As I mentioned yesterday one of my favourite series of all time is Harry Potter, both for the great story they provide and for the friendships they have provided me with. I had written that post before the excitement caused by the Pottermore website earlier this week and I am going to be featuring all things Potter over the next few weeks as I re-read all the books before the release of the final movie. Today I will be talking about the first book (which I just finished) but first I wanted to point you to a series of posts done by Matt Bird at Cockeyed Caravan on the Harry Potter books. Matt outlines what was good and what could/should have been done differently in the books if he had had a chance. It is a highly interesting read. Here are the links:
Thoughts on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Now on to my thoughts on the first book, the book that started it all (you can read my review of the audio version here).
Overall I love the innocence of this book and generally I have few issues with it. It is a strong opening to the story. There is however one thing that has bothered me for AGES and that is the scene at Kings Cross Station when Harry meets the Weasley’s for the first time. Let’s take a look at the part that bothers me:
At that moment a group of people passed just behind him and he caught a few words of what they were saying.
“—packed with Muggles, of course—“
Harry swung round. The speaker was a plump woman who was talking to four boys, all with flaming red hair. Each of them was pushing a trunk like Harry’s in front of him—and they had an owl.
Heart hammering, Harry pushed his cart after them. They stopped and so did he, just near enough to hear what they were saying.
“Now, what’s the platform number?” said the boys’ mother.
“Nine and three quarters!” piped a small girl (91-92)
Now we know, from further on in the book, that the boys have two older brothers who have already graduated so Mrs. Weasley should have already done this drop off several times (10 to be exact as Bill was at Hogwarts 1982-1990 and this first book takes place in 1991-1992 (source HP Lexicon)). Plus she herself was a student at Hogwarts, why would she have to ask which platform the train was leaving from? I just. don’t. get. it.!
One thing I really love about this book is the description of the food at the opening feast. I recall reading somewhere that Rowling always felt that descriptions of food was left out of books and that is why she includes it, and as a foodie I have to say, I approve. Although it always makes me super hungry
Reading Up-date
Well, as I mentioned, I’ve finished the first book today. My reading speed isn’t great, mostly because I have a couple of other books I need to finish as well. I am going to need to start reading a bit faster if I want to finish in time for the final movie so the goal for this week is to get through The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban as well as making some headway in The Goble of Fire. I have two days off work mid week, plus I’m working evening two days so I am hoping to get some good reading in.
Copyright ©2011 Zee from Notes from the North. This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.
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2 comments:
I always read that as Mrs. Weasley testing to see whether her children knew what platform number it was
or perhaps it was a mistake
You are very ambitious! I had the same challenge for myself, but I started it quite a while ago! I'm actually listening to the audiobooks this time, and loving that. Very excited when I picked up BOOK 7 at the library yesterday! It will happen, for sure. I can't wait to check out the links you posted...
Enjoy!
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