Comments on: Rooting for a Crook

By: kelsey

kelsey — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:49:15 +0000

Okay. While I respect the fact that everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I don’t even see how this can be considered a review. Ashley says he doesn’t care for the book much, but he never says WHY. I think Artemis Fowl is an incredibly original story, and has a lot of witty language.
While Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind, by no means is one obligated to root for him throughout the book. I would consider him the antagonist of the first book, and Holly the protagonist. Just because Artemis is the main character, doesn’t mean one can’t root for Captain Holly Short or another charcter in the story. If one were to choose to root for Artemis, then they would be rooting for a crook, but then again, one would also be rooting for a crook if they were to read Robin Hood.
While I agree that it is not quite in the same ballpark as Harry Potter, it is NOT just a fantasy book, it is also a science fiction book.
I also respect this guy’s decision to pre-screen the books his daughters read, but how old are his daughters, and will it really help determine what the girls read as they get older? I can understand the screening of books for possible r-rated stuff in them, but I think people should be free to read what they want. Reading can help us understand the world, and see from different points of view. As kids get older, they often prefer to make decions for themselves based on their own thoughts. And isn’t there the temptation to read those banned books all the time?

By: Raven Costello

Raven Costello — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:01:55 +0000

I disagree with ‘Expo-guy’ in some respects and agree with him in others (don’t shoot me yet…)

Artemis Fowl *is* about a criminal, and if I had children (as I’m 17, I’m hoping that won’t be until 2030 at least…) I may not want them to read about a criminal. However, Artemis Fowl is no where *near* as straightforward as simply being about a criminal. It’s a brilliant series, and I devour each new one as it comes out. I’m a prolific reader, though I have to admit that there are few books that pull me in as much as Artemis Fowl (the only others being the Sabriel series by Garth Nix). The way Artemis Fowl’s character progresses and builds throughout the novels made me more open-minded because I could see that people can change - it’s not ‘Once a crook, always a crook’.

I have to agree with him about the Artemis Fowl not being in the same ball park as Harry Potter. Comparing the two is like comaparing Buckingham Palace with the shed my father an I demolished a few years ago. There’s no way Harry Potter can meet the standards of Artemis Fowl - there are too many cliches and not enough original ideas.

All I can say to that guy is - Sort your wardrobe out, stop restricting your daughters because they’re more likely to rebel that way, and finally… Artemis Fowl is the best childrens fiction out there.

By: Chad

Chad — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:12:16 +0000

wow there have been alot of responses to this fools video.I also agree with michelle on this comparing this book to harry potter is just wild.I think that he is way out of his intilect reading this book maybe the big words like “butler” are confusing his mind :D.These books are for just generally anyone who like to read.My entire family love these books from ages ranging from 3-104.(the 3 is my nephew i read artemis fowl to him for his bedtime:P.)

chad

p.s. i want a scooter like artemis from opal deception

p.s.s. in this book will it tell you what happens with artemis and minerva because that just kind of left you hanging on that one.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 06:34:04 +0000

Well, all I can say is there is no accounting for taste (as evidenced by his attire). I’m in my fifties and I love this series. In fact, I am a big fan of all Mr. Colfer’s books. While it first appears that his books are for children, I think his message is universal and suitable for us “old foggies” too. Some of us still have a little magic in our hearts! From a reviewer’s standpoint he didn’t offer any compelling reasons why he didn’t like the book. And as far as comparing it to Harry Potter, that is ridiculous. All I can say to that is… Apples and Oranges! Two different and talented writers and two different styles. Personally I find it refreshing to read fantasy with a little wit as opposed to “heavy” fantasy with no humor. And anyway, why can’t we have more than one popular and talented author modern?!

By: maggie

maggie — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:56:19 +0000

I have 3 kids, 1 who is 11 and two who are 7 years old and we do try to look at what they are reading, so that’s not so unusual.
We all enjoyed several Artemis Fowl books on CD for a recent car trip. They are clever and well researched and fun. Artemis does have a change of heart even in the first book.
It is clear that Mr. Shirt Man did not read the book or any of the subsequent books or look at the website, which offers a clear pronunciation of Eoin.
I am annoyed that Harry Potter has become the only children’s fanatsy novel.
There are many others out there.
Ehat was the purpose of his video?

By: The III Prodigy

The III Prodigy — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 09:33:32 +0000

OMG puh-lease. Can he just explain WHY he doesn’t like it? I mean, he said already we’re going for a criminal mastermind. If he would just READ the book continued with the second one he’d realize that Artemis doesn’t remain bad all the way.

Plus, do we all want a clichÃ©d Harry Potter all over again? Like the good-looking hero who’s good at everything then? This is such a nice change to the stereotypical Prince Charming. That’s the whole concept and uniqueness of Artemis’s character.

He even pronounced ‘Eoin’ as Yee-yo-in. O.o Honestly…

By: Serp

Serp — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:13:00 +0000

*is bored in Art and so leaves another comment! :)* It’s annoying, because he doesn’t seem to have taken in the genral morals at the end of the book which is: Being bad isn’t all it’s cracked up to be! Artemis begins to realise he really does have a guilty conscience and he looks after his family! Mr “Bad-Shirt” Ashley should really look a bit deeper into the books he reads.

By: Lana

Lana — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:05:35 +0000

Okkaaaayyy…. Honestly, that shirt was FRIGHTNING!!! But let’s not be too mean to the guy, right? Okay, I have to say, why do they watch what their kids read? I mean, I can understand looking into something that seems like it could contain some “bad” stuff for younger kids, but reading all of their books? A little ovet the top. And why does he go after Artamis’s “crook”-ness (haha) about him? They are what make the story interesting, seeing him change, grow, and best of all, outsmart adults!! And why does EVERYONE say the name wrong? Though it’s a bit hard to pronounce, It seemed like he just had a camera and saw the book on the shelf, and decided to make a review. He didn’t have the last page marked, and he read the back- ANYONE COULD GET THAT INFORMATION!!! If I’m looking at a review, I want to be able to see some more facts about the book that I can’t find anywere else… I could read the back at any point I want!

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 06:01:31 +0000

While it is true that Artemis was not the best person in the world at first, he is constantly learning to be a better person. His change of character is what makes this series interesting. We all love and sympathize with him because he is not a typical good guy. Imagine how boring it would be if he is! He would never have met Holly then! I truly feel sorry for that person’s children, because they are missing out on the best series EVER.

By: foaly

foaly — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 11:01:07 +0000

Whoa!!!! Quite an amazing response to this video….and we haven’t even published all the comments. If anybody wants to respond with their own video review on ExpoTV.com or any other site let me know and we’ll put the best videos up here. It’d be good to see some real Artemis/EC fans!

Foaly