UP!–The PHOENIX: No Ordinary Bird…

Posted on February 18, 2015 by writersideup

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When I first began reading the Harry Potter series, back in the summer of 2001, the only rule I’d set for myself was that I wanted to be sure to read each book prior to its corresponding movie release. I couldn’t easily be buying them all in hardcover, so I had waited ’til each one was released in paperback, that is UNTIL—I read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! When I finished that book I knew that as soon as Book 6 was released my greedy, anxious little hands would be on that hardcover before it hit the shelves!

Many people have described Harry’s snappy, irritable behavior in “Phoenix” as “teenage angst.” Honestly, I’ve never seen it that way. I mean, really—after, at the end of his 5th year at Hogwarts, having witnessed Cedric Diggory die at the hands of Voldemort, then narrowly escaping death himself, to then be kept in the dark for most of the summer by everyone including his friends, he had good reason to feel more than resentful. Add to that an attack by two Continue reading →

UP!—Burned by the GOBLET OF FIRE

Posted on January 27, 2015 by writersideup

(NOTE: while this post is current, scroll on the sidebar —in a separate tab or window—to click to listen to Hedwig’s Theme while reading 😀)

One would expect a wooden goblet to burn to ashes had it been filled with fire. But when the fire is that of enchanted flames, it is no ordinary goblet—it is the legendary Goblet of Fire! Its blue-white flames flicker with the glow of wonder and anticipation, holding within itself the power to judge which three worthy opponents from the three largest European wizarding schools will compete in none other than The Triwizard Tournament.

In Harry’s 4^th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the school played host to this exciting and dangerous event, along with the visiting students from the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang schools who would participate. One representative from each school would be chosen to compete, with only students of age (17 years old and above) allowed to submit their names, having written them on paper then dropped into the famed goblet. Harry was relieved that, as a 14-year-old, he couldn’t qualify; he wouldn’t be expected to enter his name. He had no desire to risk life and limb in a contest, so on the night the winners were announced, the goblet having just chosen the three competitors, when its flame flashed red unexpectedly spewing forth a 4^th scorched parchment, no one was more shocked than he when Dumbledore uttered, “Harry Potter.” Continue reading →

UP!–When a Book is a “THRILL RIDE”!

Posted on January 5, 2015 by writersideup

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Don’t you just love when, as a book’s “passenger,” you never want the ride to end? I and thousands of readers agree that J. K. Rowling’s writing style grabs your imagination and emotions by the collar, straps you in its seat and won’t let go! Thanks to Sheila at Book Journey, I’m on that ride again 🙂

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, is the third leg of this thrilling “roller coaster” ride. We’re filled with expectation as our author ushers us in with another packed carful of characters. She flips the switch, the cars lurch and we start off slowly, with Vernon Dursley’s sister, Marge, who’s every bit as horrible as he is. Her opinion of Harry is that of a dog, and a mangy one at that, ultimately pushing Harry over the edge. As a reader, we feel as satisfied as Harry in justice having been served when so well-deserved! Continue reading →