Harry Potter – Zakiya N. Jamal

Celebrate Harry Potter & J.K. Rowling’s Birthdays This Week (YA Book Events NYC 7/30-8/5)

Posted on July 30, 2018July 29, 2018 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

It’s Harry Potter week! Well, kind of. This week Potterheads will celebrate Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s birthdays. But that’s not the only thing happening this week. Check out the full schedule below and make sure to follow YA Book Events NYC on Twitter to stay up to date with all the bookish events happening around the city.

Monday, July 30

Launch Event for The Darkest Legacy by Alexandra Bracken at Books of Wonder (6-8 p.m.)

Join NYT best-selling author Alexandra Bracken as she celebrates the release of the newest book in her Darkest Minds series, The Darkest Legacy. Free event.

Jennifer Gilmore: If Only w/ Adele Griffin at Books Are Magic (7:30-8:30 p.m.)

Acclaimed author Jennifer Gilmore will discuss her new novel, If Only, with Adele Griffin (Be True to Me). Free event.

Tuesday, July 31

Launch Event for The Life & Lies of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore at Books of Wonder (6-8 p.m.)

Celebrate Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s birthday by joining Irvin Khaytman as he introduces his new book, The Life & Lies of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Free event.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Celebration at The Strand (6:30-10 p.m.)

To celebrate Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s birthdays, The Strand is hosting an incredible party that will include two trivia events, one for those 21 and under, and another for those 21+. Please note, the 21+ event is already sold out. Tickets for the 21 and under trivia event are available for $10.

Launching Kara Thomas’ The Cheerleaders at McNally Jackson (7 p.m.)

Join Kara Thomas as she celebrates the release of her latest thriller, The Cheerleaders. She’ll be in conversation with NYT best-selling author Karen M. McManus (One of Us Is Lying). Free event.

Wednesday, August 1

NYC Double Launch Event for Heart of Thorns and Sea Witch at Books of Wonder (6-8 p.m.)

Celebrate a wonderful double NYC launch event for two wonderful new teen books: Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton and Sea Witch by Sarah Henning. The event will be moderated by Zoraida Cordova (Bruja Born). Free event.

The Merciless Event at Barnes & Noble Upper West Side (7 p.m.)

Celebrate the release of the Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition of The Merciless by Danielle Vega. Free event.

Saturday, August 4

Fantastic Middle Grade Reads at Books of Wonder (1-3 p.m.)

Join Tui Sutherland (The Lost Continent), Peter Lerangis (Max Tilt), Sayantani Dasgupta (The Serpent’s Secret), Katie Slivensky (The Seismic Seven), and Stacy McAnulty (The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl) as they share their latest novels. Free event.

From Page to Screen: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Posted on December 5, 2016December 3, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in From Page to Screen

I haven’t read the Fantastic Beasts book (neither the handbook version or the screenplay) so this will be a straight forward review, solely based on the film. Going into this movie I was very excited because it’s been a while since I’ve seen a Harry Potter movie in theaters and it was nice to get to do that again.

I saw Fantastic Beasts opening weekend when the film was of course sold out and everyone there were pretty hardcore Harry Potter fans. I’ve always loved going to see these kinds of movies on premiere weekends for this very reason. The atmosphere is just amazing and you don’t get that vibe if you see it in the afternoon on a random Tuesday.

So going into Fantastic Beasts I was very excited and the movie did not disappoint. The cast was absolutely phenomenal. Eddie Redmayne was the perfect Newt. He was cute and kind of awkward and just amazing. Dan Fogler, who played Jacob Kowalski, brought great comedy to the film. Ezra Miller as Credence was just creepy enough that I was weirded out but sympathetic enough that I was still on his side. Collin Farrell, however, made the perfect villain as Graves.

I absolutely loved Alison Sudol as Queenie. She was my favorite character hands down. Her sister, Tina (Katherine Waterston), however, was a bit annoying. I don’t blame Waterston for this though. I think Tina’s personality just irritated me and honestly I’m not exactly sure why. Towards the end she was okay though.

The plot itself was awesome and though I suspected that plot twist at the end I was still a little surprised by it. The action and magical scenes of the film were great as well. I was in awe of Newt’s suitcase and now want to live inside of it. I could’ve done without the bits of romance though. Queenie and Jacob were kind of cute but Newt and Tina’s little flirtation aired closer to the side of cringeworthy instead of awkwardly cute.

Overall though I really did like this movie and will probably end up buying the screenplay because honestly the cover just looks so incredibly gorgeous. Definitely go see the movie if you haven’t already. It’s totally worth at least one watch.

Did you see Fantastic Beasts? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below!

"The Cursed Child" Review (No Spoilers!)

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (No Spoilers!)

