Harry Potter? (1 Viewer)

[Marvin]

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.

Seriously? Think of a food that you hate. How many bites do you need to figure out you don't like it?

 

[sn0mm1s]

I'm not sure how you can read the first Potter book and judge the whole series.

The same way I can watch the first 15 minutes of Spy Kids and know that I don't really want to watch the sequels. I really don't want to sift through 1000-2000 pages of corny, cheesy kids stuff to wait for the adult oriented content and themes. I assume the OP (since he signed up for the board in '03) is probably older than 10 and if he is 10 he is obviously precocious enough that the HP books likely wouldn't interest him.

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.

I couldn't care less about the literary value or recognition of SF/fantasy books. I care about the story, characters, and the level of writing.I agree that kids reading is positive - but I thought that this was an adult asking presumably other adults if he should spend the time reading the series. I responded that there are much better series out there.

 

[Sinn Fein]

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?

My kid read them all when she was seven.* Turned out OK.

*look at me

Why? It was your daughter who could read the books at 7, not you

 

[Chaka]

PM Chaka. He's the resident expert on kids' books.

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?

Just because I am of a different opinion of you, doesn't make me childish. Hope that helps.

That wasn't the take home message.

 

[Chaka]

Still waiting on Smoovy's review.

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.

So you think that not reading a book is a good foundation from which to judge that book?And you're not hurting my feelings, I am just confused as to why you come into these threads other than to #### all over them?

 

[Wrighteous Ray]

Somebody needs to cast a chillthefunkout charm up in here.

 

[saintsfan]

I'm not sure how you can read the first Potter book and judge the whole series.

The same way I can watch the first 15 minutes of Spy Kids and know that I don't really want to watch the sequels. I really don't want to sift through 1000-2000 pages of corny, cheesy kids stuff to wait for the adult oriented content and themes. I assume the OP (since he signed up for the board in '03) is probably older than 10 and if he is 10 he is obviously precocious enough that the HP books likely wouldn't interest him.

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.

I couldn't care less about the literary value or recognition of SF/fantasy books. I care about the story, characters, and the level of writing.I agree that kids reading is positive - but I thought that this was an adult asking presumably other adults if he should spend the time reading the series. I responded that there are much better series out there.

There might be better series out there. That doesn't mean the Potter books aren't worth reading.

 

[sn0mm1s]

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 seriesJim Butcher's - Dresden Files series.Patrick Rothfuss' - Kingkiller ChroniclesThose 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.

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.

They are different. I haven't read anything as close to as gritty, graphic, intricate and complex as ASOIAF. The Dresden Files are about a wizard in Chicago. The first two books were written as part of a class project by the author and while good they aren't at the same level as the other books in the series. They are definitely adult though, very character driven, and have some great one liners and pop culture references (which most people who frequent the FFA board would probably enjoy). The Kingkiller Chronicles are more of the standard fantasy story - but the writing is top notch.

 

[saintsfan]

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.

Seriously? Think of a food that you hate. How many bites do you need to figure out you don't like it?

I'm not the right person to ask this question to because I have a 15 year old who does exactly this. Takes one bite and decides she doesn't like it or looks at it and decides she doesn't like it.Drives me crazy and the end result is she doesn't like anything.

There are many examples of things I have eaten or drank that I wasn't crazy about with the first taste, but after giving it a chance, I found out that I do like it. Things aren't always appealing on first site or taste. That is because you often compare it to other things that you do like and you don't let it be what it is. Yes, I don't like broccoli as much as I like chocolate. Does that mean broccoli is bad. No. It's just different.

 

[Chaka]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

 

[Chaka]

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.

Seriously? Think of a food that you hate. How many bites do you need to figure out you don't like it?

I'm not the right person to ask this question to because I have a 15 year old who does exactly this. Takes one bite and decides she doesn't like it or looks at it and decides she doesn't like it.Drives me crazy and the end result is she doesn't like anything.

