NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2004-12-21-potter-qa_x.htm

That is cool. I do wonder what is next?
Voldemort is free and gaining power. The Twins have a joke shop that is becoming popular.
So think there is a way to save Harry's Godfather? I mean he was trapped in that mirror thing but it might be possible...

Supposedly, this one will be much shorter--thus breaking the lengthening streak--and have another major character die. >_> I hope it's not Hermione; she and Harry deserve to be married for life.

They should do one where he gets clamydia and goes on a quest to find the spell to cure it.

That'd be sick.

God, you people need to read some more literature if you're excited about Harry Potter. Read the Shannara series by Terry Brooks; it's awesome and still growing. David Eddings and Orson Scott Card aren't half-bad either, if I must say so myself. And read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. There are so many better works of fiction out there, and you people just don't see it.

The Lord of the Rings books sucked. Boring as hell.

Hey, hey, hey, we know there's a lot of other fiction out there, but it's not necessarily better; just so you know, I was an avid Shannara reader for years before I'd even heard of Harry Potter. I hadn't heard about it till my dad was buying the Goblet of Fire for my sister.

The Lord of the Rings books sucked. Boring as hell.
In my opinion, anyone who says that just isn't intelligent enough to enjoy it.

I'd just like to mention, in case J.K. Rowling happens to have a Nation-State, that I have a great idea for the seventh installment called Harry Potter and the Hostage Situation, or possibly Harry Potter and the Montana Militia

Nah; the seventh book is probably going to be about 1500 pages long due to all that will occur in it, so those titles aren't all that great. Though it would be awesome if she did have a NationState; I heard Terry Brooks has one.

Well, good 4 her shes making a lot of money out of it. Harry'd godfather can't come back if u had read the book u would understand. Glad 2 hear it could be shorter. I would read Lord of the rings but it is to dam hard to read i have tried 4 times now. films ar very good

They should do one where he gets clamydia and goes on a quest to find the spell to cure it.

That'd be sick.
In more ways than one.

Hey, hey, hey, we know there's a lot of other fiction out there, but it's not necessarily better; just so you know, I was an avid Shannara reader for years before I'd even heard of Harry Potter. I hadn't heard about it till my dad was buying the Goblet of Fire for my sister.
Well, it may not necessarily be better, but it most certainly is better. And I don't think that can even be considered subjective. I regard that as an objective fact. And if you hadn't heard of Harry Potter until the Goblet of Fire, than you seriously need to actually get out of bed once in a while. That's just pathetic. And if you've read both Shannara and Harry Potter and think that the latter is superior...well, then may God have mercy on your soul.

i find great comfort in knowing that the 6th is supposed to be shorter...i read halfway though the 5th and decided to stop cuz it was boring and too long. so...
DEAR J.K. ROWLING,
HERE'S A FORMULA THAT YOU CAN FOLLOW TO GET ME TO READ THE 6TH BOOK:
HARRY POTTER 6-ABOUT 300 PAGES+LOVE INTEREST BETWEEN HARRY AND HERMIONE=A GREAT BOOK

God, you people need to read some more literature if you're excited about Harry Potter. Read the Shannara series by Terry Brooks; it's awesome and still growing. David Eddings and Orson Scott Card aren't half-bad either, if I must say so myself. And read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. There are so many better works of fiction out there, and you people just don't see it.

having read all of the series you are discussing I would agree that Tolkien is great literature, but I think Harry Potter is a more interesting story than Shannara. Didn't much care for the Eddings books, but Orson Scott Card is a great writer.

But Terry Pratchett is better than all of them (what a wonderful place Discworld is)

Supposedly, this one will be much shorter--thus breaking the lengthening streak--and have another major character die. >_> I hope it's not Hermione; she and Harry deserve to be married for life.

Hermione won't die, and JKR has already hinted at the fact that Hermione and Ron will be together. Harry, I believe, will go for Luna or Ginny. I actually believe that Dumbledore will die toward the end.

All of these people complaining about long books is just...just disheartening. Sometimes a book should be cut down simply because the author is drawing it out too long, but that has nothign to do with you impatient people who just get bored. You poor, poor fools.

