Harry Potter vs. Percy Jackson

Hey sports fans! During my little "Potter Hiatus," I took the chance to read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. If you don't know anything about them, I'll give a brief description. Percy is the son of Poseidon... and saves the day. The End. Told you it would be brief :)

A colleague of mine at the dental school recommended this 5-book series because he claims they're similar to Harry Potter, and he knowing what a rabid HP fan I am, suggested I give them a try. So I'm posting this as a book review for any of yous who are considering giving them a try.













VS






As a stand-alone series, it's a pretty fun and easy read, but comparing it to Harry Potter is like comparing the contents of my daughter's diaper to the Mona Lisa. My biggest beef with the series is that it doesn't grow and mature like the Harry Potter series does. What I mean by that is the first Percy Jackson book reads very similar to the first Harry Potter book. Both main characters are just learning about the special worlds they are a part of. In the second Harry Potter book, Harry and his friends mature and the overall plot grows in depth and complexity. In the second Percy Jackson book, however, new characters are added, but we don't get a maturing of the characters even though they age along a similar timeline as the HP characters do. Both of these series are aimed at young adult readers, but the difference between the two is that the last book in the HP series is aimed at an older, more mature audience while the Percy Jackson series stays at that 11-13 year old range.

Another problem I have with the Percy Jackson series is that the characters don't react to dangerous situations like the average person would. When faced with impending doom, Percy still manages to pop off a few wisecracks or puns. Facing the same situation, Harry deals with his emotions in a much more real and understandable way. I think the way the characters are treated in the Percy Jackson series does a disservice to the readers. Yes, the pre-teens will still love the books, but in my opinion, they won't be able to relate to the characters on any kind of personal level. In contrast, in HP, a lot of people can relate to someone like Ron whose accomplishments are overshadowed by those of his older siblings. He feels that he has to take the backseat to Harry and sometimes Hermione. Some people can also relate to being brainy like Hermione, but also being aware of lacking some social grace and being the target of scrutiny. Some may even be able to relate to being thrust in the spotlight like Harry despite a multitude of insecurities.

The Percy Jackson series does have some redeeming qualities. The books are very action packed and I never felt that they dragged in any regard. The author does a good job of keeping the plot moving forward. Another good thing is that I actually learned quite a bit about Greek Mythology. The author also does a good job of not "Disney-fying" the Greek Gods. For example, he doesn't shy away from the fact that the gods had extra-marital affairs and that even the gods are flawed and don't always do "good."

Overall, the series was a quick and enjoyable read and I would recommend them for a light-hearted adventure. I would not, however, recommend starting a blog discovering the depths and complexities of Percy Jackson.

Prisoner of Azkaban Chapters 8 - 9

Looks Like a Truck Ran into its Face

Ok, so what's the deal with Crookshanks? First of all, why's he out for scabbers. Second of all, how is that cat so smart? Third of all, why would Hermione buy such an ugly insult to nature in the first place?

First, I can't answer why he appears to be after Scabbers without giving too much away. We just have to take things at face value for now, but I will say that Ron's assumptions about the cat will prove to be well founded.

Second, I really have no idea how the cat is so smart. That's one thing about Crookshanks that has always bothered me. I get that he's a magical pet, but most pets that have abilities beyond their counterparts in the muggle world are given some kind of personality: Hedwig, Buckbeak, and even Scabbers. Referencing Newton Artemis Fido Scamander, Crookshanks is not actually a cat, but a magical creature called a "kneazle." They resemble cats, but are more intellegent, loyal, and aggressive. Mr. Scamander also points out that they are excellent at detecting unsavory or suspecious characters (an importand point to keep in mind throughout this book.) He also points out that a liscense is require for ownership of a kneazle. I'm not sure Hermione has one of thems.

Thirdly, no one can answer why Hermione would buy a trainwreck of a cat, but if you think about Hermione's personality, it kinda fits. She values intellegence and loyalty above looks and popularity. But as smart as Hermione is, I'm surprized she didn't know more about kneazles. That could have changed the whole landscape of the third book.

Turn to Page Three-Hundred Ninety-Four

So we see in Chapter 9 that Snape definetly does not like Professor Lupin. We don't yet understand why, but it becomes more clear later in this book and in Book 5.




Extra Credit:

If you want something fun to test your HP knowledge, go here:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/GeoGod/allharrypotter

Welcome back!

It's about time you guys came back. Sheesh. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever have readers again. I pretty much blame all you guys for my absence.

Now that you've learned your lesson, let's move on.

