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Some useful insights and a decent set of further reading recommendations (particularly of fantasy and children’s fiction that may have influenced or with which the HP series appears to have parallels).There are a few errors (factual and typos) and a lot of references to crap newspaper reviews discussing the ‘phenomenon’ of the series and its potential for longevity in readership. The scholarly analysis is rather limited but it is a decent introduction to some overarching themes in books 1-4.
There were some interesting facts but mainly a dry, boring read. Which is unfortunate, because I read the book in the hopes of getting some ideas or discussion topics for Harry potter week at my library.
I found this in the library by accident. Although it was published so early only to discuss Harry Potter books 1 to 4, it was really interesting to read about both the books, and the novelist, and the impact of the books. It gave me so new good ideas.
a few nice titbits here
Almost like stepping into history - this book was published nearly 20 years ago, during a time where only the first several Potter books had been written. It was fascinating to see a cultural analysis of Rowling's now-classics during the height of their fame. Newspaper excerpts, "current" reviews, a speculation on what perils our heroes were about the face in the coming years, how their stories would wrap up. So interesting!
I found this on the shelf in our library and saw that Philip Nel wrote it. His critiques and analyses of children's literature are interesting and understandable which is why I grabbed it. Because only books 1-4 are covered in this reader's guide, it feels incomplete. The last two chapters I skimmed as well because are somewhat outdated looking at reviews. The copyright is 2001. Of course, if you want a snapshot in the midst of Pottermania, then it gives just that. As in the past, I liked Nel's
It only covers books 1-4, but this is an early attempt by a professor of Children's Literature to examine the literature and cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter. The compendium of reviews he gleans are shocking in their blatant ignorance and the main point that Nel argues forcefully for is that Harry Potter is not solely children's literature, despite prestigious prizes such as the Whitbred designating it as such. The point is only hammered home by the fifth through seventh books, which are defi...
Not sure on this one. I love critical readings of Harry Potter but I feel like this was a bit hit/miss for me. The author bit felt like a wikipedia page, some of the literary analysis was either too in depth (like the prime numbers???) or not in depth enough. This was published when the last three books weren't out so it was nice to see some predictions though.
Interesting analysis of the Harry Potter novels. Although I still don't think they are best written or the best I've read in the genre, I have a new-found appreciation for them.