It'll probably be a good read. You know my son who was 14 at the time the last book was released went through it in one weekend without stopping.

true true but the lenght doesnt matta look at lord of the rings thats 3 books + dam hard 2 read + da best piece of English lit that i no

Well, it may not necessarily be better, but it most certainly is better. And I don't think that can even be considered subjective. I regard that as an objective fact. And if you hadn't heard of Harry Potter until the Goblet of Fire, than you seriously need to actually get out of bed once in a while. That's just pathetic. And if you've read both Shannara and Harry Potter and think that the latter is superior...well, then may God have mercy on your soul.
I hadn't heard of Harry Potter till then because I don't pay attention all that much to the media regarding popular books and the like. And I DO NOT consider Harry Potter superior to the Shannara novels; in fact, I refuse to compare them because I see them as different types of fiction. If I had to though, yes the Shannara novels would be better. >_>

It'll probably be a good read. You know my son who was 14 at the time the last book was released went through it in one weekend without stopping.

I went through it in 12 hours.

I hadn't heard of Harry Potter till then because I don't pay attention all that much to the media regarding popular books and the like. And I DO NOT consider Harry Potter superior to the Shannara novels; in fact, I refuse to compare them because I see them as different types of fiction. If I had to though, yes the Shannara novels would be better. >_>

Shannara is a rewrite of LOTR....Nothing original about them!

Neva read it so cant comment but Lord of the rings film are very good. Every one has a different view just let it b because shes is makin alot of money i wouldnt mind havin done that myself

Shannara is a rewrite of LOTR....Nothing original about them!
Have you read ANY of them at all?! You must be a complete dumbass if you had and still think that they're a rewrite of LOTR. They are so far from that that it's not even funny.

but I think Harry Potter is a more interesting story than Shannara.
Don't touch me (http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3?date=2000-01-26&res=l)!

But Terry Pratchett is better than all of them (what a wonderful place Discworld is)
I've been meaning to read him, but haven't gotten to it yet.

Have you read ANY of them at all?! You must be a complete dumbass if you had and still think that they're a rewrite of LOTR. They are so far from that that it's not even funny.
The first few chapters have so many parallels it's not even funny...I couldn't get past it. Harry Potter definitely keeps you reading and it's an original idea.

I went through it in 12 hours.


7 hours, 22 mins. Not that it's a competition or anything though... sort of like people's opinions about what constitutes "good" or "better" fiction.

Shannara is a rewrite of LOTR....Nothing original about them!
Have you actually read the Shannara series?

One word:
Dune.

i dont care books are books people have different view + tastes get over it

One word:
Dune.
Yes, Dune by Frank Herbert is awesome. But all other books in the series get worse. Not bad, per se, but not nearly as good.

Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve isn't bad

If ya'll want to read a good series, Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time!

Also, if you like alternate history novels, I would recommend just about any of Harry Turtledove's works.

Stephen King books are quite good

woteva serious books are books at the end of the day big deal u read + u dont its up 2 u wot u read so :D dont u people read sci-fi , fantasy etc they r JUST BOOKS get over it

Stephen King books are quite good

It's all about fantasy novels!!

It's all about fantasy novels!!
And some science fiction.

And some science fiction.

Depends on the author. I like Tad Willliams's Otherland....

Hermione won't die, and JKR has already hinted at the fact that Hermione and Ron will be together.
Aaah now thats just plain wrong. I know it was hinted at in the last movie as well but it's still wrong. Hermione should get together with Snape.

Harry, I believe, will go for Luna or Ginny. I actually believe that Dumbledore will die toward the end.
I think Draco is more his type.

If you like Harry Potter, then you'll love my country! Visit Hogwarts Nation (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=hogwartsnation)

If you realy want to read a real edge of your seat thriller, you need to read "Criminal Procedure" by Joel Samaha. It is about 900 Pages of rivetting case studies and Procedural Law. I give it both thumbs up. A real nail biter!

Hermione and Harry should be married forever

She likes Ron. Ron likes her. I think. Anyway, a romantic relationship is more obvious between them than Harry and Hermione. You have read the books, right?

To everyone who thinks Harry Potter is boring: I take it you don't read much of anything, do you? That's the thing I like about the Harry Potter books, they're some of the most interesting books out there. They keep you riveted through the entire thing. There are very few books out there I've read that are better at keeping you glued to the pages and immersed in the world of the book.

She likes Ron. Ron likes her. I think. Anyway, a romantic relationship is more obvious between them than Harry and Hermione. You have read the books, right?
Bah!!! Ron should get together with aunt Petunia. And Hermione with either Snape or Filch.

To everyone who thinks Harry Potter is boring: I take it you don't read much of anything, do you? That's the thing I like about the Harry Potter books, they're some of the most interesting books out there. They keep you riveted through the entire thing. There are very few books out there I've read that are better at keeping you glued to the pages and immersed in the world of the book.
I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.

