Storm Front - Week 2 Questions

Week two's question are here and I'm moving right along with finishing the book up. I couldn't wait any longer and continued reading. It is getting GOOD! Anyways, here are my thoughts on the middle portion of the book :)

1. What are your thoughts on the pop culture references Butcher includes in his work, largely coming from Harry himself?

Hmm...this question has me pondering and wondering what I missed. Because I'm drawing a blank other than the council reference that Carl made in the previous questions. I honestly don't know how to answer this question other than to say that I'm sure I'll find it interesting to read other participant's answers to this question :)

2. As I finished part two of Storm Front I realized that each section of the book thus far feels like a distinct act in a three act story arc. How do you compare the events in this second section of the book with what happened it part one? Is there a mood or theme or such that you feel is embodied by part two of Harry's adventures?

There is a definite different feel to the second part of the story. Harry is getting caught deeper and deeper into events and mysterious happenings that he cannot control. I'm definitely getting a different experience by rereading it this time around. I feel like all of the different directions that Harry is being pulled in make more sense this time and are really making the book that much more enjoyable for me. I'm still surprised by how much of the book that I've forgotten but by rereading it, I'm slowly starting to remember more and more. It has been an interesting reading experience so far!

3. One of many things Jim Butcher demonstrates in Storm Front is a healthy sense of humor. Share with us your thoughts on one (or more) of the humorous moments in the story thus far.

I loved the scene with the Harry, Susan, and the demon. It was over the top but not in a bad way and I couldn't help but chuckle while seeing Harry try to get out of all the trouble that he was in. Bob continues to be a favorite character of mine and I'm curious to see if we get to hear about what he did with his "free time". I'm guessing that he got into some kind of trouble that we will hopefully hear about :)

4. Our hero Harry had disastrous interactions with the women in his life in section two of the book (Four by my count). For first time readers, were you surprised by any of these and what are your thoughts? For those who've read the books before, had you forgotten about any of these? If so, or even if not, share your thoughts on Harry's luck with women.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you look at it), I had forgotten about all of these so I found it to be just like I was reading it for the first time with an "idea" of where the ending was going. I was surprised at how fun I found Harry's interactions with Susan to be. This could be because of everything that happens to them in that scene but I really enjoyed it. And I had forgotten how sad it was to see Murphy and Harry at odds with each other. I didn't like it and had to remind myself that she continues to play a role in future books. Harry just seems to have rotten luck when it comes to women and doesn't seem to be entirely comfortable with them either.

5. A few other popular characters have been brought up in the first round of discussion about Storm Front. What books, films, tv shows, etc. does this story/these characters call to mind and why?

I heard references to Harry Potter in the previous discussion which didn't really surprise me that much considering they are both wizards using magic (and the name of course). Honestly though, I'm having a hard time coming up with another book that has a main character like Harry Dresden. I think that his character makes the book unique which makes this book even more pleasurable to read. The loner aspect to Harry along with the unique abilities that he has reminds me a tiny bit of Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz but I really find Harry to be the more satisfying of the two characters. And saying that makes me realize how long it has been since I've read that series. Hmm...

6. For new readers, what is your overall assessment of the story thus far? For re-readers, what have you picked up on this time that you either forgot about or don't remember seeing from your first trip through the book?

Since this is my 2nd time reading this book, I feel like even though I don't remember a lot from reading the book the first time, I am able to see all of the threads that the author has created more clearly. It has allowed me to see how they relate to each other and to appreciate this book even more. I'm having a hard time putting this book down and can't wait to see what everyone thinks when they finish!

Until next week...