The Hottest Book on the Planet launches tonight....

[aabram]

.... The Muggles are already gathering in Princes Street, my daughter and her best friend amongst them, for the 7th Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"....which launches at midnight, GMT +1 We won't be allowed to disturb her for the rest of the weekend as I will be reading my OWN copy! :D

[DaveM]

I wonder how many people are sitting around right now waiting for a peek at the ending?

"ROSEBUD'S A SLED!!!"

[Dee]

There are already scads of alleged ending spoilers circulating on the Internet, Dave. God, I hope that woman's using recycled paper for all these books. I can hear forest upon forest screaming in agony as I type.

:p

[DaveM]

I can imagine....oh, by the way, Kristen shot J.R.

[Dee]

Oh no! I wanted it to be Sue Ellen!

(I've been stuck in that cliff-hanger for decades obviously.)

[Elliott]

She's really a boy!

[aabram]

It was definitely Kristen

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1140972007

for a good article on the subject (new Harry Potter book, not about who shot JR :p ) Do I know this Catherine Abram???? :D She's the one in the witch's hat furthest to the left and her best friend Julia is in the Gryffendor colours. They had fun and she was 8th in the Q...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t305/AnnabelAbram51/en2177potb.jpg

"MUGGLES, half bloods and wizards alike besieged the streets of Edinburgh last night as the most eagerly awaited book launch of all time finally arrived.

Hundreds of readers old and young queued for hours along the Capital's streets, many dressed as their heroes, as the clock counted down to the book going on sale at midnight.

Some had even travelled from around the globe just to be in "Harry's spiritual home".

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last instalment of JK Rowling's series charting the dramatic childhood of the boy wizard, is expected to become the fastest selling book in history.

The strict 12.01am embargo was planned so that none of the suspense was lost for Harry Potter's millions of fans - who were anticipating the death of one of the book's main characters.

Many spent all night glued to the pages of the final book, desperate to find out what becomes of their favourite fictional character.

Catherine Abram, from Wester Hailes, got about a third of the way through the novel overnight, after spending all afternoon yesterday waiting outside Waterstone's on Princes Street.

The 17-year-old was one of the first in the queue at the book shop with her group of friends, who were all clad in witches hats, robes and Harry's trademark stripy scarves.

She said this morning: "It's definitely different to how I expected it to be but doesn't really stray from JK Rowling's style.

"It's not quite like the other Harry Potters though."

As cloaked witches and costumed children could be seen on almost every street corner, one puzzled policeman even referred to the mania as "like an Old Firm match, only in wizard's hats".

In the queues meanwhile, speculation of what twists and turns Merchiston-based author Rowling had in store was frenetic.

At a Deathly Hallows launch party at Blackwell's on South Bridge, children from as far away as America came to enjoy the entertainment and special reading season laid on by the costumed staff.

Even manager James Anderson was caught up in the moment as he said he had "only looked at the first sentence" because he didn't want to spoil if for himself.

He added: "It's quite sad really. We won't see this again. Would the next Dan Brown book bring all this?"

As the crowds continued to grow outside, the first to get his hands on the book was eight-year-old Charlie Clark, who had travelled all the way from Chattanooga, Tennessee. "It's just fantastic," his mother said, "really magical."

Kids and adults talked about why Harry has become so important to them over the years as they waited for their first taste of the last installment.

Margaret Bradey, 61, who had travelled from Dundee, to Harry's "home town" said: "What I love to see is how all these children are wanting to read, it's fantastic.

"Nowadays all we think all they want to do is watch telly and the internet, but no. Miss Rowling is a real hero for all this."

Twelve-year-old Adrian Cuthbertson, from Bannockburn, who was dressed as the young wizard, hoped this wouldn't be the last we see of Harry Potter and his friends.

Lucy Maynard, from Bathgate, who was dressed as Hermione, said there had been a real buzz about her school prior to the launch date.

"All week we have been talking about it. Even my teachers are excited. I really hope Ron and Hermione fall in love," she said.

Rachel Shepherd, 34, from Falkirk, added: "What I love about it is how it brings the kids and the adults together. There are just as many older people here as children. We all read it and enjoy it together."

Face painting classes and palm readings kept anticipation at bay last night in Asda at The Jewel, which also had a special midnight launch, with fans gathering in a dedicated Harry Potter area.

Kevin Gunn, general store manager, said: "There has been so much excitement about the Harry Potter books in recent years, but the interest in this final book has been unprecedented."

But not all book sellers have been as enthusiastic about the launch as many independent stores have been left in the shadow of the supermarket chains who are selling the novel for considerably less than they can afford to.

