Review: The Tales of Beedle the Bard
I’m sure everyone knows by now that The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling is a collection of five fairy tales for Wizards (as in Harry Potter). You can think of Beedle the Bard as the Wizarding world’s Brothers Grimm. Four of the stories in this book are new, but one (The Tale of the Three Brothers) is familiar to readers of the Harry Potter books. Each of the stories is followed by commentary from Albus Dumbledore, the late Headmaster of Hogwarts. My favorite of the stories is Babbity Rabbity and Her Cackling Stump. I know a lot of people love this book, but for me it was just okay. I don’t know if my expectations were too high, but it just didn’t have the charm that I was hoping for from the author of the Harry Potter series.
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My thoughts exactly!
It’s true, it didn’t live up to the series, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I guess it helps that I thought of it as another companion book in the style of Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts. And in that sense, it did surpass my expectations.
We went to Walmart tonight so the twins could use their Christmas gift certificates on stuff. Nicole bought the Twilight series. She’s happier than a clam. Point being… there are like 1,000 copies of this book at Walmart. The twins haven’t expressed interest yet, although they read all of the Harry Potter books. Guess we’ll be on the bandwagon soon.
My comment has nothing to do with the review (I have not yet given in to read the Harry Potter series, but I know I will someday) — but I just had to tell you that every time I visit your site my eye is immediately drawn to the book cover, Drood. It looks so fascinating and I am very anxious to read your review when you finish it. Do you like it so far?
I haven’t read this yet but was wondering if it would be able to live up to the Harry Potter series. That would be a hard act to follow and the book is so short compared to the others!
I get like that with my favorite authors and ask myself the same question. Was my expectations too high? So far, no answer has ever come.
I have to read this one, it’s on my shelf. I’ve tempered my expectations, so hopefully I don’t end up disappointed!
I’m waiting on this one, although someday I hope to read it.
I’m sorry you were disappointed in this one, Kathy. I think it helped that mine weren’t all that high when I went into it. I ended up really liking it. Although, you’re right, it doesn’t compare with the Harry Potter series.
I have this in my “want to read” list, but I’ll probably take my time getting to it. I really liked the Harry Potter series, but I’m not a huge fan of short stories and have to work my way into it!
I read through this one quickly when a copy came into my store, and I agree it was just okay. Something I found weird was that my customers who are HP fanatics aren’t interested in this one much at all.
I still haven’t gotten around to reading this thing lol. Hubby bought it for me for my birthday.
I’m looking forward to this one, but I’m also concerned that it won’t live up to the actual series.
I completely understand what you mean, Kathy. I think it’s just one of those things where if you own the entire HP series, then it’s a good add-on type of thing. I don’t think the book stands alone well, though.
I don’t even think I want to read it. It’ll be such a comedown after the Harry Potter series, ya’ know?
Thanks for the honest review. I haven’t read this one yet, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t be the same as the Harry Potter books. Still looks like a good read, though.
I’m going to read this one at some point. I hope it doesn’t disappoint.
I’m glad to read your thoughts. All the reviews I’ve read so far have raved about the book, so it’s good to see somebody with a different opinion. I’m getting ready to read this one, within a week or two, so we’ll see what I think.
I was disappointed at it being such a small book. Six stories were just not enough.
My review is here: http://nishitak.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/the-tales-of-beetle-the-bard-book-review/