Are Hogwarts and wizards just the flavor of the moment, or will Harry and friends ascend as classic children’s literature? Well, if nothing else, the huge numbers of the books that libraries buy to keep up with demand will keep them around for a good long time. Seriously, my local library still has half-a-dozen copies of The Bridges of Madison County, last I checked.
I refuse to believe this is for real
Higher than average whinging is expected in the wake of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, yes. But a helpline?
Retailers fear that the ending of the series and the accompanying deaths could cause such level of distress among fans that Waterstone’s, a major bookseller, are planning to set up a helpline for readers.
Because no beloved character has ever died in fiction before. Quick, hide the Russian literature section! (via fandom lounge)
Department of the Oblivious Daily Bulletin
Harry Potter has reached cult phenomenon status. Next time: People seem to like this whole Star Wars thing, aye? (via fandom lounge)
Potter, Potter, Potter!
As we approach the Potterdämmerung, the event which will result in all of fandom erupting into a mighty flame war that will bring about the end of the internets, it’s important to remember a few key things:
1. Your first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone could be worth up to $18,000.
2. Spoilers and speculation are everywhere. If you wish to avoid them, stop going outside, unplug your TV, computer, and any other magical or mundane devices that facilitate communication.
3. Acquire the book as soon as possible. Although it does mean venturing out into the uncontrolled, spoiler-filled world, attending a midnight book release party is your best bet.
4. For Snape’s sake, Don’t panic.
A tale of Golden Age comics
Pete Vilmur points blog readers towards The Mile High Comics Story. Even if you’ve never been or don’t inspire to be a collector, it’s still a fascinating (if very long) read.
The Golden Compass on high
Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights (aka The Golden Compass) named best children’s book of the past 70 years. Speaking of, have you seen the trailer for the movie adaption? DO WANT.
Harry Potter spoiler hacking – for Jesus!
Forget the C4 cake – now this is insane. Hackers claim to have gained access to the manuscript for Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows. Their reason:
We did it by following the precious words of the great Pope Benedict XVI when he still was Cardinal Josepth Ratzinger. He explained why Harry Potter bring the youngs of our earth to Neo Paganism faith.
So we make this spoiler to make reading of the upcoming book useless and boring.
Yeah, that’ll work. Because no one throughly spoiled would ever want to read the actual book. Judge for yourself: The ‘spoilerific’ Potter link is here, with the maybe spoilers and such. In brief: Possible spoilers in the last link. And no, I will not be making a HP spoiler graphic. Well, maybe after the fact, if someone asks really nicely.
Scholastic: “Consider this one more theory.”
J.K. Rowling to tour U.S., sorta
The Harry Potter author will visit Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York this October, in the aftermath of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Throw another fantasy series on the fire!
Warner Brothers buys rights to Terry Brooks’ Shannara series, which has been a staple of fantasy bookshelves since 1977. Brooks was also responsible for the novelization of The Phantom Menace.