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-   -   Harry Potter -- Yay or Nay? (https://thetfp.com/tfp/tilted-entertainment/19173-harry-potter-yay-nay.html)

madcow7sd 07-27-2003 02:52 PM

Harry Potter -- Yay or Nay?
 
I personally am pretty fond of the books, although I don't think they're anything special. There's better fantasy novels for the young adult crowd. I still an't quite figure out why this series got so big.

In any case, I don't understand the backlash the series has gotten. They aren't BAD books by any means.

Gman 07-27-2003 04:55 PM

Nay. I never got into the whole Potter craze. I saw the second movie, and it was "meh"

YaWhateva 07-27-2003 06:11 PM

Big fucking Yay! i dunno why but i love the books. I used to think they were stupid and made fun of my girlfriend for reading them but she got me the first three and told me to read them and i really like it now. I really dont know what it is about the series but i think its great. It brings me back to when i was a kid and how cool i think it would have been to get away from the "real" world and go do some magic. Sounds lame but oh well.

The_Dude 07-27-2003 06:22 PM

nay, never read 'em and only saw part of the movie.

not really into the kiddie magic stuff...

Speed_Gibson 07-27-2003 06:25 PM

Burned through the first book in 2 hours I think - not deplorable but not that impressive in my not so humble opinion.
Never have read any more of the books or sat through the movie(s?)

Would much rather read the Wheel of Time series again or wait for the latest installments of the Gunslinger/Dark tower series (which I just recently saw will be released in the next year or two)

tinfoil 07-27-2003 06:57 PM

I am not a big fan of that type of book, preferring either non-fiction or science fiction, but this is a good series. The latest book could have been a little better, but it was still good.

Nefir 07-27-2003 07:40 PM

I like the books alot. The movies don't really do them justice, but they are enjoyable to watch anyway. The second movie is also a bit worse than the first, IMHO.

Books are where its at though. Back before I got hooked, I would turn my nose up at the mention of Harry Potter. "Meh, a bunch of kids books, and snobby adults who are trying to look hip by reading them."

Then, another adult (a 50-something adult, in fact), whom I respected very much, reccommended the first book to me. From the moment I read the first chapter I realized what I an asshat I've been before - these books are the best thing since sliced bread! I've read the first four books in around two weeks. I was literally up for hours at a time, reading, when I would normally be sleeping. If this isn't addiction, I don't know what is.

For the fifth book, I made sure to moderate my reading. I intentionally forced myself to stop for the night every few chapters, so the book was finished in a week and not in a day.

holtmate 07-27-2003 07:42 PM

I just recently finished book 5, loved the series! I can't wait for the next one, now. They're just lots of fun, and an easy read, to boot.

madcow7sd 07-27-2003 10:06 PM

Holy SHIT new entries in the Dark Tower series are coming soon?!? How many years has it been? 5?

RedCometChar 07-27-2003 10:30 PM

I really like the series, both the movies and the novels, but I think a big part of their success has been being in the right place at the right time. I'm crossing my fingers that the Potter-buzz might revitalize interest in older fantasy series like the Chronicles of Narnia- maybe we'll get a couple new movies out it.

crow_daw 07-27-2003 11:52 PM

Nefir, I did that exact same thing, I BLAZED through the first four, and when I got the fifth one, I made myself only read it for so long, to make it last longer. But I have finished it now, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I always thought those books were for little kids too, but one time I was incredibly bored and there was nothing to do, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was lying there, and I decided to see what the buzz was all about. Mistake. I am now hooked on these books, and I already am anxiously awaiting the sixth one. It sucks so bad I'll probably have to wait like two years.

EDIT: Side note: The Chronicles of Narnia fucking OWNS.

Mr.Deflok 07-28-2003 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by crow_daw
EDIT: Side note: The Chronicles of Narnia fucking OWNS.
And they're making the movies next door to my house! (kind of)

Diceman 07-28-2003 05:50 AM

I don't personally think much of the movies and I agree that there are far better children's books out there. However, in the age of video games and 7000 TV channels, the whole Harry Potter phenomenon has encouraged millions of children (and adults) to start reading books and hopefully more than a few of them will continue. That can only be a good thing and something for which J. K. Rowling should be commended.

Ganguro 07-28-2003 06:25 AM

amen to that.
I had to read the first book for school for a project, and i was initially pretty miffed that a college level course was having me read a children's book. It was pretty nifty, and was the first book i read that wasn't a tech book in quite some time, and I enjoyeed it. I'm sure a lot of people rediscovered their interest in fantasy/fiction reading because of that series as well. That's enough reasoning right there to give the series a thumbs up.

