Friday, September 4, 2009
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
137 of 160 people found the following review helpful:
Definitely worth buying, May 25, 2000
By CPN
Definitely worth buying, May 25, 2000
By CPN
After reading the original of the recent hits and chart-topping Harry Potter series, I just had to read the second. It once again begins over summer vacation and takes Harry to his second year at Hogwarts, the best wizarding school of the day. But for some reason, people begin to be attacked by someone - or something. Harry, Ron, and Hermione start on another slew of detective work to find out what's going on, and how to save the students of Hogwarts...it's hard to give a plot summary without exposing the secrets of the ending, which, by the way, was a total surprise!
This book is truly engrossing, more intense and frightening than the first. I loved it! It was both fun and funny, much like the other two in the series. It is interesting to read, and I honestly think it appeals to all ages. Even older readers will enjoy being taken back to the days when the line between fantasy and reality was blurred, and all the books would keep any modern teenager enthralled. Harry Potter No. 2 actually kept me laughing throughout. At some points in the middle, the story may get slightly bland, but don't worry: the best part is yet to come. I love children's stories, have read many, and these are the best, most modern works out there. There's a reason they are so hot right now, and all these other 5-star reviews are deserved! This series breaks the ordinary mold of children's books which are not always written with the same flair J.K. Rowling successfully incorporates into the plot, and they each possess their own sense of magic, not allowing the reader to put the book down! The Harry Potter books are highly recommended! Other children's authors I enjoy are Roald Dahl, Louis Sachar, Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, and E.B. White.
Order below at amazon and get a discount.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) (Hardcover)
(3455 book lovers found this review useful before purchasing it.)
It is a story about young Harry Potter, a name now known around the world. Rowling is much admired for her writing technique, her ability to weave an intriguing story, and her ability to keep her readers on the edges of their seats. Let's not forget Mary Grandpré whose art adds liveliness to the text. When infant Harry Potter's parents are tragically murdered, he has the misfortune to be taken to live with his mother's sister, husband, and their son. He is delivered to Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Cousin Dudley, the muggle family (non-magical people), on Privet Drive, London. They are a miserable lot, and so Harry spends the next 10 years living in an unloving household, unloving toward him. While his aunt and uncle treat him badly, they dote on their obnoxious brat, young Dudley. Then, at age 11, Harry receives a letter telling him to prepare to enter wizard school at Hogwarts. After a few fits and starts getting there, Harry is off on a fantastical adventure with new (and first) friends, Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley. He begins to find out who he really is. People he's never seen before know who he is as soon as they hear his name. Heads turn and whispers abound. This book takes us through Harry's first year at the Hogwarts School. We meet many characters along the way, including headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, huge and lovable Rebeus Hagrid, bad boy Draco Malfoy and his sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle. We meet menacing Professor Snape, changling Professor McGonagall and strange Professor Quirrell, among others. We learn about Quidditch, a most remarkable, challenging and dangerous sport, one in which only those possessed of magical skills could ever engage. This book is a delightful beginning to what is now a world favorite.
You would fall in love with his series as you check this out.
Order at amazon and get it within few hours
Insight Of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
925 of 1,145 people found the following review helpful:
Battled rain and cold weather to get hold of it :), Sept. 04, 2009
By
Bel Alcat "bel_78" (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (Hardcover) I'm one of those who couldn't wait until the morning to get hold of this book. I literally battled rain and cold weather with my sister to get our copies at 12.15 am, July 16, in a local bookstore in Argentina. According to my dad, I'm slightly nuts for doing that :) In my opinion, though, this book was well-worth the extra effort. After picking it up, I returned to my house and started to read it. I just finished it, and I can sincerely say that it is simply outstandingly good. Yes, the other books were awesome too, specially the 4th and the 5th, but I think that Harry's world is becoming more defined with each book, and that makes for a thoroughly engaging reading experience. What is new in this book?. Well, after having to come to face with the fact that Lord Voldemort is alive, the wizard community is in an uproar, and quite frightened. Cornelius Fudge has been sacked as Minister of Magic, and an Auror has been named in that position. Harry, Ron and Hermione get their O.W.Ls (Ordinary Wizardry Levels), and have to decide what courses to take for their N.E.W.Ts (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests), something that will define their future careers. Plots abound, and danger is omnipresent throughout the book. There is a new teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts, and also an eccentric new Potions' teacher. Of course, there is much more, including a death that I bet will make you cry, and that hurts Harry enormously. I won't tell you who dies, only that the event involves the Half-Blood Prince, and that I think it was a sacrifice rather than a murder. But what's the point of telling you all this if you can read the book, and enjoy it as much as I did?. Suffice it to say that this is a worthy addition to the Harry Potter series. There is adventure, some romance, and many more elements that add up to make the kind of book that you simply must read. And now, after staying up all night in order to read this book, I really need to catch up on my sleep. If you haven't guessed my opinion on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" yet, I'll say that I highly recommend it. Run to get your copy, if you don't already have one, and share the magic.
