I gave up reading crime novels back when I had real life horrors with a stalker and felt that I needed to cleanse my mind of the fear of all that could happen. I presently wanted to support JK though, and ordering the Strike series was an easy in. And I really enjoyed them. Book 3 has a part - no spoiler! - where Robin is in a situation which she is able to resolve and overcome on her own and it felt like a gift to me, and the me with the things I had personally been through. I'm sure you'll be able to break it down better than that once read, but it to me was powerful. I watch the series too, and like all TV, it isn't the books, but they do well and it's cast very well, and I always look forward to the adaptations coming out. I'm now tackling Harry Potter for the first time ever! I just finished book three and I'm totally invested for book four. To have an ounce of her talent for story telling would be a wondrous thing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series. This review was spot on, you nailed her nailing of it, and I hope the woman herself gets to read it sometime.
Oh wow, I hope you enjoy the HP series! I think Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince were my favorites, but Goblet of Fire has a lot of deeply enjoyable parts too. I'm excited for you--it's a very fun journey!
When you finish them (I recommend *reading* first), the Jim Dale audiobooks are a treat all their own. They're absolutely fabulous. I love them for driving, working out, and housecleaning.
I will say that I found last couple of books in the HP series a lot less enjoyable than the earlier ones. Not bad and needed to tie everything together, but not as much fun
OotP mostly made me want to scream at Harry to go tell McGonagall what was happening. Or, y'know, basically any even vaguely responsible adult. Though I suppose he had reason enough to see what was occurring as normal. :-/
This review needs to get to JK. She will appreciate how well-written it is, send an advance copy of the next novel to Holly, and there will be a Holly Math Nerd blurb on the jacket.
I have enjoyed the TV adaptations. The 4th was recently released. They focus on the main stories of each volume but still manage to include a lot of the “world building” of the books. The casting is good. Last summer I was looking for a new British series to watch with my elderly mother and decided to introduce Strike to her. She hasn’t read the books but she likes mysteries. My father walked in, a man who rarely watches mystery series with us, and absolutely fell in love with the Strike character. So much so, he managed to navigate to the HBO Max on their smart TV to finish series/books 1-3 in a couple weeks. (He is 89.) Rowling sent the 7th manuscript to the publishers recently so there will another book to enjoy soon.
It's nice to be able to introduce your parents to something new, isn't it? Not surprised that your father also liked them a lot---my husband got pulled in to the series too. Cormoran Strike is a compelling male character.
I think you would enjoy the Strike books, Josh. Completely different than the Harry Potter books. Rowling REALLY knows how to write an interesting, nuanced adult book.
If I had been a kid when Harry Potter came out, I would have been obsessed. The themes of alienation, abuse, going it alone, good and evil, and children with magic, would have fit my mind to a T.
Because it came out when I was an adult and I witnessed the utter transnational craze of Harry Potterism, and then seeing the children grow into "adults" who *still* treated the books with the same reverence as they did when children, I got really turned off to it.
Same here. I was an adult when I read the first but never got beyond it. People my age were gushing like kids. I have nothing against the books whatsoever, I was biased by the hype and never developed any interest.
I've read all the books except Ink Black Heart---I'm in line for the e-book at my library. But I've read all the others in the series, and I think you are in for a real treat. I really enjoyed all of them except one, which dragged a bit but which was still worthwhile reading.
Also just watched the TV series and was pleasantly surprised at the good job they did. As in most British productions, the acting and cinematography are first-rate. It's amusing how they try to make the actor playing Cormoran (the actor is a handsome, in-shape bloke) look slovenly and overweight by having him wear about eight layers of clothes and coats. Doesn't work, he's still yummy lol.
Finally, it took me forever to realize what should have been obvious: JK Rowling has a consistent theme throughout all the books where she highlights the problems women often face as women. Normally that might turn me off because although as a woman I get it completely, I don't want women portrayed as saints or men all portrayed as monsters. Rowling does a good job of showing women in full, though, including every bit of our human faults.
I struggle with audiobooks. I can podcast from here to eternity, but my mind wanders from fiction on audio. When I read, I can stop and think and turn over an idea. Audio I just keep losing my spot. I shall try though! I heard he does great voices!
