Did anyone else feel let down by OOP?

[Debbie]

No: HPFGUIDX 63949

>   -Ron_WizardChess_Weasley writes: 
> I was just not impressed by OOP the way I was by the first four 
> books. Maybe it was the lack of sleep between going to work and 
> trying to stay up late when I got home to read it but... I was 
> finding that eventually the only reason I kept turning the pages 
was 
> to find out who died. In fact the only part of the book that I did 
> really enjoy was Neville. The way that he is finally starting to 
show 
> his true potential is a long time a comin'. Overall I felt let down 
> and disappointed. Did anyone else feel the same way? Let me know.


"John Hatch" wrote: 
> First, I will say I think you're brave for posting this :) 
Seriously, it is refreshing to know there are people who won't love 
something no matter what.
> 
> Having said that, I can't say I felt even remotely the same way. I 
actually thought OOP was the best of the five books. JKR has written 
a brilliant tale, IMO. I loved reading every minute of it. Now, I 
might argue that this book wasn't as fun as the others, because of 
the almost constant presence of Professor Umbridge, who just made 
life a living hell for everyone. However, the fact that I blame 
Umbridge and not JKR is a testament to her writing skills. I found 
myself loathing Umbridge - not loathing JKR for creating her and 
taking the story down this path - I hope that makes sense.


Me/Debbie:
Thanks for your post, Ron. I agree with John that you are brave to 
post your feelings. Saying that, I somewhat agree with you. The 
reason I asked others to rank the book was because I wanted to know 
if I was the only one who didn't love it (apparently, I/we are).

I mean, I really like the book alot, but I had some problems with it. 
Some of it could be attribuated to the fact that I read the entire 
thing in one 12 hour sitting (1:30am-1:30pm). And I just recently 
discovered I missed one full page completely - and it was a good one 
(Sprout giving Harry 20 points for passing the watering can).

However, I am realizing others here at HPfGUs have the same 
questions, so I'm not just being stupid and missing the point about 
the "weapon" and why the prophecy was so important. Thank God for 
this listing, because now I understand the book better. I really 
think I'm going to like it even more when I read it again - and more 
so with even further readings.

The anger Harry has, did not bother me. As my husband says, "it's 
about time he acted like a teenager." I guess the only disappointment 
(and I really would like to use a different word, but can't think of 
any right now) I had was the lack of suspense. I'm not a mystery 
reader, but I guess that's what I loved about GoF and PoA. Not to 
mention the surprise endings! But JK knew we would be looking for the 
same thing, so changed her tactics. 

I think the main point of this book was to get us ready for the next 
two books. Maybe the reason for Sirius' death was to prepare us for 
the ones to come. In her Today Show interview, JK said more 
characters that we loved would die. So I'm looking at OoP as if it's 
bridging the first part of the series to the second part.

I, too, have discovered I like Neville now, and Ginny doesn't annoy 
me as much, although now that she's not interested in Harry now, I 
think that Ship may happen (I think her comment about Dean Thomas was 
to throw her brother off).

Anyway, I, too, have probably offended many. I personally rank this 
book right in the middle, 3rd place out of the 5 books. However, I am 
still very excited about the next two books. I think JK is a brillant 
writer and will definitely be waiting in line for the next book.

-Debbie