Loving Harry Potter
Last week we had three Harry Potter related posts in five days! Yes, we admit to being HP obsessed, but even for us that was a record!
I’d like all you HP fans to share three reasons as to why you love the books and what, for you, makes this series standout from anything else out there. I’ll start:
**Jackie Chiles quote from Seinfeld
- Happy birthday, Harry!
- Please don’t kill Harry!
- “... I need to make one thing clear about Dumbledore: he is dead.”
I’d like all you HP fans to share three reasons as to why you love the books and what, for you, makes this series standout from anything else out there. I’ll start:
- I’ve never felt a stronger bond to literary characters as I do with the HP crowd (except maybe for Anne Shirley). They are so real it’s like they live and breath inside the pages. Unless you’re made of stones, you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them.
- I love the Weasley twins! They’re hilariously funny and the things they come up with always make me LOL.
- The writing, simply put, is amazing. JKR has been blessed with an incredible imagination and the gift to translate it magnificently into paper. In truth, what is not to like about these books? “They’re real and they’re spectacular.”**
**Jackie Chiles quote from Seinfeld
Labels: harry potter nutter
I don't know where to start. Too many reasons...
1. It's beyond astounding. JKR's imagination alone, so vast and so rich.
2. It's fun. It's funny, exciting, easy to read, with great twists and turns, such an amazing adventure. You'll get sucked in from the first chapter alone of the first book.
3. The wonderful characters. They're so real, it feels like if you extend your arms you can touch them.
8/10/2006 01:54:00 PM
If you haven't read the books:
- And you've seen the movies and liked them, you'll love the books more. MUCH more.
- And seen the movies but didn't like it, the books are WAY better than the movies. Funnier too.
- Because you've never been compelled to read it, when you have a free time, just pick up book 1 and start. More likely you won't be able to put it down. ;)
- Because you're just lazy or being pig-headed about it, TRY it at least; you won't be sorry. *g*
My sister who hates to read books (don't ask) reads HP series, the only books she reads and she loves them as much as i do. I think if there's only one book series you're ever going to read in your life, this is it. ;)
8/10/2006 02:09:00 PM
I don't know where to begin. At first I didn't want to read them but my book club (years ago) insisted on it so I just went along with it. I am so glad I gave in. There is just something about the way she writes. You get sucked into the story and don't want to escape. Her characters come alive, you love them or hate them with a passion. It's incredible to me that JKR can make people of all ages enjoy a story like this. Never would I have thought I would like it but I fell in love. And Trollop, you are so right about the twins they crack me up!
If you haven't read HP you really are missing out!
8/10/2006 03:04:00 PM
I just want to expound on what Petra started. I have two kids and both of them read the HP books. I want to say these books are NOT just for children. They maybe labelled as kids' books but adults can enjoy them as well, as much as their children do. Plus it gives me and my daughters another thing to talk about. We talk about what's happening in the books over dinner, etc, and we enjoy discussing them or speculating what could possibly happen next. It's all good.
8/10/2006 03:13:00 PM
What is there to say? The series just gets better and better. Really, if I have to choose between a night of amazing sex and having HP7 now, I'll choose HP7. :P
8/10/2006 04:49:00 PM
A-Men, sister! **2 snaps**
8/10/2006 04:54:00 PM
I read the first one, simply because people kept hounding me about it.
It was mildly entertaining, but incredibly simple and juvenile. To hail it as a literary masterpiece is baffling.
I've come to the conclusion that adults like the HP series because they're easy to read, and most adults don't like thinking. It's akin to picking up a magazine.
8/10/2006 05:05:00 PM
I think everyone who loves the literary world should not miss Harry Potter.
It's an outstanding series. In my eyes it equals J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, LOTR books.
In every reason why you should not read the HP series (heretical, sadism, witchraft, and other senseless ones), there are a hundred reasons why you should.
8/10/2006 05:11:00 PM
Geez, Trollop, don't browbeat me, I already caved!
I just finished book 1, and all I can say is: I want to be at Hogwarts too!
So far, totally loving it.
