[HPforGrownups] Re: New Clues

[Helen R. Granberry]

No: HPFGUIDX 86251


I recently picked up this book... and, well, color me unimpressed. I
have the first book too -- the big one that covers PS/SS through GoF,
and I think the main strength of these books is in describing JKR's clue
patterns. However, I agree that they don't really pick up on anything
particularly earth shattering that those of us who are theory nuts
wouldn't pick up on in a few reads through the books. I think the books
are useful for people who don't think the way a lot of here on HP4GU do,
but want to pick out clues for themselves. If you are looking for
exciting revelations... it is a waste of time. 

My biggest complaint about the new book is that it reveals NOTHING. It
merely hints at JKR's hints and I think they get some things wrong as
well as put importance on thing that, well, aren't so important (like
every single number between 1 and 14 is important, er, right). They put
a lot of emphasis on running bits, and while some of these are great, I
think at times they are really, really reaching. They also don't put
forth anything on why these running bits might be important. Yes, there
is a lot of talk about socks and kings and chess. I think that is
important and I think I know *why* it is important, but if Galdrial
Waters and Co. have an idea about what it might mean, they sure aren't
revealing it in their book. 

They put this one out, but are planning to put out another one in a
year. My advice... wait for the next one, or at least thumb through this
one in the book store before buying (if you can find it, that is, the
stores around here seem to be mostly sold out of it -- I think I got the
last copy in San Diego). 

They did pick up on a few things that not many people had, but they
merely hinted at them. They got something in the first chapter that only
one other person I know picked up on. 

Their 'big theory' -- James is really Remus -- is, well, laughable.
There just really isn't any canon evidence for this -- it seems to rest
on dialogue from Lupin that can easily be explained by the fact that
Remus and James were very close friends. Now, I believe some pretty far
out seeming theories myself, but there just really isn't anything in
canon that makes this likely or even all that believable. JKR is pretty
adamant about dead people being really dead. James and Lily are D-E-A-D.

Anyway... bottom line, don't buy this book expecting revelations. There
are none. They speak in hints, and sometimes, their hints are even more
confusing than JKR's. I don't think this book is even for the 'average'
fan because their hinting at hints must be exceedingly frustrating for
someone who isn't a Harry Potter theory nut already. Their first book is
better as it gives summaries of every single chapter of books 1-4 and it
does an excellent job of pointing out how JKR lays evidence and plants
clues, but if you are on this list... you are probably quite familiar
with picking up on those things already. 

Helen