Reader Responses July 6, 2004

SURVEY SAYS: Hillary, Harry or Something Else?

June 19, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Nothing like the approach of summer - or two eagerly promoted books - to get our readers thinking about - reading. This week we asked readers their plans regarding the two hottest literary tickets - books by Senator Hillary Clinton and J. K. Rowling's new Harry Potter offering - as well as other reading plans.

Reported by

Nevin E. Adams

The bloom may be off the Harry Potter rose in some quarters, but a full 39% of this week’s respondents are planning to acquire (and many have already signed up for an advance copy of) the new 896 page offering. Not all have the kids at home that can “rationalize” such a purchase, either, including the reader who said, “[I’m buying] the new Harry Potter book — but since I’m a 37 year old adult, please don’t use my name! I have a reputation to maintain!”

And that doesn’t include another 6% that say they will pick up BOTH Harry and the new Clinton book (the Potterites were more committed; roughly 2/3 of this subgroup said that while they will likely read Clinton’s book, they will borrow it from the library or wait for a big discount, including the reader who said, “I will definitely buy/read Harry Potter (I read the 4 previous ones before I had my now 3 year old child), and I’ll probably read the Hillary book only if someone loans it to me or I see it in a remainder pile.” ).

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Less than 3% of this week’s respondents were lining up for the Clinton book alone, while nearly 27% said they would take a pass on both offerings, though not always for the reasons you might think. As one reader noted, “As for Harry Potter, the book is too large to carry on an airplane and since the majority of my reading is done while traveling, I will have to wait for the movie.” Or the reader who said, “My bookshelf groans with all the things I have bought that look good, so I haven’t got time for Hillary or Harry.”

There are, of course, the ones that won’t be reading for the reasons you might expect. “(c) Neither. My summer will be devoted to developing and implementing health care strategies for 2004, so there will be no time to read anything unrelated to this,” said one.

There are another 26% that said they were going to be reading – but would read something BESIDES the Hillary/Harry combination. Several of those were still trying to catch up from prior summers, such as the reader who said, “I’m two summers behind, so it’s David McCullough’s ‘John Adams’ for me.…”

But this week’s Editor’s Choice was one of those who took a pass, and said simply, “I don’t plan to acquire either — I don’t read books that feature broomstick riders.”

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey!

While both are probably fiction, my children will enjoy more reading the Harry book together.

c) Neither - I wouldn't give Rodham a cent that could aid in her (as yet undeclared) presidential bid and my youngest son stopped reading the Potter books after the second one.

As for what I will be reading: finish The Closing of the American Mind (Allan Bloom), Plato's The Republic, some Sartre and hopefully the latest in the Dark Tower series by Stephen King.

E - currently reading Rudy Guliani's "Leadership" and David Faber's "The Faber Report".

I would recommend Rudy's book for plan administrators. Rudy's book gives some good insight on how to use your management skills to assess and get the most out of your employees.

HOT: "Treason" by Ann Coulter (expected to be a brilliant follow-up to "Slander")

NOT: "Living Fiction" by Hillary Rodham Clinton

D - can't wait to read both

Hoo boy. The Clintons just won't go away, like gum on your shoe. They're like the hillbilly cousins that nobody talks about, but they keep showing up uninvited and empty-handed for Thanksgiving Dinner. No, I will NOT be fueling the Clinton Lifestyle by purchasing their book. As for Harry Potter for Summer Reading, I haven't quite made it through volumes 2 - 4, but I'll probably buy Volume 5. I'll have time for "Summer Reading" when I retire.

Re: I would not read Clinton's book if it were free but I have had my hard copy of the newest Harry Potter book on order since Feb.

NO to Hillary, yes to Harry.

Amazon is shipping my discounted copy of Harry Potter...I seemed to be hooked.

I don't have time to read books. But don't "Judge" me! I'm overworked and may die of a heart attack!

I'm two summers behind, so it's David McCullough's "John Adams" for me...

I don't plan to acquire either -- I don't read books that feature broomstick riders

Something else - total fiction - need a break from reality

Well, Nevin, if you had asked me even a year ago whether I would be queuing up at midnight on Friday for this book I'd have told you how completely inappropriate and unnecessary that was, after all it's just a book. However, my daughter, who will be entering 3rd grade this fall, read all 4 HP books between November and about March. And frankly, they're well-written and very clever stories, and I hope that having a BA in English qualifies me to provide that opinion. So we reserved our copy of Order of the Phoenix several months ago and, if she can behave herself, my not-quite-8-year-old daughter and I will be at Borders on Friday night to experience the whole thing. After all, it is a book. My husband and I will read parts of it with her but she'll read most of it on her own.