Fibrosa 07-28-2003 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diceman
I don't personally think much of the movies and I agree that there are far better children's books out there. However, in the age of video games and 7000 TV channels, the whole Harry Potter phenomenon has encouraged millions of children (and adults) to start reading books and hopefully more than a few of them will continue. That can only be a good thing and something for which J. K. Rowling should be commended.
I totally agree with you here. Anything that will help kids read is a good thing.

Cynthetiq 07-28-2003 06:56 AM

Scholastic keeps kids reading... that's the intention of their company to keep them reading. They have lots of books that many of you perhaps read in grade school.

One of the reasons that J.K. was initially turned down by publishers was because she was told that no child will ever read a book that long. I remember looking at War & Peace and thought to myself in HS, I'd never want to read a book that long. I've read all 4, and book 5 is on the list of to read.

So I commend her for her ablily to make reading cool, to give kids something to look forward to, and when they become adults, remember back to their childhood, that reading for fun is a great pastime.

Pellaz 07-28-2003 07:18 AM

Yay, I love the series. Each time a new one comes out, my wife and I spend weeks reading it out loud. I think one of the reasons that the series is so popular is that not only are the characters and the target audience growing up at roughly the same rate, but so is the subject matter.

cliche 07-28-2003 07:32 AM

Yay! They seem to be some kind of literary popcorn - very easy to eat and before you know it there's none left. I think I've read each of them in a single sitting (2nd and 3rd together in one go!). Not "great literature" but a really good story with entertaining characters - though less fond of "Angry Harry" in the most recent one...

numberfive 07-28-2003 08:13 AM

I remember reading the first 3 when they came out and I pretty much stopped there. It's a pretty good series and all but I guess I just got tired of it.

Gortexfogg 07-28-2003 08:35 AM

The Harry Potter books are great. Great pieces of literature? Not really. They're fun and easy books that appeal to all ages of people.

It will be interesting, though, to see what J.K. Rowling does after she finishes book 7. She might not write anymore, but she might go on to write other fantasy (or another genre) books. That will be interesting to see.

Poloboy 07-28-2003 08:41 AM

I personally enjoy the books, but like so many others have said, they aren't anywhere near the best in the genre. Don't judge them by the movies though. I've read all of the books but have only seen the first movie and didn't like it.

GSRIDER 07-28-2003 08:42 AM

YAY: I got into them by reading them to my son. I was pre -reading them before reading them out load and ended up just cruisin though the 2 books we had at the time (1 and 2). Then I bought all the others. I just finished book 5 and my son is reading it to himself.

I thought they were great. And I don't have a qualm w/ the movies either. They are directed at a younger audiance and not for the entire reader base.

Dr.Who 07-28-2003 02:47 PM

The first 3 are great. Fantasy and all the stuff. Not that there is not better book than that on the market I agree with that. I think she is loosing herself in the last 2. There are well writen don't get me wrong but way too long (The "Grawp" Chapter in the last one??) and don't have the "magic" of the first 3. Order of the Phoenix miss the "Bang" effect that there was on the 3rd. Specialy the ending wich I think is so-so.

The movies are good, well done, and great casting. Chamber of Secret is way better than Philosopher Stones (The young actors are better, Dobby is very well made and Ron is just too funny).

Looking foward for the movie next summer

Cynthetiq 07-28-2003 02:54 PM

for those of you that did like this series...

I suggest Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials Trilogy, starting with A Golden Compass (Northern Lights in UK,) The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass.

wiseguy1100 07-28-2003 03:27 PM

i have really enjoyed every one of them. Have not had a chance yet to pick up the latest, but am looking forward to it.

Kush 07-28-2003 04:53 PM

I read the first one and didn't find it particularly stellar..

Though i do feel the bridge between childish and mature books was definately breached with the Harry Potter series.

bussman 07-28-2003 06:32 PM

Yay, the movies turned me on the the whole harry potter thing, plus i think it would be cool to go to a school like that. :)

more fire 07-28-2003 06:38 PM

nay. I've never understood why harry potter is so successful, I saw the first movie and thought it was pretty shit, in all honesty.

nullPointer 07-28-2003 06:58 PM

Personally, I enjoy the Potter books....it's a very quick read and they're entertaining. I don't think I'll find the meaning of life in them, but there fun nonetheless.

Roark 07-30-2003 05:32 AM

I like the books and so far like the movies. Although I heard that Columbus isn't going to be directing any more of the films. Between that and the RL death of one of the main characters it will be interested to see how the next movie pans out.

fuzzix 07-30-2003 05:55 AM

I haven't read any of the books, but I did enjoy both of the films (surprisingly).

