As you should have all heard about by now, it's going to be a JK Rowling summer. There's the release of the movie The Boy and the Order of the Phoenix this week, and next is the The Boy Who Lived and the Deathly Hallows which is supposed to wrap up the series. Be sure to listen for the wailing and gnashing of teeth of millions of kids (and adults). It's bound to happen.
Just as a disclaimer, yes, I've read all the books. I started reading them before the first movie after having them recommended to me by a friend (hi, Mike, if you're reading this). I'll probably get the next one as well (but not on the first night). No, I don't care if you spoil it for me, I'll still read it. I'll also probably see the movie while it's still in the theater (a rare event) and I'll probably also get the DVD (I own all the others). But pretty much, the majority of this month will belong to JK. She'll be in everybody's headspace until school starts.
If Harry lives, or retains his magic, it can only be so JK can continue the series. If Snape doesn't pull a Darth Vader, I'll also be surprised. She has promised us Dumbledore won't pull a Gandalf and come back, and while I don't 100% believe her, I'll take her at her word (after all, Harry's mother is still protecting him against all but He Who Must Not Be Given Water After Midnight, since he was recreated with Harry's blood, which, well, you know). I also expect to see Neville play a big role in bringing down You Know Whom. Now, if Ron or Hermione bite it, I'll be pissed (I've been rooting for those two to get together since Chamber). If Harry makes it (sans magic or not) I expect Ginny to play a big role in his life afterward.
So, as you can see, at 41 I'm a total dork. Deal with it. JK (despite her protest against writing "fantasy") writes well and created an industry. She's pushed the boundary into getting YA to read YA farther that Terry Pratchet (another author I need to start reading) and Philip Pullman (whom I have read) could have by their selves. With every book she leaves adults puzzled, thinking, "I never would have thoughts kids would read (fill in blank)." And she's pissed off the conservative evangelicals (which gets big props from me) and gotten away with it.
It's now mid July, "Fire in the hole!"
5 comments:
I'm enjoying your unabashed enthusiasm, Steve.
I thought it was more of a warning. As in, OMG here it comes. Everybody duck!
I love that series and definitely plan to see the movie in the theaters as well as get the book pronto. Your prognostications are fascinating. We will have to compare notes again after we read the last book.
The creativeness of the story and the dotty alternative-universe-here-on-earth that it presents makes me adore it. I applaud JK for writing something that so many people want to read.
Yes, greenyflower, I am glad they got published. They are very excellent. She gets the fantastical stuff wrong, sometimes, but good writing, good story, and good buzz. All of it put together, I hope I get a tenth of what she accomplished done with my books. They'll be successful beyond my dreams if they do.
Hell, I hope I get it together enough to just WRITE a book before all is said and done!
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