Each year the book community (librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, BLOGGERS and of course, readers) celebrates our freedom to read during Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week supports and promotes the value of freedom of speech (in written form!) and open access to information, even if some may consider the content unsuitable or offensive.

By creating awareness of efforts made to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week brings international attention to the harms of censorship. Check out the frequently challenged books section on the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week site to explore some of the most challenged books.

This year is the 30th anniversary of Banned Books Week, and to mark the occasion, I thought it was time I had a look at some of the ‘controversial’ books. And what I found really surprised me:

1. The Harry Potter series are the most challenged books of the past decade. REALLY? I mean, of all the books directed at youth, the Potter books are pretty tame. I get that some feel that witchcraft is evil, but it’s FICTION. Sheesh. Have an imagination people.
2. The Hunger Games and Twilight series are among the most challenged books in the last 3 years. Do people not understand just how many teens are actually reading BECAUSE of these books?? To take them away would be harmful to our youth! (OK, perhaps not reading Twilight might be a good thing, but at least they’re reading!)
3. Books that are considered classics are often challenged books. To Kill A Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye and The Color Purple come up again and again. It’s sad to think that there are people out there who don’t think these books should be read!

Do you read Banned Books? How many on the list have you read? In honour of BBW, I plan to make my next read a Banned Book! Stay tuned for my thoughts on whether I felt the book deserved it’s judgement.

I know we’re a day late getting this one to you, but I was unable to get away from my work obligations yesterday so I’ll have to pass along this little number for you today instead.

As you know, we’ve been sharing little virtual treats from our trip to Harry Potter’s  Wizarding World, and today we have one last little tidbit to share with you.

If you’re lucky to catch them at the right time, the Hogwarts Choir can be heard as you travel the grounds of the castle, and Rae and I just happened to catch this performance. Enjoy!

With all the stress and pressures involved in getting ready for the holiday’s, we all need something a little magical from time to time. So for today’s Advent post we’ll take you on a trip to Ollivander’s Wand Shop made famous by the Harry Potter books, and brought to life by Universal Studios.

Rae and I stood in line for over an hour for the honor of entering the wand shop to be among a small group of muggles who got to watch Ollivander himself* help one lucky potential wizard select their wand. After you’ve finished with the wand selection, keep scrolling because we’ve found some great Harry Potter wallpapers to brighten up your desktop!

Ollivander’s – A Magical Experience!

(*Not actually Ollivander himself.)

Now, as promised here’s a few awesome HP7 wallpapers!  Head on over to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter site (under Downloads) for more selection, as well as a variety of posters and a screensaver.

Happy Holidays from With a Good Book!

For our second Advent post, we have something a little sweet for you! Literally… we have a little virtual visit to Honeyduke’s Sweets Shop made  famous by the Harry Potter books, and brought to life by Universal Studios. After you’ve finished touring the candy store, keep scrolling because we’ve tracked down the recipe for a sweet holiday treat! This Hogsmeade favorite is the perfect way to warm up with the family on a cool winter night.

Welcome to Honeyduke’s!

And as a sweet little bonus, here’s a recipe for my new favorite book-related sweet-treat Butterbeer! Yes, I was lucky enough to be able to sample some of this yummy concoction when I visited Wizarding World, and despite my concerns that it was going to be, well… gross, I quite liked it. Now, in Florida they serve it slushie style, but the following recipe is for warm Butterbeer just the way it’s described in the books.

There are a number of Butterbeer recipes out there, but this one from Mugglenet wins because of it’s simplicity. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 oz) club soda or cream soda
• ½ cup (4 oz) butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping)
• ½ tablespoon butter

Directions:

Step 1: Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup (16 oz) glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.

Step 2: Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in club soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.

Step 3: Serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!

Happy Holidays from With a Good Book!

You may remember that back in the Spring Rae and I spent a day at Universal Studios where we got a glimpse of the (then) soon-to-be-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We shared a few pics of what we could see from outside the walls that keep the muggles out, but it was really just a tease.

