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: Outstanding!
Summary: 5 Stars
Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons? by Nancy Solon Villaluz is a thoroughly researched in-depth analysis of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels. In this book the works of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien are compared favorably with the novels of Rowling. The author hails Jo Rowling as a modern-day "Inkling" writer, and I wholeheartedly agree, having done a mountain of research on that particular subject myself. This book is the first I have read that examines the influence of Elizabeth Goudge's The Little White Horse on Rowling's Harry Potter Septology. It also contains a very detailed list of Rowling quotes pertaining to her religious beliefs, and what her intentions were in writing the Potter series. A surprisingly long listing of references to Christianity in the Potter novels is also of interest in this first volume of an intended three-part series by Villaluz. This book was written in a very creative style, almost like an adventure novel, although it is a scholarly work. The illustrations by the author's husband, Ramir P. M. Villaluz, are a delight, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the deeper meaning and hidden symbolism of the Harry Potter novels, especially if you are familiar with the excellent books and lectures on Harry Potter by John Granger.Book Review: WOW! Utterly Amazing.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend and found it to be a real page-turner. Since I have an open mind, I was able to discover and weigh the remarkable evidence that the author has presented in a most engaging fashion. Now I must say that I had only read the Harry Potter books only once each, but still felt I had pretty good understanding of them. And I do. But now a whole new world of Potter has been opened up to me and I find it not only intriguing, but astounding. It all makes much more sense now that many years of clues and interviews can at last be put together to reveal the surprising tapestry.
Will you appreciate this book? I can just say that if you reject that the Harry Potter books are as "moral" as J.K. Rowling always said they were, you might not enjoy this book and the challenges that it poses to a lot of conventional thinking. (Some may find the truth hurts.) But if you are willing to believe that J.K. Rowling is not some wishy-washy liar and that she accomplished exactly what she set out to do, then get ready for a real "wow" factor as this book opens your eyes.
I would give this truly unique and groundbreaking book more than 5 stars if Amazon's system allowed it and I can't wait for the second installment of this trilogy.
Book Review: The perfect book for all ages of "Seekers" in Dumbledore's Army.
Summary: 5 Stars
Where is the fan club for this book, and how do I sign up? Yes, I enjoyed this book that much, and I am really looking forward to Villaluz's two sequels. Don't know when book #2 is coming, because the book's web site, HarryPotterDragons dot-com, says the author had major sinus surgery recently, and also the illustrator's father died this year, so that date is not yet announced. Hopefully they are recovering, and my thoughts and prayers go out to them.
As far as why I recommend this book so highly, I see that all the other 5-star reviewers have pretty much said everything I wanted to say, which is a lot, so I'll try to save myself some typing time by advising you to read all the other 5-star reviews with which I totally agree: great book, great research, fun style, secret Christianity hidden in Harry Potter, jaws dropping to the floor, and written in a style that's kinda like being Harry walking with Dumbledore. I am an fun-loving adult, and my kids, ages 9, 11 and 15, really loved this book, too.
I wonder: as more people learn all that's revealed in this landmark book, what are we going to do with it? That will be interesting as it slowly unfolds. Stay tuned. (And take Defense Against Dragons lessons in the meantime.)
Book Review: Well-researched and well-analyzed Potter resource!
Summary: 5 Stars
"Does Harry Potter Tickle Sleeping Dragons?" is a rich resource of interesting facts and analysis of the seven Harry Potter books, or as Ms Villaluz calls it, the 'septology'. Comprehensively researched, the book explores all the different aspects of the Harry Potter books, and what Ms Rowling intended to do with these books. This is done through compelling analysis and research, compiled painstakingly [Ms Villaluz apparently listened to all the podcasts and read all the interviews given my Ms Rowling] over the years.
A note though - this book is not for Harry Potter newbies, but for the seasoned reader who has already read all seven Potter books. Spoilers are found throughout the book, and this is understandable given that this book is for the serious Potter fan who has probably read the series at least once if not more. Fans of the series will be immensely pleased to discover hitherto little known gems.This edition is in quality hardcover and I was impressed by the good quality. This book is the first in a proposed trilogy, and based on this, I must say I'm looking forward to the second and third books!
Book Review: A Well-Written Study that Shines New Light on Harry Potter's Long-Kept Secrets
Summary: 5 Stars
I have now read this book twice and enjoyed it thoroughly. Readers are guided through lots of impressive information by an entertaining narrative that brings new life to the world of Harry Potter analysis. The adventurous commentary and clever subheadings surround piles of startling facts and insights about J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter.
Though I've read most other Potter-analysis books out there, this book still managed to constantly surprise me. As I took the creative journey in this book, I thought of Dante's Divine Comedy (and even Monty Python). Like Dante's own "Virgil" who leads a metaphorical journey that explores deep mysteries, Mrs. Villaluz' is also a gently explanatory, protective, savvy, and trustworthy guide.
This book certainly confirmed things that I strongly suspected, but I won't spoil them for you by revealing any secrets. I highly recommend that you read this book for yourself.