Have you seen this? If you haven't, shame, shame, shame on you all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EC2tmFVNNE

This is the newest trailer for BOTH Deathly Hallows movies. I had to watch it multiple times to take it all in. I looks to be the best thing the happen to mankind, so show it to all your friends, family, and cow-orkers.

(More on Prisoner of Azkaban to come shortly)

Prisoner of Azkaban Chapters 5 - 7

Where have you been?

Busy, I guess. But that's no excuse! I'm recommitting myself to everything Potter. Am I done with this blog? Not by a long shot. So Gryffindorks, let's get rollin'

Chocolate? Seriously?

Can you tell a woman is writing this story? Of course, the cure to the very thing that sucks all the happiness out of you is chocolate. I think Rowling wrote this with a little tongue in cheek. Everyone knows that chocolate makes everything better... at least it does for me.
A couple of questions for you

After the dementors searched the train, why do you think Ginny was shaking so badly? The answer is never explicitly given, but given what we'll learn later about dementors, it makes sense that they would affect Ginny a little differently than the others.

Why would Rowling mention that the Hogwarts stagecoaches smell like straw? I think it is to give the reader a clue that the stagecoaches are being pulled by something. If the stagecoaches simply moved on their own, why would they smell like straw unless the smell came from the things actually pulling the stagecoaches. We'll learn more about them later.

Magical Medicine


As a student of medicine, I find it interesting that Madam Pompfrey would examine a patient in much the same way a muggle would. Although treatments may differ radically in the magical world, it seems that many basic diagnostic skills remain the same.

Oh Minerva

I have to give McGonagall some credit in this story. It seems that almost everyone treats Harry special in one way or another. McGonagall actually sees the importance of giving Harry what he really wants most -- a normal life. She doesn't give him preferential treatment or treat him any different than the other students. Although, it is obvious that through her stern fascade, she has a real soft spot for Harry.

Professor R.J. Lupin



Finally, a competant Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher. I really like this character. He's unpretentious and unassuming. Not a lot of information is given about Lupin early in the book other than that he quickly gains the favor of most students. Pay attention for clues about this character because there's a lot more about him that we are yet to learn. One major clue that is given already is that when Lupin is faced with a Boggart, it assumes the form of an orb. Why would Lupin be afraid of an orb?

Speaking of Boggarts, did you notice that among dark, quiet places they prefer to dwell, closets and beds are among them? This fits right in with kids screaming because there's a monster under their bed because obviously, the boggart would assume the shape of whatever would frighten a child most. It all makes sense!


A Quiz!!!!!!


Okay, Gryffindorks, this quiz doesn't come out of Prisoner of Azkaban, but let's see how good your Harry Potter knowledge is. I admit, even I got stumped on a couple of these. Here it is:


Without referencing the books, google, or anything else besides your own minds, name the seven Horcruxes AND who destroyed each one. (Hint: No one person destroyed more than one horcrux)

Prisoner of Azkaban Chapters 3 - 4

She Knows, She Always Knows!

In Chapter 3, in the article in the Daily Prophet about Sirius Black, Harry reads that Fudge informed the muggle prime minister of Black's breakout from Azkaban. In the 6th book, we can actually get a first hand account of Fudge meeting with the prime minister. It amazes me how well Rowling integrates the books. In an interview with Rowling, she revealed that she wrote the chapter about Fudge's interaction with the muggle prime minister long before the 6th book was written. She had a hard time deciding where she would place it in the series. At one time, she considered placing it in Chamber of Secrets. One more example of excellent integrating that we see in these chapters is that it's mentioned that the Irish quidditch team put in an order for seven new Firebolt racing brooms and that they were favorites in the world cup that year. We find out in the 4th book, that they indeed made it to the quidditch world cup finals against Bulgaria.

The One Good Thing...

about living with the Dursleys is that Harry has remained humble and grounded. Dumbledore points this out to the Dursleys in the 6th book, but we can see evidence of that right now. One thing that is so endearing about Harry is that he constantly underestimates how special he is. It's not that he has any special magical abilities or powers others don't, but it's that he posesses the character and moral fiber that allows him to use his magical abilities to better others; and yet, he remains innocently oblivious of the impact he has on others. He's the very opposite of Gilderoy Lockhart.

Because we get the story from Harry's point of view, we rarely get to see what others think of Harry, but we can get an idea from how they treat him. Although Harry would never admit it, he must be endearing to others. He's won many people over just like Voldemort did, but unlike Voldemort, who manipulated people into liking him, Harry is naturally endearing. Here are a few examples: Fortescue must have taken a liking to Harry because he gave him free sundaes at his ice cream shop every half hour while Harry was doing homework; Hagrid, Dobby, and Colin Creevey are probably Harry's biggest fans; and we even see that McGonagall has taken a liking to Harry, though she rarely openly shows it.