There are many examples of things I have eaten or drank that I wasn't crazy about with the first taste, but after giving it a chance, I found out that I do like it. Things aren't always appealing on first site or taste. That is because you often compare it to other things that you do like and you don't let it be what it is. Yes, I don't like broccoli as much as I like chocolate. Does that mean broccoli is bad. No. It's just different.

I don't like the food analogy either. Most people I know did not enjoy either coffee or beer the very first time they tasted them.

 

[Marvin]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying? Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

 

[Marvin]

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.

Seriously? Think of a food that you hate. How many bites do you need to figure out you don't like it?

I'm not the right person to ask this question to because I have a 15 year old who does exactly this. Takes one bite and decides she doesn't like it or looks at it and decides she doesn't like it.Drives me crazy and the end result is she doesn't like anything.

There are many examples of things I have eaten or drank that I wasn't crazy about with the first taste, but after giving it a chance, I found out that I do like it. Things aren't always appealing on first site or taste. That is because you often compare it to other things that you do like and you don't let it be what it is. Yes, I don't like broccoli as much as I like chocolate. Does that mean broccoli is bad. No. It's just different.

I don't like the food analogy either. Most people I know did not enjoy either coffee or beer the very first time they tasted them.

Good point. But then again our tastes mature as we grow older. Perhaps I had it backwards. When I was a kid I thought that 'suicides' or 'swampwater' from the soda fountain at the baseball snack bar was delicious. Now the thought of 7 different kinds of soda mixed in a cup is disgusting.

 

[sn0mm1s]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying? Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

I still throw a football whenever I can - where does that fall in the child/adult index?

 

[Chaka]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying? Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

So have you read the books or just bits and pieces of them? Either way you really aren't answering my questions. Whether or not I reply to your post is irrelevant as to whether or not your intent was to fish or provide serious commentary. Or whether said commentary was juvenile or mature.You keep trying to associate things like Scooby Doo and Justin Bieber, which are widely not viewed and enjoyed by adult audiences, with things like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter which are widely enjoyed by adults (I don't think Twilight is widely enjoyed by adults). Do you honestly not see the distinction?I don't see why I need to check my appreciation for science fiction and fantasy at the door when I turn 30. Isn't it just possible to let some things go (like Snack Packs and Scooby Doo) and replace them with other things (like good wine and The Wire) while holding onto others like good science fiction and fantasy (which The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are)? These aren't either/or situations.I am pretty sure you're Tanner, in which case I have plenty of respect for you, but you are losing me a little with whatever point you are trying to make in these threads.

 

[Chaka]

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.

Seriously? Think of a food that you hate. How many bites do you need to figure out you don't like it?

I'm not the right person to ask this question to because I have a 15 year old who does exactly this. Takes one bite and decides she doesn't like it or looks at it and decides she doesn't like it.Drives me crazy and the end result is she doesn't like anything.

There are many examples of things I have eaten or drank that I wasn't crazy about with the first taste, but after giving it a chance, I found out that I do like it. Things aren't always appealing on first site or taste. That is because you often compare it to other things that you do like and you don't let it be what it is. Yes, I don't like broccoli as much as I like chocolate. Does that mean broccoli is bad. No. It's just different.

I don't like the food analogy either. Most people I know did not enjoy either coffee or beer the very first time they tasted them.

Good point. But then again our tastes mature as we grow older. Perhaps I had it backwards. When I was a kid I thought that 'suicides' or 'swampwater' from the soda fountain at the baseball snack bar was delicious. Now the thought of 7 different kinds of soda mixed in a cup is disgusting.

Finally. Something we can agree on.

 

[Marvin]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying? Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

I still throw a football whenever I can - where does that fall in the child/adult index?

Are you wearing a Hutch brand helmet and fighting with the other kids about who gets to be Joe Montana?