As for me, I'll be busily studying for yet another CEBS exam so the only reading I'll be doing is about DB plans. Doesn't that sound like fun?!

In addition to my daughter's summer reading list (which I've already purchased at a used book store before the "rush" could begin), we've pre-ordered Harry Potter. I'll probably get around to reading about Hillary when I can find the paperback in the same used book store, maybe in a couple of years.

Re: your survey - the answer is "e". I am always reading something, even if it's just a few pages a day. My current book is a re-read, Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.

b) The new Harry Potter. That is if I can make it to the bookstore Saturday or Sunday which are the only 2 days Waldenbooks is giving me to pick up my reserved book with a 30% discount. They are the 2 days I didn't want to be in a bookstore fighting the crowds.

(e) Already bought Tony Hillerman's Sinister Pig and plan to buy Krakatoa and C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia (combined). Does it count as summer reading if I am currently reading Nevada Barr's Flashback and don't expect to finish till summer has officially begun? Actually this is probably my fall and winter reading too given how long it takes me to finish books now.

(f) No interest in reading H. Clinton's book.

C & e - Goodnight Moon, Berenstain Bears, Madeline and an occasional Jack Higgins, John Grisham or Alistair MacLean novel.

...Will include last year's bestsellers (now in paperback, discounted) and fast read, trashy novels. Isn't that what summer reading is all about?

I will definitely be reading the new Harry Potter. I have, in fact, already ordered it. As for Hillary, she is yesterday's newspapers...

(e) Sci-fi/fantasy, but not Hillary or Bill's type of fantasy. Also, enjoy a good mystery, usually on the lighter side like Sneaky Pie Brown. David Baldacci is always excellent reading as well. He was working for our firm when he wrote his first book, Absolute Power. Usually read at least one book a week, but with the auditors here for our 2 plans, not getting much reading done. But hopefully will read at least 5 or 6 when I go on vacation for a week in 10 days.

I read a great deal and have been looking forward to the new Harry Potter book, so it is on my reading list. I have absolutely no interest in Senator Clinton's book. That could be because I prefer to read fiction, or simply because I have no interest in the Senator. There are many other books that I will read over the summer, but I wouldn't want to make recommendations. My taste in books may be a bit stranger than most of your readers.

B and e. Looking forward to the new Harry Potter book - they are well written and have an enjoyable story - but it is not Shakespeare by any means. Also looking forward to the new Clive Cussler book - those are usually a great adventure and perfect for a long plane ride. Will not be reading anything by Hillary Clinton - she gives me the creeps!

Hillary Clinton makes my teeth hurt. I would not pay money to read about her and wish she would just fade away into the sunset. Although that isn't going to happen anytime soon. I just want to campaign against her in 200?.

As for Harry Potter, the book is too large to carry on an airplane and since the majority of my reading is done while traveling, I will have to wait for the movie.

The Secret Life of Bees is a wonderful book

e.) something else. I will be reading Laura Bush's biography!

The 4 old Harry Potters since my nephew will be deeply entangled in the new one that I'm getting this weekend.

My answer is "neither". There is no way I would contribute any of my dollars to enhancing the financial well being of any Clinton and especially not Hillary. I could go on and on with my thoughts on the character and performance of Mrs. Clinton but it's really not worth my time.

As for Harry, cute but not really my style. I wait for the movie.

E) Someday I will read both of those books. Hillary's book will eventually go to clearance and I think I will read it then. I loved the David Letterman interview with her and so I am now inclined to read it. Someday my kids will be old enough to read all of the Harry Potter books (we own only the 1st one). Then I will read all of them to them. Myself I like non-sense fiction books that are literally mindless (they are my escape). Nora Roberts is in my future this summer on my bus commute into the office.

In response to your request for input on summer reading: I have no children, so Harry Potter is not on my list.

I am one of the hundreds of thousands of people who bought Senator Clinton's book the first day it went on sale.

I've also ordered Robert Dallek's new biography of the late President Kennedy, "An Unfinished Life."

I've already started my summer reading, completing 3 books on tape and reading 3 while on vacation. My answer is a combination- b definitely and e- I find the Potter series very well written and imaginative, hope this one is as good as the previous, Will only read Clinton's book if there is nothing else in the library, but have already scheduled time for new books - The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner and The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. I finished Brown's Deception Point that was very good and the latest Jan Karon's Mitford book that are always thought provoking.

