JKR's humor eclipses Le Guin in book review

[blpurdom at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 26216

In what is ostensibly a review of Ursula K. Le Guin's new book (an 
Earthsea followup) reviewer Susan Balee, who reviews for the 
Philadelphia Inquirer (where I read this) and the Hudson Review 
compares Le Guin unfavorably to Rowling in terms of humor.  This 
appeared in the Sunday, September 16 book section of the Inquirer.

She cites in particular the quirkiness of Dumbledore, comparing him 
to the dour Ged/Sparrowhawk (especially Dumbledore's reaction to ear-
wax-flavored Every Flavor Beans).  She does eventually get around to 
reviewing Le Guin's book, "The Other Wind," but it is bookended with 
Potter references (I hope Le Guin isn't upset by this).  Especially 
funny was Balee's last paragraph:

"All that's lacking basically, is humor.  Potter brought it home to 
me, and so did my famously, gleefully flatulent 7-year-old.  When he 
saw the title, 'The Other Wind,' he snatched the book up.  'Is this 
book what I think it's about?' he asked, grinning hugely.  Well, no, 
but it's still a good read."

LOL!  I'll bet her son's favorite characters are Gred and Forge.

Read the whole review here:

http://inq.philly.com/content/inquirer/2001/09/16/books/OTHER16.htm

--Barb