Uncovering the Mystery of Who Reads Books

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around the popularity and appeal of the Harry Potter book series, particularly among different age groups. Participants share their experiences with the series, including attending book release parties and reading the books to children. While some express a fondness for the series, others critique its simplicity and predictability compared to more complex fantasy literature, such as Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" and Raymond E. Feist's works. The conversation highlights the generational differences in reading preferences and the impact of the Harry Potter series on young readers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Harry Potter series and its cultural impact.
  • Familiarity with fantasy literature and its sub-genres.
  • Knowledge of popular fantasy authors such as Robert Jordan and Raymond E. Feist.
  • Awareness of the differences between book adaptations and their film counterparts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the themes and character development in the Harry Potter series.
  • Research the "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan for comparative analysis.
  • Investigate the impact of children's literature on reading habits and preferences.
  • Examine the role of book clubs in fostering literary discussions and community engagement.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for parents, educators, and fantasy literature enthusiasts interested in understanding the appeal of the Harry Potter series and its influence on young readers. Additionally, it serves as a resource for those comparing different fantasy works and their narrative complexities.

You read the Harry Potter series?

  • yes, they're pretty excellent

    Votes: 45 53.6%

  • yes, because i read them to some kids...

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • no, and i have no desire to

    Votes: 39 46.4%
  • Total voters
    84
Gale
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well, don't know if anyone reads the books... but one way to find out... who reads them eh?

well, my girls at camp are doing "wizarding for muggles" which is a harry potter themed two weeks at camp. its been loads of fun. the other day the 6th book came out and we went to Borders in Keene to a book party, and we all dressed up and got the new book. we left on friday, the 15th, and waiting till midnight when it officially became the 16th. the girls were so tired, and one fell asleep on my shoulder on the way back, (SO CUTE!) but it was a great time. i bought some bertie bott's beans, and droobles best blowing gum, and also a chocholate frog, (i got Gilderoy Lockhart.) i finished the new book already, it was about 650 pages, i read it all yesterday. it was good... but sad...

anyway. just thought i'd share. I'm only on break for another hour, then back to living at the camp!
 
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harry potter is yucky
 
hate. everything. harry potter. must. die!
 
hah, ok, i didn't know there was already a thread. sorry! i only get a two hour break, i don't have time to look through everything I've missed. i skimmed for a thread that said harry potter... "i can't wait till tomorrow" didn't register as an HP thread...
 
Gale17 said:
hah, ok, i didn't know there was already a thread. sorry! i only get a two hour break, i don't have time to look through everything I've missed. i skimmed for a thread that said harry potter... "i can't wait till tomorrow" didn't register as an HP thread...

It's ok...I was just showing you that there are people here who read it...

We can have two Harry Potter threads...

Regards
 
I haven't read the last two books in the series. The ones I did read were interesting and easy to read.
 
I had never heard of Harry Potter until the first movie came out. I guess there was too much hype. I watched the movie to see what all the fuss was about, and perhaps my expectations were set too high because I didn't think it was that great. But it is for children, so that could explain a lot. :-p

I love fantasy novels, but this just isn't capable of holding my interest, it's too simple and predictable.
 
it suxxxxxx. but at least its better than the previous crazes (barney, power rangers ,pokemon,watevar)
 
  • #10
I love the Harry Potter series. :biggrin: I would say they are "pretty excellent" or as Ron would say "bloody brillian"! :biggrin:

They are written for pre-teen or juvenile audience of about 10-12 years of age - but that is OK, because that is the level of my mind sometimes. :biggrin: They are somewhat simple, but some plots are very clever, IMO, and the imagery is spectacular. I would like to see more dragons, and if only Rowling could work in an Ancient Multihued Dragon (but those I've only encountered in the Mines of Moria :biggrin: ).

I like many of the characters, particularly Albus Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black ( :frown: ), Mad-eye Moody, Hagrid, Professor Minerva McGonagall, and Arthur and Molly Weasley, and the Weasley family. :smile:

Is it corny? Yes. But I like corny sometimes. Then again, I liked the movies "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music".

I started reading the stories to my daughter and son, and I got hooked on the first book.
 
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  • #11
Although I haven't read the books myself, my peers (=17 years old) tell me that the books have gotten much more mature, and that the characters have grown up with them. I really don't know though..

*Whoops.. This was a response to Evo.
 
  • #12
i just liek the series being a magic world in our times rather then scifi novel of orcs/elves/knights/rangers...my themworld is aliens/marines
wish they continued the starshiptroppers 3D cartoon...that was awesome.
 
