Fifth Chinese Daughter

Customer Reviews:

I love this book!.......2007-01-12

I became interested in buying this book after reading the author's fascinating story in the L.A. Times last year. Since reading Fifth Chinese Daughter a few months ago, I have given it as a gift to three friends who also found this young woman's story as heartwarming and courageous as I did. Side benefit: I learned a great deal about Chinese-American culture and about American history, circa 1930s - 1950s.

It's also a great book for teen girls. Reading about Jade Snow's sometimes difficult youth and teen years and how she met her goals will be very inspirational to that age group.

Superficial, poorly-written and patronizing.......2004-03-29

I usually don't write negative reviews, but I really was surprised by all the glowing reviews here. I truly think this is a terrible book and here is why.

1). The characters are only skin deep. We never really get to know them beyond their attitudes toward Jade Snow. And Jade Snow herself is very opaque as well, we don't get to know more of her except that she is filial, hard-working and eager to please people. The insides of these characters are not alive and they resemble dull automatons carrying out the actions of a pre-determined script.

2). The prose is very flat, so the end result reads like a very long summary of the plot rather than the book itself. The author crammed in many minutae of her life into the writing, with a emphasis on the details of food preparation. but most of the details are not evocative and fails to enrich the world she is trying to portray.

3). A streak of very patronizing attitude to Asians Americans run through out the book. It culminate with a cringe-inducing climax of self-hate at the very end of the last chapter, in a scene meant to be the big emotional pay-off for the whole book. Jade Snow's father tearfully confess that he had done wrong by raising her under the backward Chinese culture, and that he should have raised her in the superior, freedom-loving Christian way.

Jade Snow Wong's Fifth Chinese Daughter.......2004-02-16

"You must have confidence that I shall remain true to the spirit of your teachings. I shall bring back to you the knowledge of whatever I learn." Fifth Chinese Daughter is an inspiring autobiography that traces the life of Jade Snow Wong from childhood to adulthood in San Francisco's Chinatown. In her book, Jade Snow describes the numerous hardships and rewards that shaped her life. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader is immersed in the Asian culture of early twentieth-century America. Looking through Jade Snow's eyes, the reader is able to experience the conflicting cultural experiences of the middle daughter of a large family of Chinese immigrants.
Conforming to Chinese tradition, Jade Snow felt that her worth as an individual was dictated by her family. Although Jade Snow's father took pride in educating his daughters in both Chinese and American customs, he valued the future potential of his sons over that of his daughters. Jade Snow's childhood is tainted by unjust punishment and suppressed emotion. Such experiences led her to pursue independence and acknowledgment in a country that offered numerous opportunities for well-educated young woman. However, from her difficult childhood, Jade Snow learned discipline and respect, qualities that allowed her to succeed and gain respect from her family. It is fascinating to witness her transformation from a submissive child to a woman of integrity and perseverance.
As Jade Snow tirelessly worked her way through college, she came to understand the injustices of Chinese tradition. Ironically, at this time, she also developed a greater appreciation for her Chinese heritage and through it discovered her life's passions. Despite the heavy skepticism and criticism of her family, Jade Snow pursued her dreams with optimistic determination, suffering many hardships along the way. In each of her life's stories she proves to us that great rewards come from hard work and unfailing belief in one's self. If you ever feel hopeless or just want to be inspired, Jade Snow's story will lift you out of your darkness.

