I just finished reading the second Harry Potter book, so at some point Erin and I are going to watch the movie (which I borrowed from Bryan.) Overall it’s not a bad book, but the Harry Potter Hype Machine™ is a little out of control…

I’ve read lots of books that are better, and lots of books that are worse. My only comment after reading the first book was that the movie did the characters up better than the book. That’s almost never the case with a movie based on a book, but I honestly think the movie gave them more depth - especially Malfoy and Snape. I remember thinking that those two were exceptionally one dimensional when watching the movie, but the book takes it even farther.

I realize that the target audience is much younger than me, but honestly, I think the kids can handle some depth to their bad guys. Some decent motive perhaps? Based on that, I’d heartily recommend the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman, which I could have sworn I’d mentioned here before, but apparently didn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, the Harry Potter books are ok, and they certainly have a sort of addictive quality to them, which accounts for the success of the sequels and the movies. I will be reading books 3-5 in due time, I’m sure. You just won’t find me lining up for J.K. Rowlings’ autograph or trying to buy a Nimbus 2000 vibrating broom anytime soon.

Simpson’s quote of the day: “Tell you what. I’ll show you something very special, if you promise to put your grubby little hands behind your back and keep them there.” - Comic Book Guy