"The Tales of Beedle the Bard"

by J.K. Rowling, YR, 2007, 111p, rating=4

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter. (book cover)

I'm reminded again of the awesomeness that is J.K. Rowling!  Of course, wizard kids would have fairy tale stories for bedtime just like the Muggle kids.  Why not?!  So clever Ms Rowling!!  And so this book encases five such wizard fairy tales for us Muggles to enjoy. 

"The Tale of Three Brothers" I vaguely recall was mentioned in one of the Harry Potter books but this time with a bit more detail and wonderful commentary by Albus Dumbledore (the same goes with the other tales).  I have only read the first four books of the Harry Potter series so I'm not sure if the other tales show up on any of the installments (as you may know, I have bad memory!).  Anyway, my favorite was "The Warlock's Hairy Heart" ..tragic but love the moral analogy.

Ms Rowling did the illustrations as well.  Goodness, it there no end to her talent?  I hope not!  Plus, proceeds from the sale of this books goes to Children of High Level Group which Ms Rowling chairs.  So cool!

Thank you Annette for bringing this book to my attention.  :)

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

Harry Potter book #4, by J.K. Rowling, YR, 2009, 734p, rating=5

"Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the Quidditch World Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. Unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal—even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly."  (from cover)

Another awesome installment.  The "3 musketeers" (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) are another year older and wiser.  The adventures becomes bolder and we see the start of teenage romance. 

Here's more random thoughts in no particular order:

• The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher position has a high turnover!
• Thicker book ... more details ... comes together in the end.
• Sirius and Dumbledore could have been written to have helped more, but then Harry wouldn't have grown as much.
• The Harry and Ron's fight ... classic example of what friends go through.
• Hermione's cause, S.P.E.W. (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare) got me thinking ... human injustices can be culturally biased.
• Fight's on ... Voldemort has risen ... one battle down ... more to come ... who will win at the very end? (I can guess who but it's the adventure getting there that seems to be the thrill).
• I thought that the Triwizard Tournament wasn't that exciting ... surprised that it was a fatal potential kind of game.
• Snape ... I don't get you yet!!  Love to hate kind of character, but you turn out to be on the good side so far?
• Starting to get overwhelmed with the tons of new creatures and terms ... but it's not like I'm going to have a test on them, right?

I've been enjoying this series and marvel at Ms Rowling's imagination and gift for captivating.  I can totally see myself being elated if ever I were to be in Ms Rowling's presence!!  :)

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter Book #3, YR, 1999, 435p, rating=5

"During the third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths." (book's summary)

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!!!  Another amazing installment.  I stayed up until the wee hours of the night to finish the book because I just could not put it down!  I am so giddy with joy!!  Aahhhh!!!!

I so want to tell you my specific favorite parts but they're spoilers!  I don't want to ruin the FUN for the two of you out there that still haven't read the book.  Seriously, this is an astonishing series ... and I'm not even half way through all the books!  ~I'm shaking with glee! :)

I will tell you some random things I noticed:

• Harry Potter is growing up and held his own in this book.  He demonstrated initiative and integrity. 
• The zany teachers are a hoot!
• I would think the "scary" creatures would give young readers nightmares but they turn out more of a teaser ... and essential supporting characters.
• The last quarter/third of the book is where things really shake up and get gripping so hold on!!
• Amazing cast of characters and adventures.
• Fun mystery, twists, and developments.
• Sirius Black ... pretty sly Ms. Rowling, pretty sly.
• Heartwarming relationships ... family and friends.
• And the best part ... knock out-warm-fuzzy happy endings. :)

Superb imagination and storytelling Ms. Rowling.  You totally rock!!  Thank you for the spectacular read.  Looking forward to book #4.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Harry Potter book #2, by J.K. Rowling, YR, 2000, 464p, large print, rating=5

"The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike..."  (Goodreads)

Time sure flew by!  I read book one of this series last November at the height of the anticipation of part one of book seven's movie debut.  I loved the first book and was sure to catch up by the time part two rolls around.  Yikes, it's around the corner!  And needless to say, I'm far from being caught up.  But that's okay, I'll eventually complete the series and then watch the film adaptations.  Yes, I have not seen any of the movies.  Honestly, I just didn't think it was my kind of movie.  Anyway, I'm sure that will change because I adore the series so far therefore I look forward to seeing its majesty in film.

Glad I stumbled into the large print of this book.  I found it to be an easier read for my aging eyes, but then the book's a bit heavy on the hands, oh well.  Anyway, another lovely read.  I am definitely understanding the mass hysteria that is the Harry Potter phenomenon.  J.K. Rowling is absolutely brilliant and I anticipate the next installments to be even better!  Such amazing imagination and flow to the adventures that befall Harry and friends.  It's absolutely fun!  Wild characters, exciting escapades, and twisty plots.  Totally scrumptious to my reading eyes!!

What I'm discovering so far is that Harry Potter, the character, is nothing without his supporting characters.  In fact, I think he's rather weak, but throw in friends, enemies, fantastic adventures and Harry Potter becomes amazing.  That's part of Ms Rowling's brilliance ...developing the characters already established and then introduces new ones that you will find essential and by book's end, a fixture to the series as well.  I'm at total awe of this author's talent to captivate. 

This is book two so this follows Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts.  Usually, summer tortures with the Dursley's, then adventurous fight of survival at wizardly school year.  Fun, fun, fun!  Getting to the end was so worth it!  In general, the book could stand alone (it gives a generalized review of book one) and one could be satisfied, yet you can't help but want to know what the next years will bring.  Brilliant, I tell ya, brilliant!

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (Book #1)

by J.K. Rowling, YR, 1997, 309p, rating=5

Last week, I got invited to see the upcoming midnight showing of Harry Potter #7 Part I and got to thinking that I should read the books!  I haven't seen any of the movies ... yes, clips here and there but didn't think anything of it.  WOW WOW WOW!!!  I so totally see all the rave now.  I am happy that I finally started this series.  Although I'd love to see the upcoming movie, I don't want to see any spoilers but rather enjoy reading the rest of the installments and catch up.  So, I'll hold off and see it later.

Ms Rowling surely has an incredible imagination.  She was throwing those adventures left and right as if she was making it up as she went along.  Like when you tell your kids an impromptu bedtime story and the kids eat it all up.  Afterall, there was magic, games, candies, potions, forbidden forest, and on and on and on.  I was eating up this spectacular book!  She must have had fun coming up with those names and terms too.  Hogwarts, Dumbledore, Hufflepuff, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean, Muggles, and tons more.  I loved them!!  And there were all sort of creatures... dragons, centaurs, owls, goblins, rats, etc.  For crying out loud, there's unicorns!  Who doesn't like unicorns?  Of course, the cast of characters were marvelous.  AAAHH, I so enjoyed reading this amazing book and especially how it ended!!

I read this at the perfect time too.  Nothing like reading this in the midst of PMS to make this book even more exciting.  I know, too much information!  It's just that my moodiness went along with the book.  The beginning was so sad, then an adventurous craziness, followed by a very happy ending.  The ending was what sealed the deal for me.  I'm a total sucker for a happy ending with a moral growth building aspect.

If you're one of the seven who has not read this book ...like Nike says, just do it!  I'm having my soon to be 8yo son read it over the minimum week and holiday break.  He's excited.  He actually saw the movie adaptation of this book.  I had to Shhh! a few times because he kept saying things like, "Have you gotten to that part yet when...".  Anyway, a truly must read book.  It was exhilarating!!  :)