P.S. I already know Dumbledore will die. I'm sad about this. But please tell me, the Dursleys are going to be barbequed alive, right?
8/10/2006 05:31:00 PM
Ditto on all the above reasons on why you should read the HP series.
JKR's ability to write for a wide age range is a big part of her success. She has a fabulous imagination.
I think that the main reason I enjoy the books so much is because you become emotionally involved with the characters (always a sign of a good author). It's like you are right there with them, growing and learning. And big plus here: you get to suspend reality for a while and live in a fantasy world where magic is the norm. Isn't that the real point of reading - to experience, imagine, escape and maybe learn something new.
Harlot is right - the movies are great, but the books are much, much better.
So what are you waiting for? Go to the library, go to Half Price Books, borrow them from a friend - just start reading this series!
8/10/2006 06:26:00 PM
Just three?!?!? Oh come on Trollop, don't be so strict I have literally hundreds! LMAO Just look at my nick!
1) Luna Lovegood. She's weird, funny, charming love the stuff she comes up with and believes in. The Crumpled-horned snorkak (however that's spelled)! Love how Hermoine and her go at it over these things.
2) Dumbledore. I adore that old man. He's smart, funny, charming, strict and yet permisive. He's the grandad everyone deserves to have.
3)Padfoot, moony and prongs. Love their friendship. Their story brought tears to my eyes. HP3 is still my favorite book to date.
For those of you who haven't read them, please do so. You will not regret it. The characters, the plot, the school they are... I don't know... I guess, simply put: magical.
8/10/2006 06:37:00 PM
You have me convinced! Maybe we can discuss them together when we're all done? I think that would get more of us interested.
8/10/2006 07:02:00 PM
Here are my three reasons for loving the HP books:
1. Much like Anne Shirley, I think Harry desparately wanted to find a place that feels like home to him, and Hogwarts served that purpose. I love any book where the characters finally find the place where they are supposed to be.
2. The HP books teach wonderful lessons about friendship and loyalty. I love the growth and development of the characters in the books.
3. The books are so well-written that you can almost imagine that this other world is possible. It's easy to get lost in believing the characters are real, and I think that's why kids like them so much. I've always been a sucker for getting carried away from the real world.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next book, and dreading the day when there will be no more coming.
8/10/2006 08:26:00 PM
I've gotten through four of them. Loved them all. For a rough and tumble type of guy, they sure hit a soft spot. I don't think they are a sgood as Tolkien, but I think they are as appealing. The reading is easy. Perhaps I like them for that. They take little work and they achieve a great escape simultaneously.
Little work. Big dividends. Get it?
I find the mysteries a little hokey, but I find the world inhabited to be charming and enviable.
Like everything EXCEPT "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest", the books are better than the movie. (Oh yeah, and "The Exorcist"...)
I just might have to get to five and six pretty soon...
GWB. Stop shootin' stuff and go read Harry!
Look Out Ladies!
8/10/2006 09:05:00 PM
Well, with a topic like this, I *MUST* emerge from lurker-dom!
1. JKR describes the magical world and its people with such imagination and detail that I have a very detailed idea of what the characters, Hogwarts, etc look like in my head. In fact, I refuse to see any of the movies until I've read all of the books.
2. Selfishly, HP has provided seemingly endless speculation and conversation between my best friend and me, most helpful since we live a thousand miles apart.
3. HP has encouraged so many young people to take up reading as a hobby. Ever since I was young, I have enjoyed reading for pleasure, and it's a delight to know that so many others have discovered this wonderful addiction.
4. Dobby.
Bitches - keep up the great work!
8/10/2006 09:20:00 PM
(first time I've actually posted here, must be something I feel very strongly about!)
Harry Potter et al turned my son into a reader at age 6, and for that, I am forever greatful. My son is the one who made me read them. I agree with everyone's assessments so far, and must add this: Just read them!! You will not be able to put it down, and you will be supremely pissed, upon finishing one, to realize that you do not have the next one RIGHT THERE, so just get them all right off the bat, save yourself the anguish.
(btw, book bitches, you are the best!Ive been lurking here for over a week, love it!!)
