(no subject)

[bluesilverkdg]

So, let's say that I was inclined to start reading the Harry Potter series. Yes, I have finally succumbed to the masses. It only took a few years. Anyway..

Would it be wise to see the movies first, then read the books? Or should I read the books before seeing the movies? Typically, I get very disillusioned when seeing a movie that has been based on a book, especially if it's a book that I like a lot. Stephen King and his array of disappointing movies (Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile not included) springs to mind. I read Interview With the Vampire first, then saw the movie and was massively disappointed. Even Brad Pitt's prettiness couldn't save it, I thought. There are a few other examples, although I'm at a loss to remember them here. I was largely impressed by both the movie and book versions of Grisham's A Time To Kill, although the movie varied widely from the book. Still, they were both darned good.

I recently joined Goodreads, which I'm hoping will prompt me to get back into the habit of reading regularly. I used to devour books, but lately, that's not been the case, and I've gotta admit, I really miss curling up with a good book. Or even a bad book. So, join me there, if you wish, and motivate me to read more.

Back to my original question..Potter People, what might you recommend? I've been hesitant to undertake this series, but after being told by eleven billion people "you'll loooove them!", I guess I sort of feel compelled. At least it will keep me in the house and out of trouble..



In other news, I left a message for my massage therapist about getting in today. Fingers crossed that she has an opening. The back is no better, and I can barely move without screeching in pain. I need to take out trash and do a plethora of other things, but I'm thinking that's not going to happen when I can't even take a deep breath comfortably.

I've taken Flexeril and Darvocet until my head is a total fog and I can barely speak coherently. I've gone through a box and a half of Thermacare pads. Yet it still hurts this much. This just really, really sucks. And I'm craving M&Ms. Why? Probably because I don't have any.

Comments

[mosaicjulz.livejournal.com]

Read the books. Don't ever see the movies. :)

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Really? I've heard good things about both.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Cool...I'll add you. :-)

So, I'm getting that I need to read the books...

[ex-calicoey.livejournal.com]

Read the books first, then see the movies.

The books get darker and more intense the further you get in the series.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I've heard. I wonder if she did that intentionally since she was picking up more adult readers?

[darcyzero.livejournal.com]

My opinion won't matter at all because I absolutely HATE fantasy type writings and refuse to read those books. I only saw one of the movies because Cory forced me into going to the movie with him a few years ago.

But I like the idea of that website!!! I just joined it! You should be my friend. I think you can find me under siamesedream17@yahoo.com

[baseballchica03.livejournal.com]

You know, I am actually not a fan of fantasy, either, but I enjoyed the HP series. [Stupid LJ, taking an enter as a sign to post my comment when I wasn't finished. Grr.] Anyway, what I was going to say was that while I like the occasional scifi read/film - mostly of the dystopian or alternate history variety - I really don't like fantasy. Wizards and elves and magic and dragons and whatnot never really did it for me. But I found that HP is much more of a classic story and social commentary that happens to be wrapped in a wizard's cloak.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

If you're a reader, I recommend the books. They are rich food for your imagination. I have only seen the first two movies, because I prefer books over movies any day.

I will need to find you on Goodreads!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Gotcha! :-)

[spiritofjoy.livejournal.com]

Read the books first.

The movies are good, but can be slightly confusing if you haven't read the books because the movies cut out important bits due to time.

Deinitely read the books first. :)

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Did David have the books? If I missed out when he was moving, I'll kick myself. :-P

[dda.livejournal.com]

I usually read the books first (and did so both Harry Potter and Narnia); as others have pointed out, as the books got longer and longer, more little bits and details had to be chopped out to make the movies. Personally, I'd rather know the details up front and see how they adapted things to make the movies than the other way round.

I'm sorry you're still in pain; that sucks and you might have to get to a doctor and see what they can do.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm still waiting on a call from my massage therapist. Here's hoping she's free soon. :-/

I think one of the reasons that I've not liked movies adapted from books, is because they ARE forced to leave out so much pertinent information in the movies for time and clarity. I've also been disappointed with liberties that filmmakers take in adding things that were not even kind of in the book. So I usually just wind up angry after seeing a movie based on a book that I love. :-P From what I've heard though, the Potter movies are at least comparable to the books, although it sounds like I might be a bit lost just seeing the movies without having the books to go by. So...I'll read the books first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I usually do, although in some cases, I've seen a movie before I knew it was based on a book.