Donald Grant, owner of Kay's Bookshop in Morningside, said he has never done anything special for the release of new Harry Potter books as he cannot compete in the pricing war.

He said: "I will be selling the book for £12.99 and will satisfy the 73 advanced orders I have, while also having the stock available.

"I took the shop over in 1998 and with each succeeding book my sales have halved because of supermarkets' pricing policy.

"I expect that to carry on and I don't expect to sell any more than 100 copies."

Elaine Henry, owner of Word Power on West Nicholson Street, says she stocks the boy wizard series, but doesn't join the Harry Potter mania "bandwagon".

She said: "We don't go overboard on it.

"It's not our area of specialism and we are so disabled by the big chains and supermarkets in this ridiculous price frenzy that benefits nobody.

"We have had people asking for it so we have some copies reserved, but we sell to customers that want to support independent book shops, even though they know they can get it cheaper elsewhere." "

[Dar]

That has caused this major frenzy?
Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the books, but then I'm a fan of a whole lot of fantasy novels, and many of them are much better written than the Potter series.
Is it just incredible marketing?

I hope all the kids that are so enthralled, and no longer intimidated by big thick books, will take a chance on some others and I hope they have librarians or school teachers who can keep their enthusiasm alive.

Mercedes Lackey
Piers Anthony
Anne McCaffery
Phillip Pullman
Cornelia Funk
Roald Dahl
Robert Asprin
L. Frank Baum
Ruth Plumly Thompson
to name just a few!!!

[aabram]

That has caused this major frenzy?
Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the books, but then I'm a fan of a whole lot of fantasy novels, and many of them are much better written than the Potter series.
Is it just incredible marketing?

I hope all the kids that are so enthralled, and no longer intimidated by big thick books, will take a chance on some others and I hope they have librarians or school teachers who can keep their enthusiasm alive.

Mercedes Lackey
Piers Anthony
Anne McCaffery
Phillip Pullman
Cornelia Funk
Roald Dahl
Robert Asprin
L. Frank Baum
Ruth Plumly Thompson
to name just a few!!!

If Catherine had not got a good grade in Higher English, if she had not heard of most of the authors you mention and if she had been wasting time and money going out and spending what money she doesn't have on rock CDs, then I would agree with you, Dar. But as it is, she has two good Highers, and is now actively seeking employment, although I disagree that she thinks she can only get a part time job with her qualifications, and whilst we are starting to fall out over this one, she will come round eventually.

As for the question of all the hype with the Harry Potter books, take a look at the comments at the bottom of the article on the website, some positive, some negative. Had the comments board still have been open, this is what I would have posted

"For one thing, one allows one's daughter a certain amount of liberty at 17 that you wouldn't have afforded them at the age of 7. Secondly, those of you who have slammed JK Rowling's work as 'a kiddie's book' have no sense of direction as to the plot and its continuation, and you probably didn't read Tolkein's 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy either. In fact, I wonder if anyone agrees with me that these people should learn how to read instead of sitting here making snide comments about what other people (the ones who WENT to school and can actually read) do for fun"

OH I can give as good as I get!!!!!

[DaveM]

To my mind, anything that gets young people to read is good. No one, after all, reads one book, and those who cultivate the habit with Harry Potter just might go on to discover so many other delightful possibilities.

I know parents who read Harry Potter along with their children....not sure who enjoys the experience more, but both, surely, benefit.

I have mentioned William Sleator before on this board and recommend his work without reservation to anyone who might enjoy the Harry Potter books. Sleator refuses to employ "adult language" or obligatory sex scenes to sell to "adult" publishers, so what he has done instead is written book after book of essentially adult stories with young people as characters. They're quite intriguing. One of his early works, "House Of Stairs", ought to be required reading these days....it's one of the creepiest stories ever written, and it's becoming more real every day.

[RedjackRyan]

I must be the only person on the planet who honestly doesn't care for the Harry Potter stuff.

<shrug>

[Dee]

Count me in too, Redjack. Couldn't care less.

Potterheads indeed. Seducing young minds into the black arts – what a proud accomplishment.

zzzzz

[DaveM]

Cap'n--I've never read a word of Harry Potter. But I'll never say a word against anything that encourages young people to read. Well, perhaps the R.L. Stine books, but....oh, never mind....

[Dar]

I don't understand the tone of your post. Did you think that my comments about Pottermania were directed at you or your daughter personally? They most certainly were not. Plus I wasn't dissing the book just pondering the excessive attention.

