Helmet Head
Footballguy
What do you think? Is it worth reading this series?
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Harry Potter? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Helmet Head
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Anonymous Internet User
Footballguy
I dunt read so good.
Twilight
Footballguy
Definitely worth reading.
The first couple were pretty much by-the-numbers kids fantasy books. Outcast kid with a greater destiny, etc. But Rowling can at least tell a tale, so I continued on. As they progressed, they got more adult in scope and evolved into pretty solid fantasy books for any age.
Order of Phoenix is my personal favorite, with the middle three probably being the best three. As a note, Goblet of Fire won the 2001 Hugo award for best S(peculative)F(iction) book of the year. Azkaban was nominated the year before.
The first couple were pretty much by-the-numbers kids fantasy books. Outcast kid with a greater destiny, etc. But Rowling can at least tell a tale, so I continued on. As they progressed, they got more adult in scope and evolved into pretty solid fantasy books for any age.
Order of Phoenix is my personal favorite, with the middle three probably being the best three. As a note, Goblet of Fire won the 2001 Hugo award for best S(peculative)F(iction) book of the year. Azkaban was nominated the year before.
Jedi Knight
Footballguy
They are definately on my "reccomend" list. Started reading them when my kids were interested, and then I got hooked. They also help when watching the movies. They help fill in the gaps. However, it's also frustrating knowing just how much they cut fromt he movies- especially this latest one.
I read the first 3 and started the 4th. I just got kind of burned out on it and never finished the 4th (Goblet of Fire) They were decent enough, nothing spectacular, but entertaining and pretty quick reads. I just went to see the new movie today with the family, and thought it was one of the better movies. I told my wife that I think it's time to read a couple more of the books and maybe even finish the series. I guess I'll start Goblet over after I finish the book I'm on now.
This is exactly what my wife tells me. As I said above, only read the first 3 books, I've seen all the movies. I need to fill in the gaps.
Das Boot
Footballguy
Absolutely worth reading, and in all likelyhood you'll greatly enjoy them.
I was pretty disappointed with the final book but there are plenty of people who liked it.
I consider the 1st 4 to be my favorites, #1 for me was probably Goblet of Fire.
You may have to kind of work at not finding out any spoilers if you don't already know them.
People reading them now are fortunate that they don't have to wait 2 years in between each book.
I was pretty disappointed with the final book but there are plenty of people who liked it.
I consider the 1st 4 to be my favorites, #1 for me was probably Goblet of Fire.
You may have to kind of work at not finding out any spoilers if you don't already know them.
People reading them now are fortunate that they don't have to wait 2 years in between each book.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Absolutely worth reading.
Mario Kart
Footballguy
I hate to ask, but why "not in a good way"?
Definitely.
The first two were page-turners, but not much more than that. (Like Dan Brown's books.)
The third was quite good. The fourth was better. The fifth was better still. The sixth was better still . . .
They're definitely not just children's books.
The first two were page-turners, but not much more than that. (Like Dan Brown's books.)
The third was quite good. The fourth was better. The fifth was better still. The sixth was better still . . .
They're definitely not just children's books.
Birdie048
Footballguy
I have enjoyed the series. The movies are pretty good reproductions with some bits and pieces missing from the books (due to time element). Most assessments as Children's Books are based on the "fantasy, magic" aspect and they are written as quick read, page turners - the only complicated words are key things and not the norm. They are written at a middle school level.
They are exciting reads. They are worth the time and $$.
They are exciting reads. They are worth the time and $$.
beer 30
Footballguy
Hadn't thought of that but yea, that does kind of suck for those of us who did have to wait.Yes, read them. Great series. Might not be literary masterpieces but I read books for fun and/or knowledge. This series was a lot of fun. I'm not a real fast reader but with this series I went from reading the first book in a week or two to the last book which I read in a day. Part of it was the hype about the book but once you get hooked on them you want to know, hard to put down.People reading them now are fortunate that they don't have to wait 2 years in between each book.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Especially since he didn't say "The seventh was better still" As someone mentioned above I was a little disappointed in the finale. Top of head I'd rank them6, 4, 5, 7, 3, 1, 2Rowling's writing seemed to get better as she went. I've even re-read all of them save the last. Hopefully with a 2nd reading I'll enjoy it better than I did but to expound on my list I think the first 3 she was writing really good books for kids and then she just started writing really good books.MisfitBlondes said:
NattyDread
Footballguy
It's funny that the name Harry Potter is associated with literature for kids, but I think it's definitely worth a read. I actually got started with them based on the recommendation of a literature hound that I worked with. At the time, I never would have guessed that she would have found the Harry Potter books to be engaging.
The first three books are fairly simple kids fare, but starting with book 4, the plots become increasingly more complex. Books 4, 6, and 7 especially so. It's obvious that J.K. Rowling's skills as a writer were increasing. She borrows liberally from Lord of the Rings themes, but the Potter series still stands on it's own.