[phenomenull.livejournal.com]

Definitely read the books first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm getting that! ;-)

[cortneytree.livejournal.com]

Not that you need anyone else chiming in, but yes, books first, then the movies--just because there is SO MUCH to the books that just can't possibly get jammed into the movies. The movies, however, are great, and I enjoy seeing how they translate objects and ideas that are mostly sort of abstract descriptions in the book to the screen--very often I go "Yes, that's exactly how I thought that looked!"--which is something a lot of adaptations don't get right. Also, you have the excellent opportunity to watch them (and with the books, read them) in rapid succession, so you can really see how they start very child-like and progress to become darker and complex (just like the books, of course). I still can't watch the end of "Goblet of Fire" without sobbing.

Enjoy the reads, and let us know what you think! I resisted for years too, but I'm so glad I caved and read them, I love them!

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I remember having students in 2000ish (whenever the first one came out) who were absolutely going nuts about HP, and while I was glad they were reading, I've gotta admit, I got a little sick of hearing about him. So I think that was one of the reasons I've resisted. But I've just heard so many people go on about how incredible these books are, and now I've got to see for myself.

[easybeef.livejournal.com]

The movies aren't bad, but still read the books first. There's just so much detail in the books there's no way they could fit it in the movies, esp. once they started making the movies not as long and the books that much longer. (Book 7 is going to be two movies because they realized they just couldn't cut it down that much).

This is one of the better book-to-movie adaptations I've seen. I'm usually really disappointed.

Sorry you're hurting so much. :(

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm usually disappointed by adaptations, too, but I've heard really good things about this series. So fingers crossed!

Oh, I kept meaning to tell you, ever since you told me the story of how your name/username came to be, every time I see your LJ, I think of "Izzy B" from Days. :-P Yeah, I know, probably not very original.

I just took a really long shower and let the water beat down on my back for probably ten minutes, and I think that helped loosen it up a little. I've been looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame for the last couple of days, but now I can actually walk almost upright! Woohoo!!

[baseballchica03.livejournal.com]

Oh, read the books first! There are so many things that don't make it into the movies, especially the later ones as the books get darker and longer. The most recent movie (Order of the Phoenix) was disjointed and practically incomprehensible if you hadn't read the book. Not to say I don't enjoy the films, but you get much more out of seeing them if you already know the story.

Also, keep in mind that the series started out for a younger audience. I've heard a number of people complain about the first book, and I can understand that. (I actually read the fourth one first, after my "I hate reading!" little brother breezed through the 800 page monster in three days. Then I went back and started from the beginning.) The Sorcerer's/Philospher's Stone is probably the "youngest" of the bunch, if that makes any sense, with a lot of exposition and not a whole lot of action. After all, it has to lay the groundwork of the world in which this entire series takes place! So if you don't love it straight away, at least try the second or third book. The series builds upon itself and *mostly* gets better as it goes along. (Although the 4th was my favorite.)

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I think I'm glad that the first one will be short and easy. I could use something like that right now. ;-) I'm actually beginning to look forward to reading them now. Everyone else seems to be of the same mind as you, to read the books before seeing the movies.

[raptorboy.livejournal.com]

AS a fan of both, read the books first. THere are things you'll understand more watching the movies after you read the book. They had to leave out a lot of details to condense the movies down, but they left in some, but no explanation to why things happened that way.

And really, the movies are good enough to follow the books in this case.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that seems to be the general consensus.

[wyckhurst.livejournal.com]

DEFINITELY read the books first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I shall!

[theldara.livejournal.com]

Books first, then movie marathon :)

The movies are good in their own rights, but the books are better.

I haven't been able to get Kaity to read the HP books yet. OY.

I've got them all if you want to borrow 'em.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

And would you and your beloved be in on the movie marathon with me? :-P

Yes, I'd love to borrow them, if you don't mind!

[tnrkitect.livejournal.com]

Ditto on reading the books first, for all the reasons listed above. If I had known you were interested, I would have been glad to let you borrow them when you were down Sat.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I just forgot to mention it. We had enough other stuff to keep us busy. Did the inlaws get their car back in working condition?

I meant to get Jessica's recipe for those peanut butter cookies. I've told everyone about them!

[nonspecific.livejournal.com]

I'll just second (22nd?) the same thing everyone else said. I've only got the first three movies, I need to catch up. :(

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'd say it's at least 22nd.

I've been meaning to ask, how is your hair? Do you need a touchup? I'm going to be doing mine again sometime in the next week or so. Let me know if you want me to save a little for roots.

