Weekend

[desertvixen]

Well, Friday we actually had some fun, discussing Middle Eastern culture. And watching SGT Seatmate get warned by one of our teachers (the one who used to be an officer) to watch how he expresses his opinions. Less fun for me was watching people mangle transliterated Arabic pronunciations. There's a rhythm and grace to the way Arabic is spoken by people who know what they're doing.

Then we had a stroke of luck and training was cancelled due to weather on Friday. So we were able to relax a little before we drove up to Tucson and hit the bars there. Saturday, we spent sleeping in and shopping in Tucson. The bad news - my 70-300mm lens has an Issue. The larger of the two rings to focus the lens is somehow off its track. This would be eighty dollars and six-eight weeks to fix. So, I bought a replacement lens for $130, 100-300mm. The time is more of an issue, but I can get it repaired in Georgia just as not easily.

Saturday we came home, after raiding various bookstores. And, of course, picking up my copy of Harry Potter. I didn't actually start the book until later in the evening, because I decided I would go ahead and rearrange the room before I started. I don't expect to see my roommate, so no point in waiting. Maybe fifteen-twenty minutes?
That would be a NO. When I went to move her wall locker, there was a nasty, yellow, sticky unidentifable stain beneath it. So I was mopping and moving the room in sections. If we get a third person, they're sort of screwed, but the setup is not too bad. It gives me the most room, because I'm by the door and sort of have the common area in the room.

So, room accomplished, I sat down to read HP. And kept reading until almost two am, until I finished the book. Before I get into the spoiler bit, I just want to say that norabombay was absolutely right. This book is pure crack. I do think there will be some unhappy fans on this one, but I'm impressed.

More Harry Potter, cut for your protection:

The bit with the Prime Minister to open the book is hilarious.

Also amused by Narcissa Malfoy's nickname. It's pretty obvious, but she just does not seem like a Cissy.

Dumbledore steamrolling the Dursleys was also worth the price of admission.

The interactions between the female characters are entertaining.

Hermione calling Harry "fanciable" and Ron's reaction got a laugh too. More about that relationship later.

The Felix Felicis fake-out for Quidditch was good. I do hope Ron starts believing in himself and being a bit less nervous. I have a feeling he's going to need it in book 7.

Dumbledore's death. This was a big step for her to take, but I suppose it is necessary. By the beginning of Book 7, Harry will be considered an adult in the Wizarding World. I also have to wonder, if Dumbledore KNEW about Draco Malfoy's mission, and the fact that Snape had taken the Unbreakable Vow. It doesn't seem out of character for Dumbledore to have ordered Snape to make the vow, or that Dumbledore knew he would die, but that his death might help accomplish more. I also can't help wondering if Dumbledore will pull a Ben Kenbobi on us. As much as I know that a lot of people don't like Snape(including, apparently, JK Rowling), I can't help thinking that he's not entirely done with Dumbledore's work just yet. Of course, he'll have a hell of a time convincing anyone else that he's not a wizard to be shot on sight.

The relationships between the teen characters are nicely done. I know some people keep thinking of these just as kids' books, and don't think that the relationship stuff has any real place in the books. But, come on - they are sixteen, going on seventeen. I thought it was nicely done, not a distraction from the plot, but an integral part of it. All the Ron/Hermione ship crew must be happy. I did enjoy the Lavendar Brown bit. Still, glad things are worked out between Ron and Hermione. Also, the Harry/Ginny ship crew must be all happy. I'm not so sure I agree with his actions at the end of the book, but... we shall see. He has a good point, but it seems that the one thing Harry has not learned is that he does not have to do everything ALONE. Teamwork is good.

The book also addresses a little bit of the shadow side of Gryffindor House. I mean, bravery, courage, fearlessness all have their places. But there's also foolishness, stubborness, and the constant need to step in where angels fear to tread. Hopefully, Harry can get these tendencies under control before they get him killed.

Now I also have the new JD Robb book to read. :) This one is supposed to be a little more SF than the others have been. We'll see.

DV

Comments

Finished this naptime

[carbonelle.livejournal.com]

Also found it good fun: Much more like TGoF and less like OOtP w/it's all-too-painfully-accurate-teenage-boy-pain-in-the-@rsedness. It was, however, Fred's Special Christmas-tree Topper that made me laugh out loud.

[amykay73.livejournal.com]

I just finished the book about an hour ago.

I also can't help wondering if Dumbledore will pull a Ben Kenbobi on us. As much as I know that a lot of people don't like Snape(including, apparently, JK Rowling), I can't help thinking that he's not entirely done with Dumbledore's work just yet. Of course, he'll have a hell of a time convincing anyone else that he's not a wizard to be shot on sight.

After reading the death scene, I too think that Dumbledore will do the Ben Kenobi number. I think Snape is still a double agent, and that Dumbledore's pleading with him was not Dumbledore saying 'Don't kill me' but actually the opposite. I think Dumbledore was ready to die and it would send him to a new plane of existence that will make him better able to help Harry on his Voldemort quest.

I too liked the way the ships were handled. I didn't in the earlier books, but this time felt more realistic. I also wasn't thrilled with Harry taking the Spiderman route (anyone I love will be in grave danger so I can't love you) with Ginny at the end.

I am looking forward to the resolution of the story.