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What is your assessment of the Harry Potter books?
Question
Occasionally, I try to think that maybe my hatred for Rowling is blighting me to some wonderful literature experiences. Then I pick up a book and quickly realise that, despite what anyone says, they are not brilliantly written and I cannot help but feel that they are at essence children's books.
Since the Harry Potter books are seemingly something the world and his dog have read, can you explain what exactly is so great about JK Rowling's novels?
Answer
That is a great question. The series basically took about 10 years out of my life. I can't remember if I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone first or saw Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets first. I did not like the movie but found the book charming if, like you said, essentially a kid's book.
Then I saw Alfonso Cuaron's The Prisoner of Azkaban. This director had a surer touch with the material and its more mature themes. I personally don't think any of the movies have reached the height that Azkaban acheived.
But the books became darker and darker. In my estimation they reached levels of superb storytelling and that "I can't wait to find out what happens next" feeling which is the sign of all great stories. I do find them charming and witty and self-effacing. Are they brilliant? Well maybe not entirely. But I found that the stories never "cheated." The books never had their characters do stupid things; there were plot points that were all eventually explained; there were not happy endings for all the characters.
I don't think Rowling is Dickens exactly but one of the things you get from Dickens in all of his stories (amid the perfection of his language), is the simplicity of the narrative. The stories were good-hearted; there was good and evil; good always won but at a price. I think Rowling follows this rather expertly herself. I think what she has done for children is immeasurable in terms of bringing back books into kids' lives, but as an adult, I found hours and hours of pleasure in her art. OK maybe she's not perfect but that's not the way her books were ever marketed and I certainly don't think she feels about herself as a perfect writer.
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What is the price of all the Harry Potter books brand new in hard back?
Question
I have read all the Harry Potter books and I want to have my own brand new hard back collection so I can read them when ever I want!
Thank you
Sorry but what is a hand cover addition?
Answer
In Amazon, $138.59, which does not include S&H--If you buy from them in orders of 25% or more you can get free shipping.
A boxed hardcover set runs 169.69 at Amazon.
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Why are the Harry Potter books so uniquely successful?
Question
I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, and have loved and cherished them for years now. I've awaited each new release with what one can describe as fanatical eagerness! There is no doubt that many of you out there are the same. Personally I find the books wonderful in every way. They’re magical and trapping, even when you are re-reading for the tenth or so time. But what is the secret behind this success? Why do we love J.K Rowling's world so much? What makes the books unique and unlike all others? Surely Magic has a lot do with it, but what's your other explanation?
Answer
I dont think if they had been brought out in the 1980s when I was a child there would have been nearly so much fuss about them. Children's literature was full of magic and adventure stories which captured children's imaginations - classic Enid Blyton books like the faraway tree etc were commonplace. These days there is so little written about that sort of thing that adults and children love so J K Rowling's books were seen as ground breaking, when in fact a few decades ago these stories were not so rare. Don't get me wrong, I love Harry Potter books, but I don't think they're so different to the books I read as a child
After reading the Harry Potter books, which similar series of books can I read?
Question
Harry Potter was brilliant to read as it was entertaining, mysterious and gripping. Are there any old/new similar books I could get into?
Answer
If you're a fan of Harry Potter you'll definitely find Percy Jackson at least somewhat intriguing. It's got several of those unforeseeable plot twists and the great mix of fantasy and realistic growing-up that HP consists of.
I also recommend His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (starting with Northern Lights/The Golden Compass). That trilogy is slightly darker and considerably heavier, but is just as complex, intricately woven, and interesting as HP. I think that in that aspect they're quite alike.
You could also try the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke. The characters in it are brilliant - and the story's very fresh, too. It's got the great descriptions and detail the HP books have, as well as the air of mystery and suspense.
And, of course, you can always resort to the lovely epitome of all things fantasy: The Lord of the Rings, and even The Hobbit. Tolkien is the way to go.
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How should i fit time to read the harry potter books while studying for GCSES'?
Question
I am 14 years old and i am going to b studying my GCSE's and i going to order the Harry Potter books to read. How should i fit my studding time into reading the books? best answer 5 stars!
Answer
Study during the day, read HP at night. Honestly don't study at night, give your brain a rest! I have recently done exams and that's how I fitted in reading.
By the way HP is amazing!
