Tuesday, November 9, 2010

My Latest Listen


OK. I know I'm behind the times. I'm just now getting around to Harry Potter. And I've really been enjoying the first novel. That is, I was until this morning. With only about one hour left of the audiobook, my ipod shut off. At first, I thought my battery was down. But, no. I turned it back on, navigated to roughly the same spot, and began to listen again. A few minutes of replay, and then . . . nothing. Again. What??
As soon as I got in from my workout, I got on my computer and checked itunes. It didn't work there, either. The rest of the book was missing.
Aaaarrrrgggghhhh.

3 comments:

Jonathan G. Reinhardt said...

OH NO! That's terrible.

About being behind the times: I was, too. I didn't read a single Harry Potter book until college. I then listened to the first six books on audio on long road trips, which is an excellent way to experience them, and I only actually read the seventh.

I've read all of them since, but my first experience was like yours, by hearing.

Btw, Rowling hits her stride in the third book, Prisoner of Azkaban, which is probably the best of the actual novels, but as YA goes, the series is pretty high quality from then on out. You'll already see a jump in quality from the first book to the second, Chamber of Secrets because Rowling becomes more confident with the characters and setting and shortens the bits about the Dursleys in favor of Hogwarts.

Also, the movies are really well done. In fact, I think the movie of sixth book, Half-Blood Prince, is actually better than the novel, which is already strong. I strongly suggest watching at least this one movie adaptation.

And I'd love to hear who your favorite character is. Mine is Ginny Weasley.

About your question whether you should put Harry Mulisch on your reading list, I think so, yes. I suggest reading "The Assault." It's his best one, IMO.

Stephanie said...

It's all Ian T's fault. He shared the mp3 file with me. But to give him credit, he quickly responded to my distress. He's re-sent it, so maybe I can download it again and finish it tomorrow.

I don't know who my favorite character is yet, but I'll let you know when I get further in. I haven't watched any of the movies because I wanted to read them first. The audiobooks I'm listening to are read by Stephen Fry, and he's amazing.

I've mentioned in some of my classes that I'm reading HP, and it surprised me how excited the students were that I'm reading them. Makes me wonder if other professors have dissed the series. Wouldn't be surprised.

Jonathan G. Reinhardt said...

I'm sure other professors have.

There are some interesting scholarly takes on HP, I've found. Once you're through, let me know whether you want me to send some links. I wouldn't want you to read them before you get through purely on enjoyment.