San Franciscan Chinese Gal.......2003-08-26

In the book Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong, the author tells readers about her childhood as a Chinese girl living in San Francisco. Ms. Wong gives readers a chance to see what life was like growing up during the early 1900ýs as a Chinese girl. Throughout the book, you learn many things Chinese-Americans do which are different from American customs. Readers are given an idea of how Chinese-Americanýs raised their families during that time. The author shows in vivid detail what happened to her and what she had to work for in her childhood.
Jade Snow was brought up in a household that made sure their children knew their native culture as well as the culture around them. Since an early age, Jade was given Chinese lessons by her father until she was old enough to attend Chinese school everyday after her American classes were over. The book chronicles Jadeýs life from her early childhood to when she becomes a young woman living on her own. Throughout the book, you see Jade learn to do the shopping for the family, cope with problems in school like discrimination, get into college on her own, and find jobs for herself.
There were many things I liked about this book. Even though, this book isnýt like the books I normally read, it was very hard to put down. The author writes her story in
graphic details, which pulled me into the book. I loved how she talked about her father in many ways, how some days he believed in her and others, he had no confidence in her. Also, I believe that Jade was a strong girl throughout her childhood. This is because she had to live with such strict rules in her household like respecting her elders, and how if she or her siblings did anything wrong, they would get punished by getting whipped.
If I were to compare this novel with others I have read, I would have to say that this novel is in my top 50 books I have ever read. I found that every page I turned in this book, I was wondering what would happen next. This novel was very fun to read because I liked learning about what life was like for a young Chinese-American Women growing up during the early 1900ýs.
I would most likely recommend this novel to another, unless the person did not like autobiographies. I would recommend this book to people who like reading about people of different cultures. Jade Snowýs book is geared more to people who like to read about peopleýs cultures, but I think many would find this book very interesting.

Fifth Chinese Daughter.......2003-08-22

Through out most of Jade Snow Wong's life, she grew up in a Chinatown in San Francisco with Chinese traditions. These traditions meant that her husband was picked for her, her parents made her attend a public school and a Chinese school at the same time, and she had to help with all the house hold chores and cooking. Jade Snow wanted independence from these traditions, so she went to collage. There, she learned how to live her own life.

I liked this novel because it taught you many different things. For example, it taught you many different Chinese traditions and how hard it was growing up being a girl in a traditional Chinese house and that is also why it makes this novel unique and remarkable. My overall impression of this book would be good and I recommend this book to others, but mostly girls because it is about a girl's life.

Average customer rating:

Misses the mark as a really useful introduction to Yixing

So much and so small.

Yixing Pottery: The World Of Chinese Tea Culture (Arts of China)
Chunfang Pan
Manufacturer: Long River Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Way of Tea: The Sublime Art of Oriental Tea Drinking

All the Tea in China

Tea and Chinese Culture

Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West

Tea Tea

ASIN: 159265018X

Book Description

Yixing ware elevates something as simple as a teapot or cup into a work of art accessible to all collectors. Its history is rich and vigorous, offering something for just about everyone interested in pottery, tea, or Chinese culture.

Customer Reviews:

Misses the mark as a really useful introduction to Yixing.......2007-04-03

This book was not what I'd hoped for - which is a solid introduction to Yixing teapots. It concentrates on the history of Yixing teapots - and those that have been found in archaeological digs dating back to the Song Dynasty in China. Many of these ancient pots are illustrated in the book. There is some discussion on the qualities that make Yixing clay different from most other types of clay, but there is also much missing. The book doesn't illustrate examples of the differing colours available in the clay and never discusses famous clay types like Zhu Ni, which is so highly sought after by Yixing collectors.

There is a fairly large section on ancient masters of the art and those of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's just a shame that their chops or signatures - which are usually recorded on their pots are not included in the text. Also missing is information on the modern state of the Yixing industry and the mechanical way modern pots are mostly made.

This is a rather basic and superficial look at Yixing pots and wares - but if you are after some biographical information on the most famous past masters or want to see illustrations on some very ancient Yixing pots then this book will be of interest to you.

So much and so small........2007-01-03

This is a fairly little book that is packed with solid info and great pictures. I bought one for me and a second as a gift. I may have to get a couple more for other tea fans.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (in Simplified Chinese)

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (in Simplified Chinese)
J.K Rowling
Manufacturer: People's Literature Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 7020053238

Product Description

The long-awaited, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has arrived. Just sit tight, and find a comfortable place to read because once you start, you won't stop until you reach the very last page. With many surprises and unbelievable plot twists, it will leave readers wondering what will happen next in Book 7. In Chinese.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Simplified Chinese Text)

Average customer rating:

Makes a long drive fun!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - CD w/ Jim Dale
finally the end
Where's the substance?
Harry Potter Numero Uno

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Simplified Chinese Text)
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Distribooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 7020033431