 

[sn0mm1s]

So have you read the books or just bits and pieces of them? Either way you really aren't answering my questions. Whether or not I reply to your post is irrelevant as to whether or not your intent was to fish or provide serious commentary. Or whether said commentary was juvenile or mature.You keep trying to associate things like Scooby Doo and Justin Bieber, which are widely not viewed and enjoyed by adult audiences, with things like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter which are widely enjoyed by adults (I don't think Twilight is widely enjoyed by adults). Do you honestly not see the distinction?I don't see why I need to check my appreciation for science fiction and fantasy at the door when I turn 30. Isn't it just possible to let some things go (like Snack Packs and Scooby Doo) and replace them with other things (like good wine and The Wire) while holding onto others like good science fiction and fantasy (which The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are)? These aren't either/or situations.I am pretty sure you're Tanner, in which case I have plenty of respect for you, but you are losing me a little with whatever point you are trying to make in these threads.

Plenty of housewives and daughters in my neighborhood that freaking love Twilight. I watched the first movie, and similarly to Harry Potter, I decided the rest could wait until I read/watched all the other things on my list. I deemed both schlock. Maybe they both get better - but slogging through a Bible's worth of reading to get to the parts that I might find intriguing doesn't interest me.

 

[Marvin]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying? Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

So have you read the books or just bits and pieces of them? Either way you really aren't answering my questions. Whether or not I reply to your post is irrelevant as to whether or not your intent was to fish or provide serious commentary. Or whether said commentary was juvenile or mature.You keep trying to associate things like Scooby Doo and Justin Bieber, which are widely not viewed and enjoyed by adult audiences, with things like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter which are widely enjoyed by adults (I don't think Twilight is widely enjoyed by adults). Do you honestly not see the distinction?I don't see why I need to check my appreciation for science fiction and fantasy at the door when I turn 30. Isn't it just possible to let some things go (like Snack Packs and Scooby Doo) and replace them with other things (like good wine and The Wire) while holding onto others like good science fiction and fantasy (which The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are)? These aren't either/or situations.I am pretty sure you're Tanner, in which case I have plenty of respect for you, but you are losing me a little with whatever point you are trying to make in these threads.

I read enough of those books I listed to form an opinion of them. If I need to read the entire freaking book and/or series in your eyes to make a proper judgment then I guess we're done.Once again I don't care if "THOUSANDS" of adults enjoy HP or HG. It doesn't change my opinion about them. I never said you have to abandon sci-fi or fantasy once you become an adult. But you do recognize there is a huge difference between something like Alien or Blade Runner and something like Animorphs. I'm not a big fantasy fan but I can tell you that I really enjoy Game of Thrones (haven't read the books). Why? Because they deal with adult themes and situations in an adult manner. It's not over-simplistic.WOuld you have more respect for me if I changed my opinion of this stuff base on your opinions?

 

[Chaka]

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!"?

Okay then why do you read books targeted for tweens?Maybe I am not reading your second question correctly. I don't think that you are demonstrating how a grown man can find books written for juveniles and teenagers appealing. I think you are being outright dismissive of a grown man (thousands of them actually) enjoying a book originally targeted at juveniles and teenage girls. Your first comment in THG thread was something along the lines of "It's great if you are an 11-14 year old girl". You instantly dismissed the entire thing and attached a negative stigma to any adult male who disagreed with you. Did you expect that would generate a thoughtful debate or were you just happy with your [juvenile] insult and how many fish you caught?

Movies are made to attract broad audiences. I don't see how science fiction necessarily equates to teenage boy. Where does it say that once you reach a certain age you are no longer allowed to enjoy the things you used to enjoy? At what point am I supposed to swap out Tolkein for Tolstoy and never look back?

And you're right *I would find an adult male listening to Bieber and attending his concerts more than a little odd, but if tens (or hundreds) of thousands of them started doing it I might start to wonder if I should reevaluate my opinion. Which is exactly how I came to finally read both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games and I am happy I did.

I read parts of HP, HG, Twilight etc because my students read them and I have children of my own. If I had not read any of those I would not make any comments about them.Call it fishing or dismissive if you will. If it is fishing then why do you bother replying?

Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?

So you see my point. I find it very odd that so many adults find books like HP and HG enjoyable. The same way you would find it odd that thousands of grown men would find Justin Bieber enjoyable.

