen (German Edition)



Buy NowGet 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Harry Potter Und der Stein der Weisen (German Edition)

Read More...

LEGO Harry Potter Ultimate Sticker Collection (ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTIONS) Review

LEGO Harry Potter Ultimate Sticker Collection (ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTIONS)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My 8 year old loved this book!! He spent hours on this sticker collection. It was a great birthday present that has been well used.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LEGO Harry Potter Ultimate Sticker Collection (ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTIONS)

Explore the magical world of Harry Potter™ with more than 1,000 full-color reusable stickers of all your favorite Harry Potter™ characters and settings in the LEGO® Harry Potter™ Ultimate Sticker Collection!
LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group. Produced by DK Publishing under license from the LEGO Group. ™©Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights ©JKR. (s11)


Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about LEGO Harry Potter Ultimate Sticker Collection (ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTIONS)

Read More...

Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1-5) Review

Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1-5)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
You remember those times as a kid when you picked up a book that was truly magical? Those were the days of "A Wrinkle in Time" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", where you could be swept away in an amazing world and desperatly desired to become part of that universe. The Harry Potter books are kind of like that. You, as an adult, should read them. Here's why:
1. They're fun. They're pretty easy reads that you can pick up and get lost in. They're a great escape from daily life and from "heavy" literature. They get better as the series progresses.
2. They have imagination. Has anyone else noticed that books written for adults are severely lacking in this department lately? These books are rich with imagry, have a well-designed plot, and more than their share of imagination.
3. They're mature. Moral lessons are thinly disguised at points, and the first chapter of each book is redundant, but these books are written in mature, adult-friendly prose. You don't feel like you're being preached to, or that you're being hit over the head with the "learn this" stick.
4. They're good. Yes, I've heard the rumors that Harry Potter is BAD because of its connections with "witchcraft"--in fact, my co-worker is one of those people in the "Harry Potter is turning our kids into evil satan-worshippers" camp. Truth be told, there is no religious agenda in these novels, but adults will be pleased that Harry Potter extoles the traditional "Christian" virtues and is truly GOOD. Once I convinced my co-worker to just read the books, she found them quite enjoyable.
5. They're better than their movies. Of course, most books are better than the movies, but these are really much funnier in print than on the big screen. If you feel great about the movies, you'll love the books. If you are indifferent to the movies--read the books. If you didn't like the movies, try the books.
6. It's okay to read what's popular. Sometimes public acclaim is misplaced, but with this series, there's truly a reason why they're so popular. I am a self-admitted literature snob--only Eastern European Existentialism for me thanks--but it's okay to read what you love, try new things, and love what you read. If you are ashamed of being an adult with a "kids" book, just slip a "War and Peace" jacket over the cover or something. Better yet, don't be ashamed, because these aren't strictly "kids" books.
7. Your kids are reading them. You want to know what your kids are being exposed to right? You'd like to gain insight into your pre-teen's mind? There's nothing better than having multiple members of a family reading a book together, or having read the same book concurrently. It strengthens the parent-child bond, and it gives you something to talk about at the dinner table besides the ever-hated question "how was school today".
8. If anything, read them because I refuse to believe that the magic of childhood never dissappears from an adult's life--even if it's hidden below the toils of everyday life. That spirit should be nurtured, the imagination should always remain fertile, and we all need a little magic in our lives.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1-5)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1-5)

Read More...

Harry Potter and the Order of the Court: The J.K. Rowling Copyright Case and the Question of Fair Use Review

Harry Potter and the Order of the Court: The J.K. Rowling Copyright Case and the Question of Fair Use
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This book was extremely helpful and answered all the questions I had on the topic. The only thing that bothered me was the way that- twice on one page- it would tell me that the testimony provides for "rather compelling reading." I've already bought the book; I intend to read it. Just get to the point.
Other than that, I really liked it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter and the Order of the Court: The J.K. Rowling Copyright Case and the Question of Fair Use

