Synopses & Reviews
Continuum Contemporaries will be a wonderful source of ideas and inspiration for members of book clubs and readings groups, as well as for literature students.The aim of the series is to give readers accessible and informative introductions to 30 of the most popular, most acclaimed, and most influential novels of recent years. A team of contemporary fiction scholars from both sides of the Atlantic has been assembled to provide a thorough and readable analysis of each of the novels in question. The books in the series will all follow the same structure:a biography of the novelist, including other works, influences, and, in some cases, an interview; a full-length study of the novel, drawing out the most important themes and ideas; a summary of how the novel was received upon publication; a summary of how the novel has performed since publication, including film or TV adaptations, literary prizes, etc.; a wide range of suggestions for further reading, including websites and discussion forums; and a list of questions for reading groups to discuss.
Review
"Nel gives the Harry Potter novels credibility as more than just a current fad. This study will be a useful defense to challenges of the novels because it explores the darker themes that are so often objects of complaint. It is not bogged down by literary jargon or contexts, making it an accessible introduction to literary criticism and to the novels for students, parents, educators, and opponents of the novels." VOYA
Review
"[I]nvaluable for gathering out-of-the-way or ephemeral comment from TV and radio interviews...the web...[and] literary reviews." The Times (of London) Higher Education Supplement
Review
"[G]ives much helpful information....Well-written, a nice reference book to give as a gift to a friend, and definitely an item for Public Libraries." Lee Prosser, JazzReview.com
Review
"Philip Nel is the best thing to happen so far to Harry Potter in the American classroom." Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook
Review
"A brilliant idea short, perceptive books which tell you what you need to know about some of the most vibrant and challenging writing around today a bit like having a reading group in your pocket." Ian Rankin
Synopsis
This is an excellent (although unauthorized) guide to J.K. Rowling's first four Harry Potter novels. It features a biography of the author, a full-length analysis of the novels, and a fascinating discussion of what has made them so phenomenally successful. If you're studying these novels, reading them for your book club, or if you simply want to know more about them, you'll find this guide informative and helpful.
Synopsis
Continuum Contemporaries will be a wonderful source of ideas and inspiration for members of book clubs and readings groups, as well as for literature students.The aim of the series is to give readers accessible and informative introductions to 30 of the most popular, most acclaimed, and most influential novels of recent years. A team of contemporary fiction scholars from both sides of the Atlantic has been assembled to provide a thorough and readable analysis of each of the novels in question. The books in the series will all follow the same structure:a biography of the novelist, including other works, influences, and, in some cases, an interview; a full-length study of the novel, drawing out the most important themes and ideas; a summary of how the novel was received upon publication; a summary of how the novel has performed since publication, including film or TV adaptations, literary prizes, etc.; a wide range of suggestions for further reading, including websites and discussion forums; and a list of questions for reading groups to discuss.
About the Author
Philip Nel teaches English at Kansas State University. He has published articles on Don DeLillo, Dr Seuss and Crockett Johnson, and is currently writing a biography of Crockett Johnson.
Series Description
This is part of a new series of guides to contemporary novels. The aim of the series is to give readers accessible and informative introductions to some of the most popular, most acclaimed and most influential novels of recent years from The Remains of the Day to White Teeth. A team of contemporary fiction scholars from both sides of the Atlantic has been assembled to provide a thorough and readable analysis of each of the novels in question.