I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.
Actually I read quite a bit, but it's nice every once in a while to read a book that is easy and fast to read, but still has a good story. That's why I like them. You mentioned the Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit before. Also great books which I've read multiple times. I like a wide variety of books.

That is cool. I do wonder what is next?
Voldemort is free and gaining power. The Twins have a joke shop that is becoming popular.
So think there is a way to save Harry's Godfather? I mean he was trapped in that mirror thing but it might be possible...
he was killed, the mirror is some sort of portal

I always have to listen to people brag about reading "an entire Harry Potter book in one day." Harry Potter is a book meant for 10 year olds, it should be read by 5 year olds, but is considered a "literary classic." Obvisouly the US and Britain are rapidly declining, but this is proof of it.
And then people read the pathetic clones like "Eragon"(which is the product of a bourgeios libertarian Jesus freak). I hate these books becuase they are hailed as "genuis", but are really just plagarized from Tolkien's books, and the various mediaval legends.
(note I didn't write this article, but I do agree)

http://s4.invisionfree.com/Creo_Tellus/index.php?showtopic=124
Completely untrue. The Harry Potter books are one of those rare peices of literature that are suitable AND attractive to all ages, or else why would they be so popular? It's because they're good, moron.
Gnostikos, let me say this: The Harry Potter books are just another peice of good literature; don't condemn people because they like them.

he was killed, the mirror is some sort of portal
Well the chamber it was in is called the chamber of death. So it sort of speaks for itself.

Look, there are a vast variety of different literatures, and condemning JK Rowling as a coffee house whore for writing some decent books shows that you have no tolerance for anything below your incredible standards, not to mention that you're a stuck-up prick who can only insult people.
I'm not saying that the novels are comparable to these works; I'm just saying that on their own right they are quite good.

Shannara is a rewrite of LOTR....Nothing original about them!

my opinion exactly as far as the Sword of Shannara goes (which I happen to be rereading right now... first read it when it came out back when I was in high school in the 1970s), although the other books were far less derivitive

I prefer Saberhagens Empire of the East and the Book of Swords (and the sequels) to Shannara any day....

Harry Potter is a far more interesting and less derivitive universe, and the story is very well told with a lot of humor

All I can say is, if reading "great" and "literary" books hasn't given you the capacity to write a grammatically correct response, then you're better off reading trashy romance novels. Not that I don't adore a good trashy romance, just not for its literary value. Dead white males are all well and good, but broaden your tolerance and lower your standards and appreciate all that you've been missing.

Tolstoy is only read by a select audience, but is considered some of the greatest writters of all time. Plato, Dostovesky, and Huxley are brillant authors. And to compare them to that coffee shop whore is insulting to literature.
"If a book appeals to a mass auidence, it has failed."
-Someone said that, I think it was Aldous Huxley, I forgot now..

the art of communication is reaching your audience... and great storytelling shouldn't be for just the elite....

many people consider the Iliad the best piece of story telling in Western Civilization... and many people read it well into this century.

I like Tolstoy myself, but I firmly disagree with the quote.....

if you tell a story and no one is interested, how good a story it is doesn't matter too much...

LOL

Somebody got pwned.

Whoever said that might as well compared the Cat in the Hat to Tolstoy.

although a lot more people have read "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham" than Tolstoy

and all three books have a moral and memorable characters

having read all of the series you are discussing I would agree that Tolkien is great literature, but I think Harry Potter is a more interesting story than Shannara. Didn't much care for the Eddings books, but Orson Scott Card is a great writer.

But Terry Pratchett is better than all of them (what a wonderful place Discworld is)
Getting into this debate here, I must say that I hate fantasy/science fiction. It isn't really my type of thing. But Harry Potter is different. You see, it speaks to a large number of people. It taps into very deep emotions, and it is easy to read. I respect the fact that Gnostikos finds it boring, but why be condecending about it? In the world of fantasy/science fiction, this came outta left field: a fantasy book with seemingly real characters, real situations (and not just those encoded in symbolism, although they do exist), even a real (and modern) setting.

Stephen King books are quite good
Yes they are. I'm about halfway through The Stand, although it took me since July to get there (I don't have time to read during the schoolyear). Anyhow, it has been a page-turner ever since I first opened it, although I'm unfortunatly at that part that appears in every book: the part somewhere in the middle where it gets very slow and boring.

JKR has to be applauded for getting so many people reading books again, even if they are crap.

Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy (Northern lights, the subtle knife and the Amber spyglass) are far superior and more exciting than any Harry Potter story.

JKR has to be applauded for getting so many people reading books again, even if they are crap.

Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy (Northern lights, the subtle knife and the Amber spyglass) are far superior and more exciting than any Harry Potter story.
Too many questionable moral characters in Pullman's books I found. Ciggarate smoking kids? Sheesh!

Harry Potter has much more magic, mystical elements, and characters that are deep I found.

Too many questionable moral characters in Pullman's books I found. Ciggarate smoking kids? Sheesh!
so when you select a book you search for a denial of reality?
besides, when did smoking cigarettes become a product of bad morals?

so when you select a book you search for a denial of reality?
besides, when did smoking cigarettes become a product of bad morals?
Underage smoking is illegal thus low moral capacity.

And no but I like to have reasonably moral people. I have no problem with a few faults but I just don't like smoking.

well not all laws are moral...

Too many questionable moral characters in Pullman's books I found. Ciggarate smoking kids? Sheesh!

Harry Potter has much more magic, mystical elements, and characters that are deep I found.


Deep Characters?????????

Pullman at least gives kids credit for being able to cope with real faults and moral dilemas, JK just rehashes LOTR type characters and gives them a magical setting.
As for bad morals in a book, read the bible and get all the bad morals you desire ;)

Deep Characters?????????

Pullman at least gives kids credit for being able to cope with real faults and moral dilemas, JK just rehashes LOTR type characters and gives them a magical setting.
As for bad morals in a book, read the bible and get all the bad morals you desire ;)
Name some LOTR characters in Harry Potter?

Harry Potter is good fiction in my opinion. Of course, theres other good things besides fiction as well. Whatever happened to Tom Swift?

I respect the fact that Gnostikos finds it boring, but why be condecending about it?
Oh, I do not find Harry Potter to be boring, per se. It's just that there are so many better books out there and people don't realise it. Or they're just too impatient to enjoy the really good ones. It's kind of like with The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Sure, it might've been an interesting book, but it was terribly written and rife with clichés. Some people praise it as a well-written book, but it really was the quality of a really cheap mystery novel, just with some interesting facts put in there.

Sirius could always come back as a ghost maybe.

I've read the shannara series too, they arent that bad, LOTR is very good too. But i still like HP, im interested to see in how the story unfolds.

Tolstoy is only read by a select audience, but is considered some of the greatest writters of all time. Plato, Dostovesky, and Huxley are brillant authors. And to compare them to that coffee shop whore is insulting to literature.
"If a book appeals to a mass auidence, it has failed."
-Someone said that, I think it was Aldous Huxley, I forgot now..
Ah, the great intellectual wanker. Yes, tell us how clever you are...

"Harry Potter" mayn't be the end-all, be-all of literature. But then academics and so-called intellectuals think Foucault ("Discipline and Punish") is brilliant. Clever man, yes, but couldn't write to save his life. The act of obfuscation is not the same as an act of literary genius.

Is JK Rowling a genius? No. Has she written novels that are interesting to a broad spectrum of society? Yes. Have those works convinced young people to read more? It seems so. She did well for herself, didn't she? Well, yes. Perhaps the right book at the right time? Certainly. Still, the books are enjoyable. They may not be Kafka, Ulysses, Homer, Dante, Céline (a prick, but an influential author), etc., but they're pleasing to read nonetheless.

Your infantile pseudo-intellectual wanking doesn't make you superior, just a tosser. So go back to your Bourdieu or who knows what the hell else or learn to behave like a gentleman/-woman.

OH EM GEEEEE,
i <3 harry potter ^_^
its the most awesome thing on the planet and i can't wait till it comes out WOOP.

OH EM GEEEEE,
i <3 harry potter ^_^
its the most awesome thing on the planet and i can't wait till it comes out WOOP.


Odd. Oh... thats a heart. I was wondering. This is kind of spam now. Oh well. Sue meh!

runs off hoping nobody thought he was telling the truth about the sue me part

JK Rowling's works are a fun good read. It's not meant to plumb the dark depths of the human soul no more than Tolkien. The books are written so a child can enjoy them or an adult (who should read whatever their kids are reading). This is how I got into reading the series.

Also in the books are great lessons on friendship and courage, as well as class, social, and racial intolerance. I suspect that most of the Rowling haters are more hung up on the morals evident in the books than any subjective literary standard. ;)

Oh, I do not find Harry Potter to be boring, per se. It's just that there are so many better books out there and people don't realise it. Or they're just too impatient to enjoy the really good ones. It's kind of like with The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Sure, it might've been an interesting book, but it was terribly written and rife with clichés. Some people praise it as a well-written book, but it really was the quality of a really cheap mystery novel, just with some interesting facts put in there.
Well, to put in into your language, people like to read a trashy novel now and then, especially one they can relate to.

