Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons? by Nancy Solon Villaluz
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Book Reviews of Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons?
Book Review: A Work of Art in More Ways Than One.
Summary: 5 Stars
I totally agree with the reviewer who said "the incredible amount of research is almost like taking a walk through JK Rowling's head" and I also enjoyed Villaluz's witty enthusiasm along the way. She really knows her stuff.
The original illustrations at the top of each chapter are truly beautiful artwork which really add to the charm of the book and are a nice "Mary Grandpre-worthy" touch that we Potter fans never get to see in any other Potter commentaries, usually just the U.S.-edition Potter books themselves. And don't get me started on the hardcover jacket's art! Gorgeous!! I'm an artist myself, which is why I really appreciate Ramir Villaluz's precision and elegant style, and I very much hope that the second book in this trilogy is also illustrated by him, which I assume it will be. I see that many accolades have already been said about the book's fascinating content here on Amazon.com, so, as a fellow artist, I really wanted to give the illustrator, Mr. Villaluz, some much-deserved praise, too.
This book starts with slow intrigue and brilliant insights, then increasingly drew me in with surprises. Its highly detailed illustrations (let's call them "dessert") nicely complement the "meat" of the author's expertly detailed, fun narrative as it arranges a ton of Rowing/Potter information into a stunning mosaic. It's truly a literary "feast" and a work of art. Of course, most beautiful Renaissance and Medieval Art was tied to, and even supported by, the Christian Church... so get ready to be shocked at Harry Potter's Septological deeper level which has more to do with Rowling's professed Christianity than I ever realized before. How did we miss it?!?
5+ stars.
Book Review: Bring your inner-child on this intellectual adventure. LOVED IT.
Summary: 5 Stars
I learned so many new things in this book, which is amazing, refreshing, amusing, well-written, and true to the serious-yet-childlike spirit of Rowling's wonderful Potter books, and more!
I, personally, love the narrative style of this scholarly work. LOVE IT. In addition the all the research, I was also initially intrigued by this book's Amazon description which said "Dull? Never!...Travel paths, dodge dragons, and have tea in this witty nonfiction commentary..." and I wondered how that could be done? The answer? Cleverly and playfully, that's how. But don't let the narration fool you: like Dumbledore, this unique author knows incredibly deep stuff about Harry Potter.
I would love to metaphorically "have tea" with the author some day, so if she ever does public speaking about her book (or the rest of this trilogy) I'll be there in the crowd. I think that anyone who does research this thoroughly, but writes this imaginatively, must be a really interesting and entertaining person-- like the kind of favorite school teacher that everyone likes. However, if you're looking for heavy handed, dry intellectualism, then this is definately not the book for you... which would be too bad because you'd miss out on a lot.
If you love Harry Potter you need to read this book!
If you avoid Harry Potter because of the "occult" aspect, then you need to read this book even more!
Bottom Line:
Absolute must-read.
Book Review: A Great Deal of Research in a Creatively Fun Work
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a must have for every Harry Potter fan who has an intuitive feeling that there's more to these books than meets the eye.
Author Nancy Solon Villaluz has done a tremendous amount of research, reading every Rowling interview, listening to every podcast and radio interview, and by using Rowling own words and hints, has uncovered secrets and patterns that help the reader to understand what Rowling really wanted to do with these books.
But besides all of the research, Villaluz shows herself to be extremely well read, quoting everything from Dickens, to Monty Python, to John the Baptist, to Dante, to Thomas Aquinas, to Michael O'Brien. She's also very familiar with the other Inkling's books, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and can compare and contrast the three with ease.
I found this Sleeping Dragons book, written as a journey in a creatively non-fiction way, to be a confirmation of what I'd only half understood about the Harry Potter series before. I found myself smiling, laughing, and agreeing through virtually every point made.
I believe that if you have an interest in Harry Potter's deeper meaning, if you are concerned about your children reading Harry Potter because of what might or might not be in the series, if you've tried to prove to friends or relatives that Harry Potter is OK, but without really having evidence in hand to prove it: you do now. This is the book. This book has all the evidence.
Book Review: Rowling's Harry Potter Unveiled at Last!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was deeply impressed by this book on many levels. The incredible amount of research is almost like taking a walk through J.K. Rowling's head. In this book, a gently begun journey skillfully builds to jaw-dropping crescendos: all rooted in hitherto unmatched research in the world of Potter analysis.
The narration is like traveling with a very intelligent yet playful friend. I, myself, settled into the adventurous and rhythmic gait of the journey and appreciated what would have otherwise been an utterly overwhelming parade of information. As famously taught by writing expert, Dan Poynter, it takes a generous author to let you feel as though you are discovering things for yourself. To her great credit, Mrs. Villaluz is very generous with the sense of reader self-discovery. We who love the Harry Potter stories love their balance of poignancy, adventure, seriousness, humor, and Rowling's great creativity. Mrs. Villaluz's expertise on Harry Potter and her encyclopedic knowledge of J.K. Rowling are only enhanced by her own creativity and make this intense study very enjoyable.
Whether you're a member of Harry Potter's incredibly diverse fan base, or someone who has avoided Harry Potter for moral reasons, if you are ready to read the surprising secrets of the now-complete Potter series based on an avalanche of J.K. Rowling own words, then this is the book for you. Get to know Jo Rowling like never before.
Book Review: Harry Potter: you're probably missing more than you think.
Summary: 5 Stars
By the end of this book, Harry Potter fans will be hooked by the unprecedented, excellent education that this book provides on Ms. Rowling, herself. I sure was. Likewise, Harry Potter foes will surely be left with their jaws hanging down to the floor.
This book provides the most comprehensive look at Rowling's intentions and her hidden Harry Potter secrets that I've ever read, and I've read them all. The unique narrative style sets this Potter analysis apart from the pack: so does the incredible amount of research (Just chapter 4 alone makes this book worth the price of admission... wow!), and so do the tantalizing facts that gives us a fresh, long-overdue look into Rowling's deeper story. The research is very thorough, yet entertaining, and the ideas are not only mind blowing, but very wisely reasoned out and supported by little known facts that are brought to light brilliantly.
Notably, this is the only Potter analysis I've seen ever planned as a complete trilogy; it has a flawlessly beautiful layout; cool modern font usage, and each chapter begins with its own Potter-worthy original illustration. And it's in hardcover yet! Overall, this book is a highly impressive presentation worthy of the Harry Potter series.
This book now sits next to my 7 Harry Potter books as a valuable reference that I peek into frequently. I'm excitedly waiting for the second installment.