Battled rain and cold weather to get hold of it :), Sept. 04, 2009
By
Bel Alcat "bel_78" (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (Hardcover) I'm one of those who couldn't wait until the morning to get hold of this book. I literally battled rain and cold weather with my sister to get our copies at 12.15 am, July 16, in a local bookstore in Argentina. According to my dad, I'm slightly nuts for doing that :) In my opinion, though, this book was well-worth the extra effort. After picking it up, I returned to my house and started to read it. I just finished it, and I can sincerely say that it is simply outstandingly good. Yes, the other books were awesome too, specially the 4th and the 5th, but I think that Harry's world is becoming more defined with each book, and that makes for a thoroughly engaging reading experience. What is new in this book?. Well, after having to come to face with the fact that Lord Voldemort is alive, the wizard community is in an uproar, and quite frightened. Cornelius Fudge has been sacked as Minister of Magic, and an Auror has been named in that position. Harry, Ron and Hermione get their O.W.Ls (Ordinary Wizardry Levels), and have to decide what courses to take for their N.E.W.Ts (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests), something that will define their future careers. Plots abound, and danger is omnipresent throughout the book. There is a new teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts, and also an eccentric new Potions' teacher. Of course, there is much more, including a death that I bet will make you cry, and that hurts Harry enormously. I won't tell you who dies, only that the event involves the Half-Blood Prince, and that I think it was a sacrifice rather than a murder. But what's the point of telling you all this if you can read the book, and enjoy it as much as I did?. Suffice it to say that this is a worthy addition to the Harry Potter series. There is adventure, some romance, and many more elements that add up to make the kind of book that you simply must read. And now, after staying up all night in order to read this book, I really need to catch up on my sleep. If you haven't guessed my opinion on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" yet, I'll say that I highly recommend it. Run to get your copy, if you don't already have one, and share the magic.
You can order it quick by following the link below at amazon.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) (Paperback) ~ J.K. Rowling
A Review on that will get you informed on the content inside.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was not my favorite of the Potter series, but it was still amazing end. J.K. Rowling is definitely a fantastic author, and I applaude her for how well put-together the entire series was. Her writing and storytelling throughout the series improved tremendously, turing a fun children's story into a series awed by all ages. Her foreshadowing and little clues and side-plots left in previous books were all too clever, and by pulling them all together in this final book, it made it all the more exciting for me to pick them out as I reread the series again and again. Rowling also has an incredible talent for creating real characters, even in a fantasy world. Even the most trivial characters each had their own different personalities, and the flaws, weaknesses, and emotions displayed by all characters are factors many other authors fail to include in their books. The overall plot of The Deathly Hallows, as well as all the side-plots, were extremely suspenceful, hooking you on and not letting go until you turn the final page. So many questions left unanswered, so many crucial moments we do not yet understand, this book covers them all, closing all gaps and leaving us breathless in amazement. Although we are drawn in by the imaginative world Rowling creates, there is so much more to this book, and series in general, than just a fantasy story. Deeper meanings are hidden along the lines, showing the very worst of human nature, as well as the very best. To those who have not yet read Harry Potter, this may be difficult to understand, considering that you only know the summary of this series, and may or may not be intersted in it. But let me tell you that this series is great for fantasy lovers, fun for book readers, and magnificent for anyone with an open and understanding mind. It's not just another fantasy series afterall, and it will truely capture your heart and mind.