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20th out of 83 books
—
122 voters
Mugglenet.com's Harry Potter Should Have Died: Controversial Views from the #1 Fan Site
HARRY POTTER DIDN'T DIE.
The seventh and final book is out, but fans still fiercely debate the many controversial issues left unresolved. Now, the experts at MuggleNet.com argue passionately about what really happened and what should have happened.
•Would the series be stronger if Harry hadn’t survived?
•Should we pity Voldemort or hate him?
•Is Severus Snape really a hero?
•Sh...more
The seventh and final book is out, but fans still fiercely debate the many controversial issues left unresolved. Now, the experts at MuggleNet.com argue passionately about what really happened and what should have happened.
•Would the series be stronger if Harry hadn’t survived?
•Should we pity Voldemort or hate him?
•Is Severus Snape really a hero?
•Sh...more
Paperback, 187 pages
Published
June 2nd 2009
by Ulysses Press
(first published June 1st 2009)
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I bought this book cos I enjoy the Mugglenet website and usually find pretty entertaining things there; but I have to admit I was pretty disappointed with this book.
There are a great deal of insightful and thought-provoking essays and editorials on the Mugglenet site for people who enjoy digging into different aspects of the Harry Potter world, and many of them have led me to see certain situations, relationships etc in a different light.
I thought this book would be more of the same. But I was...more
There are a great deal of insightful and thought-provoking essays and editorials on the Mugglenet site for people who enjoy digging into different aspects of the Harry Potter world, and many of them have led me to see certain situations, relationships etc in a different light.
I thought this book would be more of the same. But I was...more
In their return book, Ben Schoen and Emerson Spartz decide to go for an interesting Q&A debate format. As they mention in the opening (which, by the way, incorrectly names the podcast 'MuggleSpace', which gets on my nerves), many of their views will get on your nerves, and I may be paraphrasing on that one. I found myself continually asking "Did they really have to go there?" and raging at the book. I almost felt like some of the debates, if not all, would have been better off if they'd been...more
It is rare that I don't like a book and even rarer still that I reutrn a book to the bookstore for refund or exchange. I did so with this book.
From reading the back of the book, I was expecting the book to be theological discussion on elements of the series of Harry Potter books. I was expecting a deep look into the mythos of the series and the elements of symbolism and magic.
Well, my expectations seemed to have been too high for this book. Each chapter is set up thusly: A Question, an argument...more
From reading the back of the book, I was expecting the book to be theological discussion on elements of the series of Harry Potter books. I was expecting a deep look into the mythos of the series and the elements of symbolism and magic.
Well, my expectations seemed to have been too high for this book. Each chapter is set up thusly: A Question, an argument...more
It's an interesting idea--debate topics related to the Harry Potter books and films. The reality, however, doesn't live up to the potential of this adequate but ultimately superficial book. Questions of the form "Which is better/worse/more courageous, X or Y?" ultimately polarize rather than lead to a more nuanced exploration of the Potterverse. The "verdicts" rendered are brief and read more as further pronouncements of opinion rather than a weighing of the evidence mustered by the proponents o...more
Sorry boys - I really, really wanted to enjoy this book. To be clear, I admire the hell out of the authors Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen. To accomplish what they have at such a young age is pretty incredible, and I have always really enjoyed Ben on Mugglecast and Hype. But I felt like I was reading a bunch of lower-high school persuasive essays.. I think now I know how it feels to be an 8th-grade English teacher and I don't envy the job. I guess I expected something more scholarly or at least le...more
I wanted this book for the obvious reason of a Harry Potter obsession, but also because I do read the mugglenet.com site fairly often. They know what they are talking about and are an entertaining bunch. Most of the questions/discussions in this book I've had with other die-hard friends or even friends who were just slightly interested in hearing more about the books/movies. The book had decent questions, some being a little odd, another example besides the one in my status, "Would you rather sh...more
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Nice book for hardcore Harry Potter fans. The book discusses (both sides) numerous controversial HP topics such as: are the Slytherins too demonized? (I have to say yes), is the epilogue a letdown? (no, I don't think so), who helps Harry more on his quest: Ron or Hermione? (Hermione of course even if she broke his wand), which is the best book (toss up between GOF or DH for me), is Voldemort the most evil fictional character ever? (ever, no, but he did try to kill a baby and that's pretty evil),...more
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This was a very enjoyable and interesting book. I think this book is great for any Harry Potter fan. The authors debated a lot of really interesting topics, many of which I had never thought of prior to reading this book. I only wish that this book had been written after the past movie came out. As a long-time loyal Harry Potter fan, I had formed some of my own opinions on the topics debated in the book. I did not always agree with the verdict at the end of each discussion in the book. Sometimes...more
Apr 03, 2011
Anne-Marie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
HP fans
Recommended to Anne-Marie by:
me
This book had some interesting & funny sections. Each chapter was titled with a question, and the authors would argue both sides of it, and then they would reach a verdict. You guys should read this and then we can debate it here!
Here was a good question: Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Lord Voldemort a foot massage?