Amazon.com

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) --Karin Snelson

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

The amazing popularity of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone means that now even Muggles know about the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether or not you've read about Harry, this unabridged audiobook brings his world to life. Reader Jim Dale brings an excellent range of voices to the characters, from well-meaning Hermione's soft, earnest voice to Malfoy's nasal droning; from Professor McGonagall's crisp brogue to Hagrid's broad Somerset accent; and from snarling Mr. Filch to p-p-poor, st-tuttering P-Professor Quirrel. Some of the characterizations are peculiar--why do the centaurs have Welsh accents?--but that's a small price to pay to hear one of the myriad ways to sing the Hogwarts School song. Harry Potter fans of all ages--Muggle or not--will enjoy curling up with a few chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ("Alas! Ear wax!"), and this marvelous, magical audiobook. (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Sunny Delaney

Book Description

The international best-seller Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first in J. K. Rowling's phenomenally successful Harry Potter series. This is the first time that the book has been published in the UK in Urdu.

Customer Reviews:

Makes a long drive fun!.......2007-10-02

I was going to call in sick the next day just because I felt I needed the day off, but then I received my Sorcer's Stone CDs in the mail. I decided going to work wouldn't be so bad if I could listen to someone read Harry Potter to me while I drove my 1 hour commute.

WOW! I was so caught up in the story that I didn't realize I was traveling well below the speed limit. Warning, listening to these CDs could make you late for work or cause you to get off at the wrong exit.

Jim Dale does a fabulous job of changing his voice to sound like the characters he's imitating. I was able to really get lost in the story. The hardest part was turning the car off because I wanted to hear what happened next.

A brilliant work of art, Harry Potter. Really brilliant.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - CD w/ Jim Dale.......2007-10-01

Jim Dale does an excellent job dramatizing the first book in the Harry Potter series.

finally the end.......2007-09-30

i finally got to read a book without being told the ending before i finished

Where's the substance?.......2007-09-28

There is nothing good about Harry Potter. The story is lacking in creativity in every way, there is no suspense, it is not controversial, and everything always works out.

The characters are obviously derived from racism. I do not have a problem with this. After all we are all racists, and anyone that says racism is wrong, is the one that's wrong. That said, J. K. Rowling does not use this in any way. She could have used it to create some controversy, create conflict among the characters, explain why some people are friends and some aren't or easiest of all, humor. But she doesn't, why not? The only racism she uses is Hermione being a half breed. It would have been so much better if, instead of one parent being non-magical, that parent were French.

To keep this review short, I head straight to the end with the "obstacles" which are not obstacles at all. The three headed dog (cause three heads are just so cool and scary) gets put to sleep by a flute. Oh my God she did not use a flute to do that, how many times have I seen this? Why is it always a flute when it comes to putting things to sleep, or waking things that always sleep. Where did she get this from... poke'mon? Then there's the part with the door that needs a key. Wow, a locked door, I've never thought of that before. And the key is right there in the room, they just have to pick the right one, and nothing goes wrong if they pick the wrong one. Why didn't she just put the key in the door so as not to waste paper, and turn the key too for that matter. Next comes the Chess Board. It would have been so much better for them to lose the game and then walk across the board any way just to show all the readers that love the book just how foolish they are. And all the rest of the obstacles are just as bad, but I must stop writing because thinking about this book gives me a migraine.

Harry Potter Numero Uno.......2007-09-27

A good book and a flight of fantasy. Rowling surely has an imagination! Enjoyable overall.

Ha li po te - shen mi de mo fa shi ('Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in Traditional Chinese Characters)

Average customer rating:

More exciting to read as mother language!!

Ha li po te - shen mi de mo fa shi ('Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' in Traditional Chinese Characters)
J.K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Tsai Fong Books, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Ha li po te (3) - azi kaban de tao fan ('Harry Potter and the Prisioner of Azkaban' in Traditional Chinese Characters)

ASIN: 9573317249

Customer Reviews:

More exciting to read as mother language!!.......2003-07-28

Of course, JKR's first book was the most eye-widening book among the 5 books (up till now) and it's more exciting to read in mother language as it takes time for a chinese to read an english book. (I guess there's no need for me to explain the greatness of the Rowling books) So lets go back to the translation. It's nice (but not great) as this edition is translated by Taiwanese which use lots of slang language which other Chinese-speaking people do not understand. So, personally, I would suggest the Simplied Chinese editon for nicer translation.

