Posted on 07/16/2005 6:54:21 AM PDT by cloud8
Harry Potter mania has swept the planet as hundreds of thousands of ecstatic fans snapped up the latest adventure in the boy wizard series, which is tipped to become the fastest-selling book ever.
At one minute past midnight (2301 GMT) on Saturday, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" -- the sixth and penultimate volume in the magical series -- went on sale in Britain and beyond, following a breathtaking countdown at Edinburgh Castle, which was made to resemble Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
To mark the moment, author J.K. Rowling read from her long-awaited novel live on television from inside the castle, which was also beamed onto a giant screen for 2,000 children and their families seated behind barriers outside.
At the same time, thousands of other "Potter parties" taking place in book shops across Europe, Asia and even South Africa erupted as fans -- young and old -- scrambled to get their hands on the first copies of the book.
Five hours later, more than 5,000 outlets across the United States joined in the frenzy, opening their doors to the muggle hordes once the magic stroke of midnight sounded from east coast to west.
"Excited, I am excited," the blonde-haired Rowling told a group of reporters at Edinburgh castle, just minutes before the launch. "There are a lot of answers in this book. I can't wait for everyone to read it."
Her fans could not wait either, with many pledging to devour the 607-page tome over the weekend to find out whether a tantalising rumour that a key character is killed off is true. more
We picked ours up last night, now we're too tired to red it! Live and learn.
re=read sheesh
No spoilers 'til after I've gotten it! ;-)
There was a party at one of the book stores in Harvard Square last night for when Half-Blood Prince went on sale at midnight. You'd have thought people were lined up for World Series tickets! I'm looking forward to reading it too.
> No spoilers 'til after I've gotten it! ;-)
Mum's the word.
> I mailed the other two books to Afghanistan and Iraq
Perfect. My son's best friend is somewhere in the Iraq desert. I bet he'd love a copy.
Our local bookstore had a HP party with costume contests, wand making, face painting and other stuff. It was pretty cool but it took until 2 am for me to get my book, I was only able to read the first chapter but already it is good. I'm dreading finishing this book.
Did you receive the book today? I ordered from Amazon, too. It's almost 8:00 PM, and mine still hasn't arrived. >:-(
Picked it up at 10 this morning...
Just finished...
Shocked, is my one word review
magical = occult
Hope this post didn't spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read the book, yet. I tried being bland as possible.
> - JKR's finest (to date)
Wife had first dibs and is about 1/2 way through...I'm looking forward to a good read!
I just finished it this afternoon. We need a thread, clearly marked "SPOILER!!!!", in which we can all discuss the book. The only problem is, I guarantee that one of the anti-lit brigade (look at that! There's one on this thread already) will glean what they can from the discussion and run through other HP threads, spoiling the fun for other FReepers.
Some of us are sure enough of our beliefs that we can enjoy literature without fear of being seduced by mere words.
Read it, Loved it & will read it again!!
Finished it this afternoon. Totally shocked about some parts, expected others. Much better in my opinion than the last one and I can't wait for the next one, hopefully she's almost done with it! :)
Ping me if you start a 'spoilers' thread please.
"Some of us are sure enough of our beliefs that we can enjoy literature without fear of being seduced by mere words."
The point is not you and what you want, but what the Lord has already said concerning magic, wizards, the occult, etc. He calls it an abomination-- just outright abomination. Definitely not on His reading list material.
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