The first three books are fairly simple kids fare, but starting with book 4, the plots become increasingly more complex. Books 4, 6, and 7 especially so. It's obvious that J.K. Rowling's skills as a writer were increasing. She borrows liberally from Lord of the Rings themes, but the Potter series still stands on it's own.
prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
I have a hard time explaining it. When I read them it was obvious they were written for kids. I am not the smartest guy in the world but I had the feeling I was reading something that was on the level of The Hardy boys. I loved the Hardy Boys as a kid but not as an adult. I actually found the whole adult fascination with Harry potter strange. I was not a fan of the story either. It seemed like a lot of wash,rinse,repeat to me. This may have changed after the third book. I stopped reading them but the first three were all the same thing in my opinion. I know I am in the minority with this and lots of folks I respect loved these stories. I thought a lot of it was media fueled.
prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
I will be very surprised if the Harry Potter series stands the test of time. I do not think it will be thought of as "literature". There is nothing wrong with that. I enjoy junk food for the brain as much as the next guy but I will not try to convince people that World War Z is literature. I see a lot of Potter fans trying to do just that.
prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
Unless you are a kid. As much as I did not like these books I love what they did for reading. Seems like all of a sudden kids started reading again. Kids reading is rarely a bad thing.
MrJimmy
Footballguy
Agreed. I think she is a very pedestrian writer telling a very good story. Read Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book to see what a good writer can do with a similarly interesting story.
suspected
Footballguy
Highly recommend. They are also definitely worth listening to on CD/tape. Jim Dale is the narrator and does fantastic voicework. He has great voices for all the characters and has won grammys for his narration work.
You can get the CDs from your local library. I got the CDs along with 2 copies of the books. I'd have my two boys read along with the narration on car rides. This was a great way to improve their reading skills and they loved it. We went through the entire series over a summer. Great way to pass time during long rides.
You can get the CDs from your local library. I got the CDs along with 2 copies of the books. I'd have my two boys read along with the narration on car rides. This was a great way to improve their reading skills and they loved it. We went through the entire series over a summer. Great way to pass time during long rides.
Mario Kart
Footballguy
I have read each book once or twice and have listened to the final two books a couple of more times. Definitely a way to go to enjoy the books again.
encaitar
Footballguy
George Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is IMO the best example of what a good writer can do with a great fantasy story, but I agree that Rowling isn't the greatest. Although books 4-7 were of a much higher quality than the first three.
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RudiStein
*Not really a bail bondsman
Don't get me wrong. I loved how the HP series got a lot of kids interested in reading. The same thing for those 'Twilight' hunks of crap. I've got 8th grade girls who normally wouldn't read anything longer than a text message ripping through those books.I just hope it leads to reading something with more substance.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
Usual21
Footballguy
Have had them on e-readers for months. Can get them for you for the great price of gratis. PM me if interested.
gandalas
Footballguy
Fixed.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
PM Chaka. He's the resident expert on kids' books.
iamsmilin
I want one, but I'm not creative
Interesting, one of my least favorite books was Order. I thought it needed a lot of editing.
I loved the final book. It wrapped things up nicely and was very well paced.In order I would rank 3 or 4 as my top, 7, 1, 6, and 5/2.One nice thing about the books is she carries a lot of details throughout the books. The character development for the side characters is also fun to read.Absolutely worth reading, and in all likelyhood you'll greatly enjoy them.I was pretty disappointed with the final book but there are plenty of people who liked it.I consider the 1st 4 to be my favorites, #1 for me was probably Goblet of Fire.You may have to kind of work at not finding out any spoilers if you don't already know them.People reading them now are fortunate that they don't have to wait 2 years in between each book.
Wrighteous Ray
Footballguy
I guess I need to be the contrarian here. My kid forced me to read all the books. By the end it was a painful slog. The last four books should have each been about half as long as they were.
So interesting dilemma - my 8yo is now reading the first book, and is really getting into it. I have all 7 books, but I don't know that I want her to read all 7 now (or by the end of summer) Seems like the further into the series the more "mature" the books became - which was fine when they were coming out since kids were generally a year, or so, older for each book.
Anyone else deal with this? Let her read them at whatever pace she is comfortable, or hold each book back a few months?
Anyone else deal with this? Let her read them at whatever pace she is comfortable, or hold each book back a few months?
Marvin
Footballguy
Not at all. These books are waaaaaay overrated.
Bengalsfan
Footballguy
Loved reading them! Great series.
Herb
Footballguy
I guess that depends on whether you think your daughter is ready to handle some of the more mature themes. If you enjoyed the books, maybe you can re-read them ahead of her and be the judge of whether she's ready for the next book. Seems like most of the content wouldn't be too overwhelming for an 8 yr old.
Usual21
Footballguy
Most of it is fine, but some of the death descriptions might be a little much for an 8 year old. You are the best judge of your kid's maturity level.
