lighten up

[selah_1977]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C5713
From: selah_1977
Subject: Re: lighten up
Reply To: [Yahoo! #5711] lighten up
Date: 8/4/00 2:05 pm  (ET)

To Dogspoon and everyone else who thinks that we analytical folks need to
"lighten up":

There are two kinds of books in the world.

The first type of lit is very shallow, and only has meaning on the
surface. There are no hidden connotations, no secrets to be uncovered,
no blissful "AHA!" moments. That kind of book often makes the bestseller's
lists. It is an entertaining read, but it rarely stays with you.

That kind of book is what I like to call "junk food".

The second type of book is much more rare. From the moment you become
immersed in the story, you realize that you have a classic in your
hands. Plot, subplot, theme, setting, characterization, tone, and style
are unified in a symphony so sublime that the music alternately makes
you laugh or makes you misty eyed.

This kind of book may or may not make the bestseller lists. But as you're
reading it, you don't care whether one million other people are sharing
the experience or if you are the only one.

This kind of book is ambrosia.

This kind of book is Harry Potter.

So thanks, but I'll keep on analyzing. There are plenty of HP message
boards for more superficial discussion.

To Harry Potter--the Boy Who Lived!

Ebony AKA AngieJ (who as an English major, must stand opposed to anyone
who thinks that books are just entertainment, b/c books are life--the
rest is just details.)