Book Nerds Across America: Harry Potter

Showing posts with label Harry Potter. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Audiobook review: Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Book Summary
Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

Flo's Review
Carry On has been on my TBR for years. It was gifted to me by one of my Secret Sisters, and I placed it on my shelf with all the best intentions to get to it ASAP. Well...you know how the best laid plans go. Especially when it comes to TBR piles. Fast forward to the announcement of the second book Wayward Son. "I need to read Carry On before Wayward Son comes out!" I told myself. Then fast forward again to the Book Con announcement of Rainbow Rowell's attendance. "Yes!" I said. "Carry On is on my list to read before the beginning of June!"

So...here we are at the end of July, and I've just finished it. Still before Wayward Son, so I'm going to give myself a pat on the back for that. Shout out to the IGGPPC BookWorms for finally getting me to bump this up to the top. I'm so glad I finally read it!

It took me a little bit to get into the story at first. The beginning of the book felt like a huge info dump to me. I think that was unavoidable because we had to be introduced to a new world and a new magic system, so there might not have been any better way to do it. Simon was obsessed with Baz, but unnaturally so, and it didn't read as anything other than weird.

Carry On is divided into several books, and I really started to enjoy the story in Book Two for two reasons. First, the story really came into its own. Up until then, it read as similar to Harry Potter. I didn't mind that so much because I love Harry Potter, but nothing really felt new, storywise. I felt I knew all the characters and the school, etc etc. But with the start of Book Two, the story really took off in directions that are nothing like those in Harry Potter. I really started feeling the story here. Second, my favorite character to read was introduced in Part Two. I don't want to spoil anything about the book, so I won't say who, but guys...my swoony, swoony heart.

One thing I really enjoyed about Carry On was how Rainbow didn't take herself or the story too seriously. It reads like she was just writing to have fun, and this really shines through in her words and her tone. In some ways, it even reads a little bit like a parody. But while the magic spells are just fun -- nursery rhymes and song lyrics -- there is actually a deeper element to it. The magic depends on intention. The magician has to really believe, really feel, really want the spells he is doing. This is a great analogy for life. It's classic Disney: "There can be miracles, if you believe." And because I am a word nerd by profession and hobby, I love the nuances that language, history and language, language and society all have on the magic system.

The reveals were also done really well in this book. It might be the type of situation where people figure out what is actually happening before it's spelled out for the reader, but I never get that stuff, so of course I didn't. How the different characters reveal things in sync with what's happening in the story and with what other characters learn as they learn it was brilliant.

I am so looking forward to Wayward Son! Come on September 24th!

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Audiobook review: The Golden Tower by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

I heart this series so much! And, yes, I am missing the third book. I need to fix that...

Book Summary
The final, thrilling installment in this extraordinary series from bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.

A generation ago, powerful mage Constantine Madden came close to achieving what no magician had ever achieved: the ability to bring back the dead. He didn't succeed . . . but he did find a way to keep himself alive, inside a young child named Callum Hunt.

Facing up to what he is, Callum has battled chaos and evil across four years of magical training at the Magisterium, eventually defeating the armies of chaos in an epic battle.

It came at a cost.

Now, triumphant and heartbroken, Callum Hunt has just about had enough, and is ready to complete his training. But the evil Callum faced has not given up just yet...

Flo's Review
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! It's been 5 books of fun. I feel proud of how the characters have grown, almost as if they are my little brothers and sisters. The Golden Tower found a creative and effective way to both solve a seemingly unsolvable problem and also give the reader all the remaining background information on the events that led up to this series. It was kind of a lot -- there was what seemed like a pretty big reveal in there, but basically nothing came of it. Also, what was the point of including Gwenda? I feel like her only purpose was to -- ahh never mind, I won't say it (minor spoiler), but it's not a big or necessary plot point in the story. Jasper however -- Jasper FTW! I love that crazy little boy.