I will definitely buy read Harry Potter (I read the 4 previous ones before I had my now 3- year old child), and I'll probably read the Hilary book only if someone loans it to me or I see it in a remainder pile.

D.) Both, but I will check out Hillary's book from the library and I will buy my copy of Harry Potter at Midnight. I told my husband to make his own plans for the weekend as I will be unavailable until I reach the end of the Harry Potter book.

We pre-ordered the newest tome in the sequence months ago. It will arrive on June 21, the longest day of the year. It is undoubtedly the longest book that my 12-year-old son will read this summer, but I predict that he will crack the cover immediately and complete it by Monday morning if it is a captivating as the 4 predecessors.

My bookshelf groans with all the things I have bought that look good, so I haven't got time for Hillary or Harry. I can't speak for the ones I haven't read yet, but can tell you four recent great reads (I'm too lazy to look up the author's names, but anyone can find these on amazon.com):

The Last Samurai

Life of Pi

Bel Canto

Dancing on Quicksand

All are novels except the last one, which is a memoir by a woman who was hired to help a man and his family through Alzheimers by taking him on afternoon excursions to give him some diversion and give his wife a break. She remains involved, and assumes a larger and larger role, as he deteriorates. It is must reading for anyone dealing with a loved one who has Alzheimers--full or wisdom and practical ideas.

I tend not to like fantasy, so I do not plan to buy either book.

I didn't believe her when she was first lady in the White house, can't believe what she says on the Senate floor--what makes anyone think the book will contain the truth.

Probably (c) and (e). I read a lot, primarily as an escape from reality, so my selection will definitely exclude Ms. Clinton's book.

On a related note, there was a story yesterday about a truckload of the new Harry Potter books that was stolen. The truck was found, but the contents were gone. I look for that story to turn up in the 'Friday Files' sometime soon...

My summer reading - I can't wait for the new Harry Potter book to come out - I own the other 4, and am ready for the 5th. Also plan to spend the summer with some good murder mysteries.

Harry Potter - yes; Hillary Clinton - never in a million years, even if it was the last thing left on earth to read!

Excellent survey question! I actually just reserved the Harry Potter book this past week at Border's...I intend to read both. Moreover, you didn't mention the Davinci Code, which was number one on numerous bestseller lists. I just bought that, so I will have a big reading summer. The nice thing about the selection of books out there is that we can potentially learn some new insights on the political process from Hillary (thus feeling better informed/educated) and also be entertained...I am also intrigued by something I heard that the timing of Hillary's book further helps her potential bid for the presidency in either 2004 or 2008. We'll see about that.

(e) With a terminal illness in the family, staff shortage, home remodel project partly finished, my reading is behind. But I do strongly recommend: (all recent but none fresh off the press)

For investing, The New Buffettology, by Mary Buffett and David Clark. At last a very good book that gives you a real how to for value investing. A hint that they're on to something good is they don't try to redefine the way you look at companies. They stick to the facts and information that has worked for decades, they just tell you what the info means. Every time you deviate from the basics you can plan on a personal crash down the road. An excellent book, take notes, mark up the margins and flag many pages with post-its! It honestly will help you with value investing.

For true crime and intrigue, Portrait of a Killer, Patricia Cornwell. This book is about her case to name artist Walter Sickert as the Jack the Ripper killer. Her evidence is intriguing. Although doing the research 100+ years after the fact puts her at an extreme disadvantage she spent $6,000,000 of her own cash to work on this case. The readers' reviews in B&N seem to lean toward she didn't make her case well enough. I think she did a very nice job of it and didn't leave large holes in her evidence. For Patricia Cornwell to be wrong you have to believe that Walter Sickert just happened to be in the neighborhood for every single Jack the Ripper murder as well as many other murders that fit the Jack the Ripper profile for decades. You also have to believe 500 other links and clues are coincidence. The book does deviate from her mystery writing style as it is a true crime and large sections are about tracking evidence. A very interesting read, just don't think you're in for a traditional Cornwell mystery.

