Harry Potter - Chamber of Secrets

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J. K. Rowling
Publication: 1997

This is a classic by the standards of a 90's kid. The entire Harry Potter series is recommended, but right now I will on focus on the 1st book. This book not only started kicks off the series it spawned a very successful franchise. The franchise includes movies, theme parks, and games (board, trading card and video). J. K. Rowling is a billionaire thanks to this series.

(image taken from this link)

http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/2o6b2x/jawdropping_redesigns_of_the_harry_potter_books/

 

Plot

 

This is the story of a mistreated orphan, named Harry Potter. His cruel step-family, sets the tone for his miserable life. All of that changes with the arrival of very special letter. Harry has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

 

There Harry learns about his powers, family and destiny. Along his adventures, he meets friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. They help get in and out of trouble in times of need. Together, the three of them get the better of their rivals in Slytherin and battle the forces of "He Who Must Not Be Named".

Characters

 

   Harry Potter:

Orphan, 11-year old wizard. He lived a miserable life with the family of his aunt. Harry is unaware of his destiny and potential. Everything in his new life leaves him awe-struck.

 

   Ron Weasley:

Best friend of Harry. His family comes from a large and poor family. Ron is mischievous like some of his older brothers. Ron is good-hearted, but any that requires reading is beyond him.

 

   Hermoine Granger:

Smartest girl in Harry's year. She comes from a non-magical family. Hermoine prides her studies but she will not compromise her friend in the process. Sometimes her brains is a source of friction among their group.

 

  Draco Malfoy:

Spoiled bully. Draco is rich, privileged and a pure-blood. He sees himself as above the dirty, poor, and muggle-born. Draco is prideful and boastful to those around him, even if he is in the wrong.

 

Personal Comments

 

This book was artfully written. The plot, description and character development take readers on a journey. This was a gateway into reading for personal enjoyment and leisure. Before I picked Harry Potter up, I would only read either childish materials to appease my mom or teachers. Some parents have raised concerns about witchcraft and teaching those things to children, but those worries are needless. Personal values will not be compromised, but enhanced with morals like friendship, courage and believing in yourself.



The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lous Lowery
Publication: 1993

Recently a new movie was released this year. It was entitled The Giver. It was the film adaptation of the novel by the same name. The movie was authentic to the story of the book. WARNING: SPOILERS

 

(image taken from this link)

(http://www.amazon.com/The-Giver-Quartet-Lois-Lowry/dp/0440237688)

 

Plot

The plot centered around an utopian community. Troubles, and disasters of the past were erased. Everybody was content and worry free, except for Jonas. He was a little scared. Jonas was about to receive his assignment in the community, but he had no idea about what it would be.

At the ceremony, all of his friends and classmate are assigned their jobs. One by one everyone is call. Everyone but Jonas that is. At first he is skipped over, then it is revealed that, Janos was selected as the new Receiver.

It is a special honor. When he reports for his first day, he meets one of the elders. The elder gives him a memory. In that memory, Jonas experiences life, and he learns the truth. His world is not perfect, because there is no choice. The human spirit was reconstructed. Emotions, colors, art, music and any other form of freedom or expression was erased.

Jason wakes up to the horrors his life. "Elsewhere" was the next step of happiness where old people go to. Actually it turns out that "Elsewhere" is just death. Jason decides to save a young baby from going to "Elsewhere". Jason runs away to break the chain of Givers and Receivers, and allow the memories to return to everyone.

Characters

    Jonas:

11-year old protagonist. He is selected as the new receiver of memory. Jonas is smart, collected and thoughtful.

 

    The Giver:

The old man of the community was the former receiver of memory. He holds the communities collective memory, and advices the elders when called upon.

 

   Chief Elder:

The elected leader of Jonas's community. She genuinely cares for the people. She prefers order and following the tradition of things.

     

Review and Commentary

I really enjoyed the story. The concept, plot, and characters were well developed. It places a price on peace and questions the idea of an utopia. The characters place their roles perfectly. The book leaves a plot hole. Readers have debated if Jason made it to safety or suffered hypothermia and death. Sequels and the movie wrap-up this debate.

Hello, dedication

Hello,

This blog is dedicated to books. Most of the novels discussed will be those found in children and young adult selections. The books reviewed will at minimum will average 60 pages or 5 chapters. At the top end books could reach over 1000 pages or 50 chapters. Most genres will include fantasy, science fiction, fiction, adventure, mystery, horror and romance.

I hope you enjoy read, and will provide your own response to this blog too.