Average customer rating:

Chinese Potter

Chinese Potter
Margaret Medley
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 071482593X

Customer Reviews:

Chinese Potter.......2006-03-02

VERY OLD STYLE BOOK, WITH ELEMENTARY INFORMATION GOOD ONLY FOR
TURIST.

Average customer rating:

Art of the Chinese Potter
R. L. Hobson , and A. L. Hetherington
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0766148351

Book Description

1923. From the Han Dynasty to the end of the Ming, illustrated in a series of 192 examples, selected and described. The object of this volume is to furnish the collector with a series of representations of some of the finest examples which are known to exist in this country.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Simplified Chinese Characters)

Average customer rating:

Great service!
the worst of the bunch
Excelent!!!
Another masterpiece
The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Simplified Chinese Characters)
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Distribooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 7020033458

Amazon.com

For most children, summer vacation is something to look forward to. But not for our 13-year-old hero, who's forced to spend his summers with an aunt, uncle, and cousin who detest him. The third book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series catapults into action when the young wizard "accidentally" causes the Dursleys' dreadful visitor Aunt Marge to inflate like a monstrous balloon and drift up to the ceiling. Fearing punishment from Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon (and from officials at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who strictly forbid students to cast spells in the nonmagic world of Muggles), Harry lunges out into the darkness with his heavy trunk and his owl Hedwig.

As it turns out, Harry isn't punished at all for his errant wizardry. Instead he is mysteriously rescued from his Muggle neighborhood and whisked off in a triple-decker, violently purple bus to spend the remaining weeks of summer in a friendly inn called the Leaky Cauldron. What Harry has to face as he begins his third year at Hogwarts explains why the officials let him off easily. It seems that Sirius Black--an escaped convict from the prison of Azkaban--is on the loose. Not only that, but he's after Harry Potter. But why? And why do the Dementors, the guards hired to protect him, chill Harry's very heart when others are unaffected? Once again, Rowling has created a mystery that will have children and adults cheering, not to mention standing in line for her next book. Fortunately, there are four more in the works. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

Harry Potter has to sneak back to Hogwarts, after accidentally inflating his horrible Aunt Petunia. But once there everyone is whispering about a prizoner who has escaped from the famous wizard prizon, Azkaban. His name is Sirius Black, and as a follower of Lord Voldemort he is determined to track Harry Potter down -- even if it means laying siege to the very walls of Hogwarts!

Customer Reviews:

Great service!.......2007-09-27

I was in great need of this book as I was new to the world of Harry Potter and couldn't wait to continue after reading Chamber of Secrets. The timing was perfect!

the worst of the bunch.......2007-09-24

Don't let my title deceive you. This is still a great book but in comparison to the others it was a slight stepback. The book is still very entertaining and a necessity for the progression of the story. I just wasn't sucked in as fast or left wanting more as i was with the first 2 and with book 4 (sorry haven't finished the series just yet). I've been told by a few others that have finished the series that this is the worst and if thats the case then it should speak volumes of how well the rest of the books are.

Excelent!!!.......2007-09-16

This is third book from this great Saga, we meet Sirius black, Remus lupin and peter is this great, they are super!!!

Another masterpiece.......2007-09-12

I do not think there is a need to rate the story itself considering the immense popularity of it. This review is for those who produced the audio book.

Like in the two Harry Potter stories before this one, Jim Dale and company do an excellent job of relating this tale. Mr. Dale has an amazing range of voices and never misses a beat as he hops from one character to another. The listener forgets Mr. Dale is the lone reader and is immediately immersed in the story. Buy this, listen, and then watch the movie.

The Prisoner of Azkaban.......2007-09-11

A magic bus filled with beds, a huge black dog, creatures known as dementures, a Hippogriff, and a mass murderer apparently bent on killing him are just a few of the things that Harry has to deal with in his second year at Hogwarts.