So have you read the books or just bits and pieces of them? Either way you really aren't answering my questions. Whether or not I reply to your post is irrelevant as to whether or not your intent was to fish or provide serious commentary. Or whether said commentary was juvenile or mature.

You keep trying to associate things like Scooby Doo and Justin Bieber, which are widely not viewed and enjoyed by adult audiences, with things like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter which are widely enjoyed by adults (I don't think Twilight is widely enjoyed by adults). Do you honestly not see the distinction?

I don't see why I need to check my appreciation for science fiction and fantasy at the door when I turn 30. Isn't it just possible to let some things go (like Snack Packs and Scooby Doo) and replace them with other things (like good wine and The Wire) while holding onto others like good science fiction and fantasy (which The Hunger Games and Harry Potter are)? These aren't either/or situations.

I am pretty sure you're Tanner, in which case I have plenty of respect for you, but you are losing me a little with whatever point you are trying to make in these threads.

I read enough of those books I listed to form an opinion of them. If I need to read the entire freaking book and/or series in your eyes to make a proper judgment then I guess we're done.Once again I don't care if "THOUSANDS" of adults enjoy HP or HG. It doesn't change my opinion about them.

I never said you have to abandon sci-fi or fantasy once you become an adult. But you do recognize there is a huge difference between something like Alien or Blade Runner and something like Animorphs. I'm not a big fantasy fan but I can tell you that I really enjoy Game of Thrones (haven't read the books). Why? Because they deal with adult themes and situations in an adult manner. It's not over-simplistic.

WOuld you have more respect for me if I changed my opinion of this stuff base on your opinions?

Goodness no, I certainly don't think you should read the whole series if you didn't like the first book. Although it sounds like you haven't read much more than a few chapters which is not exactly giving it a fair chance either. But if you don't like it I won't be the one to tell you that you should keep reading.And I don't want you to conform to my opinion, I just want you to make valid points instead of lumping everything you don't like in with Justin Bieber and Scooby Doo both of which have virtually zero cross generational appeal (I suspect that you are aware that those are not valid comparisons).

Where do you stand on Ender's Game?

ETA: I don't know what Animorphs is, so I'll refrain from comment.

 

[sn0mm1s]

Goodness no, I certainly don't think you should read the whole series if you didn't like the first book. Although it sounds like you haven't read much more than a few chapters which is not exactly giving it a fair chance either. But if you don't like it I won't be the one to tell you that you should keep reading.And I don't want you to conform to my opinion, I just want you to make valid points instead of lumping everything you don't like in with Justin Bieber and Scooby Doo both of which have virtually zero cross generational appeal (I suspect that you are aware that those are not valid comparisons).Where do you stand on Ender's Game?ETA: I don't know what Animorphs is, so I'll refrain from comment.

IMO, Ender's Game is a great book and should be required reading at the high school level. Many of the themes in that book are applicable to the online world that we interact with every day.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

PM Chaka. He's the resident expert on kids' books.

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?

Just because I am of a different opinion of you, doesn't make me childish. Hope that helps.

That wasn't the take home message.

Oh, I understand the take home message. I just think it's stupid and baseless. You don't know anything about me, but you post your opinion of me.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Still waiting on Smoovy's review.

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.

So you think that not reading a book is a good foundation from which to judge that book?And you're not hurting my feelings, I am just confused as to why you come into these threads other than to #### all over them?

Last I checked, if you have the right to slobber all over them, I have a right to post why I think they're stupid. Why do you get to give your opinion, but I don't?

 

[Chaka]

Still waiting on Smoovy's review.

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.

So you think that not reading a book is a good foundation from which to judge that book?And you're not hurting my feelings, I am just confused as to why you come into these threads other than to #### all over them?

Last I checked, if you have the right to slobber all over them, I have a right to post why I think they're stupid. Why do you get to give your opinion, but I don't?

Still waiting on that opinion.

PM Chaka. He's the resident expert on kids' books.

Just because I am of a different opinion of you, doesn't make me childish. Hope that helps.