JKR has to be applauded for getting so many people reading books again, even if they are crap.

Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy (Northern lights, the subtle knife and the Amber spyglass) are far superior and more exciting than any Harry Potter story.
While he was good, I found him to be too dark for a children's book. He also seemed a little too political. But they did do good.

Well, to put in into your language, people like to read a trashy novel now and then, especially one they can relate to.
The problem I have is when people read those and say that they're really good compared to the far superior other novels.

*pre-emptively bans it from his nation* :P

JKR has to be applauded for getting so many people reading books again, even if they are crap.

Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy (Northern lights, the subtle knife and the Amber spyglass) are far superior and more exciting than any Harry Potter story.
I have to agree, Potters okay for a light read, (You know, when your board and have nothing else to do, or before you go to bed) but they ahve nothing on Pullmans masterpeaces. the sheer scope and imagination in Pullmans works outclasses potter in every way.

HDM is a far reaching, incradbly moving story.

Potter is just a fun read.

How anyone can compare them I don't know.

And on the 28th i get to go and see HDM at the National Theater.

Once this puppy is released I'm going to be down there getting it. I love the HP series and all I have to say is "Go Harry go" and when the hell is Ron going to hook up with Hermonie I mean it's obvious they are gagga over each other!

Well anyone who wants the new harry potter book should probably preorder it now. I work at a bookstore and already we have quite a few people reserving it!

Everyone has their own opinions about books. But it is clear that Pratchetts Discworld series and Douglas Adams' Hitchikers series are way better than anything else.

Everyone has their own opinions about books. But it is clear that Pratchetts Discworld series and Douglas Adams' Hitchikers series are way better than anything else.
Agreed, and The Da Vinci Code, HDM and LOTR.

Agreed, and The Da Vinci Code, HDM and LOTR.

Still haven't gotten around to reading The Da Vinci Code. I'm so poor.

Everyone has their own opinions about books. But it is clear that Pratchetts Discworld series and Douglas Adams' Hitchikers series are way better than anything else.
Again that is just their opinions. So its not clear about anything like that.

Virtually all the books you guys have mentioned, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Harry Potter is a great read, alongside Tolkien, Pratchett, Adams and Pullman.

If you guys liked those, I'd recommend taking a look a Raymond E. Feist's Magician series. I'd also rate that up there with the best of them.

The new HP book should be great. I doubt it'll be about romance though, more about Prophecies. And yes, Sirius is dead, and another character will be dying... :sniper:

I'm interested in this "Sixth Book". I mean, ive read these books since i was a wee lad, and they are interesting(truth me told, im only 13, but meh.) HOWEVER, i have also read Lord of the Rings Series, The Silmarillion, The Book of Lost Tales I, The book of Lost Tales II, and The Book of Unfinished Tales (All by J.R.R. Tolkein.) I also read the Enders Game Series(one of the greatest Sci-Fi series EVER! It's written by Orson Scott Card.), The Hyperion Series(Another Sci-Fi), and the RedWall Series. I've ALSO read such books as Collosus: The Price of Americas Empire, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich( a HUGE book), SS:GB, and i'm getting Mein Kampf, The Plot Against America, and a book about Carthage with me birthday money!(Me birthday was on the 18th).

And i've only touched the tip of the Ice Burg!

The problem I have is when people read those and say that they're really good compared to the far superior other novels.

Gnostikos don't be an idiot. Everyone has different tastes and opinions. For someone who claims to be so smart you seem to have a hard time grasping the concept of opinions. It is NOT a fact that what you read is better. It is simply your opinion. So stop being an ass,be tolerant, and use that brain of yours. Oh,and I like the Harry Potter series.

Gnostikos don't be an idiot. Everyone has different tastes and opinions. For someone who claims to be so smart you seem to have a hard time grasping the concept of opinions. It is NOT a fact that what you read is better. It is simply your opinion. So stop being an ass,be tolerant, and use that brain of yours. Oh,and I like the Harry Potter series.
Oh, I know. I'm just being extremely hyperbolic. I know that literary quality is an entirely subjective concept. I am quite familiar with people not liking what I do. I encounter people regularly who don't like Shakespeare or Dickens, which I love. I understand that it is merely their personal tastes (though I hold my suspicions that it is merely inability to grasp the awesomeness of Shakespeare might be why...). To some people, Harry Potter might be the best book able to be written, because that is the type of person they are. That doesn't stop me from trying to get them to expand their literary experiences and show them that there actually are some book out there they might enjoy more, however.

i have also read Lord of the Rings Series, The Silmarillion, The Book of Lost Tales I, The book of Lost Tales II, and The Book of Unfinished Tales (All by J.R.R. Tolkein.)
Actually, only the first one was written by Tolkien. Those other ones were compilations of his notes, primarily done by Christopher Tolkien.