Harry goes on the run during the summer, fleeing from his Aunt and Uncle after accidentally blowing up another of his horrid relatives like a big balloon. He is picked up by the Knight Bus, a triple decker wizardly bus that runs around giving a lift to Wizards and Witches. He then meets with the Minister of Magic, who takes the whole accidental blowing up of Harry's Aunt very lightly, shrugging it off as an accident, much to Harry's relief. Yet once school starts he learns news that is very distressing. Notorious mass murderer, Serius Black, has escaped from the high security Wizard prison of Azkaban, and all the signs point that he is coming after Harry! Again, JK Rowling has created another spellbinding masterpiece.

RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Simplified Chinese Characters)

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter and the Excellent Set Up for the Future
Happy
Another winner!
Poltergeists, Headless Hunts and Grumbling Gnomes
'The Chamber of Secrets is open, enemies of the heir, beware!"

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Simplified Chinese Characters)
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Distribooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 702003344X

Amazon.com

It's hard to fall in love with an earnest, appealing young hero like Harry Potter and then to watch helplessly as he steps into terrible danger! And in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the much anticipated sequel to the award-winning Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, he is in terrible danger indeed. As if it's not bad enough that after a long summer with the horrid Dursleys he is thwarted in his attempts to hop the train to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his second year. But when his only transportation option is a magical flying car, it is just his luck to crash into a valuable (but clearly vexed) Whomping Willow. Still, all this seems like a day in the park compared to what happens that fall within the haunted halls of Hogwarts.

Chilling, malevolent voices whisper from the walls only to Harry, and it seems certain that his classmate Draco Malfoy is out to get him. Soon it's not just Harry who is worried about survival, as dreadful things begin to happen at Hogwarts. The mysteriously gleaming, foot-high words on the wall proclaim, "The Chamber of Secrets Has Been Opened. Enemies of the Heir, Beware." But what exactly does it mean? Harry, Hermione, and Ron do everything that is wizardly possible--including risking their own lives--to solve this 50-year-old, seemingly deadly mystery. This deliciously suspenseful novel is every bit as gripping, imaginative, and creepy as the first; familiar student concerns--fierce rivalry, blush-inducing crushes, pedantic professors--seamlessly intertwine with the bizarre, horrific, fantastical, or just plain funny. Once again, Rowling writes with a combination of wit, whimsy, and a touch of the macabre that will leave readers young and old desperate for the next installment. (Ages 9 and older) --Karin Snelson

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

What makes the Harry Potter series so successful? Maybe it's the fact that J.K. Rowling doesn't write children's books, she writes children's stories, more in the tradition of the Brothers Grimm than Dr. Seuss. The exploits of Harry and his friends captivate even the shortest attention spans by engaging the imagination with vivid characters and fast-moving action, instead of trying to merely catch the eye with colorful pictures or pop-up effects. Not surprisingly, the Potter tales sound wonderful read aloud, and adapt to the audiobook format extremely well. Broadway actor Jim Dale's impressive vocal range gives each character in the book its own distinctive voice--a considerable task, given the pantheon of witches, warlocks, ghosts, ghouls, dwarves, and elves that Harry encounters in his second outing. And thankfully, since the book is read unabridged, no one's favorite character is omitted. Engaging for children without being childish, the audio version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is worthy addition to the deservedly popular series. (Running time: 9 hours, 6 cassettes) --Andrew Nieland

Book Description

Harry's second year at Hogwarts.

Customer Reviews:

Harry Potter and the Excellent Set Up for the Future.......2007-10-02

I'm gonna be honest.

I didn't like this book as much when I first read it.

However, after finishing the seventh book, I have found a new respect for this chapter in the Harry Potter series. The Horcruxes become such a large part of the series that, having completed the journey, it is hard to not like this book as much as the others.

This is the chapter in the Harry Potter book series that really sets up everything from Ginny to Horcruxes, and it is truly a great chapter in the series. If you don't dig it as much initially, finish the series. You'll know what I mean.

Happy.......2007-09-26

I was very happy with the product and received it according to what I was told. This was the first time I ordered a book from Amazon, and it was easy and quick.