(They weren't ALL funny like this, but there were some others that made me laugh)
One thing, though: the authors are a little OVERLY obsessed with the series... I mea...more
Here was a good question: Would you rather shave Hagrid's back or give Lord Voldemort a foot massage?
(They weren't ALL funny like this, but there were some others that made me laugh)
One thing, though: the authors are a little OVERLY obsessed with the series... I mea...more
This book created an intense desire in me to re-read all the books. Also I just really wanted the two authors to be in the same room with me so that I could debate their views with them - particularly in the cases (which were admittedly few) where I completely and absolutely disagreed with them. Order of the Phoenix the worst book? Granted Harry was a bit of a prat at the beginning, but you've got the Snape Occlumency scenes, Dolores Umbridge, the Weasley's escape from Hogwarts, Dumbledore's Arm...more
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An okay book but the title gives away the ending to anyone who hadn't finished the books.
I did enjoy reading this book. I definitely respect and enjoy the opinions of the Mugglenet staff, and love the witty and affectionate tone of the book from authors who truly love the series.
My only real disappointment came from the fact that I anticipated an analysis that was much deeper. A lot of the points made felt a bit rushed and superficial in explanation, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the debate, it didn't go to the level I was expecting. Harry Potter contains such a complex fictio...more
My only real disappointment came from the fact that I anticipated an analysis that was much deeper. A lot of the points made felt a bit rushed and superficial in explanation, and despite the fact that I enjoyed the debate, it didn't go to the level I was expecting. Harry Potter contains such a complex fictio...more
This is a very unique book. For those HP fans who don't have anyone to discuss the books with, its an interesting read. For each question there is a pro and con arguement before they give their (possibly controversial) verdict. I bought the book to read the discussions on topics such as: Is Snape really a hero? Should JK Rowling have left Dumbledore's gay sexual orientation a secret? Is the epilogue a letdown? However, also in the book are debated questions such as...Who would you rather make ou...more
For the most part, this was a pretty fun read. Some of the topics were more thought out than others. Some of the interesting topics included whether or not house elves and goblins should be able to carry wands, stereotypes of females, and whether we should feel sorry for Voldemort or simply hate him.
Other chapters were downright silly. Choosing between shaving Hagrid's back or rubbing Voldemort's feet is one example. The choice between a make out session with Voldemort or a Death Eater is anothe...more
Other chapters were downright silly. Choosing between shaving Hagrid's back or rubbing Voldemort's feet is one example. The choice between a make out session with Voldemort or a Death Eater is anothe...more
If you're a fan of Harry Potter and Mugglenet content, then this book is for you. It's filled with interesting debates and quirky questions about the Harry Potter books and movies. While it's fun to read the opinions in the book, it's also interesting to see how the authors' opinions differ from your own.
Knowing Mugglenet, I knew not to be disappointed in the types of questions discussed. I wasn't expecting any dissertation on theological whatsits and historical whosits. I am, however, disappoin...more
Knowing Mugglenet, I knew not to be disappointed in the types of questions discussed. I wasn't expecting any dissertation on theological whatsits and historical whosits. I am, however, disappoin...more
This book is pretty much brilliant. Ben and Emerson weren't lying when they said that MuggleNet is famous for being opinionated. Being the Harry Potter nerd that I am, I rarely get to hash out Harry Potter topics anymore, but this book was both informative and controversial. I found myself nodding my head in agreement at times, and then shaking my head in frustration at others. I strongly disagreed with a lot of the verdicts, but that almost made reading the book more fun.
The book isn't perfect,...more
The book isn't perfect,...more
Harry Potter Should Have Died by Emerson Spartz and Ben Schoen
Ulysses Press, 2009
187 pages
Non-fiction; Harry Potter
2.5/5 stars
Source: Library
Summary: Short essays arguing various points of HP fandom: such as best book, should Harry have died, viewpoints on Snape as well as more frivolous topics such as would you rather make-out with Voldemort or a dementor?
Thoughts: I like the title because I kind of did want Harry to die AND it would have spared us that awful epilogue (sorry I hate H/G and H/R)...more
Ulysses Press, 2009
187 pages
Non-fiction; Harry Potter
2.5/5 stars
Source: Library
Summary: Short essays arguing various points of HP fandom: such as best book, should Harry have died, viewpoints on Snape as well as more frivolous topics such as would you rather make-out with Voldemort or a dementor?
Thoughts: I like the title because I kind of did want Harry to die AND it would have spared us that awful epilogue (sorry I hate H/G and H/R)...more
I liked their previous book, What Will Happen in Harry Potter 7, so I gave this one a try. But this one wasn't great.
