bluesilverkdg | (no subject)

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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!

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.