8/10/2006 09:26:00 PM
I love everything about these books. I feel as if the characters were part of my family or group of friends. The books are exciting, funny and very entertaining. The way Rowling's keeps the suspense right till the end, and you have no guess as to what will happen next, is amazing.
I find myself laughing out loud every time the Dursleys meet the weasleys. JKR has a very wicked sense of humor.
These are the only books, besides the Anne of Green Gables series (like Trollop said), that make me love, hate, laugh and cry and all in abundance- especially the love.
8/10/2006 10:00:00 PM
Everyone has great points. Those who have yet to read the books, just read them!
Polly, I think the Dursleys become more tolerable, just mere nuisance, as you pass each book. LOL Pretty sure you'll meet more characters you would want to barbeque alive. =P That Dolores Umbridge for one. HATE THAT WOMAN!
GWB, hope you'll read them soon!
8/10/2006 10:09:00 PM
Ohhh, lurkers posting, i love that. :D Glad you can finally join us and please keep posting! Don't worry, you guys don't have to pretend you like that heathen Trollop. ;)
Clint, I have to say, I disagree. HP books may not be as grand/heavy as the LOTR, Narnia books, but in the eyes of many (including mine), they are equally great, another literary masterpiece. Why? I believe these are the only books, for so long now, that have the widest range of readers; everyone's reading the series (and loving it) from age 5-95.
Yes, these books are easy to read, and that's one of its appeals. But i don't think the reason why adults are enjoying them is because they don't like thinking. Just millions of people speculating/argueing LOL what will happen next are a proof of this.
I think these books appeal to adults because they're a great escape from other "heavy" literature, and it sweeps you away into another world where you wish you could be part of it. The richness of JKR's imagination alone is worth reading them.
I think even if we're already grown up, there's still a little kid in each and everyone of us. The one that believes in magic, in a magical world, and HP rekindles that. ;-P
8/10/2006 10:37:00 PM
harry potter is great! by the way, i love the blog! the look of it is great!
8/10/2006 10:51:00 PM
Hi, I'm another lurker who has decided to post here for the first time. What I would like to do is propose a counter-challenge.
I have read the Harry Potter books and although I found them entertaining, I did not find them to be outstanding or well-written, and I certainly did not find them imaginative or original. Off the top of my head I can think of a whole list of books that are about teenagers learning about wizardry, many of them written well before The Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone, and almost all of them better written and more imaginative.
My challenge is this: to all of you who have read Harry Potter and think those books are the best thing since sliced bread, why don't you try reading another book in the same genre so you have something to compare HP to? Here are a few books I recommend:
The Tales of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones. This series of books started in the 1970's. The first book, which is called Charmed Life is about a boy with nine lives and how he finds out he is a sorcerer.
(And while you're at it, you should read the original, non-animation version of Howl's Moving Castle. I am so in love with the real Howl!)
The Earthsea books by Ursula Le Guin. The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea was first published in 1968. Follow the story of Sparrowhawk as he grows from a scamp of a boy to the Archmage of Earthsea.
And my personal favourite:
The Young Wizards books by Diane Duane. So You Want To Be A Wizard was published in 1983. The 8th book, Wizards at War, was published last year.
This series is based in our own modern world. The main characters of this series, the teenage wizards Nita, Kit and Dairine, are far more accessable than HP & co. I really feel like Nita and Kit are my friends, but I have never felt that way about Harry.
So there are three series featuring young wizards that I think are better than HP. Of course, there are many more to choose from.
Even if only one person here takes up my challenge, I will be happy.
Catherine
8/10/2006 11:14:00 PM
Catherine,
Oh, another lurker. :D
First, welcome and hope you post often. Second, thanks for the book recs! These books look good (it helps too that you described them :P). So what do you suggest, i should start with THE YOUNG WIZARDS?
Btw, have you heard/read the Belgariad series by David Eddings? Someone mentioned that if i love HP, i should read these books.
