76 days to Half-Blood Prince. Anyone interested in a re-read circle?

[politicat]

Post if so. That's about 2 weeks per book, and since they are both fast reads and familiar material, it should be reasonable.

[davidinalameda]

1. why not

LOL

[Pithy Cherub]

2. We should have a list of questions we should try

to answer as we joyfully reread.

Some: What room in the initial books is Harry in that will have significance in Book 6 - JKR mentioned it.

What caused Voldemort not to die - that is clearly in book one - Robbed Voter had it nailed!

Who s the Half-Blood prince? Any other ideas?;)

[politicat]

5. Mine that I'm reading for:

Why does Snape hate Harry? And who else knows why? (So far, I think Hagrid knows, Dumbledore knows, and McGonagall knows.) And why do they defend Snape?

How did Voldemort manage to stay alive for the 9 years between the time that Harry nearly killed him, and he attached himself to Quirrell's head?

What is the connection between Voldemort and Dumbledore? V won't attack D directly, and yet there have to have been opportunities.

What did James and Lily do? They left their son well enough off; where'd it come from?

Why Aunt Petunia? Surely there were others of Lily's relatives, perhaps her parents, who had blood as strong as Petunia's, and would have raised Harry a bit better?

And then there's the allegorical questions... is the reign of V like the Vietnam war, and the current students at Hogwarts something like Gen X, born after it was all over, and never really understanding what that mirror universe was like? Or is it more like the children of Holocaust survivors, growing up under a shadow of their parents' traumas?



I'm reading also for physical descriptions: My husband, my next best friend and I are going to the party the local bookstore has the night of the release in costume. We decided over the weekend to go as teachers, so I'm looking to be probably Professor Sprout (I'm too short to pull off a Trelawny or a McGonagall, and I'm not willing to cut my hair to be a Madam Pomfrey), my friend as Professor Flitwick, and DH as either Snape (he has to cut his hair and shave) or Hagrid (He has to not shave for several weeks.) We'll add people as we get closer, I'm sure!

[XemaSab]

6. I think snape's

the one who warned the potters that they were going to be attacked, causing them to set up pettigrew as their secret-keeper.

That's my prediction.

He's saved Harry's life several times, but I bet at some point Harry's gonna hafta repay the favor.

[Ilsa]

9. I've considered that JKR had several actors in mind already

when she wrote some of those descriptions. I think she had Alan Rickman and Richard Harris in mind from the very beginning. But I don't know for certain.

[MountainLaurel]

10. For some reason

I think that Tim Roth was actually signed to play Snape, and then something came up.

[Pithy Cherub]

11. JKR said the one she knew for sure is

the guy who plays Hagrid, Robbie Coltrane(sp). He said he's not sure if he'll do Phoenix - maybe that's just the opening shot in contract negotiations. Loved Richard Harris as Dumbledore very much - he matched the book description. The older actors have been a much acclaimed group in their careers.

[LWolf]

3. Possible

If escrow closes and allows me to unpack my books in time to do the reread; I was planning on rereading anyway!

I haven't pre-ordered the HBP yet; I was waiting to be sure I had an address to ship to!

[politicat]

4. Here's hoping escrow closes for you!!

I know it's like sitting on a tack, waiting. I'm on the other end, hoping that my renters will be able to find a lender to finance them so they can buy "my" house (the one I bought before I married) and I can stop scraping for mortgage payments.

Best wishes!!

[LWolf]

7. Perfect description.

My tack is becoming larger and sharper by the day.

I'll join you in hopes for a quick closing!

[radfringe]

8. I'm up to book 3 on the re-read....

[radfringe]

12. started book 4 last night n/t

[radfringe]

19. book 5....

in book 4 it was mentioned that Snape "spied" on the death eaters...
and also that Voldemort knows about it

so what is Snape doing for the Order of the Phoenix now that his cover has been blown?

and what did Snape do to warrant Dumbledore's trust?

[Pithy Cherub]

20. Ok, radfringe - "Hermione" - radfringe

Our OWLS are upon us and you are the most prepared. Obviously your OWL exam in Divination is causing you a bit of trouble. (hehehe) Professor Trelawney said all will become clear once your pals at DU Hogwarts catch up. :pals:

The Harry & Ron method of studying :freak: is becoming more familiar as I undertake this!

[radfringe]

21. actually

i was an under achiever in school -- bored out of my skull...and I usually had another book hidden within the text books to make it look like I was paying attention...

[Pithy Cherub]

22. Bored translates into very bright!

I knew the librarian real well at school. Too bad she didn't write my report cards.

This rereading is something to enjoy! The HP literal meanings and the hidden meanings make it really fascinating. Am also rereading Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts!