  • #13
Knavish said:
Although I haven't read the books myself, my peers (=17 years old) tell me that the books have gotten much more mature, and that the characters have grown up with them. I really don't know though..

*Whoops.. This was a response to Evo.
I could see that, they started reading the books as small children and the children in the books are also growing up.

As an adult used to reading more mature fantasy (Jordan, Feist, Wurtz, Eddings, etc...) it didn't appeal to me. I'm not saying it's no good, I'm just used to reading something with a more complex plot and characters, and more thought provoking.
 
  • #14
I love them, only because they set my wild imagination on fire, i read the 1st line in a paragraph and iamgine how things are goin to be, but i don't read the rest of the paragraph, so I'm not sure how is it like reading it...:D
 
  • #15
They are a fantastic read! I plan on reading them to my grandkids, when they get older.
My book get passed around to 5 adults, ,ages 23 to 66, befor it returns to me.
Glad to hear your enjoying your time with the kids Gale!
 
  • #16
Evo,
Don't judge the books by the movie. I urge you to give the first one a read. It is a small investment in time, if you don't care for it, there will be little lost. OTOH, I will bet if you read the first one, the rest will follow shortly.

I also started the set by reading the first one (acutally the first 3!) to my daughter. I was hooked by the first one. I am now starting on the latest, during the time my daughter buts it down. We both should be finished in a few days.
 
  • #17
Integral said:
Evo,
Don't judge the books by the movie. I urge you to give the first one a read. It is a small investment in time, if you don't care for it, there will be little lost. OTOH, I will bet if you read the first one, the rest will follow shortly.

I also started the set by reading the first one (acutally the first 3!) to my daughter. I was hooked by the first one. I am now starting on the latest, during the time my daughter buts it down. We both should be finished in a few days.
Evo, I have to agree with Integral. I didn't really have much desire to read them myself. I liked the movies and my last g/f urged me to read the books. The first one and the second one are almost entirely the same as the movies. The third is somewhat different from the movie as the story line is becoming more mature and complex with the age of the characters and readers so there is more back story and more details that just won't fit in a movie. I probably wouldn't have been able to get through reading those three if it weren't for them being quick reads and the way that Rowling writes drew me in. After reading those three though I really wanted to read the rest so I went out and bought the next two books(the first three were loaned to me by my ex). Maybe I just have that need to finish a series when I start it but it really seemed to me that they get better with each installment. I'm hoping that this one continues that trend.
 
  • #18
Ok, you both know how much I think of your opinions, (not to mention a couple of my favorite guys)

Oh, but you guys don't know the wonderful books I've read!

Have you read Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, Feist's books (even if it's only "Magician Apprentice") The Belgariad by Eddings, or "Daughter of the Empire" "Servant of the Empire" by Janny Wurtz, then you will understand what I am used to in a book on fantasy. Oh, if you only knew the worlds I have explored in these incredible books.

Have you read the books on Raistlin and the Kender?

The "Rift War Sagas". Have you read those? The places your imagination will be taken...

Have you read these and still think Harry Potter is on a similar level? (actually I bought two of the videos and they're in my closet, haven't had a chance to watch them yet) :redface:

Darn it! We need to get together and start a book club!

TSA...if you haven't read these yet, I'm willing to read them over again, so we could read them together. Would you have the time? Anyone else want to branch out into some good books?
 
  • #19
Evo said:
Oh, but you guys don't know the wonderful books I've read!

Have you read Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, Feist's books (even if it's only "Magician Apprentice") The Belgariad by Eddings, or "Daughter of the Empire" "Servant of the Empire" by Janny Wurtz, then you will understand what I am used to in a book on fantasy. Oh, if you only knew the worlds I have explored in these incredible books.

Have you read the books on Raistlin and the Kender?

The "Rift War Sagas". Have you read those? The places your imagination will be taken...

Have you read these and still think Harry Potter is on a similar level? (actually I bought two of the videos and they're in my closet, haven't had a chance to watch them yet) :redface:
I've read the Wheel of Time series (my favorite), and I still enjoy Harry Potter. This may not be true of you, but there's only one way to find out, right?
 
  • #20
Awwww... thank you Evo. :blushing:

I'm not a huge fan of fantasy myself, I'm more a fan of science fiction and satire, so I haven't read any of the books you mentioned (I haven't even read The Lord of the Rings yet :redface:). Have you ever read any Tim Powers? It's not high fantasy, so not very epic, and it has some elements of sci fi in it but his work is very creative fantasy set mostly in the modern era.
I'm quite sure you have good taste in liturature. I also realize that Harry Potter is not what you're used to, but if you haven't read any of the books yet you might want to just give the first one a whirl and see what you think. The style of an author can sometimes make up for what's lacking so far as substance.

