Harry Potter and the...

Like most kids in the world (he he :-)), I am a great fan of the boy wizard, and now since the title for the new book is announced, I feel tempted to mention it in my blog...

Yes, the title was announced, and with more than 1,00,000 search results already for the title, the writers and bloggers are now in a beeline making predictions on whether the book might become the best seller of all times!

More than the title, I liked the way it was announced. If you go to Rowling’s web site, have a look at the rose eraser in the middle of her desk. Click on it, and it takes you to a room. There is a door, a window, a mirror and a table over there. The same eraser is placed back in this room on the table for exit. (For some strange reason, the Access Enabled version never worked for me!).

In the mirror, you'll see a passage. Click on the farthest door knob, and you get a Christmas there. Click the center of the main door on the screen, and a garland appears. Click then on top of the mirror (on the ceiling seen through the mirror) and you'll see a decoration over the ceiling. Click on the cobwebs, any one which is on both the sides of the door (One on the top of the door next to the switch, and the other near the table). They disappear. Noticed the chimes on the window? Click the second one from right, keep it pressed. It turns to a key, and taking it to the keyhole, opens the door. There will be a wrapped gift there, clicking on which opens a hangman game!

(Now as I write this, I see the hangman journey does not work anymore, there is a sign saying not to disturb. Only the light switch next to the door works).

But as they say “there is more thrill on the journey than the destination itself”, there was not much thrill in playing the hangman (as I read the title already); partly also because the title seems a little off-color.

Well, really, the title is not that appealing as her earlier titles, which sounded "adventure" and some thrilling plot to wait for, though there really IS lots to expect!

The title “Deathly Hallows” is already in debate too, by the way!

For a truthful reader, the ending does not matter. The journey was adventurous, and interesting. But the title really disturbs me. The thing is, it might kill off my expectations (like it did, for many faithful readers) I have about the journey I am about to travel. But, maybe, the title is just to create hype about the plot, who knows? :-)

But, Irrespective of whether Voldemort kills Harry or not, I feel bad when the author mentions she might kill him just to kill off the merchandising. Or perhaps, marketing dynamics, huh?

Let’s see. Till then, keep pondering about the title :-)