What so great about Harry Potter?

**Salty25** · 07-08-2007

I just don't get it, I mean it's a childrens book FFS, why are adults reading it and talking about it like it's a great work of fiction? I tried to read a page of the first one and I just didn't find it challenging, and the movies are kid flicks.

Anyway, rant over

What you do think of the 'boy wizard'?

PS I'd just like to say that Richard & Judy tipped me over the edge, God I hate them

**Analoguesat** · 07-08-2007

The HP series has got thousands of kids reading again and that has to be a good thing.

**rolfw** · 07-08-2007

I wouldn't consider reading the books, but found the films quite entertaining.

**Salty25** · 07-08-2007

Originally Posted by Analoguesat

The HP series has got thousands of kids reading again and that has to be a good thing.

Yeah, no doubt about that, it's just that I take issue with adults reading it AND then talking about it like it's more than what is it, which is a childrens book, a la Richard & Judy.

**Channel Hopper** · 08-08-2007

Originally Posted by Salty25

Yeah, no doubt about that, it's just that I take issue with adults reading it AND then talking about it like it's more than what is it, which is a childrens book, a la Richard & Judy.

Harry Potter novels was the specialist subject chosen by David Blunkett on Mastermind

***Park Royal*** · 08-08-2007

I think that adults reading the books is called "escapism". I'm sure that some adults are still kids at heart. They just love to escape the hurly burly of modern life and read about magic and adventure, just as they did when they were youngsters.
Just think about the number of parents that enjoy reading fairy tales etc to their children. It takes them back to a time when the world seemed a much nicer place to live in.
That's my 10p worth anyhow
Parky (OAP).

**Salty25** · 08-08-2007

That's a good point Parky, I can't say I'd deny anyone that pleasure.

**T_G** · 08-08-2007

Good point indeed, Parky!

A lot of people nowadays are into "magic" (no disrespect intended). Tarrot, whichcraft, palm reading and all sorts of new age stuff is getting more and more popular. Fictional books like the DaVinci code and other books that supposedly have alternative explenations are swallowed up like there is no tomorrow. It seems to me as people are turning from the "old" established religions they have to look somewhere else for spirituality. So it does not surprise me that Harry Potter is so popular with many adults and kids, it has magic, fairies, unicorns and other in it.

Until now the stories were classical good vs evil, with the good guys winning, sso another point why people like it.

I for my part never read any of it, but I've seen the movies with my kids and actually enjoyed them.

**Channel Hopper** · 09-08-2007

Originally Posted by T_G

Good point indeed, Parky!

A lot of people nowadays are into "magic" (no disrespect intended). Tarrot, whichcraft, palm reading and all sorts of new age stuff is getting more and more popular. Fictional books like the DaVinci code and other books that supposedly have alternative explenations are swallowed up like there is no tomorrow. It seems to me as people are turning from the "old" established religions they have to look somewhere else for spirituality. So it does not surprise me that Harry Potter is so popular with many adults and kids, it has magic, fairies, unicorns and other in it.

Until now the stories were classical good vs evil, with the good guys winning, sso another point why people like it.

I for my part never read any of it, but I've seen the movies with my kids and actually enjoyed them.

I don't believe much has changed in the good/evil stakes, Rowling has simply provided a set of characters that children can relate to, and a script that allows easy transfer to film.

I have a copy of Legend, and my neighbour has heaped a lot of praise on the last Peter Pan film, and I will probably be watching it this weekend.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0316396/
but don't forget using supernatural powers to overcome the baddies is standard fodder for Sci-Fi, and Heroes is getting the ratings, despite there being no magic wand in sight.

***Saturlight*** · 09-08-2007

Originally Posted by Salty25

I just don't get it, I mean it's a childrens book FFS, why are adults reading it and talking about it like it's a great work of fiction? I tried to read a page of the first one and I just didn't find it challenging, and the movies are kid flicks.

Anyway, rant over What you do think of the 'boy wizard'?

PS I'd just like to say that Richard & Judy tipped me over the edge, God I hate them

Salty m8, I haven't got a clue. I find all this wizard stuff a bag of shat.

And even if I was a kid, it's not something I would go for. Let them have it if they want it.

I do not want it.

**PaulR** · 09-08-2007

The books are well written with a good storyline. Why heap abuse on a book because adults are reading a children's book? TBH, I don't care what age group a book is supposedly aimed at.

As a matter of interest I've also read, and hugely enjoyed, Phillip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy. again, supposedly aimed at children but very literate.

Both of the above have another thing in common in that they both have depths and little asides which I suspect only an adult reader would "get" and if not understood don't detract from the story.

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