I found myself getting teary eyed as I listened to the closing scene of the book, which was 100% perfect...
and true to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. That's all I can say about that.

The Magisterium series is such an overlooked gem in middle grade literature. You don't hear much about it, but I simply adore it. I love how it purposely is kind of like Harry Potter, but then is totally not. I love how all the book endings are true to Black and Clare (read: cliffhangers of the "OMG!" variety). I loved this trio of main characters, and some of the supporting ones as well. And when I reached the end of The Golden Tower, I felt the happy combination of satisfied with the ending, curious about what may come, and sad to say goodbye.

Read our reviews of the Magisterium series:

The Iron Trial: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2015/02/the-iron-trial-by-cassandra-clare-and.html

The Copper Gauntlet: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2015/10/the-copper-gauntlet-by-holly-black-and.html

The Bronze Key: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2016/10/the-bronze-key-by-holly-black-and.html

The Silver Mask: http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/2017/10/book-review-silver-mask-by-holly-black.html

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Book review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Book Summary
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 know and love, reading them gives new insight into the wizarding world.

Flo's Review
This was cute. I grabbed it from the library to be my purse read (the book I keep in my purse at all times in case of emergency), and it served the purpose well. I found myself reading wizarding world fairy tales at the car dealership, while waiting for a friend to arrive, and in other random places. I had forgotten that we know the last tale, The Tale of the Three Brothers, from Deathly Hallows, so it was a nice surprise to read that story again.

The other four tales were crafted to sound similar to stories that we Muggle children hear growing up. I thought they were very well done. Of course, I had fun reading Albus Dumbledore's notes and interpretations on the stories as well. These gave this Muggle reader background and context for the Wizard tales, which helped with their enjoyment.

Finally, I love that this book was written as a fundraiser for Lumos. Stories help our children in many ways, and this is just one more.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

Book Summary
The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

Flo's Review
By now, I am sure you have heard a lot of opinions about this one. I finished reading it about a week after its release, but I stopped myself from reading other reviews until I wrote this. My initial thought after reading this was...I liked it....but....

I think I really liked it for nostalgic purposes. I liked seeing Harry and the gang, and what their life looks like now. And I did enjoy reading about Albus, Scorpius and Rose -- though I wish we saw more Rose! But what I couldn't really get behind was the storyline. It just wasn't really sitting with me...it felt very fan fictionish.

There could be several reasons for the disconnect. It is a play and not a novel, so it lacked J.K. Rowling's rich details from the first seven books. Also, it is a play, and maybe I need to actually see it. Maybe when it comes to NYC? (A girl can dream!!)

Overall, I would put myself at a solid 'I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it.' I liked it okay. It made me feel sad at parts and smile at parts. I don't regret reading it, and I definitely would love, love, love to see the play. I'm curious to know what you thought! Please let us know in the comments.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Harry Potter Identity Crisis!

From the very first time I read the Harry Potter series, I always fancied myself a Hufflepuff. I just have that personality, I think. And -- let's be honest -- I really like the idea of being right next to the kitchen. Just saying.

Then Pottermore came along and confirmed what I knew all along: I was a Puff, through and through. This was good because by that point I already owned a Hufflepuff t-shirt, keychain, and other house memorabilia.

A few months ago on #FourDay, when the Insurgent DVD was released, I was sent a set of Fatheads with various Divergent images and sayings. There was a life size Four along with other things. But the one thing that really stuck with me was this simple saying:

This is what I chose to hang on my wall, right above my desk. Not too much later (actually, it might have even been a little before), I got a letter from a friend. She had printed out various Bible verses and quotes, but this was the one that I liked best:

I cut it out and put it in my wallet. It traveled around with me like that for at least a few months.