Posted on August 2, 2016August 2, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

I went into this book with low expectations because a) this is a script of a play not an actual book and b) this isn’t really J. K. Rowling’s writing. Yes I’m sure she contributed but Jack Thorne really came up with this play so I didn’t expect it to be like the books and it wasn’t but it was still really good.

The play mainly follows Albus, the son of Harry, and Scorpius, the son of Draco, who were great characters. I truly loved Scorpius and I didn’t think I would, so that was a great surprise. He’s definitely my favorite character from this whole play. I also found it interesting how Albus and Scorpius friendship reflected both the relationships they had with their fathers as well as Harry and Draco’s interesting relationship.

I thought the Golden Trio were a bit different from what I remembered but I also took into account that they’re adults now with kids and that obviously changes a person. The changes I saw in them weren’t so drastic that it was unbelievable and I found Ron to be the most similar to what I would expect from an adult Ron. Ginny is still my fave and that hasn’t changed with this play. I thought she was fantastic and such a good mom and wife.

I found the story itself much different than what I would expect from a Harry Potter book but like I said this isn’t really J. K. Rowling’s writing so I didn’t expect it to be like previous books. As I’ve seen some other people say this story did feel a bit like fanfiction but a well written fanfiction. I do think the major plot point of the story is a bit far fetched and unbelievable to me but in choosing to just go with it I really enjoyed this story. I think if you take this story as something seperate from the Harry Potter stories and just as a fun piece of work that includes some of your favorite characters than you’ll really enjoy.

This one is a buy for me because I can actually see myself reading it again and also because nostalgia. Let me know if you’ve read The Cursed Child yet and tell me your thoughts (no spoilers!) in the comments below.

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“That’s the thing, isn’t it? About friendships. You don’t know what he needs. You only know he needs it.”

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Posted on July 30, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

It all comes down to this – a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do you listen to your instincts, or your friends?

Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he’s trying to hunt down Voldemort’s Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end? Find out in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

I finally did it! I have now read all the books in the Harry Potter series and I’m so glad I did. It was amazing you guys. Ginny is my new favorite character; she’s so bad ass. Molly Weasley and Professor McGonagall are queens. Everything about this book was perfect and I absolutely loved how it all ended. It’s so much better than the movies you guys! So much better!

The beginning of this book started a little slow for me. I was ready to dive into the action. Let’s find those Horcruxes you guys! Once it picked up though I was totally enthralled. I needed to know what would happen next (even though I did know what would happen next). I liked all the background we got on Dumbledore in this book and that he was also a flawed character. I also found Snape interesting. I don’t like him like I know a lot of people do because honestly I found his love for Lily to just be a really unhealthy obsession, but I understand him a bit more now so I don’t hate him.

Also, when Hermione and Ron finally kissed it was such a better moment than it was in the movies. It felt more earned to me in the books. When it happened I literally put down the book, laughed, and said, “Finally!” Speaking of kisses, the chemistry between Ginny and Harry in the books is fantastic and I ship them so hard. Did I mention I love Ginny?

Neville, Luna, and Dean were great as well and I’m kind of hoping Luna and Dean are together. I don’t know I just got some vibes there that maybe that was something that would happen. The loss of Lupin, Tonks, and Fred still made be tear up even though I was prepared for it. For why J. K. Rowling?

Overall, I was super happy with the book and I’m glad I finally read them. Now I just need the box set so that I can have these books always. I can’t wait to read The Cursed Child! Are you going to any release parties tonight? Let me know in the comments. Also, Happy Birthday Neville!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love.”

Other Reviews

The Pewter Wolf

Random Reads

The Book Eaters

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" Book Review

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Posted on July 26, 2016July 25, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggles have been affected. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet . . . as with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Harry receives some extraordinary help in Potions from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. And with Dumbledore’s guidance, he seeks out the full, complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort — and thus finds what may be his only vulnerability.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

It’s Harry Potter Week! Soon it’ll be Harry Potter’s birthday and The Cursed Child will be in my hands and thankfully I think I’ll actually be able to finish the last book just in time. For now that let’s discuss The Half-Blood Prince. I unfortunately I didn’t love it as much as The Order of the Phoenix, which I have now decided really is my favorite book, but The Half-Blood Prince was still really good.

I mostly enjoyed the relationships in this one. The characters are older now, which means they’re actually dating now causing a new set of problems for The Golden Trio. Lavender Brown was somehow more annoying in the book than she was in the movie I think, as was McLaggen. To be honest I’m definitely a Harry/Hermione shipper but I’m happy that Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny are endgame. Therefore it was painful seeing Ron and Hermione at odds. There were so many times I wanted to hit Ron because it was so obvious Hermione liked him and I couldn’t understand how he didn’t see that.