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was not my favorite of the Potter series, but it was still amazing end. J.K. Rowling is definitely a fantastic author, and I applaude her for how well put-together the entire series was. Her writing and storytelling throughout the series improved tremendously, turing a fun children's story into a series awed by all ages. Her foreshadowing and little clues and side-plots left in previous books were all too clever, and by pulling them all together in this final book, it made it all the more exciting for me to pick them out as I reread the series again and again. Rowling also has an incredible talent for creating real characters, even in a fantasy world. Even the most trivial characters each had their own different personalities, and the flaws, weaknesses, and emotions displayed by all characters are factors many other authors fail to include in their books. The overall plot of The Deathly Hallows, as well as all the side-plots, were extremely suspenceful, hooking you on and not letting go until you turn the final page. So many questions left unanswered, so many crucial moments we do not yet understand, this book covers them all, closing all gaps and leaving us breathless in amazement. Although we are drawn in by the imaginative world Rowling creates, there is so much more to this book, and series in general, than just a fantasy story. Deeper meanings are hidden along the lines, showing the very worst of human nature, as well as the very best. To those who have not yet read Harry Potter, this may be difficult to understand, considering that you only know the summary of this series, and may or may not be intersted in it. But let me tell you that this series is great for fantasy lovers, fun for book readers, and magnificent for anyone with an open and understanding mind. It's not just another fantasy series afterall, and it will truely capture your heart and mind.
Order for it today - Follow the quick link below. Enjoy your reading
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Online Shopping – Tips For Safe Shopping
Online shopping is a gigantic industry, and with good reason, too. Few shopping methods offer more convenience, better prices, or better information access than shopping via the internet. However, it pays to follow a few precautions when shopping on the internet.
Secure Shopping
When ordering from an online site, one of the first things you should check is to see that their order page is secure. The page you enter your address and contact details on doesn't need to be secure, but the page you enter your credit card on should be.
The easiest way to tell that a page is secure is that it will start with https. Also, in Internet Explorer, you'll see a yellow padlock at the bottom of your browser window.
Reputable Merchant
You should also do at least a little research to ensure that the website you are ordering from is a reputable, dependable merchant. There are several ways to check on the reputability of a merchant:
Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau?Are they members of any other third party verification entities?Check their customer reviews on third party sites like http://Alexa.com, http://BizRate.com, and http://Shopzilla.com
If you're purchasing from a seller on an online marketplace like Ebay or Amazon Marketplace, check their ratings and customer feedback. Most online marketplaces offer some kind of a guarantee against fraud for orders placed on their website.
Company policies
Also check on the companies policies before you order from them. You should check that they have at least some kind of a guarantee and return policy. Also, how quickly do they ship orders? What customer service do they offer? Do they have full contact info on their website, including their physical address and phone number?
With a little research, you can save some time and money by shopping online – and not worry about not getting your money's worth!
Secure Shopping
When ordering from an online site, one of the first things you should check is to see that their order page is secure. The page you enter your address and contact details on doesn't need to be secure, but the page you enter your credit card on should be.
The easiest way to tell that a page is secure is that it will start with https. Also, in Internet Explorer, you'll see a yellow padlock at the bottom of your browser window.
Reputable Merchant
You should also do at least a little research to ensure that the website you are ordering from is a reputable, dependable merchant. There are several ways to check on the reputability of a merchant:
Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau?Are they members of any other third party verification entities?Check their customer reviews on third party sites like http://Alexa.com, http://BizRate.com, and http://Shopzilla.com
If you're purchasing from a seller on an online marketplace like Ebay or Amazon Marketplace, check their ratings and customer feedback. Most online marketplaces offer some kind of a guarantee against fraud for orders placed on their website.
Company policies
Also check on the companies policies before you order from them. You should check that they have at least some kind of a guarantee and return policy. Also, how quickly do they ship orders? What customer service do they offer? Do they have full contact info on their website, including their physical address and phone number?
With a little research, you can save some time and money by shopping online – and not worry about not getting your money's worth!
