Framed's 2007 Book Reviews

I talked with a co-worker today who has never read any of the Harry Potter books. (gasp) She told me that Harry Potter must die in this book because that is the only way that there won't be any sequels. I just smiled mysteriously and moved on. That's right, I don't believe in spoilers and she may read it someday. So what can I say about this book without giving anything away. Oh, there's lots. Let's start with what I didn't care for:

1. Two years between reading Book 6 and this one is way too long. I've forgotten all.

2. The pictures in this book look a lot more like Daniel Radcliffe than they did in Book 1. Don't get me wrong, I like Daniel Radcliffe, but still.

3. The wonder, enchantment and charm that hooked me in the first books isn't nearly as intense. The last few of the series are darker and appeal more to older teens than younger. Let's face it, I'm still a kid at heart.

4. Ron's whining. I know it was appropriate behavior for a 17-year-old under the circumstances, but I've always found his whining annoying. He does step it up more in this book when he quits whining and that was impressive.

5. Why aren't the U.S. book covers as neat as the ones in the UK?

I find these to be very minor complaints, just barely worth mentioning. Please don't let them stop you from reading a great book. So what did I like?

1. Harry's a babe. What else can I say?

2. The Weasley twins are hilarious.

3. The answer to several things that had puzzled me throughout the series. It's nice that my guesses were right several times.

4. The suspense was pretty intense and Rowling built it up very well. She really does spin a fantastic yarn. Although, there was some predictability with the ending, there were still enough surprises to keep things interesting. While Rowling has a great marketing machine who really built up this book, I was not disappointed in the least.

5. This book really is a great finale to the series. All the details are wrapped up and you even get to learn more about wizardry and it's history.

6. Vold . . . whoops, He Who Can't Be Named is one of the great villains of all times.

My overall feeling is one of sadness that the story is over. I enjoyed anticipating the next installment. I've read the first book a couple of times and still felt wonder at the creativity of the story, so I hope when I visit Hogwarts again, that wonder will still come through. I fully intend to read the whole series again from start to finish. And, of course, there's always the movies.