The adventures of wizard-in-training Harry Potter may have ended but the drama continues, most recently in federal court in Manhattan, where a decision has recently been handed down in the much-publicized copyright case brought by J.K. Rowling seeking to prevent the publication of a Harry Potter encyclopedia. The case is of interest to Harry Potter fans and the general public. It deals with current copyright issues of particular interest to writers and bloggers. It also deals with the creative process behind the Potter series. Harry Potter & the Order of the Court discusses the court's decision and its broader implications for those who write, both online and in print. The case was highlighted by Ms. Rowling taking the witness stand in her first courtroom appearance. Her dramatic testimony -- offering insights into her creative process and her emotional attachment to the Harry Potter series -- is included, both direct and cross-examination. Beyond the star presence of Ms. Rowling, the case is of general interest as it involves an important but little understood aspect of copyright law: the doctrine of "fair use." Fair use refers to situations where one is allowed to use material from a copyrighted work without seeking permission from the author, such as a book critic quoting from a novel or a music critic using a short clip of a song. Fair use applies whether you write on paper or online. But the doctrine has taken on added importance in the Internet Age where almost all of us "publish" in one form or another, be it through creating websites, writing blogs or uploading content. And as authors or publishers, we often feel the need to quote, closely paraphrase, or otherwise use material others have created. This is where fair use comes in. Harry Potter & the Order of the Court discusses fair use as it relates to the J.K. Rowling case and in terms of the broader application of the doctrine, offering many specific examples as to what likely does, and does not, constitute fair use. In addition to Ms. Rowling s testimony, we have included selected court documents filed in the litigation, including the court decision. Perhaps because the case involves one of the most popular fictional series of all time, these court documents make for fairly compelling reading, rather like a novel one cannot put down.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter and the Order of the Court: The J.K. Rowling Copyright Case and the Question of Fair Use

Read More...

The Unofficial Harry Potter Vocabulary Builder: Learn the 3,000 Hardest Words from All Seven Books and Enjoy the Series More Review

The Unofficial Harry Potter Vocabulary Builder: Learn the 3,000 Hardest Words from All Seven Books and Enjoy the Series More
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We bought the Harry Potter series for our private high school library. The vocabulary book is probably on an 8th grade level and is like a dictionary giving the words and definitions. Each word is referenced to a specific volume, page and word in one of the Potter books. The definitions are clear, comprehensive and fun. There are a lot of "regular" words and not just "Potter-specific" words that will be useful to help struggling readers understand what's going on in the books.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Unofficial Harry Potter Vocabulary Builder: Learn the 3,000 Hardest Words from All Seven Books and Enjoy the Series More

ENJOY EVERY WORD OF HARRY'S ADVENTURE
LEARN 1,000s OF NEW VOCABULARY WORDSThe Harry Potter series takes readers on the greatest literary adventure of all time.However, as young readers tear through the seven books, they encounter thousands of new words.What should they do when facing an unknown word? Skip over it and miss that bit of the story-and also pass up the opportunity to learn the word's meaning? This fun and handy reference offers a better solution. It allows readers ages 8 – 14 to quickly find clear and accurate definitions of the more advanced English language vocabulary used in the Harry Potter series.The Unofficial Harry Potter Vocabulary Builder includes:•Over 3,000 easy-to-understand definitions•Entertaining sample sentences for every word•Pronunciation key plus notes on usage•60 fun and wizardly illustrations•Page reference in a Harry Potter book for each wordIncludes words from all seven books-Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince and Deathly HallowsImportant note to readers: This book is an independent and unauthorized fan publication. No endorsement or sponsorship by or affiliation with J. K. Rowling, her publishers or other copyright and trademark holders is claimed or suggested.

Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about The Unofficial Harry Potter Vocabulary Builder: Learn the 3,000 Hardest Words from All Seven Books and Enjoy the Series More

Read More...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I: Heroes (Harry Potter Movie T) Review

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I: Heroes (Harry Potter Movie T)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Loved the book, only setback was that my sister bought it for me for christmas and demanded half the posters; there were only two posters of Harry, and one was on the back of Ron, so if you're planning on hanging the posters on your wall like we did, just know that there's only enough for one of each golden trio member. Then again, I suppose unless you're planning on sharing them, that isn't much of a problem. There were a lot of posters that we loved a ton, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, The Weasley twins, Neville, Molly and Arthur, Lupin, Tonks, Luna, Sirius, and a few others as well. Apparently, though, Fred and George aren't related to Bill, because they aren't listed in his 'family' section. Other than that the information, though basic, was helpful and accurate. A must have for die-hard Harry Potter fans like me!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I: Heroes (Harry Potter Movie T)

This beautiful poster book is filled with movie images of the greatest heroes of the Harry Potter series. It's packed with fan favorites including Harry and his friends, Sirius Black, the Weasleys, Hagrid, and, of course, Dumbledore! It's the perfect keepsake for fans as this series of movies draws to a close.


Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I: Heroes (Harry Potter Movie T)

Read More...

Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader Review

Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Maybe you are a life-long learner sort, or a college professor interested in acquiring an insightful, but thoroughly accessible book about Rowling's series. Maybe you're a thoughtful Christian, who suspects the anti-Potter denunciations are not quite on the mark, but you can't quite articulate why. Maybe you just have a deep affection for the Harry Potter series and would like to discover more about the key techniques and overarching concerns embedded in these brilliant stories. Whatever the case, as long as you've actually read the Harry Potter books, and as long as you have the sort of mind that likes to go beneath and beyond the surface, I believe that you will appreciate Granger's Unlocking Harry Potter.Thoroughly accessible and intelligent, Granger uses a writing style that is a mix of the professor who knows how to communicate credible arguments, and the fan who loves to talk to other fans about Harry, Hagrid, and house-elves (the high destiny of house-elves in number seven? Hmm...).
Because there are a number of books about Harry Potter on the market, let me give you a brief explanation of Granger's goals, and a brief introduction to the chapters. His first and foremost goal is to argue that Rowling's Harry Potter series makes for serious, reflective reading, despite its obvious popular appeal. This he does most compellingly, by demonstrating Rowling's depth of intellect, literacy, and organizational powers. Granger also analyzes several fundamental aspects of both Rowling's storytelling formula and her underlying worldview (he calls them "keys"). Because of Rowling's fidelity to her formula and her worldview, predictions can be made about the upcoming Deathly Hallows, which, of course, Granger goes ahead and makes.
Chapter One discusses Rowling's first key - narrative misdirection. This involves the "voice" of the story. So what, you may ask? Let me tell you, Granger's explanation of narrative misdirection, how Rowling uses it, and what it means in the big picture, is great stuff - really great stuff. I'm not giving anything away here - you'll just have to plunk the money down and read it yourself. I think you'll be glad you spent the cash and the time.
Chapter Two discusses Rowling's second key - alchemy. Although I first thought this would be the most dreary and esoteric of topics, for me, this was the most eye-opening of the "keys." This is the key I now refer to the most when speaking to people who dismiss Harry either because of intellectual snobbery or bible-based opposition. In both this book, and his previous book, Looking for God in Harry Potter, Granger gives a great corrective about the meaning of alchemy both in history and in the Potter books. From the insights into Ron's red hair and Hermione's chemically-significant initials, to the more systematic explanation of how all the Potter books reflect a deeply spiritual process of personal transformation, Unlocking Harry Potter serves the thoughtful reader very well.
Chapter Three unpacks Rowling's storytelling formula, the third key, while also showing that her stories are not at all flatly formulaic. The beginning, middle, and end of Harry's yearly journeys all echo each other, for very significant reasons. It is also here that Granger predicts how, even though Half-Blood Prince seems to depart from the formula, in fact we will discover in the resolution of the seventh novel that the supposed departure is just another example of narrative misdirection (back to key one!)
Chapter Fours and Five speak to Rowling's position of being "in" the postmodern world (the fourth key) while not being completely "of" the postmodern world (the fifth key). That is, both the things Rowling addresses, and the way she addresses them, speak our language, and thus we resonate with her narratives. On the other hand, as Granger demonstrates, she critiques some of the most destructive and deconstructive and tendencies of postmodernism. Granger points out Rowling's criticisms of institutions (schools, the government, the press), that supposedly embody what we say are our most important ideals. Perhaps even more significantly, Granger systematically demonstrates that Rowling remains faithful to a fundamentally theistic worldview complete with real evil and real good.
Chapter Six is the chapter of predictions. What will happen in Deathly Hallows? These predictions are nothing like random guesses - if Granger is right about Rowling, then certain things should happen in book number seven. Now, Granger has made predictions before in other books and articles - some of the specific predictions were wrong. However (and this is a big however), details in successive Potter books have shown Granger to be substantially right about the Rowling "forest," even if he has mistaken some "trees." So, I'm looking forward even MORE to reading Deathly Hallows, not only to enjoy another Potter novel, but also to see how much of the forest, as well as how many of the trees, the author ultimately did get right.
I highly recommend this book.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader

UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER gives you five essential keys for understanding the HARRY POTTER series. Not just who will live or die in DEATHLY HOLLOWS, but how J.K. Rowling created the most successful books of our times. To understand the story behind the stories, John Granger, author of THE HIDDEN KEY TO HARRY POTTER and editor of WHO KILLED ALBUS DUMBLEDORE?, introduces the themes and patterns Rowling uses to write books that resonate with readers of all ages. This book is for "serious readers" but Granger writes in a very entertaining style. If you never understood the term "postmodernism" or how "literary alchemy" is used by great authors from Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling, then this is a fun way to learn. UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER is the only book to examine in depth the importance of what Rowling said in an interview from 1998, that "to invent this wizard world" she had to learn about alchemy "in order to set the parameters and establish the stories' internal logic." - . - . - . - . - Here's what other HARRY POTTER authors and experts have to say about UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER: - . - . - . - . - "I got so hooked I had to stop everything else and just read, read, read. I carried it around the house, read it while using the excercycle, I hid in rooms away from the action of daily life so I could take it all in. I haven't had that reaction to a book since, well, THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. A spectacular read for all serious fans of Rowling's works. Compelling, well-argued, fun and funny. Engaging. Thought provoking. Erudite." - Tom Morris, author of IF HARRY POTTER RAN GENERAL ELECTRIC and PHILOSOPHY FOR DUMMIES. - . - . - . - . - "John Granger peels back the layers of Rowling's stories and sees patterns the rest of us miss - and he never forgets to be a fan, engaging in fun speculation about what will come in the finale. Once more Granger has shown himself to be second to none among Potter commentators and literary sleuths. Some books are meant to be ingested quickly. Not this one. Serious fans of HARRY POTTER will relish it." - David Baggett, editor of HARRY POTTER AND PHILOSOPHY.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader

Read More...

The Deathly Hallows Lectures: The Hogwarts Professor Explains the Final Harry Potter Adventure Review

The Deathly Hallows Lectures: The Hogwarts Professor Explains the Final Harry Potter Adventure
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
It seems like the majority of Deathly Hallows critique and analysis has focused on what Rowling got wrong -- the opportunities she missed, the issues left unresolved, etc. Mr. Granger's book of essays/lectures points out what Rowling got right and makes a very persuasive argument that Deathly Hallows is the artistic capstone of the series, and not just a cop-out. Mr. Granger's arguments are written in a clear and entertaining way that makes them accessible to casual readers. But there is also a lot of meat to his ideas -- enough to intrigue even jaded lit majors such as myself. Mr. Granger makes a wonderful analogy between the game of Quidditch and literary analysis and invites us to become seekers. His book is a demonstration of the riches that await someone willing to delve deeper beyond the storyline into the symbols and structures that underly the story and that give the story its emotional and moral impact. Mr. Granger's book is also helpful for anyone wishing to cut through the kerfuffle regarding Christianity and occultism in Harry Potter and the debate as to whether Harry Potter has literary merit. His discussions of these issues are thoughtful and balanced. I definitely have a greater appreciation of Deathly Hallows having read Mr. Granger's book and I am newly inspired to keep seeking to find new treasures in Ms. Rowling's work. Thanks to Mr. Granger, Dante on my short list of works to re-read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Deathly Hallows Lectures: The Hogwarts Professor Explains the Final Harry Potter Adventure

