OK, I'm a Harry Potter fan. And I finished Book 6. And I'll talk about it after the jump.
But first, I'm just going to say that, for all you New Yorkers who've read about it, or you tourists who've heard about it, that yes, indeed, Union Square Cafe is a great restaurant.
After the jump? My slightly inebriated comments (SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT JUMP IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FIND OUT WHO DIES).
Oh my! I can't believe it was Dumbledore. And I think I was even more surprised that it was Snape who worked the murderous dark magic. But I think it will leave a serious void in Book 7. Dumbledore is a major supporting character, and even though he was not in all the scenes and was not always a "major" player in the action, he was still incredibly important. Most importantly, perhaps, because he has always been Harry's main ally. I mean, at the beginning of the book, when the new Minister of Magic discovers that Harry "is Dumbledore's man," well, that's a touching moment.
The growth of the idea of love - Ron and Hermione, and especially the kiss between Ginny and Harry - is pretty amazing and special.
But I guess my real question is: how is this violent and upsetting a book for children? I never got that in the first few books, but even more so in Book 6. The dead body parts in the lake, with the Imperius curse? Dumbledore's horrifying death? Goodness!
Anyhow, I'm kinda tipsy and this may not be making sense, but I haven't been knitting and I thought I ought to blog about something. And since most everyone I know is either not a HP fan or hasn't finished HPB yet, well... there you are.
Posted by Jon at July 20, 2005 10:25 PMDo you think Harry will be the final Horcreux (sp?)
It's in his eyes and love will be a major part in the final defeat of Voldemort in book 7?
Is Lilly still alive?
Sparkle
Posted by: Sparkle at July 21, 2005 05:31 AMI never thought about Harry being the final Horcrux... However, as the books have gone on, they aren't written for children so much - they are written for the teens those children have become. The idea of love will definitely play a huge part in Book 7 - and I think that Ron, Hermione, & Ginny will be huge players in it all. I am going to miss Dumbledore so much - as soon as it became crystal-clear what was going to happen, I started to cry. (I'm a dork, I know.) We'll have to discuss this more when I see you next week! :)
Posted by: Holly at July 21, 2005 09:11 AMI don't think this is the end of Dumbledore (sort of) - I think that he has stored his memories somewhere that Harry will be able to access in book 7 through the pensieve...
And who out there thinks that Snape was told by Dumbledore to end his life with the curse, and that Snape really isn't evil, but following a plan Dumbledore created...?
Great blanket, Jon. I wish I had a tenth of your patience.... :)
Posted by: Shelby at July 21, 2005 05:38 PMI was rather disappointed. I thought the book was poorly edited and the story was rather dull and lackluster. I was expecting more battles between the Order and the death eaters.
I knew about Dumbledore dying prior to reading that part (someone told me). I think in order to keep people's interest for a 7th book, she had to kill someone major and it couldn't be one of the kids. Well, I'm sure we could stand to lose Draco. LOL
Posted by: Jon at July 21, 2005 07:46 PMJon, I think you have an amazing blog! I have never commented on any of your entries but as a fellow New Yorker I enjoy reading about all the wonderful things you are able to do here in Manhattan. I am a knitter, although not as prolific as you are (it is one of the many things I enjoy doing.) I felt compelled to comment here because I read Book 6 on Saturday and I also felt, as Shelby does, that Snape was fully informing Dumbledore and had his permission/orders to sacrifice his life to save Harry's. I guessed pretty early on who the Prince was and the book seemed to always provide the help Harry needed, which I feel supports this theory (as well as some other things - but I don't want to drone on.) Thanks again for allowing us to share in some of the exciting things you are doing. Take care and have a great weekend!
Posted by: Laurie at July 22, 2005 12:26 AMHarry Potter 6 spoiler alert: I am hoping, as are Shelby and Laurie, that Snape was informing Dumbledore the whole time. Dumbledore is supposed to be so wise (albeit not perfect), and continuously has stated his faith in Snape. It would annoy me if this wise man was so wrong and Harry (at age 11, no less) was right. Though I'm afraid that, since that's what I wasnt, it won't happen. It did make for a surprising and shocking (not to mention tear-filled) ending to the book, though! If it is indeed the case, I think they'll find out information from Dumbledore's new protrait in the Headmaster's office. The only thing that bothered me about the identity of the Half-Blood Prince was this: Harry gets back essays graded by Snape, all the time, probably covered in scathing remarks. So why didn't he notice anything familiar about the handwriting in the potions book? My handwriting hasn't changed all that much since I was a teenager. Sorry to go on, but no one I know has finished the book either, so I can't talk about it with them!
Posted by: Kendra at July 22, 2005 09:46 AMI didn't think this was much of a children's book - more Young Adult. There was a lot of "snogging" that a 7-year-old wouldn't care about and a lot of romantic jealousy that he/she might not understand either.
As far as Dumbledore being gone, he's still got his portrait. A little Obiwan to me, but he's still got a voice.
Sparkle - what an interesting theory! That would be fascinating.
Anyone have ideas as to took the locket?
Posted by: Jenn at July 22, 2005 02:52 PMMy nearly eight year old son couldn't even bear to tell me that Bill and Fleur were gettting married! Our discussion about it was hysterical!
And I spent a night of not knitting (or sleeping!) to read the entire thing!
Jon, I am SO in awe of the Rosetta blankie! Seeing the pic of you with it puts it all into scale in a way that even the quarter pic didn't. Knit on!
Posted by: Kit at July 23, 2005 05:51 PM"And who out there thinks that Snape was told by Dumbledore to end his life with the curse, and that Snape really isn't evil, but following a plan Dumbledore created...?"
I do...
Posted by: Harpa J at July 24, 2005 02:13 PMI was so sad when Dumbledore died. I can't wait until the next book comes out -- is Snape really good? How will Harry get the other Horcruxes? Will Draco turn out to be good after all (I mean he couldn't kill; will he turn on Voldermort?) I hope Dumbledore will still be able to help Harry (I mean, the poor kid has lost so many who loved him -his parents, Sirius and now Dumbledore). I guess I have a few years to wait. (Plus a few days after that - 1st my son reads it, then my husband, then me. Actually I might be fourth in line - my daughter will be old enough by then.) So many loose ends to weave-in, sort of like Rosetta!
Posted by: Laura at July 25, 2005 09:54 AMi just finished the book tonight and am feeling a bit stunned. I kept charging through the last few pages, hoping Dumbledore might suddenly spring back to life. Dumbledore not all wise and all knowing? Snape really E-vil? Oh dear. I think it might be a metaphor for growing up, and we don't like it at all!
Anyway. I'm raving on. What I meant to say, John, was that I love your blog and your Rosetta blanket is spectacular.
Posted by: lyndade at July 28, 2005 11:32 AMLocket: there was one that would NOT OPEN at the Black House, remember? And R.A.B. could be Regalas, brother of Snuffles ( middle initial was probably his father or grandfather's name...one of them had an 'A' name)
R. was a death eater, R. left Voldemort, it is only assumed he is dead.
I enjoy your blog-the blanket is outstanding.
I just stumbled upon your blog and it intrigued me. I think that Snape is still good. I think the Dubmbldore was a sacrifice. I think that R.A.B. is Sirius' brother.
Posted by: Nicole at April 30, 2006 02:01 PM