Thanks for the book review Holly. My husband and I are currently watching the series and love it. Will definitely read the books. Also want to add a plug here for the new podcast "The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling". The host, Megan Phelps-Roper, has done a fantastic job researching and presenting the recent cultural unheaval that led to Rowling's "canceling". Rowling invited Phelps-Roper to her home in Scotland where they had lengthy conversations ranging from Rowling's hardscrabble past to her years as a feminist activist and finally to her current embattled situation. Rowling is clearly a deep and perceptive observer of social movements and their consequences. Highly recommended.
I wasn’t expecting a book review so quickly but it confirmed everything I thought about how valuable it would be to have your perspective in a review. I had not read this book but I can’t wait now. I too was an adult when the Potter books came out, and experienced them only through my children and the cultural phenomenon. I’m also enjoying the witch trials podcast immensely.
I’ve already ordered the book. Your work is much appreciated!
I have no desire to read anything from JK Rowling. Her novels have mislead a generation (or 2) of young people, drawing them into the world of witchcraft. There are too many classic stories that have been enjoyed for generations, but forgotten now. Stories which help you understand what out world was like, a thousand years ago; one hundred years ago; just pick a time. They help you understand what our world - our country - has endured, good AND evil. One can't learn from history if one never learns it.
I think her Potter Series are just another addiction such as evil video games, where, even though you're the "hero", you do evil things to "win".
I don't plan on reading anything from her or Steven King, or...
This is giving me childhood flashbacks, LOL. I know Wiccans and other people who practice actual witchcraft. They find Harry Potter insulting for how not like actual witchcraft it is. The story is about as much of a Christian allegory as one can get without a lion named Aslan being involved.
Isn't there some saying about if you're not pissing off people you're doing it wrong? Especially when the criticisms are conflicting. That's always fun.
Imagine if you had the books as a child! (Assuming you didn't because of your upbringing.) You'd have to smuggle it everywhere. You be building secret compartments in the floorboards or burying it in the woods or hiding it in a hollow tree.
I think the most important thing that the HP books do for children is inspire them to read. Once they do that then they can read classic stories.
I also think the HP books teach children a bunch of lessons, some of which JKR probably didn't intend at the time, such as "don't trust the government". I know she has been upset at the way libertarians claimed that some of the later books in particular are an illustration of just why big government doesn't work
I have seen somewhere that she was not expecting that lesson to be drawn. Don't remember where exactly. Unfortunately any attempt I make to find it now is swallowed up by trans crap
My favorite takeaway from the Harry Potter series is that the only schools which are truly safe are the ones in which open carry is permitted, and students are taught from year 1 to defend themselves. 😎
I listened to the first book and really enjoyed it. I loved the main characters! You’ve inspired me to keep going with the series. I read in another review (which was not half so convincing as yours!) that you can’t follow the story unless you are reading a print copy. Do you agree?
I usually only listen to audiobooks if I've already read the book, but there's so much in it that's online layout (simultaneous chats happening in a chat room, Twitter DMs and tweets and QTs and such) that I think it would be hard, yeah.
Yeah, I wasn't joking. Though I would have to research if they had done it on purpose, or if they just built a tool that happened to be used for great evil.
I mean, I don't support lawsuits against firearms manufacturers, so it'd be hypocritical to apply a different standard.
I think the world would be a better place if tumblr, twitter, tik tok and probably all other social media were to die in a fire and not be restarted. But that's not an argument about legality.
I'm starting to think that humans may *really* not have the psyche to deal with mass instantaneous global communication well. It's certainly not something we'd have developed in the ancestral environment. And I'm someone who has truly enjoyed the ability to speak with people in far off countries for effectively free for well over three decades.
Your review really makes me want to read it. I don't know about having the time, but it sounds great.
this
I gave up reading crime novels back when I had real life horrors with a stalker and felt that I needed to cleanse my mind of the fear of all that could happen. I presently wanted to support JK though, and ordering the Strike series was an easy in. And I really enjoyed them. Book 3 has a part - no spoiler! - where Robin is in a situation which she is able to resolve and overcome on her own and it felt like a gift to me, and the me with the things I had personally been through. I'm sure you'll be able to break it down better than that once read, but it to me was powerful. I watch the series too, and like all TV, it isn't the books, but they do well and it's cast very well, and I always look forward to the adaptations coming out. I'm now tackling Harry Potter for the first time ever! I just finished book three and I'm totally invested for book four. To have an ounce of her talent for story telling would be a wondrous thing. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series. This review was spot on, you nailed her nailing of it, and I hope the woman herself gets to read it sometime.