The fastest-selling book in publication history, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS was a critical success and is loved by fans around the world. In THE DEATHLY HALLOWS LECTURES, John Granger reveals the Potter finale's brilliant details, themes and meanings. Even the most ardent of Harry Potter fans will be surprised by and delighted with the Hogwarts Professor's explanations of the three dimensions of meaning in DEATHLY HALLOWS to include why Ms. Rowling chose to make Lily's eyes green, why Harry buried Moody's eye where and when he did, and why Ollivander prefers the three wand cores he does. Ms. Rowling has said that alchemy sets the "parameters of magic" in the series; after reading the chapter-length explanation of DEATHLY HALLOWS as the final stage of the alchemical Great Work in THE DEATHLY HALLOWS LECTURES, the serious reader will understand how important literary alchemy is in understanding Rowling's artistry and accomplishment. The other seven chapters explore, among other things, the five writing tricks Ms. Rowling uses to work her story magic, the deciphering of the "Triangular Eye" symbol for the three Hallows, Harry's "struggle to believe" in Albus Dumbledore, why Ms. Rowling revealed that she "always thought" of the Headmaster as gay, and the more than 25 echoes of her first book, PHILOSOPHER'S STONE, in DEATHLY HALLOWS. Did you wonder why Fred died in the end? Why Harry went underground seven times in Deathly Hallows? Granger explains how Ms. Rowling's story formula required these twists - - - as well as two trips to King's Cross and two meetings with Albus Dumbledore at story's end. John Granger, the Hogwarts Professor, has spoken about the meaning and magic of Harry Potter at major universities from coast to coast and as a Keynote Speaker at fan conventions in the United States and Canada. Enjoy these lectures to learn the ins and outs and fascinating depths of DEATHLY HALLOWS - - - information unavailable anywhere else!

Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Deathly Hallows Lectures: The Hogwarts Professor Explains the Final Harry Potter Adventure

Read More...

Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3) Review

Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
JK Rowling has exquisite talent using the English language to weave a fabulous tale within the genre of fantasy. As a parent, former elementary teacher and current professor, I recommend this book to all with the reminder that it is not reality - it is fantasy! Take joy and fly on the imaginary flight Rowling offers us as Harry soars above evil characters unwilling to look within themselves. Our hero strives to keep happiness, joy, and unconditional acceptance of others as the norm for his life. My 9 year old son, who is thoroughly bored with the basal reading of one story per week in class, had given up on reading. He said he hated it! Then, I brought home Harry Potter, began reading it aloud and stopped at a particularly climactic point. What happened next? Well, hours later on my way to bed, my son was nose deep in the book! Several nearly sleepless nights later, he finished the first and begged for more. Do I think these books are evil? Absolutely not. And, yes, we are church goers; my husband is in ministry! We are all anxiously awaiting book four. Just hope it comes out after I've graded all of my papers! I predict generations of fame for JK Rowling in these neo classics akin to CS Lewis.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-3)

Read More...