[radfringe]

23. finished #5 last night

ready for #6...
guess I'll re-read chronicles of Narnia... a friend of ours worked on the movie doing puppeteering... so this is a must see movie for us

[davidinalameda]

24. I finished book 5 over the weekend

I want the new one NOW

<doing my best Veruca Salt imitation>

[radfringe]

25. I might have to start another re-read

to get my Potter-fix...

How many more days? Is it here yet?

[politicat]

13. Right now I'm comparing UK Azekeban to US Azekeban.

Found the UK version at a used shop locally, and am disgusted at the amount of dumbing down the US version got. (It's subtle but enough to definitely qualify as messing with the product.)

I'll go back to 1 and 2 when I'm done with this comparison.

[davidinalameda]

14. can you give examples

I never thought of reading the British versions

[politicat]

15. Sure.

Okay, some of the changes are basic: Queens (UK) English uses single quotes for dialogue (Like this: 'I am going to the store,' Jack said.) while US English uses double quotes, like so: "I am going to the store," Jack said. Also, quotations within dialogue are reversed, too; Americans use the single quote, and Queens uses the double. That doesn't change content.

There are changes that don't affect content, but do assume that a kid won't go asking for answers: runners for sneakers, jumper for sweater, that kind of thing.

And then there's the ones that change meaning: In Ron's first letter to Harry at the beginning of Azkeban, when Ron is in Egypt, in the American version, Ron says, "It's amazing here in Egypt." In the UK edition, he says, "It's brilliant here in Egypt." Now, there's a major shift in connotation there; brilliant has a stronger blend of cool, wonderful and wild than amazing does.

Aunt Marge says when Vernon is pouring her brandy (Queens) "A bit more than that... and a bit more... that's the boy." and in the US: "A bit more than that... and a bit more... that's the ticket."

It's little things, not big, but it's just enough to make me think that they're not doing the target audience any favors: kids need to be aware that slang is regional, and changing the slang to suit americans takes that away....

[Pithy Cherub]

16. Thank you for that explanation. I have been inspired

to get the full British versions when a friend goes to the UK next month. JKR said in future US versions the title of BOOK 1 will go back to the British, Philosopher's Stone.

Must :think: on how to get the Half-Blood Prince UK version. That one is not the lurid green of the US version. I think the green though does have significance for the story.

[MountainLaurel]

17. I own only the Brit versions

After I heard about how Philosopher's Stone had been butchered in the editing process.

[yellowdogintexas]

18. I should probably do this.

[malmapus]

26. Late starter here, just started over with SS

Shouldn't take me too long to catch up :D

[XemaSab]

27. I'm on a reread as well now

24 days left at this point.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through GOF.

My big prediction is STILL that Snape was the Death Eater who tipped off the Potters that they were going to be attacked, which definitely influences the conceptualization of Snape's debt to James for saving him from Lupin.

Also, after thrashing around on the 'net, there's probably going to be a connection between Arabella Figg and Crookshanks.

My big question is who's going to eat it in this one?

There are so many choices.... so many possibilities....

On edit: One thing that I noticed is that the Weasleys live in Ottery St. Catchpole. Otters are in the weasel family. Just an observation.

[Pithy Cherub]

28. Guess who's Patronus is an Otter... spoiler below

It is mentioned in OotP... And since we are both still rereading GOF... Maybe I should just um, wait to blab. ;)

The answer is....:hide: Last chance to avert thine eyes...






Hermione.
More foreshadowing of the Hermione/Ron relationship. Still think Ron is going to dangerously flirt with the dark side in HBP. We shall see, I can barely wait.

[XemaSab]

29. Oooooooooooooh........

good catch!

You don't need to worry about spoilers with me.... I've read them all many many times.

Buckbeak eats ferrets. At one point Hagrid has a dead stoat (I think) that he was possibly planning on feeding to Buckbeak.

Malfoy was turned into a ferret by Moody.

A badger's basically a big weasel.

Here's a speculative question, and sadly I don't have the book with me so I can't name names, but in the beginning of SS there are several of Harry's classmates who have the sorting hat on for a LOOOOOOONG time. When Harry has it on, the hat's thinking of making him a Slytherin, and Hermoine admits that the hat thought about making her a Ravenclaw. So what was going on with all the other people who were sitting under the hat for a while?

[Pithy Cherub]

30. Very interesting! Badgers are the animal for Hufflepuff.

According to JKR, each kid named in SS will have a part to play in the HBP, and Book 7... Most of the kids except the Slytherin's are in the DA.

My first thought is that since everybody is a mix of of each house, the Sorting Hat goes for your innate preference. The hat also listens to your choice - hence Harry in Gryffindor. The only kid that didn't get it on his head was Malfoy, an immediate Slytherin.
It hesitated on hannah abbott, before it said Hufflepuff, Finnigan Seamus before going to Gryffindor, Neville Longbottom to Gryffindor.

[XemaSab]

31. Seamus and Neville

are both Harry's roommates.... very, very interesting.

