After witnessing the frenzy that was the release of the final Harry Potter book, I figured I should find out for myself what the big deal was. So I finally went and got Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone -- yes, yes, I confess I am just now reading the first one. The Harry Potter phenomenon too has managed to completely pass me by . . . I do indeed live under a rock.
I'm almost at the end of it and I must say. . . I DON'T GET IT! I don't see what the hype is all about! I've read The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings several times and loved both (I even confess to shedding a few tears while reading the latter) . And I've been known to read random children's books well into (and past) my teens, just for kicks. So you would think that I'd be well on my way to heading up the Tokyo Harry Potter Fan Club.
But sadly, the most I can say for Harry Potter is. . . meh. The descriptions are vivid, the plot has held my attention and it has an element of suspense. I concede that it's above average. But I can't for the life of me see what makes it the worldwide phenomenon it has become. I've looked and looked, hoping the magic (heh heh) would emerge with each turn of the page, but haven't had any joy so far. And I am convinced there must be far better books lurking in obscurity in the world of children's literature that are more worthy of the attention this series has garnered.
I will probably continue to read the rest of the books in the series, because I still hope to find the magic ingredient (heh heh heh) . . . and because I'm obsessive compulsive like that. But I don't know. . .
I am well aware that this is tantamount to sacrilege in the Harry Potter world and that I am liable to be stoned to death by die-hard fans. But I am willing to brave the consequences and confess -- my name is Ini and I can't get into Harry Potter.
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7 comments:
Obviously you're not buying into the hype, LOL! Time to crank up the subliminal messages.
Of course much of it is subjective, and probably most of it is due to an aggressive marketing strategy.
Apparently I live under a rock too - have not read any of the Harry Potter books and don't want to either. Such a rebel! :)
Hope you well. love love.
*applause*
My sister in law once told me that I HAVE to see the HP movies, and I HAVE to read the books, because they're so great, and if I don't, I leave people with the impression that I'm a spiteful religious zealot. Well, it has never hooked me. I'm not interested, and calling me names will not make me interested.
I do not have a problem with other people saying they're huge fans of the Potter boy. But Ini, it sure is refreshing to hear from someone else who hasn't jumped on the HP bandwagon.
A high-five to Bart!
Last year I had some spare time so I got the first and third books from the library (the second book was out). I enjoyed them. They had interesting characters, good plots, nice descriptions and supenseful situations. But that's it. Nothing to rave about. Haven't seen any of the films. But then, I'm a little past my teenage years, so possibly that makes a difference.
I love harry potter. i will have to kill you, you incarnation of voldemort.
cav'
Cool, we can start an "I really quite dislike Harry Potter club". Although I do think you were being a tad generous about the book (I myself only read the first one and stopped there before my brain cells would start to wither away). The whole book just stank of cliches. As to why it has become so popular I think it's just a case of the emperor's new clothes. Though if you are looking for teen (fantasy) fiction to push you a little bit further try Philip Pullman's dark materials trilogy.
Outlaw, ARE YOU A HARRY POTTER FAN??!? (I don't see you agreeing. . . just giving you a hard time:))
Bart, Craver, Shammie, Erik, let's start an anti-HP club!!
Caveboy, I'm reevaluating our friendship as I type! :P
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