Oh wow, I hope you enjoy the HP series! I think Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince were my favorites, but Goblet of Fire has a lot of deeply enjoyable parts too. I'm excited for you--it's a very fun journey!
Thank you! I haven't had this much 'just for fun' reading books for a long time. It's a great feeling. Like I'm part of an epic adventure.
When you finish them (I recommend *reading* first), the Jim Dale audiobooks are a treat all their own. They're absolutely fabulous. I love them for driving, working out, and housecleaning.
I will say that I found last couple of books in the HP series a lot less enjoyable than the earlier ones. Not bad and needed to tie everything together, but not as much fun
Given how dark the wizarding world got, yeah.
OotP mostly made me want to scream at Harry to go tell McGonagall what was happening. Or, y'know, basically any even vaguely responsible adult. Though I suppose he had reason enough to see what was occurring as normal. :-/
This review needs to get to JK. She will appreciate how well-written it is, send an advance copy of the next novel to Holly, and there will be a Holly Math Nerd blurb on the jacket.
Well I retweeted the link here and tagged her, so maybe she'll notice....
Commence bombardment
I have enjoyed the TV adaptations. The 4th was recently released. They focus on the main stories of each volume but still manage to include a lot of the “world building” of the books. The casting is good. Last summer I was looking for a new British series to watch with my elderly mother and decided to introduce Strike to her. She hasn’t read the books but she likes mysteries. My father walked in, a man who rarely watches mystery series with us, and absolutely fell in love with the Strike character. So much so, he managed to navigate to the HBO Max on their smart TV to finish series/books 1-3 in a couple weeks. (He is 89.) Rowling sent the 7th manuscript to the publishers recently so there will another book to enjoy soon.
It's nice to be able to introduce your parents to something new, isn't it? Not surprised that your father also liked them a lot---my husband got pulled in to the series too. Cormoran Strike is a compelling male character.
This review is the first time I've wanted to read a Rowling book.
I think you would enjoy the Strike books, Josh. Completely different than the Harry Potter books. Rowling REALLY knows how to write an interesting, nuanced adult book.
Agreed. I think Josh would like them.
That's clearly true or Holly wouldn't be writing about them, because she doesn't read stupid stuff!
If I had been a kid when Harry Potter came out, I would have been obsessed. The themes of alienation, abuse, going it alone, good and evil, and children with magic, would have fit my mind to a T.
Because it came out when I was an adult and I witnessed the utter transnational craze of Harry Potterism, and then seeing the children grow into "adults" who *still* treated the books with the same reverence as they did when children, I got really turned off to it.
Same here. I was an adult when I read the first but never got beyond it. People my age were gushing like kids. I have nothing against the books whatsoever, I was biased by the hype and never developed any interest.
I've read all the books except Ink Black Heart---I'm in line for the e-book at my library. But I've read all the others in the series, and I think you are in for a real treat. I really enjoyed all of them except one, which dragged a bit but which was still worthwhile reading.
Also just watched the TV series and was pleasantly surprised at the good job they did. As in most British productions, the acting and cinematography are first-rate. It's amusing how they try to make the actor playing Cormoran (the actor is a handsome, in-shape bloke) look slovenly and overweight by having him wear about eight layers of clothes and coats. Doesn't work, he's still yummy lol.
Finally, it took me forever to realize what should have been obvious: JK Rowling has a consistent theme throughout all the books where she highlights the problems women often face as women. Normally that might turn me off because although as a woman I get it completely, I don't want women portrayed as saints or men all portrayed as monsters. Rowling does a good job of showing women in full, though, including every bit of our human faults.
I struggle with audiobooks. I can podcast from here to eternity, but my mind wanders from fiction on audio. When I read, I can stop and think and turn over an idea. Audio I just keep losing my spot. I shall try though! I heard he does great voices!
That's why I only get audiobooks if I've already *read* them -- so if my mind wanders it's no big deal. And they're absolutely *marvelous*.
That sounds smart. I'll try that. Never saw my mid-forties as being my Potter years, but here we go I guess.