Actually, only the first one was written by Tolkien. Those other ones were compilations of his notes, primarily done by Christopher Tolkien.

That's true. I shoulda just said "Written by A Tolkien."

But anyhoo, the notes were all written by J.R.R. Christopher just edited them a bit, tried to find out what went where, put them together, and wrote notes about his fathers notes.

But anyhoo, the notes were all written by J.R.R. Christopher just edited them a bit, tried to find out what went where, put them together, and wrote notes about his fathers notes.
But that actually turned out to be a lot of work. It was more deciphering the notes, not just a little editing here or there. The material wasn't his, but he spent a lot of time and effort into getting the material into a coherent and legible form.

God, you people need to read some more literature if you're excited about Harry Potter. Read the Shannara series by Terry Brooks; it's awesome and still growing. David Eddings and Orson Scott Card aren't half-bad either, if I must say so myself. And read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. There are so many better works of fiction out there, and you people just don't see it.

Dude, maybe they like Harry Potter more, and maybe they've read those books and didn't like them. Also, the books you listed aren't necessarily better. Just because you liked the Sannara series more than Harry Potter doesn't mean the series actually IS better. Personally, I think it sucked grundle.

Maybe the HP series has been a little overhyped but by no means do the books suck. You just seem to be frustrated that people don't like the books you read as much as they like Harry Potter.

So stop looking for someone to affirm your points; ultimately, whether a book is good or not depends entirely on one's opinion, so don't try to pass your opinion off as Gospel.

So stop looking for someone to affirm your points; ultimately, whether a book is good or not depends entirely on one's opinion, so don't try to pass your opinion off as Gospel.
Yes, I know. I addressed that. I was just acting as I would if someone had told me that personally, in which I would tell them to read many other books. And if they said they'd already read them I would cross myself and call them a heathen. It's merely exaggeration for humour's sake. Apparently my tonal inflections can not be transferred over this medium.

Oh, I know. I'm just being extremely hyperbolic. I know that literary quality is an entirely subjective concept. I am quite familiar with people not liking what I do. I encounter people regularly who don't like Shakespeare or Dickens, which I love. I understand that it is merely their personal tastes (though I hold my suspicions that it is merely inability to grasp the awesomeness of Shakespeare might be why...). To some people, Harry Potter might be the best book able to be written, because that is the type of person they are. That doesn't stop me from trying to get them to expand their literary experiences and show them that there actually are some book out there they might enjoy more, however.

In my opinion, anyone who says that just isn't intelligent enough to enjoy it.

Sorry about the double post, but Gnostikos, you need to learn that people being different from you doesn't make them stupid. If you really are sophisticated, prove it instead of describing your interests and telling people that if they don't share the same interests as you, that they are idiots.

It's fine to think that a playwright like Shakespeare writes better works than J.K. Rowling, but it crosses the line when you try to force your beliefs on others. If someone says they like Harry Potter, take a deep breath and try to pretend that they can decide for themselves. Pretend that they don't need you to decide for them.

I say this for your own benefit. Trust me, no amount of reading the "great works" of literature will make you seem sophisticated and intelligent if you can't even explain why people should like Shakespeare and Dickens. You have been telling people to read the same books as you because...

1)you like them
2)if someone wants to be smart, they have to join Gnostikos's book club. Instead of whining and complaining about people who do not share interests with you, try to explain why the books are better.

Sorry about the double post, but Gnostikos, you need to learn that people being different from you doesn't make them stupid. If you really are sophisticated, prove it instead of describing your interests and telling people that if they don't share the same interests as you, that they are idiots.
I think you need to read some of my more recent posts...

Yes, I know. I addressed that. I was just acting as I would if someone had told me that personally, in which I would tell them to read many other books. And if they said they'd already read them I would cross myself and call them a heathen. It's merely exaggeration for humour's sake. Apparently my tonal inflections can not be transferred over this medium.
That, or you're just not funny, and come across as more of an arrogant forum poster and less of a clever intellectual.

People reading Harry Potter doesn't by any means make their literary knowledge slim. If you really want to expand someone's tastes, try taking this approach:

You: You should read Dickens. You'll love him!
*person then either takes suggestion seriously, ignores you, or explains that they have already read Dickens' works and didn't enjoy them*

As opposed to this:
You: God, I can't believe you like Harry Potter. Here, read some Shakespeare.
Person: Why?
You: Because it's better than Harry Potter.
Person: Shakespeare seems pretty boring. :headbang: I think I'll stick with Harry Potter.
You: Then you're stupid.

