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Loading... Barry Trotter and the Shameless Parody (2001)by Michael Gerber
 Leiahc | May 4, 2013 |  You don't really need to read this unless you're compelled to read everything related to Harry Potter. Mad Magazine's parodies of the films are funnier, albeit in a different genre. This parody certainly has its amusing points, and benefits from Gerber's affection for Harry Potter, but it's a mild parody of the content and the commercial exploitation of the books. There is no attempt to poke fun at Rowling's writing style (for example, there is not capitalized ADOLESCENT ANGST!), unlike the otherwise-weak Doon or the robust and still-entertaining Bored of the Rings. Still, Gerber's book manages to be something of its own as well as a parody, and is eerily prescient of an event or two occurring in Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince. (  ) OshoOsho | Mar 30, 2013 | Snarky, a bit mean-spirited in places, but it did make me smile here and there. The plot within a plot within a plot was an interesting twist. I'll probably read the sequel. (  ) MerryMary | Sep 13, 2012 | I refuse to finish this book. Perhaps I expected too much from a parody but this was just not that funny. There were too many blatant gibes at the HP franchise - which, yes, isn't an awesome reflection of our society, but Gerber doesnt even make jokes out of his scorn. The disgusting part is that Gerber must have, on some level, realised that he would be benefiting from the consumerist culture surrounding the HP franchise. (I'm glad I got my copy for free). There were too few clever parts for me to find it engaging and I gave up in the first chapter. (  ) lizzybeans11 | Jul 11, 2011 | Like many parodies, this one flags a bit after a promising start. ( ) wanack | May 18, 2010 | no reviews | add a review Is a parody of
Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0743244281, Paperback)WARNING: THIS ISN'T THE REAL THING...IT'S FUNNIER!"Stop that movie," Headmaster Alpo Bumblemore said, "or Hogwash is history!" Already overrun by brawling, fetid fans of the bestselling Barry Trotter books, Hogwash is certain to be pulled down brick by brick after Barry's new big-budget biopic debuts. So Barry Trotter, Ermine Cringer, and Lon Measly are hauled out of retirement to face their toughest challenge yet. Not only do the twenty-two-year-olds have to elude packs of rabid fans, outwit Barry's sponging godfather Serious, and vanquish their old foe Lord Valumart, they have to face the most powerful enemy of all: Hollywood! (retrieved from Amazon Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:03:59 -0500) Parody of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. |
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I picked this up at Powell's in the Portland airport during an especially long, uncomfortable flight (4 planes, 2 airlines, 18 hours....) and wound up laughing out loud during my Portland to Minneapolis leg - my seatmate thought I was nuts, but it sure took the edge off the flight!
Don't look to this book for intellectual stimulation, or for a 'sacred' look at Harry in his adulthood. These people are more your every-day Joes, just looking for a way to get by, and stumbling more than they stand. A very relaxing, and relaxed, look at the Potters, by an author who is relaxed enough about himself and his writing to not only poke fun at his characters, but at himself.
Having an especially tough day? Pull this out and have a giggle, you deserve it! (