One of the best discussions of the Harry Potter series is a free podcast by Roderick Vonhögen, a Catholic priest. The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast is broadcast by Star Quest Production Network, a digital media repository for Catholic entertainment. The podcast discusses the storyline, plot, and characters in JK Rowling's Harry Potter books and moves. Father Roderick leads discussions about the mythology, theology, symbology in Harry Potter.
Overview of SQPN's Secrets of Harry Potter Podcast
The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast started in 2005. It has continued ever since the first episode, which explained that some churches do not endorse Harry Potter, but Father Roderick thinks that the podcast can make J.K. Rowling's series more meaningful for readers by including discussions and information about the events and characters in the book and movies.
The series follows the book chronologically, and most of the podcasts are 45 minutes to an hour long. Different SQPN members discuss the book with Father Roderick. Although the podcast has a Catholic base, one does not have to be a Catholic to understand or gain meaning from the ideas being discussed. The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast can be downloaded from iTunes.
Harry Potter Books on CD and as Audiobook Downloads
The SQPN Harry Potter podcasts are free, and which makes them instantly more affordable than the Harry Potter audiobooks. The Secrets of Harry Potter audiobook cd collection from Listening Library has a list price of about $450, but Amazon sells it for about $290. The ISBN for the 2007 collection is 0739352245. The audiobook downloads are $45 to $75 through iTunes, and Harry Potter audiobook clips are available from Random House.
The Harry Potter podcasts will not replace reading or listening to the books, but they are a nice complement for children who are reading the series. The podcast would be interesting and relevant for upper elementary and middle school students, although Harry Potter fans of any age would be able to find something to enjoy and learn from in Father Roderick's discussions. It is clear that the people behind the podcasts are very familiar with both the books and the movies, so listeners should be prepared for spoilers.
When Will Harry Potter be an eBook?
Hardback sets of Harry Potter books are inexpensive if purchased used; Half.com has the individual books selling for as little as 75 cents. Paperback editions of Harry Potter cost even less. The ebook editions of Harry Potter may finally appear in the Kindle store in 2011, since it appears JK Rowling's agent is looking into digital editions of the book. In May 31, 2010 Benedict Page reported on The Huffington Post that Rowling was considering ebooks in "Rowling Opens Doors to digital Harry Potter Books."
Because Harry Potter ebooks are non-existent and Harry Potter audiobooks and digital downloads are cost prohibitive, the Secrets of Harry Potter podcast offers a nice chance for kids and teens to listen to discussions about whatever Harry Potter book or movie they are reading, and to learn more about how Harry Potter can connect to larger theological and philosophical ideas.
Sources:
- The Secrets of Harry Potter podcast is produced by Star Quest Production Network. It started in 2005 and has continued through 2010.
- Prices on Amazon.com, Half.com, and Random House (Listening Library) were verified on October 16, 2010.
Alex Sharp - Alex Sharp is a teacher who has been keeping Suite101 readers up to date with the latest in audio- and e-book gadgetry since 2008.