Is this the opinion?

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.

So your opinion is that you know you wouldn't like it, without reading it. Which is completely fine, a little narrow minded IMO but we are all busy people and can't make time to expose ourselves to everything under the sun so no problem with that. Is your opinion also that because you know that you won't like it therefor the OP shouldn't bother reading it?You are not making opinions clearly. I don't think that's too much to ask.It is my opinion that in this and the Hunger Games thread that you only came in to not really offer an opinion but rather to diminish something which you have not exposed yourself to and make yourself feel superior to those who enjoy them. What was missing was that in doing so you were being equally as childish as you consider those who enjoy these books to be. That's it in a nutshell.Your first post in the Hunger Games:

1) Why adults read books written for tweens, I'll never know.2) I liked it the first time I saw it, when it was called Battle Royale.

I agree with point #2. No question that it is derivative. But your first point speaks to exactly what I am talking about. You open with an insult, where did you expect it to go from there?

 

[dancingbones]

Loved reading them! Great series.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Still waiting on Smoovy's review.

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.

So you think that not reading a book is a good foundation from which to judge that book?And you're not hurting my feelings, I am just confused as to why you come into these threads other than to #### all over them?

Last I checked, if you have the right to slobber all over them, I have a right to post why I think they're stupid. Why do you get to give your opinion, but I don't?

Still waiting on that opinion.

PM Chaka. He's the resident expert on kids' books.

Just because I am of a different opinion of you, doesn't make me childish. Hope that helps.

Is this the opinion?

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.

So your opinion is that you know you wouldn't like it, without reading it. Which is completely fine, a little narrow minded IMO but we are all busy people and can't make time to expose ourselves to everything under the sun so no problem with that. Is your opinion also that because you know that you won't like it therefor the OP shouldn't bother reading it?You are not making opinions clearly. I don't think that's too much to ask.It is my opinion that in this and the Hunger Games thread that you only came in to not really offer an opinion but rather to diminish something which you have not exposed yourself to and make yourself feel superior to those who enjoy them. What was missing was that in doing so you were being equally as childish as you consider those who enjoy these books to be. That's it in a nutshell.Your first post in the Hunger Games:

1) Why adults read books written for tweens, I'll never know.2) I liked it the first time I saw it, when it was called Battle Royale.

I agree with point #2. No question that it is derivative. But your first point speaks to exactly what I am talking about. You open with an insult, where did you expect it to go from there?

My opinion is that Hunger Games is a derivative work, and it angers me that it will make (or now that this ispat has drug out for a week, IS making) a kagillion billion dollars, while not being very good. I know the story. I dont have to read every word of it to know it's crap. Thats my opinion, and I have every right to post it. Even if my only intention was to make fun of the people who read it/watch it, which it wasnt, but even if it was, who appointed you God of Rules for Media Threads?It's a ripoff. It's for kids. I think it's stupid. Thats my opinion, and no matter how much you get your panties in a bunch over it, you're not gonna change it. Is that clear enough for you?

 

[Marvin]

Never read Ender's Game.

 

[Chaka]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters?Kidding. Great book.

 

[Marvin]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters?Kidding. Great book.

I'll read the back of the jacket and let you know how I feel.Actually I've seen several students reading it over the years. Maybe I'll check it out from the school liberry.

 

[jhib]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters?Kidding. Great book.

Have you read the other books in the series? I bought a few at a book sale after reading the first since I loved it, but I never even finished the next one. I just didn't do it for me. Did I give up too soon? Is the rest of the series (or part of it) worth giving a second chance?

 

[jhib]

Actually, yes there comes a time when it should be expected to no longer partake in certain things because you have advanced in age. Do you still play tag or marbles? Do you still watch Scooby Doo or Family Double Dare religiously?

Nah, but if you haven't caught at least an episode or two of Phineas & Ferb, you're missing out.

 

[squistion]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters?Kidding. Great book.

Have you read the other books in the series? I bought a few at a book sale after reading the first since I loved it, but I never even finished the next one. I just didn't do it for me.