Jesus Potter Harry Christ: The Fascinating Parallels Between Two of the World's Most Popular Literary Characters Review

Jesus Potter Harry Christ: The Fascinating Parallels Between Two of the World's Most Popular Literary Characters
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
After reading Murphy's book but before writing this review, I wanted to check out Holy Blasphemy Press. I accept atheism as a valid philosophy for anyone making an intelligent decision and I wrote about this in my own work, rejecting the old, dictator god that many of us grew up with and replacing that image with a kindler, gentler, forgiving energy that accepts and loves all. Writing about spirituality, though, makes me curious about those who claim to be atheists.
I read the description of Holy Blasphemy Press, and find that I agree with much of what they said. I, too, want a better God than the "tyrannical and violent" one often portrayed. I agree with their statement, "...we also respect each individual's right to seek their own spiritual meaning - as long as they don't impose it on everyone else or demand special privileges or policies." I checked out the author, Derek Murphy, too. He seems to be an open, philosophical individual with whom one might have a rational, intelligent spiritual conversation. With that understanding, I could continue my review.
The research in this book is very impressive. Murphy covers so much material. He spends more time promoting the facts of Jesus as a literary figure than discussing Harry Potter, but he clearly makes his point of the similarities of the two figures. Both Jesus Christ and Harry Potter had miraculous births, childhood miracles, and miraculous powers; battled with evil; were sacrificed in death with a rebirth or resurrection; and dealt with the symbolism of seven, Jesus in the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation and Harry with his seven magical tasks in Books 6 and 7.
Why the comparison to Harry Potter? Many other literary figures, such as Moby Dick, Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, also endured suffering ending in a sacrificial death with a perceived rebirth and resurrection. I like Murphy's choice, however, since Harry Potter, has become popular with a major influence on our youth. Murphy's premise presents a new twist on an old story. J.K. Rowling used the same myths that preceded Jesus in creating her characters. A fresh look at the story of Jesus Christ is timely. A comparison to Mr. Potter is a unique way to do that. Murphy's implied sense of humor and perspective add to a much-needed discussion that often becomes too austere and heavy.
He establishes that there is no historical proof that Jesus Christ existed. He acknowledges that there is no proof that Jesus Christ didn't exist. Individuals are left to believe or not. Murphy states that he just wants to establish some historical record. The main stories of the Old and New Testament are restated pagan myths, referring to such figures as Osiris, Gilgamesh, Orpheus, Mithras and many others, some of which existed over a thousand years before Christ. The birth date, the death time, the suffering and the resurrection are not unique to Jesus.
I read much of this research years ago and came to the conclusion that Jesus may have lived, although that evidence is sketchy, but that he was not a divine being born on December 25 and resurrected on the date we celebrate as Easter. I am amazed at the amount of historical facts gathered by Murphy and reminded that so little of this information is widely known today. How could people ignore all of this evidence? And the myth continues with such a blind side to the facts. I like Murphy's response that all he is doing is presenting the information; it is up to the readers to make a decision. I agree.
I especially enjoyed his section on the history of Christianity with the political overtones of its rise to prominence. This is reminiscent of choices in our world today that are political rather than the right thing to do or an intelligent decision, although sometimes they are all three. In 325 CE, Emperor Constantine took power in the Roman Empire. He protected Christianity and wanted unity in the religions. He tailored Christianity to the pre-existing pagan customs. By 380 CE, Christianity was made the official religion and by 435 pagan temples were destroyed. The rise of Christianity was a political, not a religious or spiritual, decision. That part of history needs to be remembered, along with many other facts.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Jesus Potter Harry Christ: The Fascinating Parallels Between Two of the World's Most Popular Literary Characters



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Jesus Potter Harry Christ: The Fascinating Parallels Between Two of the World's Most Popular Literary Characters

Read More...

The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias, and Particularities Review

The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias, and Particularities
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this obsessively well-researched book to read on my own, and see if my re-reading of Rowling's works had taught me anything. I picked it up a chapter at a time during the busy holidays for a break, and enjoyed it very much. But where the book is really going to shine is in groups. Have a theme party, or invite your fellow Potter fans over for a round of trivia and snacks! Have a contest! I certainly plan to do so as soon as the winter holidays are out of the way. Even casual fans will be interested, and serious scholars will enjoy an opportunity to show off their knowledge (or have friendly arguments about the fine details).
The book includes three levels of trivia, by difficulty; even the youngest fans can probably manage the easiest questions, and even hard-core followers will be challenged by the highest level. It may also spur you to re-read chapters or entire books of Rowling's works; it draws not only on all 7 books of the series, but on related works like "Fantastic Beasts" and "Quidditch Through The Ages". The answers are of course included, along with references to the source material.
The writing style pays homage to Rowling's tone and world feel, while being highly readable and entertaining.
This book would make a wonderful gift for fans of all ages. I wish I'd found time to read this before Christmas, but there are always birthdays. There's enough material, both in the differently themed chapters and the different difficulty levels, to keep anybody occupied for weeks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias, and Particularities



Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Book of Harry Potter Trifles, Trivias, and Particularities

Read More...