Now to the crux of this story:

A few weeks ago, when I was in Los Angeles for the Mockingjay Part 2 movie premiere, my friend and I did a tour of the Warner Brothers Studios. They had a lot of really cool things, but my favorite part was all the Harry Potter memorabilia! Clothes and props and books, oh my! I was in magical heaven! One of the things they had was The Sorting Hat. Like the actual hat from the movie. And they had someone working there who sat you down and put the hat on you to let it sort you. So cool! So, of course, I did it, and ......

IT PUT ME INTO GRYFFINDOR! I was sorted in Gryffindor by The hat!!

So, long story short, I am having a huge identity crisis and I don't even know who I am anymore!! (Besides overly dramatic, apparently.) Are the random quotes and pictures about courage and bravery that have recently caught my eye a sign of where I'm truly supposed to be?! Is this my house??

Saturday, February 28, 2015

The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holy Black

Book Summary
Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial.
Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail.
All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him.
So he tries his best to do his worst – and fails at failing.
Now the Magisterium awaits him. It’s a place that’s both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future.
The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come . . .

Flo's Review
I devoured this book in 2 sittings. I've always loved Cassie's writing and Holly's writing, and this book did not disappoint. It has a very Harry Potter-ish type feel, as the first year students are separated into groups with different masters, and especially with the setting and the food. The underground Magisterium just sounds like Hogwarts to me. And I do love the concept that they get lichen to eat every day, but every day it tastes like something different. Call, Tamara and Aaron remind me so much of Harry, Hermoine and Ron, and I love it so much.

The fact that The Iron Trial reminded me of Harry Potter warmed me up to the story immediately, and almost feels like it was done on purpose. I could see that being the case so that the reader will come to expect certain things to happen and then be completely wrong and surprised with what actually happens. This definitely happened to me several times in the story! The letter on the cover of the ARC actually says, "We wanted to tell a story about a protagonist who had all the markers of a hero: tragedy and secrets in his past, magical power. We wanted people to believe they knew what kind of story they were in for. And then we wanted them to be surprised..." Well they definitely did just that! There are so many characters who you think you know, but as you find out more about them, you realize that their stories run deep and there's more in their past than they are making apparent. And the self discovery for some of these kids is on a whole different level!

The groundwork for a fantastic series has been laid. I can't say too much more without giving away any spoilers, but I've already promised a friend who's read the book that we will talking to soon to discuss our possible theories. It is that kind of book.

Jacque's Review

Flo and I were really excited to receive signed copies of The Iron Trial at BEA last year. I knew nothing about this new series except that it was classified as middle grade and it was written by HOLLY BLACK and CASSANDRA CLARE!! I was sold simply by the names of the two authors. I've loved all of their books that I've read, so a collaboration between the two had to be good!

The book is about a group of twelve year old children who compete for admission into the Magisterium. The Magisterium is a school for magic, but most of the parents think their children will be going to a dance school, acting school, etc. Anything except magic. The child must have a known aptitude for magic to even receive an invitation to the trials and only the best are granted admission into this prestigious school.

The majority of the story is about their arrival to the school and their first year of training. Callum Hunt, Aaron Stewart, and Tamara Rajavi all live in the same pod and are being trained by Master Rufus. They are the focus of the story, but we do get to meet several of the other students in their Iron Year...AKA first year.

I agree with Flo that the story definitely has a Harry Potter feel to it with the magic, a special school, and the focus on two male and one female characters. The characters must use the elements of nature as their source of magic. They are taught early on that..."Fire wants to burn. Water wants to flow. Air wants to rise. Earth wants to bind. Chaos wants to devour." They must learn to master and control these elements as part of their training.

There were several surprise revelations the last third of the book that I never would have anticipated. We discover that a few of the characters are more than they appear. Holly and Cassandra didn't leave the readers balancing on the edge of their seats at the end of this book. There was a sense of closure, but I am still anxious to see what they have in store for Call, Aaron, and Tamara in their second year at the Magisterium.

Mary's Review:

For once, I think I'm the odd man out on this book. Although, I didn't hate the book, I'm not in love with it either.