Did I give up too soon? Is the rest of the series (or part of it) worth giving a second chance?

Yes, I think so. The books (which have to be read in order) get a progressively darker tone, refecting the characters maturing/getting older and also the audience too (at that time). I liked each one better than the one before.

 

[jhib]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters?Kidding. Great book.

Have you read the other books in the series? I bought a few at a book sale after reading the first since I loved it, but I never even finished the next one. I just didn't do it for me.

Did I give up too soon? Is the rest of the series (or part of it) worth giving a second chance?

Yes, I think so. The books (which have to be read in order) get a progressively darker tone, refecting the characters maturing/getting older and also the audience too (at that time). I liked each one better than the one before.

Just to be sure here... are you talking about Ender's Game or Harry Potter? I got caught up in the EG drift.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I'd never read any fanfic before, but I stumbled across this Harry Potter fanfic, and I'm enjoying it much more than Rowling's version.

According to the author, most people say it picks up around chapter six or so. If you don't dig it by then, it's not for you.

I dug it right from chapter one.

 

[Chaka]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters? Kidding. Great book.

I'll read the back of the jacket and let you know how I feel. Actually I've seen several students reading it over the years. Maybe I'll check it out from the school liberry.

Update?

 

[Slapdash]

Never read Ender's Game.

Ever skim a few chapters? Kidding. Great book.

I'll read the back of the jacket and let you know how I feel. Actually I've seen several students reading it over the years. Maybe I'll check it out from the school liberry.

Update?

WGAF?

 

[sports_fan]

I'd never read any fanfic before, but I stumbled across this Harry Potter fanfic, and I'm enjoying it much more than Rowling's version.

According to the author, most people say it picks up around chapter six or so. If you don't dig it by then, it's not for you.

I dug it right from chapter one.

I know absolutely nothing about fanfic but I'm definitely a fan of the series. When does this story take place in relation to Rowling's series? Does it build on her story or is it entirely different?

 

[chet]

A lot of hate for the most successful author in forever. Anyone comparing this series to Fire and Ice is an idiot. Completely different intended audience. One is for children and the other is for adults.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I'd never read any fanfic before, but I stumbled across this Harry Potter fanfic, and I'm enjoying it much more than Rowling's version.

According to the author, most people say it picks up around chapter six or so. If you don't dig it by then, it's not for you.

I dug it right from chapter one.

I know absolutely nothing about fanfic but I'm definitely a fan of the series. When does this story take place in relation to Rowling's series? Does it build on her story or is it entirely different?

It takes place at the same time. It's an alternative. It uses Rowling's characters and her universe and basic dramatic themes, but Harry is much more inquisitive, rational, and scientifically minded than Rowling's version of him. I can't do the work justice by describing it because it's not the concept that is so great, but the execution. The author has a dizzying intellect, and I think he entertainingly captures what would go through the mind of an uncommonly smart, relentlessly curious, impressively knowledgeable person who is exposed to genuine magic.

(There are epub, mobi, and pdf versions at the site as well.)

 

[sports_fan]

I'd never read any fanfic before, but I stumbled across this Harry Potter fanfic, and I'm enjoying it much more than Rowling's version.

According to the author, most people say it picks up around chapter six or so. If you don't dig it by then, it's not for you.

I dug it right from chapter one.

I know absolutely nothing about fanfic but I'm definitely a fan of the series. When does this story take place in relation to Rowling's series? Does it build on her story or is it entirely different?

It takes place at the same time. It's an alternative. It uses Rowling's characters and her universe and basic dramatic themes, but Harry is much more inquisitive, rational, and scientifically minded than Rowling's version of him. I can't do the work justice by describing it because it's not the concept that is so great, but the execution. The author has a dizzying intellect, and I think he entertainingly captures what would go through the mind of an uncommonly smart, relentlessly curious, impressively knowledgeable person who is exposed to genuine magic.

(There are epub, mobi, and pdf versions at the site as well.)

Thanks. I'll give it a try. I've always been impressed with the content on LessWrong.