I've never been part of a book club before. I would definitely read anything you might suggest. I usually have plenty of time for reading. It's what I usually do before I go to bed some times even resulting in loss of sleep because I stayed up all night to finish a book. Right now I'm finishing a book on Vlad Tepes. I almost forgot that the new Harry Potter book was coming out and plan on getting that with in the week. Other than that I don't have any plans for reading anything. Though I do still have copies of Don Quixote and Finigan's Wake which I haven't read yet.
The only other constraint might be with time available to discuss because I only have net access at work right now. I have plenty of free time while I'm here I just would be restricted by when. If it's just a thread here on PF that I could add to when I have the chance then that could work.
 
  • #21
Oh I almost forgot. I also have a friend who loves fantasy and high fantasy that may be interested in joining a book club devoted mostly to fantasy. If you start one I'll let her know about it. She actually works at a B&N so she would have an easy time getting her hands on books and suggesting new ones. She may even own many that you would be interested in dicussing.
 
  • #22
Evo said:
Ok, you both know how much I think of your opinions, (not to mention a couple of my favorite guys)

Oh, but you guys don't know the wonderful books I've read!

Have you read Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, Feist's books (even if it's only "Magician Apprentice") The Belgariad by Eddings, or "Daughter of the Empire" "Servant of the Empire" by Janny Wurtz, then you will understand what I am used to in a book on fantasy. Oh, if you only knew the worlds I have explored in these incredible books.

I have been looking for the first of the "Wheel of Time" books, just haven't connected with it.. It would be easier to find if, I knew for sure what the title was. Perhaps you can help me with that?
Have you read the books on Raistlin and the Kender?
Not familiar with either of those. I have been looking for some new authors to read. These are on my list.

The "Rift War Sagas". Have you read those? The places your imagination will be taken...

I have read a wide range of series, from Louie L' Amour, and the Sackett books; Bernard Cornwall's "Rifleman Sharp" series to Piers Anthony's Immortality series. I have read Gibbons Decline and Fall... , I have read Clausewitz, and Oman. I have read, Niven and Pornelle, Robert Hienlien...can not even begin to list all of the authors I have read. I am always on the look out for an new and different authors. J K Rowling is a very good author, I would recommend that you give her a chance.

Have you read these and still think Harry Potter is on a similar level? (actually I bought two of the videos and they're in my closet, haven't had a chance to watch them yet) :redface:

Same level? I don't know? But I can tell you that HP is a well written, well told story. Well worth your time to read. What else do you want?

READ IT! :biggrin:
Darn it! We need to get together and start a book club!

TSA...if you haven't read these yet, I'm willing to read them over again, so we could read them together. Would you have the time? Anyone else want to branch out into some good books?
I have tried to start a reading journal in my journal here but have not but much time in it so far. Though I think it is current, will be adding some RSN.
 
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  • #23
Evo said:
Ok, you both know how much I think of your opinions, (not to mention a couple of my favorite guys)

Oh, but you guys don't know the wonderful books I've read!

Have you read Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series,
Yes; the first ones I liked very well.
Feist's books (even if it's only "Magician Apprentice")
I ADORE "Magician" (I have no idea why I haven't rushed to buy the "new" edition; my old copy has fallen apart)
The Belgariad by Eddings,
Yes.
or "Daughter of the Empire" "Servant of the Empire" by Janny Wurtz,
This series is just brilliant!

then you will understand what I am used to in a book on fantasy. Oh, if you only knew the worlds I have explored in these incredible books.
And I still enjoy H.P quite a lot, particularly the later books where J.K. Rowling shows herself adept at ridiculing "establishment figures" of various kinds.


I am aggrieved that you didn't include Katherine Kerr in your list, though.
She is one of my favourite fantasy authors.
Lately, I came across Lynn Flewellyn's "Nightrunner"-series which was great and, and, and...
 
  • #24
so anyone participate on the mugglenet forums?
 
  • #25
This is a hilarious video clip of someone ruining the ending of the lastest book for people at a B&N

http://www.fazed.org/video/view/?id=33

Don't watch if you don't want to know the ending.
 
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  • #26
Don't judge a book by the movie! Oy... the movies are ruining the experience... I'm not saying the movies aren't good... but there's only so much of the book that can be packed into 2 hours. There is so much detail in the books.
 