[nounsandverbs]

Read the books. The movies are worth seeing -- but I've gotta agree with one reviewer I read who said the first couple movies aren't films so much as staged readings. Diehard HP fans quibble that the movies aren't faithful enough to the books and leave a lot out. I don't insist on complete faithfulness in my adaptations. Movies and books are different media.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that is true. I guess my big gripe about book-to-movie adaptations is when things that are not even in the book in any way, shape or form are stuck in there for...whatever reason. And then pertinent parts of the book are left out. But I realize, I don't make films (nor do I write books), so I don't have a lot of room to talk.

[solfox.livejournal.com]

I was reluctant to pick up the series when it first came out. I believe book three was out, and book four scheduled soon before a couple friends whose judgement I trust told me I really /should/ read them. Grumbling, I picked them up, expecting more overhyped fluff. They're wonderfully written and compelling reads that will keep your attention throughout the majority of the series. And they're written in a way that is appealing to both youth and adults. I ended up buying the first three books within three days of each other.

However, because of the cinematic elements that changed from director to director, I would recommend reading the books before seeing the movies. Don't get me wrong, the movies are nice. Just read the books, first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I'm planning to do (and what everyone has recommended that I do.) I'm glad to hear from others who have been hesitant to read them. I tend to get sort of resentful when I keep hearing how wonderful something is, because rarely does it live up to the hype. But I'm hoping that in this case, I will also be wrong.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I'm going to. In fact, I'm planning to borrow them from my friend Jenn, and may be getting them this weekend.

[ellettra.livejournal.com]

the consensus seems to be to read the books first, and i guess i agree. although, i saw the first movie before i even knew anything about harry potter or the phenom that it became. i loved it so much that as soon as it ended i rewound the tape and watched it again. yes, VHS. and yes, i was in my late 20s when i watched it. i was ENTHRALLED.

so i ran out and got all the books that were available at that point (which were the first 4). i devoured them. they were amazing.

and since then i have seen all the movies (some of which i enjoyed more than others), and have collected the extra books and all of the soundtracks. i have attended book releases and movies IN COSTUME. i sobbed through the last book because of what it all meant, and like many others, was actually DEPRESSED for days afterwards. i dread the final movie because truly, a span of about 15 years of fandom will have to come to an end.

i would hasten to add that i am a profesisonal woman, who has never ever in her life been the kind of person who has done fandom stuff. i don't even write fanfic, and i'm a writer. i never did the star trek thing, or the star wars thing (other than seeing the first few movie sin the 701s and 80s), for some reason this series, these characters, this author, this world GRIPPED me.

still to this DAY, when i am depressed or in need of comfort, i watch one of the movies, or grab one of the books. the movies and the books are completely different entities for me, and serve different purposes. i didn't like the 4th movie at ALL, but it's my favorite of the books. the 5th movie was very good, but the 5th book was one i'd be hard-pressed to read again. the music never ever fails to soothe me, though.

hmmmm. this is a long reply. :) anyway, read the books, and augment with the movies. they are amusing, especially the first, which is so very dated in appearance now. the movies are good for some things, like figuring out how Quidditch is actually played....

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

I watched a bit of one of the movies that was on cable a year or so ago. I don't even know which one it was. But I started halfway through, and only saw maybe 15-20 minutes of it. But I think I will read the books first, then sort of supplement with the movies if I feel like it. I mainly just want to start reading again. I really miss it.

I've never really been into any sort of fandom either (well, outside of my teenage years, at least), so I understand where you're coming from.

[passaddhi.livejournal.com]

I'm sure everyone has already said it, but -- books first. In order. Movies rarely live up to it, but you can enjoy em cause of the effects after reading.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that seems to be the thought amongst most everyone, and is what I plan to do now.

[mpurple.livejournal.com]

i'd say -- watch the movies and call it a day. ;)

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

You are the one lone voice expressing that opinion, Marky Mark!

[samuraigrrrl.livejournal.com]

read them first. expect NOTHING. forget the hype. remember you are reading books aimed at KIDS. and have fun with it. i cannot stand to take these books seriously - and seriously, do not feel guilty if you SKIM. :) some pretty cute stuff in there, otherwise.
if i were closer, i would bring you some m&ms.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I think because they ARE aimed at kids, I'm kinda looking forward to it. Not too much strain on the ol' brain, or something like I suppose.

I would've killed for some M&Ms earlier today!!! OMG. But I baked some peanut butter cookies, and I think that sorta satisfied my sweet tooth for the time being. The funny thing is, I normally don't even think about M&Ms! Weird.

[nessachan.livejournal.com]

You'll looove them!

Read the books first.

[bluesilverkdg.livejournal.com]

That's what I"m hearing!