Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Harry: not quite so scary now

After I got lambasted because a certain Harry Potter fan took exception to this lighthearted post (read this follow-up post and the comments and you'll see what I mean), I haven't dared utter a peep about the bespectacled boy wizard here on the blog. But I can remain silent no longer. Just now as I was cruising the internet for something to blather about, an article over at The Book Standard (link coming up in a minute; your patience is appreciated) gave me a good belly laugh. At the risk of earning myself another spate of criticism from Harry fans, here's the salient part of the piece, which is talking about the latest HP book:
The book has also been the top-seller in every single one of The Book Standard's 99 local-area charts. But this week, a glimmer of hope appeared for other authors, as The Book Standard charts registered a change—one single change: The Bristol–Kingsport–Johnson City, Tenn., area has a new chart-topper—and it’s not a bestseller from Patterson, or from Cornwell, or even from David McCullough. It’s Surrounded by Idiots, a book of essays written by conservative talk-radio personality Mike Gallagher.

I have no idea who Mike Gallagher is or whether his essays are anything I'd enjoy, but I'm still going to blow him a big, smacky kiss for writing the book that knocked the boy wizard off his broom in that one region, at least, making it possible for The Book Standard to title its article on the historic upset thusly:



Now there's a visual. I just think it's a crying shame they didn't run a New Yorkeresque illustration along with that great title.

Yes, I know; I'm a horrible person.

11 comments:

Robin Bayne said...

*insert thumbs-up smilie here*

Anonymous said...

I have to agree on this one. Anything that knocks HP from the #1 spot has my vote. Janet

Brenda Coulter said...

Whoa. Careful there, Janet. The HP fanatics will be after you, too. ;-)

Anonymous said...

As a bona fide HP fanatic, I don't mind if someone else sells a book now and then. ; )

Actually, I originally had vowed that I'd wait for all seven books to come out before reading. (I hate waiting for installments.) I caved when Order of the Phoenix came out, which I'm glad, cause now I enjoy speculating with the other HPFans out there. The intellectual level of essay writing in the HPverse about mythic elements, symbols, and possible endings is astounding. It's like a host of Ph.D.'s are having a round of pints at th pub while debating. :)

Anyway, cute headline.

Mir

Teddy Packer said...

And here I thought I was all alone in detesting everything HP....

Brenda Coulter said...

Nah, I don't hate Harry. I'm just not interested. Which is why I get really tired of seeing Harry headlines everywhere I turn. And why I was so tickled by this one.

Anonymous said...

Here’s a lighthearted comment from a newbie regarding your Harry Potter write-ups. Not that I can say much, I’ve never read the books, only seen the movie version. But I'd just like to repeat what you previously said “but for now I'm sick of hearing about Harry Potter. People, can't we find something else to talk about?” I second that.

On another lighthearted note, LOL, imagine what it would be like if people will be giving Brenda Coulter’s book/s this kind of success and attention. Wouldn’t that be just horrible? For your peace of mind, I for one am praying that your books doesn’t ever find the same success and attention that JK Rowling and the Harry Potter series is generating. At least nobody will be saying “but for now I'm sick of hearing about Brenda Coulter’s books. People, can't we find something else to talk about?” Now, wouldn’t that be ironic.

I know, I know, I’m a horrible person too. I’ll add one more sin. I’m also petty. It’s just that I love to be very contrary.

Good luck.

LauraB

P.S.
On a more serious note,

As the good Christians that we always like to claim to be, couldn’t we just be happy about a book’s success? Isn’t kindness a virtue? Or is there a new definition on what being a Christian is about that I have missed out? Also, think of the positives - At least it encourages people, even the young, to read. It’s much better than being idle. Doesn’t lazy minds breeds evil? Or that enthusiasm like this shows that the writing industry is thriving. Good for authors and readers alike.

Anonymous said...

LOL Brenda, you crack me up

Brenda Coulter said...

...imagine what it would be like if people will be giving Brenda Coulter’s book/s this kind of success and attention. Wouldn’t that be just horrible?

Laura, wealth and fame is nothing that I have ever dreamed of or aspired to. But while I love writing romance novels and believe that I do have some small talent, I don't think I have to worry about becoming a bestseller.

Anonymous said...

I don't want fame. Fame means people bug you all the time and I'm an INTJ and a Melancholic, and I want not to be bugged.

But wealth, well, I think I can bear the burden. Just think of all the missionaries and clinics and schools that could be assisted and houses for the poor that could be built. Oh, and a nice big red Coach bag. ; )

And success in publishing, well, if you insist. I could tolerate that. As long as it's a sort of anonymous success where you can walk down the street and still have dinners out without being hassled.

Mir<--always thought riches were much, much preferable to fame, cause I hate being photographed and want to eat in peace...

Anonymous said...

~ But while I love writing romance novels and believe that I do have some small talent, I don't think I have to worry about becoming a bestseller.~

Brenda,

Say what???? (grin)

Seriously though, I think so too.

LauraB