For history, The Conquerors, Michael Beschloss. A story of Roosevelt and Truman and the end of WWII. Here young Beschloss tries to put out new evidence and place himself among America's top historians. I don't think he did it here but shows he will one day be there, this book just isn't that big breakthrough. I've always believed the Roosevelt (Franklin) was a socialist and a very poor president but never had any idea just how bad for the country he was until I read this book. Had he finished his fourth term the post WWII period could have been as ugly as the war. I think the book is extremely scary if you play "what if" for Roosevelt's ideas toward post WWII Europe. I do of course have the advantage of 60 years of hindsight.

Biography, View from the Summit, Edmund Hillary. A story of a positive way you can help those who have need. Sir Edmund spends most of the text on his post climbing days and how he spends time for the poor of Nepal and the Himalayan region. His book about the first Everest climb in called High Adventure. A fiftieth anniversary edition out this year is solely about the climb and very good even after all these years. You can pay to get to the summit now but there's something extraordinary special about a guy who didn't have a map or a guide who was already there.

Finally, dam*n the dumb luck I don't have time for Hillary's tome "Faking History". Try as I might I just don't think I will ever have time for more of her tripe. If we as a country decide we need another dose of Clinton's in the White House she will again become dangerous and I'll waste the hours to plumb the shallows. As of now I pray she is winding down a less than stellar career on the watch for the citizens of this nation. Critics have said you can't complain about her if you don't read this "important" book. I disagree, we know what she has to say and it's widely reported what she has left out. Shows her judgment is getting better as it's better to just leave it out rather than lie. She's the next best thing to trash and I'll be surprised if the book isn't the real deal.

I love J K Rowling and think her concept is brilliant. At 45 I find the Potter books a little corny but anyone who can turn millions of video kids into readers has my vote. Her dalliance into witchcraft is as dangerous as the 60's television show Bewitched. If you as a parent teach your children values they can handle the not too dark side of Rowling!

B. I will buy the new Harry Potter, and it will join my rather sizeable "to read" pile. Most of the books on my pile have been out a while, though. The only other book I'm anxiously awaiting is the new George R.R. Martin book. It was supposed to be out in April, but it was pushed back to

September and now even that is looking questionable.

In my immediate circle of colleagues and friends, the Hilary Clinton book is not on the radar. It is just one of those celebrity tell all cash grab type book. We'll hear more than we want through the media. As far as the Harry Potter book is concerned ...this book will not be purchased until it is released in paperback. Way too much money...

I plan on catching up on my reading this summer with some great Canadian authors...

Harry Potter all the way!! Who cares about Hillary!!

I have already reserved a copy of the latest Harry Potter and it is supposed to be delivered Saturday, hope it rains so I can read all day!! Can't believe I'm wishing for more rain in Connecticut but its Harry Potter!!

I can't believe that JP Morgan survey - wonder where they found that 16% who aren't going to purchase the latest Harry.

P.S. I'm 28 and have been anxiously waiting for this HP book since I closed the cover on the last one two years ago!!

I'll buy the new Harry Potter at the discounted price.

C: neither and e: something else

Usually summer's sultry temperatures have me looking for "easy reading" books suitable for destroying at the beach but this year's never ending cold temperatures and rain, rain, rain, never ending rain have kept me firmly in winter reading mode where I want big long books that go on forever (such as Sharum and London by Rutherford).

Actually, I was waiting for Hillary Clinton's second book of fiction, to be titled "The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy" after she has practiced with her current tome. The Harry Potter book is at least correctly identified as fiction.

(e) Neither. I rarely purchase hard covers, and have no plans to read either book once they're out in paperback. I plan to read One Hit Wonder by Lisa Jewell (chic lit, I admit), Natasha (Natalie Wood's biography) and catch up on some true crime. Am looking forward to

Stephen King's From A Buick 8 coming out in paperback in December.

Neither. I will catch up on "must read" classics like "The Bell Curve" and "Guns, Germs and Steel" and reread "Road to Serfdom". One must never stray too far from their spiritual roots.

b) For my daughter who is a big reader.

However (c) since my wife may go for the Clinton book, not sure. And (e) for me.

As for Clinton. All she did was sit down with a writer and outline the book and the writer did the rest from the interview. You and I both know she did not have time to write this book. She is to busy bashing Bush.

I will be purchasing two copies of Potter, and they will be in my children's hot little hands at the stroke of Midnight when the book "goes on sale." We will be costumed as characters from the series and intend to make a spectacle of the whole family. Perhaps we will garner our "10 minutes of fame" by garnering a photo in the local newspaper???.

My 10 year old will have the whole book consumed in about 4 days. The second copy will go to his 12 year old brother who will attempt to read it as fast as the his rival younger sibling...but I expect it to take him two of three days longer.