Also, Harry and Ginny were really cute and I agree with everyone that said book Ginny is much better than movie Ginny. I totally agree. Ginny, in the books, is more sassy and her relationship with Harry is more realistic (although I was surprised at how fast Ginny jumped into it but she obviously never got over Harry). The chemistry between Harry and Ginny was almost non-existent in the movie so it was great to really see why people shipped them together in the books. I get it now and I like them too.

What I most disliked about this book was how frustrating it was that no one believed Harry. I get why no one believed his accusations against Malfoy and Snape but it was so annoying when the whole time I knew Harry was right. Still, overall this book was great. There was romance and action and we learned a lot about Voldemort. I’m excited to finally read the last book and see how it all ends (even though I already kind of know).

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Harry looked around; there was Ginny running toward him; she had a hard blazing look in her face as she threw her arms around him. And without thinking, without planning it, without worrying about the fact that fifty people were watching, Harry kissed her. After several long moments, or it might have been half an hour-or possibly several sunlit days- they broke apart.”

Other Reviews

Pass The Feels

Fantasy Book Critic

The Book Smugglers

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Posted on July 23, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

In his fifth year at Hogwart’s, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Along the way he learns about the strength of his friends, the fierceness of his enemies, and the meaning of sacrifice.

Purchase From:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

Going into this novel I knew I was going to be sad by the end of it but I was still excited. I really enjoyed this novel especially because there was a lot more in it than there was in the movie. For one thing I’m pretty sure there’s absolutely no mention of O. W. L. exams in the movie (but if I’m wrong please correct me; I haven’t seen the movies in a while). Also, I don’t remember Harry wanting to be an Auror so I feel like that wasn’t in the movies either, which I think is really important. It was really cool seeing this aspect of the wizarding world. Sometimes I forget Harry, Hermione, and Ron are in school so it was cool reading about them thinking about their futures and having to meet with Professor McGonagall like a guidance counselor.

Speaking of Professor McGonagall she is queen. I loved her so much in this book. The way she didn’t care about Professor Umbridge at all and just straight up disrespected her was amazing. I loved it and Professor McGonagall is definitely my favorite character now. She’s so sassy but also really caring.

The most annoying character was definitely Cho. On the one hand I wanted to feel bad because her boyfriend did die but on the other hand I was like, “Please just stop with all the crying.” Ginny on the other was fantastic and I definitely agree with everyone that said book Ginny is better than movie Ginny. She’s so much better!

The Order of the Phoenix is definitely a contender for my favorite book in the series now. My favorite was always The Prisoner of Azkaban in the past because I just love Sirius so much but this book was really good. I have two more books to read and then The Cursed Child will finally be released and I’ll read that too. I’m so glad I’m finally reading these books. I’d ask why no one told me to read them sooner but literally everyone told me to read them so it’s my own fault. I’ve learned my lesson you guys. I’m a real Harry Potter fan now. Thanks for showing me the light.

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”

Other Reviews:

Pass the Feels

The Book Smugglers

Fantasy Book Critic

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Book Reviews, Books to Buy

Synopsis:

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that’s supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn’t happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he’s not normal – even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

Purchase from:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Review

Guess who’s finally finishing the Harry Potter series? This girl! I read the first three books and started Goblet of Fire years ago but never finished it and I have no idea why because I loved it the second time around. This book was everything I expected based on the hype. Filled with adventure, a smidgen of romance, and some twists (that I knew about going in but were still very exciting) I was glued to this book. I was worried that because I’ve seen the movies it’d be hard for me to get into reading the books but I loved this book. I just wanted to sit down and read the whole thing in one sitting but I couldn’t because I’m a grown-up with a job.

Even so, I went through this book pretty quickly and I loved it. The only thing that bothered me was Ron. His fight with Harry was so silly but then I reminded myself that they’re only 14 in this book and so the maturity isn’t really there yet. Also, Hermione is amazing. I loved her organization for the house elves and I can’t believe that’s not included in the movies. That’s such a big deal! Also, I can’t remember but I don’t think Dobby and Winky were in the Goblet of Fire movie either, which is just ridiculous. They were so great in this book.

Honestly, I was very nervous the books wouldn’t be worth all the hype. Not to say that I thought they’d be bad but everyone kept telling me, “You have to read the books! You can’t just watch the movies!” which is something I tell people all the time but I loved the Harry Potter movies. I thought to myself, “How could it possibly get better?” but they really were. I truly enjoyed reading this book even though I knew what was going to happen and I’m currently loving the Order of the Phoenix. Hopefully I can finish these books before Cursed Child comes out. Wish me luck!

Stars:

Favorite Line:

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”

Other Reviews

Blog of a Bookaholic

A Bibliophile’s Book Blog

Giraffe Days

Woman Crush Wednesday: Hermione Granger

Posted on December 23, 2015December 23, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

If you haven’t heard the name, Hermione, at least once the week, you must’ve been living under a rock because it’s practically blown up my Newsfeed and Tumblr dash for the past few days.

