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Show Harry Potter Recent news media has been filled with commentaries on the fourth and latest release in the series of Harry Potter Books - r LL; Ute u ha 5 e e " deemed the most In a Nutshell by Terri Winder r those who have gotten caught up in the controversy over whether the books are good or evil are apparently making judgments without ever having read the books themselves. Imagine judging without full facts. How often in our overwhelmed lives do we feel compelled to do that? My children's book, record for the largthe holding est first day sell of any book ever published. At the same time there are those who believe it should be banned. As I have listened to and read many observations and opinions, I thought I'd do something different. I decided Id actually read the book before saying anything about it. 1 realize that sounds a bit sought-afte- snobbish, but if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will understand my statement. So many of children became ac- quainted with Harry Potter before I did. In retrospect it seems like within a very short time I was aware ofseveral elements: Our grade school principal transformed himself into Professor Dumbledore (the headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry's wizardry school) for the Halloween costume parade; my children were asking me to buy Harry Potter books after having the books read to them in class; and a national talk radio host was condemning the books because they contain witchcraft, sorcery and black magic. I almost wrote "they are about rather than they contain, but therein lies the distortion. What they are really about is a young hero whose THE SAN JUAN RECORD Wednesday, August 2. 2000 - Page 15 I must admit I fell under Before I could read Goblet of J.K. Rowlings spell rather suddenly, bewitched by her unbounded imagination and wonderful use of vocabulary. I Fire I had to wait for my daughter, as it was her copy, and then I had to be patient still as she lent it to a friend, but I didnt have to wait long. Even though the book contains 734 pages, it is spellbinding and a fast read. I think the promoters of Harry Potter are wise to tolerate controversy; after all, it probably sells more books than good reviews. But I'm sorry for anyone who believes the books should be banned -- find her sense of humor and her use of puns absolutely life contains an immense charming. There are those who distrust amount of pain and struggle, the intent of the books because some of which he overcomes with glory and honor; some of they are filled with the occult. It is somewhat ironic to me which he simply endures, hopthat the first time I saw a copy ing to prevail through perseGoblet of Fire I was attendof verance. Sound familiar? ing a play at the It is easy to identify with Shakespearean Festival. A Harry Potter, despite the ex- young woman was reading the traordinary circumstances book before the play began, under which he lives. In fact, and then again during intermission. The play was Merry all of the characters have convincing personalities that are Wives of Windsor, which feaeasy to relate to, even as the tures goblins, fairies, and mulplots are mysteriously intri- tiple references to the devil. I would as soon see bawdy cate, .yet readily Shakespeare banned as Harry Potter. those individuals are obviously true muggles (according to the Harry Potter books, a muggle is a person who doesn't believe in magic). Personally, I have found all four books in the series to be enchanting, and Im waiting enthusiastically to see what Ms. Rowling coqjures up next. bi PAULR. MACDONALD D.D.S. 401 South Main Blanding, UT 84511 &35l678;28i15 i The Temperature Is Rising Hotter!! But The Incentives Are Even D'v, MSfU cr $1,500 $2,000 REBATE 2000 Chevrolet S-- Incudes SS Mqdb.. TV $1,500 REBATE REBATE 2000 Chvrolet Astra 2000 Chevrolet Blazer 10 Reg 2000 Chevrolet Camera 2000 Chevrolet Malibu 2000 Chevrolet Prizm AWD Cm S $1,000 REBATE Months 12-3- 6 2000 Chevrolet OLD CK BOP A (MAr (1 37-4- Months 8 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2000 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup $2,000 REBATE $1,000 $500 REBATE REBATE 2000 Chevrolet 34 ids 2000 Chevrolet Silverado ir Silverado Interest $500 Rebates Apply REBATE oAra 12-3- 6 Months 'sTH.ircaero, 4x4 But Special .Ara1 37-4- 8 Months .ak (D 48 -60 Months (1) With approved credit through GMAC iVL We'll Be There 12T N. Broadway Cortez Most Dependable, Longest - Lasting Trucks on the Road 565-342- 1 |