http://wriging.com/notes/ Wriging Thread: What do *you* think of the Harry Potter books? en Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:02:51 +0000 http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-68624 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:02:28 Vidar 68624 <p>Didnt read the whole thread...</p> <p>I find them uninteresting and the writing is kinda mediocre </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-68580 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 06:20:29 Josh 68580 <p>Well, I'm obligated to update this thread now. I've finished readingg books 1 and 2 of the series, and have already started on the 3rd.</p> <p>I'm hooked. These books are, in a word, <em>fun</em>. Hooked, hooked, hooked. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-60127 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 18:50:24 Josh 60127 <p>I've been thinking more about my finding the crazy over the books a bit silly, and something occurred to me: if, instead of HP, it were Tolkien's Lord of the Rings being released, book by book, <em>I'd</em> be camping out at stores, waiting for the books. </p> <p>Matter of opinion, I guess. :) I know many people who hated LOTR. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-59771 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:40:48 StevenCampbell 59771 <p>Since I grew up on Harry Potter (first book out when I was 5 or 6), it's hard for me to imagine a world without all this hype going on. It's hard to imagine that the hype will die down after the (supposed) last book. It's always a possibility that J.K. will decide to write some more.</p> <p>I haven't read the seventh book, and it turns out I could have gotten it today if I hadn't preordered from Amazon. Apparently their shipping takes a while - I'll probably end up getting it Tuesday or Wednesday. </p> <p>I read HP like any other book; I don't obsess over it, and I'm not a huge fanatic like lots of people (namely girls in their early teens). It's an interesting series, though. The only difference with HP is that I anticipate the next book or movie. With other series, I often forget that the next book has come out. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-59758 Sat, 21 Jul 2007 21:58:57 Rich 59758 <p>Just a heads up for those looking to save a few units of their local currency. There is now a PDF version of the new Harry Potter book available. There are two versions doing the rounds though -- both were typed up manually; one of them is littered with typing errors and so on, the second claims to be better typed in the first half, but used the original in the second half as they got lazy. So be aware of that, depending on how particular you are. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-57181 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:48:25 lisa 57181 <p>I just think those who are standing in line for a book (not those who are attending a release party, because those are the die hard fans who love to dress up and get together--more power to them) are just silly.</p> <p>I haven't pre-ordered the book. My sister's going to grab it off a pallet at Cosco and buy it for me when she gets off work Saturday morning. Woot for easy birthday presents. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-57021 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:29:03 Josh 57021 <p>I guess I don't really get the whole torrent thing for Potter. Folks have waited this long, they can't wait a few more days? And anyway, reading a PDF / massive amounts of JPG files, is just NOT the same as reading a book. </p> <p>But, to be fair (and I wish I could cite where I read this, but I sadly can't): The type of person who will stand in line for a whole day for a book, is the same type of person who will download it from the internet a week before it's actually released. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56732 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:47:32 Rich 56732 <p>Oh, by the way, it's actually JPG files of every page (of the American version).</p> <p>Like hell I'm reading that. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56720 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:36:39 Rich 56720 <p>Yeah I have the PDF. I may read it, I may not. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56717 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:35:05 RightOn 56717 <p>There are PDF's up on torrent websites for those who just HAVE to read it first but that's just mean.</p> <p>I've gotten all the spoilers from a friend so I'm sure if I wanted to be mean I could message people with information on who dies etc. :P </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56709 Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:27:23 Andrew 56709 <p>Here's a <a href="http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/07/harry_potters_big_con_is_the_p.html">review </a>to put the cat among the pigeons.</p> <p>Beware it's from the Guardian Newspaper. Sensitive viewers look away now... </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56681 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 23:28:10 Josh 56681 <p>Rich, sir, you are a smartass. :) </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56645 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:41:36 Rich 56645 <p>I think they're pretty good. Well made, nicely bound, good quality paper, and easy to read. They're a little big, which means they're not the most portable of books. Not like, say, a nice thin Kafka or Palahniuk. Then again, if it's good enough, I don't mind too much (see: Ayn Rand). My only real complaint is that the type in them is a little small -- makes those late-night, lamp-light sessions a little tricky.