The book is a collection of 60 topics that are, apparently, still debated by fans. Each one is a page or two explaining the various sides of the debate and then the authors sum it up with their own verdict. Some of the topics involve serious analysis, like whether Harry actually dies in book 7. Some are not about the books per se, such as whether J.K. Rowling should have revealed...more
The book is a collection of 60 topics that are, apparently, still debated by fans. Each one is a page or two explaining the various sides of the debate and then the authors sum it up with their own verdict. Some of the topics involve serious analysis, like whether Harry actually dies in book 7. Some are not about the books per se, such as whether J.K. Rowling should have revealed...more
I thought this books was a bit of a waste of time, and I rarely say that with anything relating to Harry Potter. I didn't finish the book. I didn't find most of the questions engaging, and I didn't always find that the summary of the controversy covered all of the points of the argument. It might have been more interesting to me to have had fans write in about some of the controversy instead of Emerson and Ben doing it.
Despite the 'provocative' title, the book isn't really pushing the definitive, "controversial" arguments its cover promises. Some of the questions are repetitive, the verdicts are totally unnecessary, and the writing is at times unpolished and irritating. It would all probably benefit from its usual forum: the internet.
But it does serve as a nice return to the series. For some, Harry Potter will never be over. XD
But it does serve as a nice return to the series. For some, Harry Potter will never be over. XD
Being the die-hard mugglecast/Harry Potter fan I am, I decided to buy this book on my kindle. Although, it wasn't the best HP discussion book I've ever read, I appreciated Ben Schoen and Emerson Spartz's well thought out, and detailed statements/arguments. This book is worth a definite die-hards time, but those who don't live, breath, and think Hp probably will get a little bored after the first few discussions.
witty book, enjoyed reading all the debates and some of the questions I have thought about while reading Harry Potter Series. Raised some interesting debates and controversy. In my opinion, snitch is worth 150points haha. But i feel there are other questions to explore, I could do with book 2 or 3. And no, I do not agree that harry should have died. Thanks! (=
Dec 28, 2010
Sarah
marked it as to-read
My First Thought: C'mon people Harry Potter is well and all so let's put him to rest, shall we?
But since I know Emerson Spartz from MuggleNet.com, I also know how addicted--for the lack of a better term he is on Harry Potter so I might read this book.
Honestly speaking, I am quite intrigued that I'm searching for the book now in my fave ebook site. Hahaha.
But since I know Emerson Spartz from MuggleNet.com, I also know how addicted--for the lack of a better term he is on Harry Potter so I might read this book.
Honestly speaking, I am quite intrigued that I'm searching for the book now in my fave ebook site. Hahaha.
I liked this book because it was written by Emerson and Ben of Mugglenet, a website that I frequented for upwards of 8 years, so I felt like the arguements were coming from "everyfan", as it were. The discussions were fun and bizare, ranging from the serious to wacky, out there questions.
I did find myself wanting to add my two cents in to discussions that I felt weren't argued correctly, or left open serious loopholes. Once major one being "Does Hogwarts sort students too early?"
They argued well...more
I did find myself wanting to add my two cents in to discussions that I felt weren't argued correctly, or left open serious loopholes. Once major one being "Does Hogwarts sort students too early?"
They argued well...more
Who knows why I read such things. Written by the Mugglenet creators (most popular HP website). Collection of random questions about the HP series, with debates on both sides of the issue. Stupid title, as they argued that Harry should definitely not have died. Pretty dumb overall, but engaging enough for me to finish it....
I have been a member of The HP fanclub since I was old enough to read. I have been a member of Mugglenet since I was old enough to surf the web. I loved this book so much, and I thank my English teacher; Miss. Beyer so much. She bought this book for me, but kept it in her library. Thanks Miss. Beyer!
this is great-was very enjoyable. this book is analysis on the outcome of the series. the 7th book in particular. in this book these harry potter experts show both sides the argument, which can get you thinking. some of the questions in this book are very in line with the books and have sparked great debates "is severus snape a hero of the series too?" and some are just purely for fun "would you rather shave hagrid's back or give voldemort a foot massage?" i would recommend this book for all har...more
Now I remember why it's taken me this long to finish this book. While it had interesting insights in the first few pages, I felt that the authors lacked enthusiasm to debate towards the end. "Who would be the scariest mom: Rita Skeeter or Dolores Umbridge?" Really Emerson? Really Ben? You spent a page or two talking about this crap when you could have expounded more on the whole secret-keeper topic?! Not cool. You guys disappointed me.
The book had high points but there were too much low and so-s...more
The book had high points but there were too much low and so-s...more
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Aug 29, 2009
Matthew
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Harry Potter fans
Recommended to Matthew by:
Myself
I really enjoyed this book, even though some of the arguments were pointless (I'd shave Hagrid's back too). Although I didn't agree with some of your verdicts (GO LUNA!) I found this book highly enjoyable to read.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonfiction | 1 | 2 | Mar 25, 2013 09:48am |
Spartz founded the Harry Potter site www.MuggleNet.com at age 12 in 1999.
He co-authored books about the Harry Potter series.
He is the CEO of Spartz media. Spartz media have many interests. In January 2010 Spartz launched OMG Facts. OMG-Facts.com receives 30 million monthly page views, has 500,000 subscribers on YouTube,and 4.5 million followers on Twitter
He graduated in May 2009 with a degree in...more
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