Katyblu 07-30-2003 10:45 AM

The books are amazing... I have become so addicted to them! I think I have read the first 4 at least 6 times and I read the 5th one twice already. The movies haven't been as good as they should but there is so much to focus on that its hard to make a feature length film.

On another note I hope that they make live action movies for the Chronicles of Narnia because those books rule!

Fagabeefe 07-30-2003 04:22 PM

YAY!

Plowed through the new book this weekend, after re-reading the first four.

LOVE the Potter books!

Possibly the greatest fantasy writing EVER!

aedenji 07-30-2003 05:00 PM

I say yay I like harry potter. I think they got so big because the story line moves fast, there is always conspiracy and action. That and they are good quick reads!

eltardo 07-30-2003 11:26 PM

I've read the books and enjoyed them. As was said before, they're nothing spectacular but they're entertaining. Also, anything that gets kids to read now is good, too many rugrats stare at the idiot-box all day long.

MadProphet 08-01-2003 03:02 PM

I've read all of them at least twice and I've actually managed to read Order of the Pheonix three times since I got it. Last week I re read the entire series and it made me nostalgic for the fantasy stuff I read in high school so I dusted of the Dragonlance Chronicles and I'm reading them for about the tenth time. As for the movies, Prisoner of Azkaban is being directed by Alfonso Cuarón who got all famous with Y tu mamá también. He's stated that this is the "puberty" movie. All the kids are 13 and things are changing for all of them. It's darker thematically than the first two so I think Columbus stepping aside for this one was a smart move. I've seen some pictures from the set and it looks amazing. Gary Oldman looks exactly the way I pictured Sirius Black.

Arc101 08-01-2003 03:21 PM

Quote:

I dusted of the Dragonlance Chronicles and I'm reading them for about the tenth time
I had forgotten all about them - it must be at least 10 years since I read one of those. Anyway Harry Potter is ok nothing special but a easy relaxing read.

But if you like Harry Potter books please give the Chronicles of Narnia a go, they are such a good read.

YaWhateva 08-01-2003 03:34 PM

Gary Oldman is playing Sirrius Black? sweet! Do you have those pictures or links to them so we can see.

punkgrl1984 08-01-2003 09:02 PM

yeah, these books have made people read who wouldn't before I am always for people reading more!!!

Cynthetiq 08-01-2003 09:35 PM

something I got in my email...

From: Jayne Pynes
Subject: Re: A.Word.A.Day--bestings
Refer: http://wordsmith.org/words/beestings.html

I just had to respond to your story about your daughter. Last November,
on her 7th birthday, our daughter asked if she would be allowed to go to
Hogwarts when she turned 11 if she got a letter. My immediate impulse
was to say it was make believe, but I mastered myself and told her that
if she got a letter, I'd go with her! Having kids has given me my magic
back--you are right. Thanks for such a lovely note.

And kudos to JK Rowling; our 7 year old just finished reading an 860
page book, and her vocabulary is that of a 6th grader because of it!
Hooray for reading and for words!

MadProphet 08-02-2003 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by YaWhateva
Gary Oldman is playing Sirrius Black? sweet! Do you have those pictures or links to them so we can see.
Go to http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org and scroll down to July 28th. They have scans of an article that was in Newsweek. Lupin looks bad but from what I've heard, that's just a bad picture and he shouldn't be judged by that image alone. I'll wait until the movie to make any real judgements.

Jonsgirl 08-03-2003 06:20 PM

I love the books. I've fallen in love with the series. The movies, too. It's all just captured my imagination. It could have something to do witht the fact that my husband reads them out loud to me to. :love:

Apokx 08-03-2003 11:38 PM

Harry Potter movies are the big W.


Loved em~Make more plz

neoinoakleys 08-04-2003 12:11 PM

YAY...for SURE!!

Vyk 08-04-2003 02:31 PM

I find the harry potter books to be a nice pleasure read. Very easy to get through and entertaining. Fairly 'fluff' but they get kids reading and are fun.

Thanks for the link Madprophet. Neat to see.

Tickford 08-05-2003 07:34 PM

Nay.... can handle it..... dont know what it is...... just Nay..

agentsmith 08-06-2003 02:14 PM

I've only seen the movies and I'm not impressed at all.

so nay

Mr. Spacemonkey 08-06-2003 02:54 PM

Haven't read the books, haven't seen the movies but i'm guessing i wouldn't like them.

lalalapi 08-06-2003 03:07 PM

Harry Potter makes for great "dessert" reading. The movies, er, they could be worse.

08-06-2003 04:35 PM

Harry Potter is an easy read. I really identify with him - except I'm not a wizard child that lives in England.