8/10/2006 11:30:00 PM
I have read the David Eddings books. I recommend the first two series he wrote, the Belgariad and the Malloreon (despite the fact that he plagiarised Star Wars while writing them - there is even a glowing blue sword). After that the quality went downhill. In his third series he plagiarised the
Earthsea books. His character Sparhawk was very, very similar to Le Guin's Sparrowhawk.
And yes, I think the Diane Duane books are a good place to start. Definitely make sure you read as far as the second and third books in the series, because they are the best!
Catherine
8/10/2006 11:42:00 PM
harry potter books are the best serie i've ever read. I also love the twins -who wouldn´t?- anyway, great post and great blog ;)
8/10/2006 11:47:00 PM
I have three reasons why I have "read" Harry Potter.
1. Jim Dale
2. the writing
3. Jim Dale
Truly, I wouldn't have Harry any other way. Jim Dale have to read it to me. I know..I'm such a hussy, but he's got this voice that gives you the shivers down to the err..spine.
8/11/2006 12:11:00 AM
Catherine,
I just looked them up at Amazon. 8 books? LOL Okay. And thanks for the heads up about David Eddings books.
Btw, do you like historical fiction? Just inviting you for our BBC discussion. I would love it if you can join us. :)
Isa, Jessica and to all the new posters, welcome! :)
8/11/2006 12:14:00 AM
Just have to agree, HP is the best! I'm with Jolie too, will choose book 7 over sex. LOL
Catherine, I've read Ursula le Guin and loved her books! Also, thanks for the other recs!
8/11/2006 12:28:00 AM
harlot: I do like historical fiction, but I don't read enough of it. By chance, I received a second-hand copy of The Other Boleyn Girl from a friend a couple of days before it was annonced as this months book. I am taking that as a sign that I ought to read more.
trollop: point taken. But surely if you read that much, you must be aware that one day, whether soon or in the distant future, HP will become your second favourite series. Because that is the way things work. Nothing wrong with it, it's just progress.
Catherine
8/11/2006 12:45:00 AM
Catherine,
Am glad you have TOBG. :) I do love discussing books.
Trollop is sleeping already and i will too in a while, but first, i want to answer in her behalf. Now, of course there's always the possibility of other books surpassing HP's glory, but the fact is (at this moment), it is our favorite. Maybe it will always be. If i read those Diane Duane books and liked them, doesn't take away the fact that i love HP.
The thing is, why do i need to compare HP to know it's good? Like the LOTR books, i don't need to compare it to Narnia to know it's a masterpiece. If a book is wonderful, it stands on its own. I do not need to compare HP to other books to make it bad for me. I love it. It's outstanding. Doesn't mean others aren't good. *g*
8/11/2006 01:56:00 AM
oh I love HP! why? cuz it's cool like that. lol.
;-P
8/11/2006 08:33:00 AM
My reasons for loving HP change all the time. It is the only series of books I've read upwords of 5 times each except Half Blood Prince. As for my reasons today..
1. Never ever has a book made me fall in love with so many characters, make me hate one, make me doubt my hate of said character, then close the book and want to immediately read it again all in 5 minutes.
2. They are works of art. I buy 2 books, one to read and one to keep forever, plus I have to have the audio books, Jim Dale rocks.
3. You have mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, love, passion, intellect all in one book. JKR has written a series full of more than just words on a page. Each page is an adventure and I love every second of it.
8/11/2006 09:25:00 AM
I am a late 20s reader and only read the HP books after much arm twisting by EVERYONE in my life. Wasn't impressed by the first book and was glad that I perservered and started reading the next one. Now am self-confessed HP fan.
Reasons why I love:
>HP reminds me of me at that age. While I didn't have to fight magical beings and don't have magical powers I did feel alone and unsure of my purpose in life.
>The dynamics between Harry, Ron and Hermione. It's that us against the world attitude that they have. A bit surreal (how many teenagers do you know that can stand up against pure evil?) but so what?!
>The pure escapism. I love getting lost among the magical world and don't mind shedding my muggle-ness.