I’m very happy to report that as promised, we have returned to the magical land of all things Potter and have many more exciting pics to share with you! Since Potter mania is high right now with the release of HP 7-1, I figured this would be a great time to share the wonders of Wizarding World with you!

Due to the fact that I took way too many pictures, we’ll do this in two posts. Today’s pics feature the castle and grounds, next week I’ll share some amazing photos of Diagon Alley.

So, without further delay, come with us for a little virtual trip to Hogwarts!

Like any witch or wizard, we arrived at Hogwarts via
Platform 9-3/4 and the Hogwarts Express.

As we made our way to the castle, we found
the Weasley’s flying car still stuck in the forest.

We also passed by Hagrid’s Hut.

Where Buckbeak was curled up in his nest.

And then…

Welcome to Hogwarts!

Once inside the castle, we came across many exciting things. Like…

the House Points Hourglass that keeps track of who will win the House Cup.
(Looks like Gryffindor is in the lead!)

We passed through the Hall of Portraits.
(And yes, many of them were moving and talking!)

Everyone knows that you need to take the Phoenix Elevator…

if you want to get to Dumbledore’s Office!

Back outside the castle, we were lucky enough to catch
a performance by the Hogwarts Choir.

And there were even a few students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang
on hand for a little show of their magical skills!

And this concludes our tour of the castle and grounds! What do you think? Would you enjoy spending time at Hogwarts?  What would you love to see the most?

If you have ANY questions about Wizarding World or would like to see any of the pictures in more detail, just let us know in the comments below!

After our trip to Universal Studios complete with glimpses of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I got to dreaming of all the fictional places I wish I could visit. But there are so many amazing places that exist only in books, I solicited Rae’s help in choosing just 5 fictional book places that I’d visit if I could.

Top 5 Book Places to Visit

1. Hogwarts (Harry Potter Series) This was the #1 choice for both of us. Is an explanation really required? Mail owls! Quidditch! Wands! Brooms! Spells! Magic.
2. Fablehaven (Fablehaven Series) Another one we both agreed on. This magical preserve really has it all for fantasy lovers. Fairies, trolls, centaurs, a magical cow and so much more!
3. The Great Library in Bookworld (Thursday Next Series)  The Great Library serves as a public gateway onto any book ever created! Plus, the Cheshire cat is the librarian! Any book lovers dream.
4. Ellesméra in the great forest of Du Weldenvarden (Inheritance Cycle) There were many places from the Eragon books on our list, but the forest was one we both wanted to see. The elves created the city of Ellesméra by singing the trees and plants into structures. It sounds absolutely beautiful in the books, and I wish I could see it for myself!
5. Rangeman HQ (Stephanie Plum Series) Since they don’t make it sound very appealing in the books, neither Rae or I were eager to see New Jersey (where the Plum stories take place).  BUT we were both eager to get a glimpse of the ultra-swank Rangeman HQ. (My main are of interest would be Ranger’s apartment where Stephanie occasionally takes refuge.)

So, what do you think of our list? If you could visit any of the wonderful fictional places you’ve read about where would you go? We’d love to hear your Top 5 list! As an alternative, are there any fictional places you’d never want to go?

Last week-end I was off on a little mini-vacation to visit with friends in the sunshine state, and while I was there we spent a day partaking in rides and extreme fun at Universal Studios.  The entire day (and trip) was a blast, but one of the biggest highlights for me were the amazing glimpses of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park that’s set to open next month.

As a Potter fanatic, I was seriously considering sneaking in and hiding out so I could live in the castle, but as a Muggle I figured my success would be limited. Instead I had to settle for viewing some of the gorgeous scenery from afar. But you know I will be back there to spend a day at Wizarding World just as soon as I can!! Until then, join me in a little virtual tour of what you can see from outside the gates of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!!

Click to see the rest of the tour!