Actually, I identify better with Dorian Grey...no wait...

lalalapi 08-06-2003 08:05 PM

Dorian Gray? You should see the "faithful interpretation" of him in <i>The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen</i>. But yeah, I've read explanations for Harry Potter's fame that firmly finger the Boy Who Lived's similarity to Gray.

johnnymysto 08-07-2003 06:29 AM

I am halfway through book #4 - The Goblet of Fire - and it's really good. I really like these books. The author has a LOT of imagination, and comes up with really good plots with great twists and surprises. I don't agree with the argument that they are teaching witchcraft to our kids, though. People seem to have forgotten The Sword in the Stone, Lord of the Rings, and ALL the fairy tales they heard growing up.

wwcd101 08-07-2003 06:59 AM

If you have half an imagination, and enjoy adventure stories and/or science fiction, you should try Harry Potter.

I'm totally captivated. I've read all the books. Thank you JK Rowling.

Thanks for listening.

ghostF98 08-07-2003 11:02 AM

Nah, just for the fact that I would never read a 900+ pg book. I was totally against seeing the movie, but ended up watching more of it than I thought when my mom and sis were watching it. But that was the first and last time I see a HP movie.

cetacean 08-07-2003 02:38 PM

I liked the movies, but I think is was a bit much for the young one in the theater...

Jinger 08-07-2003 03:33 PM

Yay!

I am a huge Potter fan, currently reading The Order of the Phoenix. Looking forward to more books and more movies.

TRPF 08-12-2003 01:20 PM

Yah. Easy reading, and entertaining. JK Rowling may be the lady that saved all of our kids from being illiterate...

mrquackers 08-12-2003 05:53 PM

I'm an English major and a professional writer - and I firmly believe Rowling is one of the best at the craft today.

webster 08-12-2003 07:58 PM

Yay, all the way.

I never would have tried them but a business partner and friend bought me the first 4 all at once and guilted me into reading them. 2 weeks later after I finished them all I was glad.

Its not high literature by any means but its simple fun entertainment. It has a real page turned feeling to it. I hated having to go to bed at night, I always wanted to read one more chapter.

BrinlyNoya 08-12-2003 08:14 PM

Eh. Right between yeah and nah.. I don't want to waste my time reading those books when I could be reading... Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman or even Catch 22. But, I do like the movies.. only after monthes and monthes of friends hassling.. it came down to 2 choices on a saturday night when I was home sick.. Watch Harry Potter or watch Freddy got Fingered... God Bless Harry Potter... so I live seen both movies now, and will probably go see the 3rd opening week, there is no way I'm sitting in a theater full of kids on opening weekend.

Cedar 08-13-2003 08:38 AM

I Love Harry Potter: A Very Short Essay By Cedar

I am a librarian, so my very livelihood depends on people reading. Unlike any book before it, Harry Potter is causing people (not just kids, in fact, I do NOT think this is a children's book series) to put down their video games and read. It has accomplished things no other book has done. The first printing of Order of the Phoenix had 8.5 MILLION copies. By contrast, a book by John Grisham usually gets about 1.5 million copies in a first printing. Parents, children, librarians, teachers...everyone is reading this book together. It's not just a literary experience, it's something that encourages families to discuss books.

J.K. Rowling is not J.R.R. Tolkien or Diana Wynne Jones, but nor does she ever pretend to be. Her wit and clean writing style attract people like myself who normally wouldn't touch a fantasy book with a 10-foot pole. There are many jokes that adults can understand that don't detract from a young adult's enjoyment of the book. Harry is a very human character, and there are peripheral characters that all of us can relate to. I'm sad that Scholastic is marketing this terrific young adult series as a children's book, because it definitely is not, but other than that my quibbles are few.

Is it worth the hype? Who cares? The point is, people are excited over a BOOK. It shows that in an age of television and the internet, the printed word and reading for pleasure are still valued. That, I think, is more important than the specific title of the book.

BenChuy 08-13-2003 01:25 PM

Listen. I use the books to try to relate to teens. She captures every age she is writing with extreme clarity. Very impressive. My father in his pediatrics practice has used the 5th book as a reference for frustrated parents of mid teens. The Angst is perfectly displayed in that book. All while writing some great intrigue.
Like shingles on a house, she layers intriguing bits on each other so when you are over one, there is another one that started in the background that makes you want to read on. She is really good that way. It is not kiddy stuff, just has a wide audience. Kind of like the hobbit and LOTR, you can read it as a kid, but you get the most out of it as an adult. this one just sets its sights a bit lower, you just have to be a late teen to get it all...

FlorentinoAriza 08-14-2003 05:36 AM

Yay

it's not literature. But it's nice pulp, easily readable even for people who aren't native english speakers.

it's the equivalent of a summer blockbuster movie. it's nice entertainment, and could get people interested in reading more.


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