[XemaSab]

32. I dunno about innate preference

who would pick Hufflepuff as their first choice?

Seems like most people would pick Gryffendor, with a strong showing in Ravenclaw, and only people like Draco picking Slytherin, and just about nobody picking Hufflepuff.

Unless there are virtues of being Hufflepuffs that I'm not privy to...

On edit: And what happens if you pick Ravenclaw but you're a moran, or you pick Gryffendor but you're a chickenhawk?

[Pithy Cherub]

33. Hufflepuff produced some formidable witches and wizards.

The glue that holds the world together: loyal, hardworking and achievement oriented. I think it is what an individual values innately. Some want to be uniquely powerful on behalf of self. Some want to be of service, do exceedingly well with projects. Some want to be brave in the face of fear or noble when it matters. Others believe brainpower and scholarly works hold the key to a good life.

In OotP, the judge was Madame Bones, Susan Bones said something about the family history in Hufflepuff. When I reread that one, I will pay more attention. Professor Sprout a Hufflepuff. More Gryffindors have died, but right behind them are the Hufflepuffs...:freak: Shall puzzle on...

[XemaSab]

34. A stoat's a kind of weasel too

So Hagrid may be trapping them to eat.

[XemaSab]

35. An observation:

last night I was reading GOF for the umpteenth time, and when Voldy touches the Dark Mark on any Death Eater, they all Apparate at his side.

Karkaroff, Crouch, and Snape could not do this because they were all on Hogwarts grounds.

Tidy detail there.

[lildreamer316]

36. Well hello.

That's bloody brilliant, that. Never woulda picked that up; thanks!

[LWolf]

37. OK

I'm finishing the Sorcerer's Stone over a cup of coffee this morning. I'm a little tardy, here. ;-)

Whether or not I'll get through the other 4 much longer books before book 6 arrives is up for grabs, but I'm glad I started with book 1.

I hadn't actually read it since the first year it appeared in the U.S.; a very gifted 2nd grade student pointed it out to me, and off we went, before all the hoopla hit this side of the Atlantic. I've been struck anew with the way these books have matured with the characters. It makes me wonder how they will be read in a decade, when no one is "waiting for the next book." When a young person can have, if not read, all of them at once.

I'm off to finish the last 20 pages, and I'm already dreading sending Harry home to the Dursley's for the summer!

[Pithy Cherub]

38. Still in the first 100 of OOTP,

My plan is to close that one and immediately open The Half Blood Prince. Then I will be summarily taken to an event at Disneyland. My nervous twitch wil be about whether to just open the book in the middle of Downtown Disney and read or smile nicely while having a stroke about no interruptions.

My amazement is how the details take on a different hue upon review. With great pleasure, I really am enjoying reading them again.

Any last minute predictions? :think: ;)

[XemaSab]

39. I'm wondering

If Fawkes is Dumbledore's Patronus, and Nagini is Voldemort's.

I'm twitchy, I'm so looking forward to it!!!!!

[Pithy Cherub]

40. Voldemort's patronus is probably a snake.

JKR wouldn't confirm yet.
BUT, she did confirm that Dumbledore's patronus is a phoenix.

Very excited for Friday night! Are you wearing a costume? It's going to hit 100 inland in California, but I have the perfect velvet cloak for midnight! Then I will skedaddle back to nearer the coast to read comfortably all day Sunday.

I am sticking with dumbledore as the Half Blood Prince. All the covers show the major theme - DD is on all of them...

[XemaSab]

41. I'm not sure what my plans are

Next weekend is shaping up to be busy.

This is painful to say, but I'm not sure when the hell I'm going to get it read.

Saturday I am either at a herp workshop, rafting the Merced, or going to the DU meetup in Berkeley.

Sunday I am either teaching sunday school, birding my way back from the DU meetup, or going to the herp workshop.

I'm not even sure how I'm going to get the book from my PO box! I'll probably have to go to the counter to get it, and the counter closes at noon on Saturday!

What I'd really like to do is go camping in the woods, and sit under a tree and read it. That's what I did with the Order of the Phoenix, and it was a good time, lemme tell ya.

I might just pretend that I don't have it and devote the whole next weekend to reading it.

Yeah, RIGHT! Like that'll happen!

[Pithy Cherub]

42. The entire time I am in Tomorrowland

on Saturday, my mind will be on page whatever I left off. My fingers will be in my ears and off the internet until its fully read. Might have to wait myself until Monday. Sunday is friends & family day...

Enjoy where ever you are fortunate enough to read it! :toast:

[malmapus]

43. Half way through Goblet of Fire here

Got started a little late, but think will fight myself and finish OOTP before breaking into HBP. Hoping I can pull it off before it comes out since I have a 4-day weekend starting tomorrow.