See how the first way might be better?

That, or you're just not funny, and come across as more of an arrogant forum poster and less of a clever intellectual.
Yes, but you see, I enjoy it. And most people do not mind my wit at all, or at least not the people I hang around. I guess I'm just not used to speaking to the more prudish types...

I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.

Well, Gnos, I DID read some of your more recent posts. He said nothing about Harry Potter being the only book he enjoys. You just jumped to a conclusion.

Here's your post after I edited out all the stupid pieces:

I. Harry Potter.

That looks much better! :p

Well, Gnos, I DID read some of your more recent posts. He said nothing about Harry Potter being the only book he enjoys. You just jumped to a conclusion.
I believe you missed out on the whole hyperbole thing... I admit, I was being obnoxious. I could even consider it flamebait. I don't know why I did that, I'm not normally that bad about it. It was pretty late at night when I was posting all of that...something like 03:00...

I really, REALLY wish Hogwarts would face a school OFSTED inspection. Then, the inspector will have no choice but to shut down the place when he discovers that none of them can act.

Yes, but you see, I enjoy it. And most people do not mind my wit at all, or at least not the people I hang around. I guess I'm just not used to speaking to the more prudish types...

So, if I'm prudish, what would that make your friends? Sychophants who look at your chin and instinctively nod when they see your lips move?

I ony have one problem with your wit. You try to pass it off as humour.

I guess I'm just not used to speaking to the more prudish types...

I had to get used to talking to an arrogant, narrow-minded individual called Gnostikos who thinks that his words are the epitome of rational ideas. No, your posts all signify the abortion of any rational thought you may have had.

The least you can do is get "used to speaking to the more prudish types..."
We're all in this together... :rolleyes:

So, if I'm prudish, what would that make your friends? Sychophants who look at your chin and instinctively nod when they see your lips move?
I'm gonna have to say no...I loathe sycophants, and am certainly not treated that way by others. I wouldn't get chastised so often if that were true... I apologise if I'm not PC enough for you, but I just don't do well in that type of environment.

I had to get used to talking to an arrogant, narrow-minded individual called Gnostikos who thinks that his words are the epitome of rational ideas. No, your posts all signify the abortion of any rational thought you may have had.

The least you can do is get "used to speaking to the more prudish types..."
We're all in this together... :rolleyes:
I admit I have an arrogant streak at times, though I certainly am not narrow minded. And I haven't completely aborted all rational thought. :D I think you need to lighten up a little.

i find great comfort in knowing that the 6th is supposed to be shorter...i read halfway though the 5th and decided to stop cuz it was boring and too long. so...
DEAR J.K. ROWLING,
HERE'S A FORMULA THAT YOU CAN FOLLOW TO GET ME TO READ THE 6TH BOOK:
HARRY POTTER 6-ABOUT 300 PAGES+LOVE INTEREST BETWEEN HARRY AND HERMIONE=A GREAT BOOK

300 pages isn't enough, I'd read it in two days flat.

But Terry Pratchett is better than all of them (what a wonderful place Discworld is)


Hear Hear! :p

One word:
Dune.

A most excellent series! I have read all six of the Frank Herbert books, now I am looking to read the three written by his son, that pre-date the original Dune series, I believe they deal with the Butlerian Jihad, and the beginnings of House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino, and may even include something about The Battle of Corrin.

I need to get my hands on those books, though.

I agree with you, though...one word...Dune! Excellent choice, Stilgar!

300 pages isn't enough, I'd read it in two days flat.
I read it twice in one day. We need more pages!!!!

Stephen King books are quite good

Not as good as Dean R. Koontz!!

Not as good as Dean R. Koontz!!
*brian hits a guy in a truck*
Brian: Oh my God, are you Stephen King?
Guy: No, I'm Dean Koontz.
Brian: Oh..
*Brian gets back in car and drives back over the guy*

Supposedly, this one will be much shorter--thus breaking the lengthening streak--and have another major character die. >_> I hope it's not Hermione; she and Harry deserve to be married for life.
Boooo, they needed to keep getting longer.

Why is everyone talking about Harry and Hermoine?

If you even paid ATTENTION, it's gonna be RON and Hermoine! Can't you guys take a hint? Jeez! In the books, the movies, the EVERYTHING there are signs pointing to that!

Everyone forgets poor Ron...

Why is everyone talking about Harry and Hermoine?

