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JANUARY 13, 2004 at 9:34 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: The Guardian
JK Rowling seems set to win the only literary success which has so far eluded her - her first adult book prize
. Her latest book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was shortlisted for the fiction section of the WH Smith Book Awards, which will be open for voting on January 14th.
Though it was marketed as a children's story, the novel's themes of isolation and death, as its hero reaches his mid-teens, were considered to make it eligible for the adult prize.
A WH Smith spokeswoman said:
"The fiction award usually excludes children's fiction but The Order of the Phoenix was regarded as more of an adult book than the earlier Harry Potters."
Shortlists are picked by two members of the public plus a celebrity, with no literary specialists on the panel. The celebrity for this year's fiction shortlist was the television actor Robson Green. But the choice for the final award is made entirely by members of the public voting in stores, online, by post or text message. The winner will be announced on March 16th.
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Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
Wow she just keeps winning everything lately doesnt she. and she deserves every bit of it cause she truly is great. another "way to go" for her. it seems also that the OOTP has gotten her a lor of attention for the book lately too.
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 9:45 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1908
Opera Ghost says:
Makes sense to me, since her books definitely appeal to more than just children. A good story told well will appeal to a broad audience. Just further testimony to her talent.
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 10:00 PM EST
Points: 1248
CalimaCala says:
Congratulations J. K. Rowling!!! Now, if only the idiots at the Nobel Prize headquarters in Stockholm would get their act together and award the Prize (in Literature especially, but also in Peace) to someone who actually deserves it. J.K. Rowling has done more than any other author ever has to promote literacy on this planet, and not just in the west. People across the world are reading books now because of Harry Potter. In fact, one of my friends gave her brother, who didn't read anything at all, the HP books, and he has since become an avid reader of all books. J.M. Coetzee, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature last year, is undoubtedly a good writer, but has he helped revived a steady readership in a world from which it was dying out? J. K. Rowling deserves the Nobel Prize, and it's a shame those elitists in Stockholm don't see this in black and white.
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 10:01 PM EST
Points: 790
M. Sebastian says:
Can't imagine that she would not win this. A wise move to allow it to be in the adult category as it certainly has adult themes -- but adult themes suitable for a certain age child also (i.e. no sex and unsuitable language -- just good Tolkien style adventure). And I agree that she should be considered for a Nobel prize. Her books are read by the millions and I'm afraid that cannot be said for most of the winner. Sometimes I don't even know their names let alone what they have written.
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 10:09 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2034
Professor Snape says:
Wow, its about time that people are realizing that the harry potter books are catching on with the adult readers too. i hope she wins the award, maybe other adults will get into the books too and start reading the series.
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 10:21 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23488
KT Lady says:
Yay! Im so happy for her. Out of all the books, OoTp is probably the one that I could relate to the most. Its my second fave (next to POA) and Im so excited for her that shes getting all this recognition!
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 10:28 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1068
Penumbra says:
I do hope she wins. I'm an adult and I think every adult should read these amazing and creative books. They make me travel into a special world each time I read them. I have read them God knows how many times already and I still want to re-read them again. You go JK!
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 11:02 PM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
It is about time that JKR be recognised for her impact on adult literacy! I am so pleased to hear she will be receiving something other than an award for children's literature! As an HP adult reader, I can say with surety that her work transcends all age barriers!
And I agree with CalimaCala - age, race, geographical location - all people read HP!
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 11:03 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1856
Rupert Baby says:
Thats so great, you know i think there as much adult books as they're childrens books. In fact i think some parts of the books are actually for young adults/adults especially in the 5th one so congrats to JKR!!! Keep it up1
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 11:09 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 305
qwatnee says:
WOW, I really hope she wins it, then maybe some of the adults out there will realize that her books aren't just for children and then will be more apt to read them! BUT, if that isn't the case, I just hope she wins, she honestly deserves each and every award out there!
Posted Jan 13, 2004 at 11:14 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1397
Annacy says:
Wow, I hope she gets it. From my point of view the last HP book was more for adults then for kids. Sometimes I found that the book was trying to be both, a book for kids and one fore adults. I love reading her books. I can't wait for the next one!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:13 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2391
HPN4eveRon says:
Wow JKR!!! Congradulations!!! I am proude of you, of course you deserve every ounce of it! WO!!! Party!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:40 AM EST
Half-Blood Prince
(Moderator)
Points: 945
Professor Scoots says:
Congratulations to JKR! I am glad to see her get an award for readers like me! Couldn't have happened to a nicer, more deserving person. Quite frankly, I am surprised that she hasn't won more of these kinds of awards, since her books are certainly read by as many adults as kinds!
GO JKR!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 1:41 AM EST
Crookshanks Caretaker
Points: 3837
hermionefan1 says:
Congrats to JKR for the nomination, i hope she wins. Her books are great for ALL ages, i'm glad they decided to include OOTP in the prize selection.
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 2:44 AM EST
Werewolf
(Moderator)
Points: 5479
MoonyDawn says:
Yay!!! In so glad to hear that! She so totally deserves that award! Its wonderful that she being recognized as a adult fiction writer! And about time too!!!
I really really hope she wins!!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 6:30 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1660
siriusgyal says:
YAY i'm glad she's winnign. She is a great Aurthor and she writes brilliant books so it's so good.
am surprised that she hasn't won more of these kinds of awards, since her books are certainly read by as many adults as kinds!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 6:58 AM EST
Pesky Pixie Presidente
Points: 4359
Firebolt_909 says:
Another congrats to JKR. SHe's practically stealing all the awards! but still, she deserves it!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 8:18 AM EST
Quidditch Captain
Points: 6166
Alex Seeker says:
Well it's certainly taken long enough and thoroughly deserved - I shall vote for her on my next shopping trip for sure :-)
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 8:50 AM EST
Gryffindor Chaser
Points: 3637
Angelina Johnson says:
She didn't win this kind of award before? I'm surprised because she really deserves it!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 9:09 AM EST
Points: 7828
Rococoed says:
It is pleasing to know that J.K. Rowling has finally been acknoweldged as an adult writer, even if her books are targeted for a Pre-Teen audience. Thankfully, the panel does not consist of literary critics who only find nothing but "rubbish" in the Harry Potter series, although they have only read one or better yet, none, of the books. Order of the Phoenix was very comparable to the rest of the series for its development into the adult world outside of Hogwarts, as well as its more sinister tones. Once these are added to the adult themes that run rampant throughout the story, you have to admit they are no longer children's novels.
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 9:31 AM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9045
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
It would be nice for JKR to win one adult award. I do agree that the 5th book was a lot more mature and had to deal with themes that were not typical of children's books.
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 10:10 AM EST
Student
Points: 295
Astarte says:
She deserves it all...Order of the Phoneix was almost as good as Azkaban!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:08 PM EST
The Girl Who Lived
Points: 4219
Tacha says:
Congrats JK! Finally an adult award! Hopefully people will realise now the being a potterholic is great, no matter how young or old you are.
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:23 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 90
p!nkbabe says:
Wow! It would be really awsome if she'd win an adult prize, and she has done many people to start reading. I hope she wins! Cross your fingers everyone!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:25 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2286
Snufflesmom says:
I think it's about time. These books are wonderful adult reading and OoP is one of the best written books I have ever read.
I think as Harry ages, so do the books.
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:26 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1092
quidditch_queen says:
Cool! She HAS to win. I know she will because she is awesome and she deserves it:D. Go JK!
Posted Jan 14, 2004 at 12:52 PM EST
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