A Little Rusty on the Detective Work


Over the summer, Harry must of gotten a little rusty on this detective abilities. I'm speaking here of his interaction with Fudge. Harry thought it was a little suspicious that he got off so easily after blowing up his aunt. Harry did figure out that Fudge let him off easy because Black is after Harry, but what Harry failed to do was think about Fudge's motivations. We know from the last book what kind of man Fudge is. He's mainly concerned about saving face. This case is no different. Fudge's intentions in meeting Harry at the Leaky Cauldron were less than noble. He knew that if anything happened to the "Boy who lived," then that would be a political disaster. The public would think that if Black killed Harry, he could kill any one of them. Fudge would be ruined. Harry should have picked up on this.

Priorities

Harry behaves in Diagon Alley like I imagine a lot of 13-year-olds would. He finds it mildly tempting to blow a bunch of money on something he would use for school, but finds it almost impossible not to blow his whole fortune on the best racing broom in the world despite already owning the 3rd best racing broom in the world. I know some people who would have bought the broom anyway... and they're not even 13.

Have yourself a very Harry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Gryffindorks!


I'm happy to see that wizards spend Christmas the same way muggles do. I'm especially happy that Harry finally gets Christmases that every kid deserves. It says a lot about the Dursleys that Harry considers the empty walls of Hogwarts at Christmas more of a home than the one he grew up in. It also says a lot about the level of loyalty of Harry's friends that they're willing to stay behind to be with Harry for Christmas.

Props to J.K. Rowling to not make religion an issue with Christmas. After reading the books, we assume everyone in the wizarding world celebrates Christmas. Rowling simply tells her story without having any kind of social or political agenda, although many social issues of the times are reflected in the story, Rowling doesn't use Harry to push her views on her readers.

Where do the teachers go during the holidays? Don't they have families to go home to? I guess for Dumbledore, Hogwarts is home. For most of the teachers, it seems they have no lives outside the one they know at Hogwarts.

Lastly, this Christmas, let's take a leaf out of Rowling's books and show a little more love this season. Happy Christmas!

Prisoner of Azkaban Chapters 1 - 2

Merry Christmas, Gryffindorks! As one blog reader pointed out, it's been a while since my last post. Well Diane, you can Huffle-shove-it. Here's your bloody post! :)

Overview



Each Harry Potter book has its own plot and unique storyline, but each book contributes to a large, overarching plot about Harry. The first two books do very little to move the "big" plot forward. Rather, their role is to introduce us to the wizarding world and give some background on the "big" story. On their own, they're probably geared toward the 9-12 year-old age group. In Prisoner of Azkaban, we see a jump in the level of maturity of the story. I really enjoy that as Harry gets older, so does his target audience. This book is also the first book to really further the "big" plot. I like that in this book, we move away form the formulaic plot of the first two. This is also apparent in the movies, helped by the change in directors from Chris Columbus to Alfonzo Cuaron.

I forgot to give my ranking of Chamber of Secrets in my last post. Here's a recap.
My Rankings:
Of my favorite books in this series, I rank Sorcerer's Stone 6th out of 7.
I rank Chamber of Secrets 7th out of 7. Ha.
I rank Prisoner of Azkaban 4th out of 7.

The Return of the Beefeaters

The Fat-porkers have reached new levels of nastiness in this story, especially with the addition of Vernon's sister, Aunt Hairy Jowles McGruff. Uncle Saltporker and Aunt Dunglips have not changed in their attitudes toward Harry since we last saw them; in fact, if anything, they loathe him even more. The only thing that has changed is that little Roastbeefy is now roughly the size of a baby elephant seal.



Like Wicked

A few months ago, I saw a production of the musical, Wicked. For those of you who don't know what Wicked is, it is the Wizard of Oz told from the perpective of The Wicked Witch of the West (Elpheba) and Glinda. In that musical, we get to see the same story we've known for years, but we get a completely different side of it. The reason I bring this up is because I can liken it to Harry's world. It is a story about wizards, but it is not told from a human perspective as you might expect. It is told from a wizard point of view and things from the muggle world must be explained to the reader. Anyway, that's just something I was thinking about while I was reading this chapter. Random, I know.

For New Readers... or Just People Like My Mom

If this book is the first book from the Harry Potter series you read or if you haven't read the first two books in a long time, J.K. Rowling does a fantastic job of getting the reader caught up on background information from the first two books without taking too much of the reader's attention. She carefully weaves it into the first two chapters without slowing the story down. Takes a special talent to do that.