Thanks for the book review Holly. My husband and I are currently watching the series and love it. Will definitely read the books. Also want to add a plug here for the new podcast "The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling". The host, Megan Phelps-Roper, has done a fantastic job researching and presenting the recent cultural unheaval that led to Rowling's "canceling". Rowling invited Phelps-Roper to her home in Scotland where they had lengthy conversations ranging from Rowling's hardscrabble past to her years as a feminist activist and finally to her current embattled situation. Rowling is clearly a deep and perceptive observer of social movements and their consequences. Highly recommended.
YES! That podcast is excellent. I've got notes on it to include it in a future "things I like" type post.
Great recommendation. I bought a copy right after I finished reading your post, and I'm excited to start it
I hope you'll put a referral link in your next book review, if it's possible. I would have been happy to click it and you get you a few dollars
I wasn’t expecting a book review so quickly but it confirmed everything I thought about how valuable it would be to have your perspective in a review. I had not read this book but I can’t wait now. I too was an adult when the Potter books came out, and experienced them only through my children and the cultural phenomenon. I’m also enjoying the witch trials podcast immensely.
I’ve already ordered the book. Your work is much appreciated!
I have no desire to read anything from JK Rowling. Her novels have mislead a generation (or 2) of young people, drawing them into the world of witchcraft. There are too many classic stories that have been enjoyed for generations, but forgotten now. Stories which help you understand what out world was like, a thousand years ago; one hundred years ago; just pick a time. They help you understand what our world - our country - has endured, good AND evil. One can't learn from history if one never learns it.
I think her Potter Series are just another addiction such as evil video games, where, even though you're the "hero", you do evil things to "win".
I don't plan on reading anything from her or Steven King, or...
Just my opinion...
This is giving me childhood flashbacks, LOL. I know Wiccans and other people who practice actual witchcraft. They find Harry Potter insulting for how not like actual witchcraft it is. The story is about as much of a Christian allegory as one can get without a lion named Aslan being involved.
Isn't there some saying about if you're not pissing off people you're doing it wrong? Especially when the criticisms are conflicting. That's always fun.
Imagine if you had the books as a child! (Assuming you didn't because of your upbringing.) You'd have to smuggle it everywhere. You be building secret compartments in the floorboards or burying it in the woods or hiding it in a hollow tree.
I think the most important thing that the HP books do for children is inspire them to read. Once they do that then they can read classic stories.
I also think the HP books teach children a bunch of lessons, some of which JKR probably didn't intend at the time, such as "don't trust the government". I know she has been upset at the way libertarians claimed that some of the later books in particular are an illustration of just why big government doesn't work
Wait, she seriously didn't intend to convey the "Government Is Useless" message on purpose?
I have seen somewhere that she was not expecting that lesson to be drawn. Don't remember where exactly. Unfortunately any attempt I make to find it now is swallowed up by trans crap
My favorite takeaway from the Harry Potter series is that the only schools which are truly safe are the ones in which open carry is permitted, and students are taught from year 1 to defend themselves. 😎
I listened to the first book and really enjoyed it. I loved the main characters! You’ve inspired me to keep going with the series. I read in another review (which was not half so convincing as yours!) that you can’t follow the story unless you are reading a print copy. Do you agree?
I usually only listen to audiobooks if I've already read the book, but there's so much in it that's online layout (simultaneous chats happening in a chat room, Twitter DMs and tweets and QTs and such) that I think it would be hard, yeah.
It *had* occurred to me that it was possible that the creators of Tumblr might need to be tried for Crimes Against Humanity.
I am not sure it's possible to exaggerate the effect and negative power of Tumblr, nor how far it ripples even today.
Yeah, I wasn't joking. Though I would have to research if they had done it on purpose, or if they just built a tool that happened to be used for great evil.
I mean, I don't support lawsuits against firearms manufacturers, so it'd be hypocritical to apply a different standard.
I think the world would be a better place if tumblr, twitter, tik tok and probably all other social media were to die in a fire and not be restarted. But that's not an argument about legality.
Absolutely concur.
I'm starting to think that humans may *really* not have the psyche to deal with mass instantaneous global communication well. It's certainly not something we'd have developed in the ancestral environment. And I'm someone who has truly enjoyed the ability to speak with people in far off countries for effectively free for well over three decades.
Characters with silly names. Fails triage.