High Street Shopping vs Internet Shopping
With the influx of all these sites offering all sorts of items, you wonder whether the hassles of high street shopping is really worth it when you can buy anything you need online. But, would you be able to find the right items instead of picking up a wide variety of gubbins?
Not all shopping websites offer worthless items, it's just that sometimes, it is harder to decide whether you really like an item or not unless you get a feel of it, you know what I mean? There are all sorts of stories cropping up about disgruntled internet shoppers. You even might have fallen victim to promises of one day deliveries and waited a full week before your purchase gets to your door. But, what about the horrendous amount of time and energy that you spend on shopping on foot?
Let's see the risks and pay-offs of shopping online and shopping on high street
Strength
Positives to internet shopping on this one and negatives to high street. Why is this? Well, for one, when you go out shopping, you will need to have very strong legs, and comfortable yet sturdy shoes. You will be walking around for at least five hours for about the same amount of items. In short, you will need to be prepared for grievous bodily harm. On the web, all you need are strong fingertips. If you have a well-oiled computer system and a pretty fast server, you might be able to finish up shopping in about an hour, depending on how many items you wish to purchase and how varied your selections are.
Doggedness
Same rates for both; the determination to find exactly what you are looking for is key to a successful shopping experience. Whether you are shopping online or not, it is extremely difficult to find the perfect gift. However, search engines on the net help out a lot, but the photos would not be equal to getting to touch the item you would like to buy. If you are looking for the perfect present online, you will need to really spend time in looking for it, or if you have specific gifts in mind and they are varied (like iPod sock for your brother, and a swimsuit for your sister) you will need to visit a lot of sites. In the same manner, looking for socks and a swimsuit in the city centre would require you to walk through a lot of shops to find just the right ones.
Satisfaction
Well, the satisfaction of the buyer (or the receiver, if it is indeed a present) can be measured in two ways: one is immediate gratification, and the other is the long term contentment.
For immediate gratification, internet shopping gets the positive, since you do not have to drive, park, walk, and wait in line for your purchase. All you need is to drag things into your 'shopping cart' and pay online. And the '£' saved could also be appreciated; online stores could offer wholesale prices since they normally do not have to pay rent.Shopping finished, you just need to wait for the items to get delivered.
Not all shopping websites offer worthless items, it's just that sometimes, it is harder to decide whether you really like an item or not unless you get a feel of it, you know what I mean? There are all sorts of stories cropping up about disgruntled internet shoppers. You even might have fallen victim to promises of one day deliveries and waited a full week before your purchase gets to your door. But, what about the horrendous amount of time and energy that you spend on shopping on foot?
Let's see the risks and pay-offs of shopping online and shopping on high street
Strength
Positives to internet shopping on this one and negatives to high street. Why is this? Well, for one, when you go out shopping, you will need to have very strong legs, and comfortable yet sturdy shoes. You will be walking around for at least five hours for about the same amount of items. In short, you will need to be prepared for grievous bodily harm. On the web, all you need are strong fingertips. If you have a well-oiled computer system and a pretty fast server, you might be able to finish up shopping in about an hour, depending on how many items you wish to purchase and how varied your selections are.
Doggedness
Same rates for both; the determination to find exactly what you are looking for is key to a successful shopping experience. Whether you are shopping online or not, it is extremely difficult to find the perfect gift. However, search engines on the net help out a lot, but the photos would not be equal to getting to touch the item you would like to buy. If you are looking for the perfect present online, you will need to really spend time in looking for it, or if you have specific gifts in mind and they are varied (like iPod sock for your brother, and a swimsuit for your sister) you will need to visit a lot of sites. In the same manner, looking for socks and a swimsuit in the city centre would require you to walk through a lot of shops to find just the right ones.
Satisfaction
Well, the satisfaction of the buyer (or the receiver, if it is indeed a present) can be measured in two ways: one is immediate gratification, and the other is the long term contentment.
For immediate gratification, internet shopping gets the positive, since you do not have to drive, park, walk, and wait in line for your purchase. All you need is to drag things into your 'shopping cart' and pay online. And the '£' saved could also be appreciated; online stores could offer wholesale prices since they normally do not have to pay rent.Shopping finished, you just need to wait for the items to get delivered.
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