"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
I love how Rowling introduces her readers to more of her magical "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
I love how Rowling introduces her readers to more of her magical universe, building on what she revealed in the first book and setting up some incredible connections to Half-Blood Prince in particular. Like the first book, this one has a strong detective novel feel to it.
Also, Gilderoy Lockhart. Such a delightfully ridiculous character with the perfect name.
Also, my heart is shattered over this brief exchange in the last chapter:
'Least I could do, Dobby,' said Harry, grinning. 'Just promise never to try and save my life again.' The elf's ugly brown face split suddenly into a wide, toothy smile.
(Those who have read the whole series will understand.)
Finally, I've always loved Dumbledore's conversation with Harry about choices as that which distinguishes him from Voldemort despite their many similarities. This theme is just one of many that runs through the whole series. ...more
My best understanding is that this play is thought to be an adaptation of a lost Shakespeare-Fletcher play. So how much of Shakespeare's essence carriMy best understanding is that this play is thought to be an adaptation of a lost Shakespeare-Fletcher play. So how much of Shakespeare's essence carried over I don't know, but I do know I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
The world-building is so good, the set-up so much like a classic detective novel, and the storytelling so steeped in the litera"Harry — yer a wizard."
The world-building is so good, the set-up so much like a classic detective novel, and the storytelling so steeped in the literary tradition, it's really no wonder that this series took off and still mesmerizes readers today. I will always get excited alongside Harry to be introduced to this world of magic and the characters who inhabit it. As someone who's read the series several times, I also love watching for the connections to later books in the series. Rowling is a structural genius.
And can we talk about this moment of dialogue?!
"There's no need to tell me I'm not brave enough to be in Gryffindor, Malfoy's already done that," Neville choked out.
All the feels when you know Neville’s journey.
P.S. Whatever your Hogwarts House, get your hands on one of these Bloomsbury Hogwarts House sets if you can. Such a great addition to my collection....more
Honestly wasn't sure what I'd think of this one since it's not entirely Shakespeare's work, but I enjoyed it, and there was plenty that felt like, "AhHonestly wasn't sure what I'd think of this one since it's not entirely Shakespeare's work, but I enjoyed it, and there was plenty that felt like, "Ah yes, this is the Bard." Retelling of Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale."
It didn't feel like Shakespeare starting out (he didn't write the whole thing), but as the story kept moving along I was getting plenty that anticipatIt didn't feel like Shakespeare starting out (he didn't write the whole thing), but as the story kept moving along I was getting plenty that anticipates his masterful romances (The Winter's Tale especially). Fairy tale elements abound.
Complicated. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes this play hard to talk about in a Goodreads review. I commend Shakespeare for knowing once againComplicated. Not in a bad way but in a way that makes this play hard to talk about in a Goodreads review. I commend Shakespeare for knowing once again how to hold everything in tension. Coriolanus has genuine nobility and even by my observation acts as a Christ figure in certain ways. But he is simultaneously problematic, the dragon who must be slain.
Been plodding my way through the Miss Marple series for three years (not because it's boring but because I get distracted) and finally completed it wiBeen plodding my way through the Miss Marple series for three years (not because it's boring but because I get distracted) and finally completed it with the short stories! These are great to dip in and out of. As I recall, the preface includes Dame Christie saying she thought Miss Marple was a better fit for short stories than novels, so if you agree, you're also getting Miss Marple in her element. ...more
A strong ending to the Miss Marple series. Greats twists and turns and red herrings and suspense. I did entertain the actual culprit as a definite posA strong ending to the Miss Marple series. Greats twists and turns and red herrings and suspense. I did entertain the actual culprit as a definite possibility, but I couldn't put the puzzle pieces together well enough to commit to it. Probably because like Gwenda and Giles, I was too quick to believe what people said. And shame on me for not looking into one of the literary allusions! It really was the clue to end all clues. ...more
Used for Advent 2023. Focused on Jesus' roles of prophet, priest, king, and Messiah. Used for Advent 2023. Focused on Jesus' roles of prophet, priest, king, and Messiah. ...more
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