If you even paid ATTENTION, it's gonna be RON and Hermoine! Can't you guys take a hint? Jeez! In the books, the movies, the EVERYTHING there are signs pointing to that!

Everyone forgets poor Ron...
Ron? Ron who?
We all know that Hermione and Ron are *yuck* getting closer. We just don't like it. Draco would be better for Hermione. Then Ron can hook up with Trawlaney.

Ron? Ron who?
We all know that Hermione and Ron are *yuck* getting closer. We just don't like it. Draco would be better for Hermione. Then Ron can hook up with Trawlaney.

EWWWWWWWWW!!!

J/K

I agree, Harry and Hermoine would be a good match...

Maybe we could turn Ron into dog food!

Well, it may not necessarily be better, but it most certainly is better. And I don't think that can even be considered subjective. I regard that as an objective fact. And if you hadn't heard of Harry Potter until the Goblet of Fire, than you seriously need to actually get out of bed once in a while. That's just pathetic. And if you've read both Shannara and Harry Potter and think that the latter is superior...well, then may God have mercy on your soul.

hey, hey, hey, some of us just have different opinons. just because you like shannara better than harry potter doesnt mean you have to be so snobby about it.

EWWWWWWWWW!!!

J/K

I agree, Harry and Hermoine would be a good match...

Maybe we could turn Ron into dog food!
Eeew at what? Ok, ok. Ron should hook up with Dudley. Or perhaps aunt Petunia. She realy could need a good ***. A match made in heaven. Hermione and harry would be a good match though.

I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.

god, there you go again, book snob! are you here for a reason, or do you just like to critisize what everybody else says? :mad:

I went through it in 12 hours.
You're slow, 4 1/2 for me

so when you select a book you search for a denial of reality?
besides, when did smoking cigarettes become a product of bad morals?

well, you know, kind of the fact that they can kind ofkill you...

well, you know, kind of the fact that they can kind ofkill you...
OXYGEN kills you, GET OVER IT. I have no problem if people want to smoke in their own homes or outside/in well ventilated environments.

i think that ron is going to be killed off

Yes, but you see, I enjoy it. And most people do not mind my wit at all, or at least not the people I hang around. I guess I'm just not used to speaking to the more prudish types...

YOUR WIT?!?!?!?!?!!! that is not wit, that is pure annoying snobbism!!!!!!!!

i think that ron is going to be killed off

NO!!!!!!!!!!! NOT RON!!!!!! NO!!!!!! NEVER!! AAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOoOoOoOooooo....!!

sorry...Ron is my very favorite character... i'd go into morbid suicidal depression if he died... j k rowling, if you're here, please have mercy on poor Ron... he deserves to live a long happy life in Hermione's arms...

Originally Posted by Gnostikos
I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.


Look, I've read Lord of the Rings and liked it. Orson Scott Card is my favorite author after Isaac Asimov. But if you are too arrogant and pretentious to enjoy a book that isn't considered classic literature, you shouldn't be doing the pitying. Honest people can disagree about whether or not Harry Potter is good, but the same holds true for every book you have been claiming is so much better.

why does everyone argue about books, you cant always decide if a book is gd or not because books are for escapism and enjoyment u cant argue that some1 shouldnt like this book, and you should appreciate the time and effort that JK rowling has put into the book.
many people rad books to remove thmeselves from their own lives so realy its got nothing to do with you.

Couldn't have said it better myself.









No, wait.... :p

Ron and Hermione will not end up together...at all. It's going to be Harry and Hermione, mark my words. After all, the movies don't count for references and as for the books...point out one good reference that cannot be refuted.

Originally Posted by Gnostikos
I take it that if you think Harry Potter books are riveting, "you don't read much of anything, do you?" If Harry Potter is the only literature that will keep "you glued to the pages in immersed in the world of the book", than I personally have no pity for your condemned soul.


Look, I've read Lord of the Rings and liked it. Orson Scott Card is my favorite author after Isaac Asimov. But if you are too arrogant and pretentious to enjoy a book that isn't considered classic literature, you shouldn't be doing the pitying. Honest people can disagree about whether or not Harry Potter is good, but the same holds true for every book you have been claiming is so much better.

A fellow Orson Scott Card fan!

Lord be praised!

why does everyone argue about books, you cant always decide if a book is gd or not because books are for escapism and enjoyment u cant argue that some1 shouldnt like this book, and you should appreciate the time and effort that JK rowling has put into the book.
many people rad books to remove thmeselves from their own lives so realy its got nothing to do with you.
Once I convert that into english, i realised you where just about right.