I was simply posing a general question about what people thought IN GENERAL were the reasons that the Potter books have been such an incredibly huge success. I SAID I'm a huge fan. I preordered my book from my local shop months ago, I guess just because I could. It's a funny thing. There are plenty of authors whose work I follow and purchase religiously. But I don't generally preorder, I just check in when I make my weekly pilgrimages, to see if the new ones are in.

What exactly did I say that led you to write >>If Catherine had not got a good grade in Higher English, if she had not heard of most of the authors........then I would agree with you, Dar.<< I certainly didn't slam it as a kiddie's book, and as a matter of fact I have read Tolkein at least a dozen times. What was there to agree or disagree with?????

peace my friend

[Chet]

*peeking out*

I've never read a word of any of the Potter books either. Altho I did watch a bit of the first movie, and liked it for having some of the older British stars in it. That was the only thing I liked about the movie.

I suppose PotterMania can be likened to the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fandoms where fans dressed up to go and see the premieres. I have friends who did that for the latter.

*back into my closet*

[Darlene]

Well guys I hate to admit it but I love the Potter books, and have read everyone of them. I feel the older ones were more entertaining but Harry does have to grow up. So there is some very naive sexual behavior starting to happen. It is really cute, I think we were beginning to start exploring at age nine or ten the sexual behavior that is taking place in the book as the gang becomes teenagers.
I love the early feel good stories how poor Harry had to live with his aunt and uncle who treated him horribly. Then the people from Hogwarts's come and rescue Harry for at least the school year but alas he has to return to his aunt and uncle's only to be treated worse. I admit it, I love Harry Potter!
Peace, Darlene

[Agnes]

I have enjoyed reading the Potter-books and I think Rowling has done a nice job (and in such a short time, I might add - a book a year is quite an accomplishment). However, I wouldn't dream of comparing them to Anne MacCaffrey's Pern books! Those cover the whole spectrum of emotions and possible situations in life, good and bad, and Anne makes you experience those emotions as a reader. (Her son does a good job too, btw.) In comparison, I find Rowling's writing rather 'flat', multi-layered though her books are.

Just my two cents.


Oh, and Dar, have you read anything by Juliet Marillier? Try if you haven't!

[paularoid]

.... The Muggles are already gathering in Princes Street, my daughter and her best friend amongst them, for the 7th Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"....which launches at midnight, GMT +1 We won't be allowed to disturb her for the rest of the weekend as I will be reading my OWN copy! :D
And yet even with all the "hoopla" and the fact that this book broke all sales records of its kind, just as many if not more adults buy and read it than kids, it will NOT appear on the New York Times best seller list,..... because it's a "kid's book".

FYI, I've seen all the movies except for the latest, but I have yet to read one of the Harry Potter books. I can tell right now that for me it makes a better movie than it would make a book for reading. I will NOT knock the books or anyone's desire to read them. I applaud anyone at any time that wants to read them. It was thought that this series of books would bring about a "reading revolution" so to speak with the younger set, but indeed what happened instead was that the younger set really hasn't increased their reading nearly as much as the adults because of it. I imagine that may due to the parents reading it to the kids. <shrug> Either way is fine by me. The important part is that it has indeed increased the reading ability of at least one group be it children or adult.

[RedjackRyan]

Cap'n--I've never read a word of Harry Potter. But I'll never say a word against anything that encourages young people to read. Well, perhaps the R.L. Stine books, but....oh, never mind....

I'll grant you that Dave, anything that gets folks to read is a good thing in my opinion.

[Darlene]

Hay Agnes am ashamed to say I don't even about those authors Anne MacCaffrey or Juliet Marillier. But you can rest assured I will. For the life of me can't remember right now the author. But there are a load of books, some great some not so great. But I love the setting. The Darkover series. The books sure made me wish I had red hair was an offspring of ancient astronauts with wonderful crystal tuned into you and only you.......
Peace, Darlene

[aabram]

And yet even with all the "hoopla" and the fact that this book broke all sales records of its kind, just as many if not more adults buy and read it than kids, it will NOT appear on the New York Times best seller list,..... because it's a "kid's book".

FYI, I've seen all the movies except for the latest, but I have yet to read one of the Harry Potter books. I can tell right now that for me it makes a better movie than it would make a book for reading. I will NOT knock the books or anyone's desire to read them. I applaud anyone at any time that wants to read them. It was thought that this series of books would bring about a "reading revolution" so to speak with the younger set, but indeed what happened instead was that the younger set really hasn't increased their reading nearly as much as the adults because of it. I imagine that may due to the parents reading it to the kids. <shrug> Either way is fine by me. The important part is that it has indeed increased the reading ability of at least one group be it children or adult.