8/11/2006 11:26:00 PM
I wish I could get into HP, if only to see what the fuss is about. And it's not that I haven't tried them, because I have - I started with the first one and didn't get past the first few chapters; then tried the others to see if starting in the middle would jump start the series for me. It hasn't happened yet. I read the first fifth of the 5th (I think) book, put it down and haven't been at all compelled to pick it up again; sorry, but I didn't think the writing was all that great, or at least there was something missing in it for me. I've seen the first two movies and thought they were okay, but they haven't made the first two books any more interesting to me. Audio books... might have to try them, if they're available at the library.
The thing is that the HP series seem like books I would like a lot, but for some reason they're not. Then again, neither could I get into the Anne books (although I've loved some other stuff L.M. Montgomery's written), except for Rilla of Ingleside. So maybe that has something to do with it. My brothers, otoh, quite like the series, but they'll read other books too and don't seem to be all that caught up in Potter-mania.
My challenge is this: to all of you who have read Harry Potter and think those books are the best thing since sliced bread, why don't you try reading another book in the same genre so you have something to compare HP to? Here are a few books I recommend:
The Tales of Chrestomanci by Diana Wynne Jones. This series of books started in the 1970's. The first book, which is called Charmed Life is about a boy with nine lives and how he finds out he is a sorcerer.
(And while you're at it, you should read the original, non-animation version of Howl's Moving Castle. I am so in love with the real Howl!)
I love Howl, too (and other DWJ books, like Fire and Hemlock and The Merlin Conspiracy). Haven't seen the animated version, though, and I'm not sure that I want to. Have you read Conrad's Fate (the latest Chrestromanci book)? The SBTB site has a post (blog? thread?) on books that are better than HP, some of which I agree with (and a more recent one on YA romances - a number of recommendations were the same in both lists).
8/12/2006 10:24:00 PM
my friend insist if D. doesn't die the book should be called AD instead of HP
speaking of HP, there's not a mention of Susanna Clarke's Jonothan Strange & Mr Norrell in this site, why not?
porquoi pas?
8/13/2006 09:26:00 AM
I'm a lurker too!! *waving hello*
I'm a huge fan of the HP books. Sometimes there are some writing issues w/ the stories, but all in all they're fantastic! :)
I think Clint stating that we like to read HP because we don't want to think is absurd. I'm an imaginative, creative thinker and I love the books.
To start a major reading debate I'll say this...I could never get into Tolkien's writing...mostly because it was too "talky". LOVE the movies, but that's me. :-P
As for recommendations...I'd recommend Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series. Everything from a lonely, lonely girl who's life changes dramatically in an instant to one of the greatest homosexual heroes EVER!!! (Yay Vanyel). Start out with Arrows of the Queen and go from there. You will NOT be disappointed! I've been a fan of her work since I was a lonely 14 year old freshman in high school!
LOVE your blog! I know, I'm capitalizing like crazy, but at least it shows my passion...right? :)
8/14/2006 07:54:00 PM
Wow, so many great comments. I know I'm a little late in the game, but like kaitlin, I love the LOTR movies, although I gave up reading the book halfway through.
True, Rowling is a gifted STORYTELLER, not just a writer. And that's what makes her series so successful.
I've had friends who commented that she's not a good writer, but they forget that reading is also a form of escapism. So when a story really grips you, I'd say the writer has succeeded marvellously.
As to my reasons for loving Harry? There are more than enough to inspire a post.
8/17/2006 11:58:00 AM
Someone in my Live Journal (they posted as Anonymous, gave me the link to this blog back in Augest, and i finally made it over. SO GREAT to find more Adults who LOVE Harry Potter! I actually run a Fan Site HPFWNL for adult fans. For those of you who "don't see what the big deal is, feel free to check it out as well. http://www.hpfwnl.net needless to say i LOVE all things Harry for an uncountable number of reasons. But to name a few: They are just plain fun to read, they take you back to a simpler time, to a magical place. They are about courage, loyalty, friendship and so much more. JKR writes with such mistery, you never know if what you just read will play into whats to come or it it was to through you off track, and distroy half the theories you have been building around the books for the past 6 months trying to figure out just WTF will happen in the last book! I could keep going but will stop for now .. Nixx
11/05/2006 10:06:00 PM
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