Values of Harry Potter: Lessons for Muggles
I've read all the Harry Potter novels multiple times, discussed them at length with friends, read essays analyzing them, and even published an essay of my own. Yet Ari Armstrong'sValues of Harry Potteroffered me a delightful array of fresh insights into J. K. Rowling's works. It offers fans of the Harry Potter a unique opportunity to explore the core values of the novels, to discover why we find them so captivating and so inspiring. Readers will develop a deeper appreciation for Rowling's achievement in portraying life-loving, courageous heroes. They will discover compelling answers to any half-formed questions and doubts about the significance of her Christian themes. When I re-read the Harry Potter series -- as I'm eager to do again -- I will gain far more insight and inspiration from them than ever before, thanks toValues of Harry Potter.--Diana Hsieh,NoodleFood, "Dursley Duplicity" inHarry Potter and PhilosophyIn his new book,Values of Harry Potter: Lessons for Muggles,Armstrong, true to form, challenges Harry Potter theorists of all stripes. While some call the Harry Potter books anti-Christian, and others suggest they celebrate Christian principles, Armstrong argues persuasively that Harry Potter neither promotes nor rebukes Christianity, but instead advances more universal, and thought-provoking, human themes. --Joel Warner,Westword,October 28, 2008