But if you haven’t already heard the news, actress Noma Dumezweni has been cast to play Hermione Granger in the eighth installment of Harry Potter, which will be in the form of a play in England.

Of course people have their issues with this, as was probably to be expected when they made this casting decision, but honestly I could care less. J.K. Rowling has since issued this statement via Twitter:

Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione 😘 https://t.co/5fKX4InjTH

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) December 21, 2015

Therefore as far as I’m concerned if she’s saying skin tone was left unspecified I’m going to believe her because, full disclosure, I haven’t finished reading the Harry Potter books yet anyways. But moreover, I feel like if anyone would know the race of their characters it would be the author.

But this post isn’t to dive in and try to say what skin color Hermione should or shouldn’t be. Honestly, I love the idea that Hermione is black but I also loved Emma Watson as Hermione. Truthfully the way I see it is Hermione’s race doesn’t change who she is and the fact that people are getting so upset at even the idea that Hermione could be a POC shows a lot about them as a person than it does about anything else. Just because Hermione is being played by a POC that doesn’t change how smart, beautiful, brave, and down right awesome Hermione is.

Hence why Hermione, no matter what race she is, is my woman crush Wednesday this week. She’s beautiful inside and out and I wish I could see this play live. I’m sure Dumezweni will kill it and I’d love to see her and Emma Watson meet and discuss what it’s like to play Hermione.

Honestly, I kind of find this whole situation funny because when POCs get mad that a white person is playing someone that was a POC in HISTORY, as in there is no way the person’s race could possibly be misinterpreted, many (not all) white people don’t see what the big deal is or can’t understand why it’s an issue. But God forbid a POC is put in to play a FICTIONAL character who’s race was never specified in the first place and (white) people get upset about it.

Can we just acknowledge the fact that Hermione’s race played no role in the Harry Potter novels? Her being white or black has no affect on the bad assery that is Hermione Granger. The fact that she’s a mudblood was the most important characteristic about Hermione and that hasn’t changed. So just accept that Hermione will now be played by a POC actress and let’s move on. Because honestly no matter how upset some people are, Dumezweni got the role fair and square and no one can take that away from her.

Favorite Line:

“As the Dark Lord becomes ever more powerful, your race is set still more firmly above mine! Gringotts falls under Wizarding rule, house-elves are slaughtered, and who amongst the wand-carriers protests?”
“We do!” said Hermione. She had sat up straight, her eyes bright. “We protest! And I’m hunted quite as much as any goblin or elf, Griphook! I’m a Mudblood!”
“Don’t call yourself —” Ron muttered.
“Why shouldn’t I?” said Hermione. “Mudblood, and proud of it!”

POLL: Should books be adapted into movies?

Posted on July 31, 2015August 3, 2015 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

It seems now more than ever books are being turned into movies. From Harry Potter to Paper Towns it’s gotten a little out of control. It’s almost strange now if a best selling novel doesn’t become a movie. But is this a good thing? Yesterday guest poster Shant Istamboulian discussed books that were turned into great movies but that’s not always the case.

How do you feel about books becoming movies? Is it a bad idea or is it cool seeing your favorite books becoming films? Vote in the poll below.

Results of last week’s poll:

Which is the best Harry Potter book?

This was probably the closest poll I’ve ever had on this blog, which isn’t surprising. With a majority of only 30.77% the winner is The Prisoner of Azkaban. Also, Happy Birthday Harry!

My 15 Favorite Themed Versions of 2048

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Zakiya N. Jamal in Blog

If you haven’t heard about the game 2048 yet I don’t know where you’ve been but welcome to your new obsession. The basis of the original game is to move tiles around this board to get to the 2048 tile. Each time you put two of the same numbered tile together it becomes the multiple. For example two 2 tiles become one 4 tile.

Here’s how it looks:

You can play on your phone or on the computer. It can be very frustrating but so addicting. Since the games release and popularity many have begun making there own version of the game using anything from TV shows to food to dogs. Here’s some of my favorites. To get to the game click the photos.

1. Teen Wolf

2. The Simpsons

3. Swan Queen Ship (The Evil Queen and Emma Swan from Once Upon a Time)

4. Friends

5. Jimmy Fallon

6. *NSYNC

7. Beyonce

8. Arrow

9. Loki

10. Game of Thrones

11. Doge 2048

*This one is great because it tells you nice things when you do well.

12. Orphan Black

13. Pizza

14. Harry Potter

15. Sailor Moon

Honestly there seems to be a 2048 version of everything and if it doesn’t already exist you can make one of your own. Share your own favorite version of 2048 in the comments below.