Re-Reading Harry Potter Review

Re-Reading Harry Potter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I did enjoy parts of this book very much. I'm afraid, though, that it was often for the wrong reasons. At times I suspected that it was an elaborate and extended send-up of academic squabbling over literature. I'm still not quite sure, but I *think* it is serious.
The first chapter 'Book Covers' ("I begin as most readers must, with book covers") contains the delightful story of Wolfgang Iser and Stanley Fish. Mr Iser proposes an "implied reader" who has a dialectical relationship with the text and who, we are warned, "is not to be identified with any real reader." This concept gives rise to "a series of disagreements." Mr Fish thinks that Mr Iser is "missing the point" and introduces the concept of "interpretive strategies" which make it "questionable whether a particular text can be said to have any discrete and determinative existence at all." Gupta, in a tongue twisting turn of phrase, comments that, "A waspish exchange followed between Iser and Fish." Some unkind people may consider that both Iser and Fish, and possibly also Gupta, have missed the point.
The chapter entitled 'Religious Perspectives' comes to the remarkable conclusion that Christian belief (as he understands it from a study of Richard Abanes book) is just as fanciful as anything in Harry Potter's world, and that both are equally far removed from the real world of the social and political. This gives us an insight into Mr Gupta's world view but, sadly, none into his subject. Perhaps this is because he fails to refer directly to the text under discussion at all in this chapter, but devotes it to a complaint that he feels excluded from the religious debate because he is not religious.
The one chapter that stands head and shoulders above the rest is the one entitled 'Repetition and Progression'. This chapter is based around the insight that the books in the Harry Potter series achieve a rare balance of repeating themes and increasing complexity. It notes how the initial themes are introduced, then elaborated, developed and deepened at each repetition. This is an intriguing chapter and does not seem to fit comfortably with the rest of the book. It is also very brief -only four pages. I would have found it interesting to see this explored in more depth.
For a very much more perceptive and thorough, although less self-consciously academic, analysis of both the literary and religious perspectives I would highly recommend John Granger's book The Hidden Key to Harry Potter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Re-Reading Harry Potter



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Re-Reading Harry Potter

Read More...

Harry Potter y las reliquias de la muerte (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Spanish Edition) Review

Harry Potter y las reliquias de la muerte (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Spanish Edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
El final de la saga Harry Potter, de verdad muy bueno el libro, lo lei en menos de una semana. Entre los puntos positivos el mas destacable: Al fin se devela el misterio Severus Snape (sorprendente!!!!!!!!!), asimismo tiene poco desperdicio, es decir, poco material de relleno como ocurria en ediciones anteriore. La despedida de los Dursley es bien llevada, sin mucho detalle insignificante, muy al grano. Otro punto curioso del libro es que nombra a casi todos los personajes de los anteores, si la memoria no me falla tan solo Gildroy Lockhart, Mirtle La LLorona y Madame Maxime son los no nombrados. Si bien es cierto a muchos de ellos era para tan solo decir: alli estaba Cho sentada.
Tiene sus puntos negativos, entre ellos: demasiadas muertes,algunas innecesarias y sin sentido a la trama. Existe una laguna con Dolores Umbridge, ya que en el sexto libro estaba en San Mugo y en este libro aparece con un alto cargo en el ministerio de magia!!!!!!!! como se recupero???, no menciona nada al respecto. Tambien recuerda al señor de los anillos en uno de sus pasajes cuando habla de que el cargar un Horrocrux en el cuello le producia una sensacion de pesades, desanimo y mal genio a quien lo portara (Ron, Harry y Hermione), lo cual por lo menos a mi me parecio chocante.
Como comentario final, el lirbo tiene un epilogo (no se titula asi), pero deja un buen sabor de boca y sobre todo el penultimo parrafo no deja de sorprenderte.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter y las reliquias de la muerte (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Spanish Edition)



Buy NowGet 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Harry Potter y las reliquias de la muerte (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Spanish Edition)

Read More...