Then the adults in the family will get to read the book.

Hillary? Did anyone dress up for that book going on sale? I think not! And I most certainly have not heard of anyone saying that they "just couldn't put the book down."

Neither! I plan to focus on reading the books purchased on past years that I never got to.

(c) Neither, I haven't been swept into the Harry Potter craze, and I won't contribute one more dime to the Clinton pockets than I have to -but that's another story.

Earlier this year I made a trip to Archer City, Texas to Larry McMurtry's 'Booked Up' stores. One of the stores has books that were all published before 1925. I mention this because this question reminded me of the thoughts I had while browsing through the stores of the differences in the quality, quantity and subjects of the books printed now and then. Just a little something to ponder.

(c) Neither. My summer will be devoted to developing and implementing health care strategies for 2004, so there will be no time to read anything unrelated to this.

Just bought Senator Clinton's book this weekend. Will begin reading next week while on vacation in Palm Springs...in the 105-degree heat! Should be hot stuff.

The Harry Potter series has become the read aloud of choice in our family. My 9-year-old girls first became enthralled when the third book came out. With the fourth I got to say "I have first graders that want to read a 700 page book!" As Saturday is my birthday, is there any doubt what I'm getting?

To be honest, 9-year-olds aren't that interested in Hillary Clinton. And I, too, would rather read about a boy wizard saving the world!

C) I only read non-fiction. Both Ms. Clinton's and the Harry Potter series are fiction. I'll be reading historical commentaries and articles on improving my golf skills.

Yes, I will be one of the thousands of parents waiting in line at the bookstore first thing Saturday morning to purchase a copy of the new Harry Potter book that we reserved in advance over 6 months ago. I have three sons who have read all the previous books and I would be ex-communicated from my home if I did not purchase the new one as soon as possible. Plus, the thought of the boys each being still and quiet long enough this summer to read an 896 page book is REALLY appealing!

Survey:

C neither. I refuse to actually purchase Hilary's book though I will put my name on the list at the library for it, which means I probably won't get to read it until this time next year.

And E. I'm currently reading through Penelope Fitzgerald's works.

With reference to Hilary's book, I hope it doesn't sell a single copy. I think the woman and her husband are sleazy and have made Americans look like fools over the last few years. Shame on New Yorkers for electing her. I can say that as I was born, raised and lived in New York for almost 39 years.

After my 40 hour per week day job, I teach Geography at night at a local community college. My present reading includes, "A History of the Arab Peoples". After reading something that dry, I crave a fantasy like Harry Potter, and it gives me a few minutes every night to read with the 7 year old grandson I'm raising. I have enough "reality" in my life, you should see the pile of laundry in the washroom!

The Man Behind Wall Street, biography of Anthony J. Drexel, by Dan Rothman About 1/8 of the way through, it's very readable and interesting. That Drexel is my alma mater is secondary.

The education was undergraduate not secondary.

Just finished The Miracles of Santo Fico by D L Smith Great beach reading

My answer is "b" I like to enjoy my reading. I'm tired of Billary, the whole episode with them is disgusting and I sure don't want to read about it.

B) The new Harry Potter book -- but since I'm a 37 year old adult, please don't use my name! I have a reputation to maintain!

I would like to read b), the new Harry Potter book, but I want to see what price Costco is charging first to see if it's worth it.

d) Both AND (e) something else: Specifically, Sidney Blumenthal's book on the Clinton

Wars, as well as some good trashy summer beach reading like the Da Vinci Code.

(B) Harry Potter - we pre-purchased the book through Amazon several months ago.

The new Harry Potter book we already have on order but while I may read Hillary's book, I'll wait until the library has a copy available.

I'm not a fan of fiction, so that rules out both the Harry Potter and Hillary Clinton books. I just finished "Nickel & Dimed" which is an eye-opening look at America's minimum wage workers written by an undercover author, Barbara Ehrenreich. She takes low wage jobs at Denny's,

Wal-Mart, etc. and lives to tell the story. I'd highly recommend this nonfiction horror book.

I will never waste my $ on Hillary, but I will on Harry Potter, and I'll have to fight my husband and 17 year old for rights to read it first, so I also plan on getting Jimmy Buffet's A Pirate Looks at 50, since I've wanted to read that one for a couple of years now. Simply put, nothing makes summer sweeter than a JB book, some tunes...and a margarita would be good too. So I can wait for the boys to read Potter!