I must not have the sight at all, would flunk Divinations, cause so far I can't come up with any predictions :)

[Pithy Cherub]

44. OOTP looms really large

to be completely read by me before, Half Blood Prince. Literally, I will complete Order and transistion smoothly to Half Blood Prince.

Professor Trewlawney has you blocked and all stuffed up with incense! Once you get on your Firebolt and play a little Quidditch your mind will be free and all kinds or predictions will come about!

Who do you think Snape has the hots for...Will Lupin be the only marauder that lives til(Book 7)...Will Ginny be more powerful than anyone knows...Will Ron kiss Loony Luna...Will Cho hold Harry responsible for her friend's face with the word Sneak on it...Will McGonagall reveal she's married to Dumbledore...just kidding:rofl:

[XemaSab]

45. Will Crookshanks

and Mrs Norris hook up?

[Pithy Cherub]

47. Ick, hope not. Crookshanks would be selling out...

[XemaSab]

48. Hey, even Mrs Norris

needs love and affection.

[Pithy Cherub]

52. Crookshanks would have to humble himself...

Mrs. Norris needs one of hagrid's projects or cats. Hagrid doesn't like cats so he could give a stray to Finch as a peace offering...

[politicat]

46. 75% of OOtP here.... current Predictions:

Fred and George will be full members of the Order, but that's going to piss Molly off even more. They're also going to be disgustingly successful.

I refuse to make a romance prediction. (Frankly, I wish she'd not gone there, because the romances distract from the story.)

Neville is going to get really, really important this year.

Snape may actually show his true colors. He may also refuse to teach Harry this fall. Alternately, I'd like to see them come to understand and if not like each other, then accept each other and treat each other fairly. (Harry's just about there, it seems, so it's just Snape that needs to grow up and stop reacting with his memory.)

Now Sunday I may say, Boy, was I wrong, but those are my predictions for right now.

[XemaSab]

49. Snape will teach Harry

and the reason I know this is because the cover of the UK "adult" edition has a book on the cover. The title? Advanced potion making.

[Pithy Cherub]

51. To be an Auror, Harry has to get a N.E.W.T. in potions.

Snape will be teaching harry under duress. Betcha, Dumbledore makes him after Harry got an excellent O.W.L. score during the exams. (HBP hurry, hurry...)
On Page 236 OOtP...

[XemaSab]

53. I am so looking forward to it

I need to get a snotload of stuff done at work so I'm not working on these TPS reports all weekend instead of reading HBP.

[politicat]

55. So my accuracy count: 2 accurate, 1 not at all, 3 ambiguous. Spoilers....

Fred and George will be full members of the Order, but that's going to piss Molly off even more. Not really addressed.

They're also going to be disgustingly successful. Yep (Tho I sorta wish they'd been a bit less successful....)

Romance.... all over the place. I'm thrilled about Tonks, though. That one works so well for me. (Yes, this is phrased ambiguously so that those who haven't got there won't get spoiled.)

Neville - that one tanked. Did he even get a double handful of mentions this book?

Snape's True colors: And what are they again??? I may in fact be more confused about Snape's alliances than I was before. There's that tiny chance that things in those last scenes were phrased so very specifically that there's still hope. Blast JKR.... Two more years of waiting for resolution is going to be ugly.

Snape teaching Harry: Well.... Harry did take potions, but....

Coming to understanding: Harry was there. Now? I can't see it happening.

So my totals: 2 accurate, 1 not at all, 3 ambiguous. And this is why I don't claim to be psychic.

I will say this book hurt even more than OOP.... and at this point, I'm thinking it was too tightly edited. There are scraps on the cutting room floor that, while not necessary to the plot, would have helped.

Going to white font to preserve a minor spoiler here.


I'm annoyed that Harry spent most of OOP mourning in one fashion or another Cedric, but seemed not to do the same with Sirius. Whasszup wit dat?

Oh, well.... if it had been less tightly edited, the younger readers may not have been able to lift it.

I'm not certain, however, that I really want the younger readers reading it.... this one's sure to give nightmares. Unreconstructed Grimm in many ways, with all of the psychological archetypes running around.

This one's going to take a couple more readings (and probably a second copy to mark up) to really get all of the data out, and even then....

[XemaSab]

56. Can you repost in my spoiler thread?

thanks

[malmapus]

50. Just started OOtP

See if I can get it all wrapped up by Saturday.

I can't believe how much I forgot about the Goblet of Fire (ie Moody), I was reading the end going, "Oh yeah".

[LWolf]

54. 5 books in a week!

Just finished OoTP this morning, and am eagerly awaiting HBP this weekend.

Rereading was good; I hadn't read GoF or OoTP since the first time when they first came out; I'd forgotten a lot.

I'm liking the way the characters are maturing. No predictions at all, other than that Neville will play an increasingly important role. That's been pretty obvious; not really a prediction.