Chaka
Footballguy
They're fun books. Not great literature and she wrote herself into many corners that she had to MacGuffin her way out of with horcruxes, hallows and the like but overall they are very entertaining and real page turners.You still aren't getting the irony of coming into threads exclusively to make fun of books, and the people who read them, for being childish, are you?
Marvin
Footballguy
Why are you so sensitive about the books you read?And the OP asked for an opinion on whether or not the books were worth reading. Pretty sure that that means those of us who don't like the books have every right to slam them.
Wrighteous Ray
Footballguy
*
Chaka
Footballguy
I provided my opinion on these books. Still waiting on Smoovy's review. I have no problem with your opinion on the books when you actually talk about the books. What I don't understand is when you comment on books you didn't read (The Hunger Games, not sure if you actually read any of the HP books) and why you fish with commentary about Hardy Boys and pre-teen girls. That kind of commentary is every bit the pre-teen behavior that you are trying to make fun of. You did the same thing in the 2012 coming attractions thread. That is what I have a problem with, not the fact that you don't like the same books that I do.
sn0mm1s
Footballguy
I am an avid reader of SF/Fantasy and have been since I was a kid. I read the first Harry Potter book and thought "meh". After having multiple people tell me how great the series is I thought maybe I was in a bad mood so I reread the first book - to the same result. Roald Dahl + Dr. Seuss is what I liken it to. If you are looking for good reads in that genre. I highly recommend:
George RR Martin's - A Song of Ice and Fire series
Jim Butcher's - Dresden Files series.
Patrick Rothfuss' - Kingkiller Chronicles
Those far surpass what I have read of HP. I can recommend another dozen series/authors over Rowling's works. Granted, I couldn't motivate myself to read past the first book but I view that as a failure of the book.
George RR Martin's - A Song of Ice and Fire series
Jim Butcher's - Dresden Files series.
Patrick Rothfuss' - Kingkiller Chronicles
Those far surpass what I have read of HP. I can recommend another dozen series/authors over Rowling's works. Granted, I couldn't motivate myself to read past the first book but I view that as a failure of the book.
Marvin
Footballguy
Who said I didn't read any of HG or HP? And being able to understand how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenage girls appealing is juvenile? And the same applies for the movie thread. A large number of those movies are aimed towards tween/teenagers. How would you respond to a 30 year old man telling you "I really, really like Justin Bieber. I have all of his songs and can't wait to see him in concert!"?
saintsfan
Footballguy
I'm not sure how you can read the first Potter book and judge the whole series.
It was obviously meant that as the kids got older, the books got older with them. The last three in the series are not children's books, IMO. From the time Voldemort rises in that grave yard, the series takes a very adult turn.
Whether or not it's great literature is not a decision that will be made in our time anyway. My feeling is that it will take it's place along side Chronicles of Narnia and probably fall short of Lord Of The Rings in terms of literature. To me, that's not a bad place. Bottom line, I like the series even if it's not Catcher In The Rye.
In any event, kids reading books is very positive, however and whatever they choose to read, so I applaud Rowling. If my daughter got into a series of books, I'd be very happy and could care less if it was Twilight or Harry Potter or Hunger Games or whatever.
It was obviously meant that as the kids got older, the books got older with them. The last three in the series are not children's books, IMO. From the time Voldemort rises in that grave yard, the series takes a very adult turn.
Whether or not it's great literature is not a decision that will be made in our time anyway. My feeling is that it will take it's place along side Chronicles of Narnia and probably fall short of Lord Of The Rings in terms of literature. To me, that's not a bad place. Bottom line, I like the series even if it's not Catcher In The Rye.
In any event, kids reading books is very positive, however and whatever they choose to read, so I applaud Rowling. If my daughter got into a series of books, I'd be very happy and could care less if it was Twilight or Harry Potter or Hunger Games or whatever.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
Just because I am of a different opinion of you, doesn't make me childish. Hope that helps.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
I don't have to punch myself in the face to know that it would hurt, and I wouldn't like it. Also, I am not aware of a rule that says you HAVE to read a book to be able to comment your feelings about it. If you could forward me your rules for posting about books, I would greatly appreciate it. I don't want to keep hurting your feelings.
Herb
Footballguy
If Dresden and Kingkiller are anything close to as good as ASoIaF then I'm in. Almost done with the 3rd volume in that series and am hopelessly hooked.You are selling yourself short on HP if you only read the first volume. That is a very average book, and IMO the series didn't really get good until book 3 or 4. And after that it was great.
saintsfan
Footballguy
There was some development toward a more adult audience at some point. Whether that was driven by adults reading the books or it was the plan all along, I don't know. I can tell you, I became aware of the books around Order of the Phoenix and I commented to a co-worker can you believe all the hoopla about a kids book and she told me to read them. The first couple are very kid oriented, but you should be able to read them fast. The ones after that are a lot darker and more adult oriented. So I stuck with it and she was right. After I got caught up, I went back and took my time and read the first couple because I kind of rushed through them to get to the more adult ones. I enjoyed it more the second time because I knew there would be a payoff.
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