  • #27
TheStatutoryApe said:
Evo, I have to agree with Integral. I didn't really have much desire to read them myself. I liked the movies and my last g/f urged me to read the books. The first one and the second one are almost entirely the same as the movies. The third is somewhat different from the movie as the story line is becoming more mature and complex with the age of the characters and readers so there is more back story and more details that just won't fit in a movie. I probably wouldn't have been able to get through reading those three if it weren't for them being quick reads and the way that Rowling writes drew me in. After reading those three though I really wanted to read the rest so I went out and bought the next two books(the first three were loaned to me by my ex). Maybe I just have that need to finish a series when I start it but it really seemed to me that they get better with each installment. I'm hoping that this one continues that trend.

That's about how I got into them. My sister got me the first 3 books as a gift (well, she claimed it was my nephew, but as he was under 2 years old at the time, I suspect he used her money :biggrin:). Everyone had been telling me since the first movie came out that I should read them, and I pretty much had the same attitude Evo has, that they are written for children, and the movie was enjoyable, but nothing to make me want to read the book too. By the time I finished the first three books, I had to head straight to the bookstore and pick up 4 and 5, and by the time I finished #5, they were taking pre-orders on 6, and I had to have it (I read about halfway through 6 last night :biggrin:).

I think that what I like about them that's different from the more "mature" fantasy that Evo speaks of is that I can relate to the characters. It's not such a complete fantasy world as to seem artificial or unreal to me (not to mention, they give the kids rather normal names, so I don't confuse all the characters with weird, made-up names that all sound alike, as I do in more mature fantasy books). As I read them, I feel like a kid again myself, remembering the way we passed notes and thought our teachers looked funny. You almost expect to be able to knock on a brick in the wall and step into Diagon Alley.

To me, I think these will become classic children's literature, much like the Judy Blume series. I'm keeping all the books and will save them for when I have children (or for my nephew), so they can enjoy them as well.

Though, I wonder if they will go over as well for future generations when they can read all the books at once? For the kids reading them now, the books are getting released sort of keeping in time with the kids growing up at the same pace, so they can relate to Harry and friends as they go through those same stages of adolescence. And for adults, we can look back and remember being that age and know exactly what the characters are going through, but I wonder if it makes as much sense to a 10 yr old to be reading about adventures of 16 yr olds now? They may still enjoy the book, but might not quite relate to the characters the same way an adult would.

Oh, and what I find really funny now is that after spending so much time in discussions with the Brits here at PF, I can also really appreciate much more the very British-ness of the series and writing style.

The books are all quick reads for adults, which is great for when you just have one day when you just want to relax and forget about the real world around us, or wish you could just whip out a magic wand and do all the chores with a swish and a flick.
 
  • #28
Evo said:
Have you read Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, Feist's books (even if it's only "Magician Apprentice") The Belgariad by Eddings, or "Daughter of the Empire" "Servant of the Empire" by Janny Wurtz, then you will understand what I am used to in a book on fantasy. Oh, if you only knew the worlds I have explored in these incredible books.

Have you read the books on Raistlin and the Kender?

The "Rift War Sagas". Have you read those? The places your imagination will be taken...
I have heard those highly recommended. I have also heard that Feist and Wurtz are better than Jordan in terms of writing.

I still like Harry Potter though.

Raistlin and the Kender are mostly characters from William Connors and Margaret Weiss? The DragonLace series seems an interesting collaboration of many authors.
 
  • #29
Am I honestly the only person that finds the same old rehashing of magic and mythical creatures to be a little trite? It just seems that Tolkein retold Norse mythology and there has been no original contribution to the genre since. I know there are good stories and there is good writing out there, but isn't the point of fantasy to introduce us to worlds we are not familiar with? That's what I used to love about Louis L'Amour growing up. Sure, he was just retelling Native American mythology in his fantasy tales, but at least it wasn't a retelling of Northern European mythology. 95% of the fantasy genre would have you believe that's all there is. I'd say that's another part of the huge appeal of Star Wars. Instead of just being the same old rehashing of Arthurian Knights, Lucas melds them with Japanese Samurai and puts them in a western set in space. Only this western has WWII-style dogfights and the Knights learn magic from a half-Christian, half-Taoist energy field! If we learned anything from this, it's that your story will feel far more fresh and exciting if you borrow from a wide breadth of genres, instead of sticking so faithfully to the traditions of only one.
 
  • #30
yep i luv em... get embarassed saying it sometimes but hey they're fun... it's all in the head... i remember details which is why i enjoy this book so much... I ADORE ronald weasley's character isn't he just hilarious? i don't care what people say even if it is for 12 yr olds (which it isn't anymore she tries, but as them being teenagers it becomes harder for her not to u curse words! teheehee) :biggrin: but it's hilarious how people can say "I hate it... it's so kiddish" without even reading it :confused:
i cried at the end of the 4th and 6th books :cry: sad events...

Peace!