I was brought up with Tolkein's 'Lord of the Rings'.... The Harry Potter books are much easier to read and just as fun. I'm still getting things out of LOTR which I missed on an earlier reading. So it is the same with Harry Potter. Catherine is on her (I think it's 5th, but don't quote me on that) time of reading it, and she is getting just as much pleasure out of it as on her first time of reading it. After all, sales like that mean we can't all be wrong :rolleyes:

[Dar]

Darwoods...that's the author whose name you couldn't recall.
I LOVE all the Darkover books. Marion's successor who has continued the stories is doing a good job holding to the sensibilities and style of MZB.

I would highly HIGHLY recommend anything my Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey to you, if you are a fan of MZB. She's sorely missed here in Berkeley.

[aabram]

Dar that's fine, you read what you want to read. I tried to read and listen to music and at the same time last night... dismal failure. I'm still not sure if that can be done yet, particularly if the music you're trying to listen to is Janis.

[Agnes]

Dar, you beat me to it!! (Good to see you posting, btw) MZB is amazing too :) Heavens, so many fabulous authors... No wonder my book shelves are loaded to the point of breaking. :D

[Darlene]

Thank you Guys for helping me out with MZB (I wonder if she had red hair?)! I have had so many things going on right now that I am lucky to remember my own name. Laugh!
Peace, Darlene

[aabram]

I don't understand the tone of your post. Did you think that my comments about Pottermania were directed at you or your daughter personally? They most certainly were not. Plus I wasn't dissing the book just pondering the excessive attention.

I was simply posing a general question about what people thought IN GENERAL were the reasons that the Potter books have been such an incredibly huge success. I SAID I'm a huge fan. I preordered my book from my local shop months ago, I guess just because I could. It's a funny thing. There are plenty of authors whose work I follow and purchase religiously. But I don't generally preorder, I just check in when I make my weekly pilgrimages, to see if the new ones are in.

What exactly did I say that led you to write >>If Catherine had not got a good grade in Higher English, if she had not heard of most of the authors........then I would agree with you, Dar.<< I certainly didn't slam it as a kiddie's book, and as a matter of fact I have read Tolkein at least a dozen times. What was there to agree or disagree with?????

peace my friend

But the critics at the end of the Evening News Article did. I aimed my last paragraph at those critics

I also read the above post again and realised why you think what I said could have been directed at you, but I must first of all point out that none of it was directed specifically at you but at the people who moan and groan at teenagers and adults having fun with Pottermania. Isn't this also the same with Janismania???? That we all have someone who's work we absolutely love and would move heaven and earth to get to see or go to a book launch, and that none of this is wrong. The sceptics however seem to think it is and isn't it true to say we should just ignore them and keep on keeping on???? :)

I don't think anyone on this Board would argue with the attention we all give Janis, do you?????....So why is it any different when it's Harry Potter or anyone else we like?

lol Annabel

[DaveM]

Marion Zimmer Bradley ran her own small-circulation magazine for some years--did anyone ever actually subscribe to it? I recall submitting some of my own rather pitiful attempts and science fiction and receiving personal notes and comments from MZB herself, though she never did see fit to publich anything (probably just as well). A remarkable human being--and not merely for literary talent.

[Dar]

She was a terrific woman Dave and is very much missed in the Berkeley book scene. I hope you saved those personal notes. I can't imagine you wouldn't.

I have a couple personal notes from Anne McCaffery that I really cherish.

[DaveM]

Oh yes--they're around somewhere. I have a filing cabinet full of miscellany from my literary adventures. Really should sort through it all one of these days.

[hoops]

i started enjoying harry potter when i lived with a librarian. we would listen to his books on tape. the reader had the perfect voice and the stories just made me want to hear more. eventually i started reading them and tho i'm not a pottermaniac, i really enjoy the books, books on tape and the movies.
peace
hoops

[aabram]

i started enjoying harry potter when i lived with a librarian. we would listen to his books on tape. the reader had the perfect voice and the stories just made me want to hear more. eventually i started reading them and tho i'm not a pottermaniac, i really enjoy the books, books on tape and the movies.
peace
hoops

The films are lots of fun as well :)

[paularoid]

.....and thought it was wonderful. Now that it's all over with I'm wanting the rest of the story. Unfortunately I believe this is the last of the films because the actors are too old for the story. :(

Am I considered to be too old to have an infatuation for Emma Watson? :D Ah if I were but 30 years younger..... <chuckle> In reality if I were 30 years younger I'd have the ability to make an even bigger fool of myself than I do now. <snicker>

I LIKE being a "dirty ol' man". :D


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