And I'm completely agreeing with beth in re: pacing vs. the last book. There times, while reading OotP that I wanted to knock myself out with its heft, it was so slow and draggy and whiney.

Now that the characters seem so much more mature , I'm really, really curious to hear Jim Dale's interpretation.

What? Why, yes! As a matter of fact, I DO have all the books in hardback, tapes AND CDs. Don't you?

Actually, this time, I've just gotten the cds (which shipped yesterday, yay!) and can make tapes if I've a mind to. oh, and the hardback to because I have no impulse control. I'm whack, and I'm proud!

Off to put on offering on my altar to Jim Dale.

Hmmm, I've never heard Jim Dale read the books. . .

Long after I joined the Cult of Dale, a neighbor lent me the first book as read by Stephen Fry whom I adore as an actor and writer. I have to say, Fry ain't no Dale.

In the first three books, he succeeded in creating 142 distinct voices. I especially like his treatment of women's and creature voices.

There have been some bobbles along the way...missed, or changed pronunciations from book to book, but not the sort anyone a fraction less obssessed than myself could perceive.

I highly, highly recommend giving him a listen.

On the topic of great audiobook readers, I have to highly recommend Tim Curry reading the Lemony Snicket books. I especially like his voice for Sunny (the baby).

I have a set of tapes (wish I had them on CD instead!) of Ian McKellan reading the Fagles translation of The Odyssey. Freaking awesome.

Oh! I covet that set. I have Derek Jacobi reading the Iliad (same trans.) and it's way cool, but my love for McKellen burns so much brighter. Must acquire.

Just read Time magazine's review of book. They don't believe Snape acted on Dumbledore's orders, considering they call it "Snape's latest betrayal". Maybe they read too fast.

Tim Curry does a great job with a few Dune books as well.

An odd and quite surprising favorite is Ed Asner reading Strip Tease by Carl Hiaasen. He's awesome.

Oh, and Edward Hermann reading The Aliensit by Caleb Carr.

Maybe they read too fast.

Maybe so.

I'm going to be shocked-a-mock if it turns out Snape is guilty .

I wonder if, seeing as how we're so close to the finish, JK will be inspired to write a bit faster to get us the next book in less than 2 years. Or, is that how long is takes for the world-wide merchandising machine to grind all the dinero out of each book.

Edward Hermann reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr

I must get this! I love that man's voice, and that is one of my all-time favorite books.