Top U.S. bookseller Barnes &

Top U.S. bookseller Barnes & Noble and rival Borders Group failed to surprise on Thursday as both posted earnings. Borders said sales and earnings for the second-quarter would be challenged as it faces tough comparisons to last year when Harry Potter books hit the shelves. The company expects its Waldenbooks division to continue to struggle, both because of slowing mall traffic and a comparison that may be tough to meet industrywide because of last year’s Harry Potter madness. (Sources: The Motley Fool, Reuters)

Well, maybe we get some assistance from the booksellers for an early release of “Order of the Phoenix.” Rumors are strong that J.K. Rowling has finished and edited the manuscript, but the book will be held back because of the upcoming movie.