I love the concept of the story and yes there is a 'Harry Potter' feel. I did enjoy the character, but I found part were 'dragging' and a bit boring in the beginning. I didn't like that the parents didn't know where they were going. That seemed weird to me, but I understand the purpose of it. It helps maintain the secret.

I do like the friendships/relationships of the characters. I needed to remember that they were young-kids too (haha!) Now, it DOES pick up towards the end and I now know that there will be several more books.

I've already planned to read the second book, because I know that sometimes the first book is mainly the 'foundation' of the book and it picks up more. I would recommend this book to others who love that Harry Potter type of books.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Flo's Favorite Authors

So a few months ago, Mary suggested that we should all post about our favorite authors. She went first, and then was followed by Jacque a few months later. I actually created my list on some Post Its (the best invention ever -- thank you Romy and Michele!), but have not had the chance to post until now. A few things about this list...first, there is no way I could rank these -- are you kidding me?!?! Second, I decided not to include authors that Mary and Jacque already posted about, though without a doubt I share some from both their lists.

Without further ado...

James Patterson

When I was around middle school age, I really loved reading his suspense novels: Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were two of my favorites. Then, I found myself loving his romance novels: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Sam's Letters to Jennifer, and Sundays at Tiffany's all come to mind. Most recently, I have been obsessed with his YA Maximum Ride novels. He makes the list of my favorite authors for two reasons: first, span of time. I have been reading and loving his books for years. Second, I am in awe with his range of publications. He writes suspense. He writes YA. He writes romance. And he is REALLY GOOD at all of them. My hats off to you, James Patterson. http://jamespatterson.com

Rick Riordan

I was in Kmart one afternoon and for no reason whatsoever decided to buy Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Best random decision ever! From there, my love of audiobooks was cultivated, as I listened to the entire PJO series on CD. I have simply not read many books that were more clever, more action-packed, more heartfelt, all in the same package. I obsessively began following every Percy Jackson Tumblr ever created after that. I also got myself my very own Camp Half Blood t-shirt. The last book in the series, The Last Olympian, was my favorite. I wasn't even sad to see the series end, though, because as soon as I finished I was lucky enough to be able to immediately jump into the Heroes of Olympus series. Of the two that are out so far, one I listens to one and one I read -- both of them I flew through as fast as I possibly could. The third book of that series comes out next month, and Rick is coming to Miami to promote it! I couldn't be more excited to see him in person and get a signed book. Rick Riordan makes my list because of the cleverness of his stories -- the way he ties things together as well as relates them to mythology -- and the pace of his action-packed writing. http://www.rickriordan.com

John Green

I discovered John Green when I decided to download the ebook The Fault in Our Stars to see what all the hype was about. Let me tell you -- much warranted hype! That book was fantastic. I immediately loved the way he created his characters -- flawed, lovable, real. John Green is on this list precisely because he is one of the best, if not the best, creators of character I read. After TFiOS, I picked up Paper Towns and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Both of these books got 5* on Goodreads for me. I cannot wait to read An Abundance of Katherines and Looking for Alaska. http://johngreenbooks.com

Cassandra Clare

Two words: Jace Wayland. Jace was the first of many beautifully broken YA bad boys that I have come to love. I discovered The Mortal Instruments from a girlfriend who is not a big reader. We were in Barnes and Noble, and I was telling her how she HAD to read The Hunger Games. She agreed, and responded that I HAD to read The Mortal Instruments -- which, by the way, is a fun story to try to describe to someone who doesn't know what it is. ("So there are all these different types of paranormal creatures, and this brother and sister who you want to hook up...") Wow. I was blown away by these books, and also by Cassie herself. If you don't follow her on Twitter, you should. She makes my list partly because she is one authors who is most interactive with her fans -- it's fantastic. Not only on Twitter, but also on the Mortal Instruments Google Group, which I participated in for awhile. City of Glass is my favorite of Mortal Instruments books, but I have enjoyed the last two (I know there's some mixed reactions there.) As for the Infernal Devices -- soooo good as well. I love that they are set in London in the early 1900s -- what a great setting! Clockwork Prince was absolutely amazing. Right behind my laptop I have a row of, I guess you can call them, Books of Honor -- these are my absolute favorites. From left to right, they are The Hunger Games trilogy, the Mortal Instruments series, the Hunger Games trilogy again (yes, I have multiples -- don't judge!), and the Twilight saga. http://www.cassandraclare.com/