Another winner!.......2007-09-26

The next installment in the series is as wonderful as the first. Keep em' coming! More adventures and magical fun. Great read! I can't wait for Harry and his friend's 3rd year!

Poltergeists, Headless Hunts and Grumbling Gnomes.......2007-09-26

It is obvious from the very beginning why children are so enthralled with the Harry Potter books. J.K. Rowling has the most vivid and wonderful imagination and has created a world of pure fantasy that any child who ever dreamed of putting a spell on the school bully would love to visit. In this second entry of the series all of the fantasy of the first book returns along with a house elf, a flying car, a whomping willow tree, a deathday party for a ghost and a diary that writes back. Even more impressive than this author's imagination though is her writing ability. Despite the fact that this is purely fiction it is written in such a brilliant manner so as to make it seem like the author was really there and has come back to our dull world to take us all back with her to this enchanted place called Hogwarts.

What is not so obvious at first however is why so many adults have become such die hard Harry Potter fans. As I read this book though an idea came to me and now I think I understand a least part of the attraction so many adults feel for these books. With her wonderful writing style the author brings this story to life in such a vivid way that it takes many adults back to their school days. We are able to identify with Harry, Ron and Hermione as they attend classes and do homework. We can relate to the fun and comradeship that these children have with their classmates and it brings back fond memories of our own childhood. Most all of us had one or two very best friends and we understand the bond between Harry, Ron and Hermione. Most all of us had teachers like Snape who were ill tempered and went out of their way to catch us at something. Most all of us did at least a few things that we didn't want to get caught doing and finally most all of us had our little crushes like the one Ron's little sister has on Harry. For adults this book is not only a fantastic voyage into a world of fantasy but it is also a trip back in time.

There isn't much that can be said about the plot of this book without giving too much away but the basic premise of the story revolves around an old Hogwarts legend. Supposedly one of the four founders of Hogwarts only wanted the school to be open to pure bloods and when he lost that fight he left the school but he left behind a hidden chamber that could someday be opened by his heir unleashing a terrible curse on the students not of pure magic bloodlines. Well the old legend seems to be coming true and once again Harry and his brave comrades are caught right in the middle of the situation and Harry is even accused of being the one who opened the chamber.

This book contains several cleaver scenes that were left out of the movie including the fantastic sight of the Weasley's garden gnomes. If you have seen the movie don't think that you have the whole story. You should really read this book and believe me, it is such a wonderful book that you will finish it in no time.

'The Chamber of Secrets is open, enemies of the heir, beware!".......2007-09-11

The second installment in the Harry Potter serires by JK Rowling is just as enthralling, enchanting, and mesmerizing as the first. Before his second year at Hogwarts can begin, Harry has to find a way to escape from the Dursleys. Yet luckily he has friends, friends who happen to have a flying car! His next challenge ends up being just to get on the train to Hgwarts, when the passage to platform 9 and 3 quarters suddenly seals, trapping him and his friend Ron Weasley on the outside. Again they are saved by the flying car, yet Harry and Ron learn that any landing you can walk away from is a good one, as they end up in the clutches of a disgruntled, but valuable, Whomping Willow, which seems intent on bashing them to pieces! Soon, though, their troubles realy begin...

Harry's second year at Hogwarts becomes very eventful, and very entertaining for the reading, as well as a bit scary. JK Rowling does a wonderful job of increasing the danger and the suspense in her second novel, keeping the reader's attention throughout. We are introduced to new entertaining new characters, such as Dobby, a sad house elf that seems to be trying to keep Harry away from Hogwarts, and yet says he is helping Harry. Also we meet Moaning Mertyl, a weeping ghost that lives in one of the girls bathrooms.

Chamber of Secrets is highly entertaining, and would be greatly enjoyed by readers of almost any age, 9 through adult. It's one of those books that you want don't put down till the very end, and then you pick it up again almost immediately for a second read.

RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Simplified Chinese Characters)

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Simplified Chinese Characters)
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Distribooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 7020034632

Book Description

This is an Urdu translation of the international best-seller, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J. K. Rowling.

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