</p> <p>Overall, I'd say 4/5. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56643 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:39:52 Tyme 56643 <p>I honestly never read one. Since I know there is going to be a movie I skip the book entirely. When it comes out on the 21st the thought of buying it won't cross my mind at all. I couldn't even tell you based on discussions about the book how close the movies are to the book. Haha, I can't remember reading a book then seeing the movie. Wow...haha, learn something new everyday. </p> <p>Once I read the book I won't read it again unless I don't remember what happened and if I do, I put it down and move on to the next one. Perhaps it is because of the time involved because I have seen good movies multiple times. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56639 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:29:36 lisa 56639 <p>Is it possible I'm the only one re-reading books 1-6 ready to start book 7 on Saturday (it'll be my birthday present from my sister.)</p> <p>My friend and I talk about this a lot, and we both agree that Rowling tells a great story, but isn't a great writer. I've just finished up 1-3, and for a woman who says she "planned it all out from the begining" it makes you wonder how unreliable a narrator Harry really is.</p> <p>I mean, it takes until he gets a letter 3rd year for us to learn that there are Hogsmead weekends? How did he not notice the upperclassmen emptying the castle some weekends?</p> <p>I think part of the current problem with HP is that not only is it overhyped, it's that people who haven't read the books have seen the movies, and then decide to start with the next book. (ie, after movie 4 came out, they started with book 5).</p> <p>The problem is that the filmmakers condensed the story down and changed scenes so that they could leave out certain characters without missing a beat--hense Dobby getting cut from movie 4.</p> <p>And that famous first year speech uttered by Snape in the first movie? Never happened in the book, although people quote it like it was.</p> <p>So yeah, I like the books, but the writer part of me wants to go back and rewrite them--I don't doubt that Rowling might want to to. Especially since she knows exactly how the story ends.</p> <p>And Andrew? To be fair, the 10 page rule nearly never works. Especially in HP1, when nothing really good happens until chapter 2. Chapter 1 would have been far better off as a prologue. But oh well. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56627 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 20:33:38 StevenCampbell 56627 <p>The last one comes out the 21st here. I'm excited, I enjoy Harry Potter. I like the books more than the movies, although certain things in the books I can't visualize (like the Department of Mysteries), and I like to see what it could look like. Most of the time my visualizations come out to be pretty close to the movies'.</p> <p>However, I don't like any other books/series in the fantasy genre. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56558 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:41:32 Article19 56558 <p>to pour scorn upon the boy wizard is to...................................................... say Tin Henman is no good at tennis!</p> <p>roll on July 27th or whenever the last one comes out! </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56552 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:52:26 ryanarrowsmith 56552 <p>I'm with Michael. I think you all are playing it cool. :) The HP books haven't sold millions of copies worldwide because they're pulp. </p> <p>Fess up people! Harry Potter is the shizzy! </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56527 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:10:05 Michael 56527 <p>Right On: Hello...we are nerds. I love how everyone's so embarrassed to admit that they've read them; they're good books. In fact I think I started a note a while back on the amazing moments in Harry Potter.</p> <p><a href="http://9rules.com/entertainment/notes/4872/" rel="nofollow">http://9rules.com/entertainment/notes/4872/</a> </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56526 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:54:03 mukundlakshman 56526 <p>I don't think it's particularly amazing, but I read it because everyone in my family reads it, and it's they're not particularly difficult. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-56327 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 03:54:54 fray 56327 <p>Never read them.<br /> (Wife has them all...)<br /> (Like the movies though.) </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55914 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:18:21 roro 55914 <p>I first started reading them after the fourth book came out, which was the first time I'd heard anything about HP. Usually I avoid anything with that much hype surrounding it, but I was curious and read the first chapter of the first book in the bookstore. Like Darice said, that fantasy of miserable orphan discovering he's a celebrity in another, magical side of our world hooked me completely. </p> <p>In the end, I think the books that we find the most compelling are a matter of taste and timing. I love British stuff, I think JK Rowling's a pretty decent writer and I read the first HP at a time when I really needed my imagination stirred. I've been an unabashed fan ever since and can't wait to see how it's all going to end. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55590 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:07:49 RightOn 55590 <p>I don't EVER say this but I have to this time...</p> <p>Personally, I like the movies more. I just feel UBER nerdy reading them for some reason. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55562 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:58:42 DavidBB 55562 <p>I started reading them from the beginning, something I've shared with my kids since they were pre-teens, and have kept up with the series because they're something we continue to share. We've seen all the movies together within a week of their debuts as well, including the latest one. This becomes more and more important as the years pass, now that my kids are 19 and 21.</p> <p>I don't delight in the stories in those pages like I used to - they're becoming way too dark, ominous, and threatening - and dare I say overly- politicized. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55554 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:54:33 jensized 55554 <p>I read the first two and stopped when they became 500+ pages long.<br /> For one thing, I'm not really into fantasy. Plus they didn't stimulate me at all, so it just didn't seem worth it to invest that amount of time. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55489 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:42:27 Gnorb 55489 <p>Actually, I've always wondered what the Harry Potter books thought about me. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55348 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:12:11 mwilsonemt 55348 <p>I keep putting off reading the books. For the last 4 years I've tried. I have a friend that owns them all and is letting me borrow them. I plan on starting on Tuesday. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55344 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:41:22 philbowell 55344 <p>I like them, had my order in for the new one for a while now. I agree they are not great literature but then I don't read books because they are great pieces of literature, I read them because I enjoy them. A book that keeps me glued and turning pages, thinking one more chapter and then I'll put it down is good as far as I'm concerned. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55334 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:20:32 Michael 55334 <p>I love them. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55329 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:54:06 sorrow 55329 <p>I enjoyed them, but i honestly don't remember very much of them. Don't get me wrong, they were good and all, but i read a lot of fantasy, and being nothing special they kind of blended into the background. </p> <p>And I gotta admit, as far as fantasy authors go? I can't stand Tolien's writing style. For the record, i've not only read the whole series (liked the Hobbit the most, but even that was a stretch) twice, and still can't stand it -- so it's not me just jumping too conclusions. Too dull, and too many irrelevant details if you ask me -- reminds me too much of reading James Joyce, which is about as dull as it gets if you ask me!</p> <p>But that's just me, and if nothing else i'm really glad that he "started" the genre of fantasy writing :) </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55317 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:10:59 cooper 55317 <p>Read the first ones when younger, don't have time to waste on them now. </p> <p>Wishful thinking, not close to Tolkien. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55309 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:37:35 LorriM 55309 <p>I have read them, and thought they were a good read for preteens, teenagers, and those who like to read surreal/fantasy type books. </p> <p>I bought them for my daughter, when she was in her twenties, and she is now in her thirties, and has loved each of the books. One of my granddaughters loves them, and has enjoyed the movies, too. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-55249 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:22:40 ryanarrowsmith 55249 <p>I'm honestly surprised to see so many people hatin' on Harry. To me, JK has completely reinvigorated the the children's literature market. But the HP books aren't just for kids; my entire family -- and most of my friends -- adore the books.</p> <p>We got into the books late -- right before the 3rd one came out. I bought the first one and fell in love right away. We ran and got book 2, then 3. Since then, we've gotten every new book on the day they came out.</p> <p>For me, the HP series is probably my favorite series of novels. JK really creates another universe that you're drawn into each time you crack a cover. After 6 books, I have a vested interested in these characters. </p> <p>Another fun way to enjoy them: Brian and I picked up the audiobooks. They are faaaaaantastic. Jim Dale, the narrator, is genius (he's won Grammys for them). </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54678 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:12:06 silvertje 54678 <p>I enjoy reading them, I just placed an order for the final one. Can't wait to read it during my holidays. It is the perfect page-turning in between book. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54677 Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:09:42 Nils 54677 <p>I haven't read a single one. If someone is willing to send me the series (good condition, incl. DVDs) I may give it a go. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54615 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:34:07 Josh 54615 <p>@Darice: Well, I don't think it's a matter of me being inable to flow with the fantasy of the story. I'm a big fan of Tolkien, as well as fantasy / science fiction in general.</p> <p>@Cas: </p> <blockquote><p>I wouldn't say they were the pinnacle of the literary art: they are what they are, fun children's books and a fairly decent re-writing of some standard fantasy ideas. I'm not sure they deserve all the hype that surrounds them, but I expect it won't die till the film series finishes.</p></blockquote> <p>Perhaps that's my whole rub with the series. I didn't read any of them when they first came out, and indeed, I only tried picking up the series AFTER being exposed to the massive hype for quite a few years. Considering all of the hype and all of the "oh my god this is the greatest book series ever!!!!!111" etc., I was a bit let down to find that it's.. well, just another fun kid's book. </p> <p>@Andrew: Mediocre. That's kinda' what I'm leaning towards, but I think I'm going to give the series another whirl. :)</p> <p>@Bartoneus: Me. :P</p> <p>@Oli: I'll keep that in mind. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54559 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:53:34 Oli 54559 <p>The first two are the worst. They're small and they use all their space explaining things.</p> <p>From there they just gets better. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54552 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 21:48:24 Bartoneus 54552 <p>Well they made a movie out of Eragon, so who the hell cares about literary experiences anymore? </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54471 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:24:08 Andrew 54471 <p>Picked up a copy of the first one to query the massive media hype, but unfortunately had to apply the 'ten page rule' and that was it for me.</p> <p>Great economic model. Mediocre literary experience. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54382 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:14:30 Cas 54382 <p>I got given the first Harry Potter book as a birthday present (I believe it was my 17th or 18th, but I might be out by a year or so) by my brother. I was NOT impressed at being given a kids book. But I read it and something about it hooked me enough to go out the next day and buy the following two books that were out at the time. Since then, I've read each book as they've come along and enjoyed all of them.</p> <p>I wouldn't say they were the pinnacle of the literary art: they are what they are, fun children's books and a fairly decent re-writing of some standard fantasy ideas. I'm not sure they deserve all the hype that surrounds them, but I expect it won't die till the film series finishes.</p> <p>Personally I'd say give them another shot. I have enjoyed reading them and they stand up to being re-read (the later books more than the earlier as they get darker and more elaborate). Yes, my internal editor itched to slice LARGE chunks from the later books because part of me thinks Rowling just wrote them that long because she could and the story doesn't need the extra padding. And yes, Potter-mania annoys the bejesus out of me, but I have pre-ordered my copy of the last book and plan to take that entire weekend to do nothing but read it... *blush* </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54379 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:38:24 Darice 54379 <p>Well I do not like fantasy books at all. I remember a few years back I picked up the first Harry Potter book; I had no idea about the books, they where just displayed there and I was bored so I bought one. Well after the first chapter I was hooked. I guess it was the fact that it's about a normal boy at first in a miserable position who finds out he's a wizard, got me.</p> <p>Since then I read the rest and was first as soon as a new book came out. I guess liking the books is about taste. That a book is popular doesn't mean everyone will like them. I saw LOTR movies but I'm totally not interested in reading the books.</p> <p>Also I do believe that when reading Harry Potter or any kind of fantasy book you have to be really open minded and let your fantasy flow with the story. But again it's all about personal taste. </p> http://wriging.com/writing/notes/5135/p/1/#response-54378 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 17:28:22 Josh 54378 <p>I have to admit: some time ago, I read the first book of the Harry Potter series, with about half of the second one. I thought they were alright, but certainly not wow-out-of-this-world-I'm-going-to-wait-in-line-for-the-next one.</p> <p>I'm considering reading the whole series - I already have the first one checked out from the library - and I'm curious as to what 9rules folks think of the series. At this point, with the Harry Potter thing still going strong, I'm thinking that it might have been ME that was off when I read the first book. Like, maybe I *expected* it to not be great, and read it half-heartedly. I don't know. That's why I want your opinions.</p> <p>Do you think the series is amazing, or is it just another fantasy series that made it big? If you're a Tolkien fan, do you think the Potter series is on par with LOTR (I've heard this before). Are the books seen as out-of-this-world simply because the craze about them, or am I an evil Muggle, incapable of seeing the Truth?</p> <p>edit: Btw, now that I take another look at the categories, this should have perhaps gone in "writing." However, the IDEAL place for it would be under a BOOK CATEGORY. HINT, HINT. </p>