J.K. Rowling

The year was 1999 and I was facilitating a Secret Santa gift exchange with friends in my college dorm. My Secret Santa gave me a book I had never heard of called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The rest, as they say, is history. I remember my parents were confused and surprised when I pre-ordered The Half Blood Prince, but had to pre-order to their house because when it came out I would be there and not at my current place of residence. I think that was actually the first book I ever pre-ordered. Nowadays, we toss the word EPIC around a lot and very casually, but the Harry Potter series is really, truly EPIC in its truest sense. Like so many of its readers, I really feel like I grew up alongside Harry and his friends and enemies. The books were incredible, the movies were incredible, and years later they are still making impact (re: Pottermore). J.K. Rowling's story is also incredible and truly admirable. The Casual Vacancy comes out next week, and I am really curious to see her write a world beyond Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling makes my list because her books are truly epic. http://www.jkrowling.com/

BONUS

Cheat: Chick Lit

Next to YA, chick lit is my favorite genre, and has been for a long time. All my life I have identified with the trials of women of all ages as they are touchingly and humorously recounted in books that have kept me company during lazy Saturdays at home, sunny days and nights on the beach, or whenever I wanted to relish in the fun and adventure of being female. Honestly, I could make a list just of my favorite chick lit authors, and I thought about it. But while I in no way want to say that all chick lit books are the same, the genre does have a familiarity for me. I could give you a list, but they were all be on the list for the same reason. So, allow me to just name some of my favorites throughout time as my bonus authors: Ann M. Martin, Judy Blume, Francine Pascal, Lauren Weisberger, Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, Sophie Kinsella. Thank you, ladies, for making reading fun and for reminding me of the greatness of being a girl.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Book Nerds for Lent Update

Do you remember our Lent challenges? All of us book nerds were supposed to read the book that had been on our TBR list the longest. I started Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince all the way back then, but I just finished it last week. Yipppeee!!!! I finished all of my challenges!!! It took me a little longer than the rest of the book nerds, but at least I finished :)

While reading the book I thought of a couple of questions I would love your input on.

First, can you think of a series prior to Harry Potter that really appealed to both teens and adults to this magnitude? Since Harry Potter we have had series such as Twilight, The Hunger Games, and The Mortal Instruments, but I can't think of anything prior to Harry Potter.

Finally, what are your thoughts on J.K. Rowling releasing a book for adults? Do you plan on reading it? I most likely will give it a try, but I do have this to say... I tried reading The Host by Stephanie Meyer because I loved the Twilight series. This is her adult series, but I was VERY disappointed. I read the first two chapters and called it quits. It was a very strange sci-fi book, which I had NO interest in. I talked to the other book nerds and they advised me not to continue reading it. I sincerely hope J.K. Rowling will write something that appeals to the fan base she has already established and will not deviate as far as Meyer did.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Notable Quotables: A new meme!

Notable Quotable is a new meme hosted by Bewitched Bookworms. I love it! Basically, a simple & sweet way for us book bloggers to stay connected.

Here's our first quote:

"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape. (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling)

"Stay with me."
"Always."
(Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins)

I know, our first time doing this meme, and we cheated with 2 quotes! Both these books are top of the radar lately, and the use of this one word in both scenes is so extremely powerful and revealing about the characters that utter them. Now anytime I even hear the word, it brings a smile to my face :)
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