Harry Potter A L'Ecole Des Sorciers (Harry Potter (French)) (French Edition) Review

Harry Potter A L'Ecole Des Sorciers (Harry Potter (French)) (French Edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I took French years ago but like many US citizens, I rarely had the opportunity to actually use even what little I knew. Remembering the old saw that "If you don't use it, you lose it," I tried from time to time to improve my reading skills by taking up a book that I knew I had enjoyed in English. Although still difficult to find, books in French are becoming more common than they used to be and less expensive too. I found this one with little difficulty on Amazon, and have added other books in the language from the site to my wish list.
I was so successful in reading and understanding the simple French of Harry Potter, that I was almost at my normal reading speed. Although there were sentances and phrases that did not always make sense to me, I found that if I pronounced the French words in my mind rather than trying to translate the material into English, I often understood much better. I also found that the next time I ran across a new or difficult word that I had found in one context, I recognized its meaning much more quickly in another. Just as in learning to read English as a young person, I find that reading persistantly is the key to developing a vocabularly.
Though I don't ever expect to be a fluent French speaker and will probably never sit down and write my reviews in any language but English, I really, really, really enjoyed having an opportunity to re-read Harry Potter, this time in French. I recommend the series to parents of children learning to read French and adults who wish to improve their language skills.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter A L'Ecole Des Sorciers (Harry Potter (French)) (French Edition)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter A L'Ecole Des Sorciers (Harry Potter (French)) (French Edition)

Read More...

The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter Review

The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you liked any of the Harry Potter stories even a smidgen, you'll thoroughly enjoy The Seeker's Guide. Well and engagingly written, this book brings together Dr. Geo Trevarthen's vast knowledge of Celtic spirituality, ritual magic, myth, and the timeless themes from spiritual traditions across the globe and through the ages to show us why Rowling's Harry Potter touches us at such a deep level.
Whether you lovingly read every book or just caught the movies, The Seeker's Guide is a delight to read and chock full of fascinating information. It's like getting your own course at Hogwarts -one that reveals how grounded this story is in ancient wisdom and, if we practice, just how we all might live the magical and mythical life.
This is not just a rehash of Potter trivia or play list of characters and events. In this book a respected expert on Celtic shamanism and spirituality, in solid overview and with thorough endnotes, explains how the many details and larger themes in the Harry Potter series are supported by the wisdom teachings of the ages.
The depth of information in the book is nicely balanced by Trevarthen's humor and deep appreciation of Rowling's work. For the spiritual seeker this book is an absolute treasure chest of esoteric wisdom lovingly wrapped up in a delightful "unauthorized course". And if you just plain loved Harry and want to learn more about why that might be, then check out this book.
I highly recommend The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter

The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter offers 'seekers' of all kinds profound and fascinating insights into the narrative themes, symbols and mythic elements encountered in the Harry Potter books. Drawing from diverse spiritual and scholarly sources, it is an open-minded guide to the rich layers of meaning and symbolism we encounter in all seven of the novels.The Seeker's Guide doesn't try to 'read' J.K. Rowling's mind about the symbolism she may or may not have meant to put in the books, but to read the symbols as they appear, with some of the layers of meaning that they have traditionally held. Drawing from anthropology, theology, psychology and the history of the human experience of the Sacred, The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter offers fans of any or no spiritual faith a deeper sense of magic and meaning in the novels and in their own lives.

Buy NowGet 35% OFF

Click here for more information about The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter

Read More...