It seems that quite a few of us are keen on Harry Potter. I thought it might be fun to have a chat about what we like about the books and possibly recommendations of other writers, and - well, anything you want, really.
I find Rowling's style very readable and I really enjoy all the plays on words. I also like the fact that she's telling a story on many different levels.
I do have a question that I've always wondered about. Why was the title of the first book changed? Rowling didn't invent the concept of the Philosopher's Stone. For hundreds of years many educated people believed it was only a matter of time before it would be found. The Sorceror's Stone, on the other hand, doesn't exist outside the American edition of the first book. It just seems like an odd change to make.
Post by griffindor24 on Jan 15, 2016 12:27:23 GMT -5
I was close to 11 years old when I started reading HP so I literally grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I went through a time where my family was moving around a lot so I was homeschooled and I didn't have many friends. As cheesy as it sounds they were comforting to me. There are so many good morals, and I love that all the characters are so diverse and complex and they all have good and bad in them. The female characters are strong and I'm so excited for Remi (my daughter) to have them as role models. Also, the way that J.K. Rowling ties together all the books in the final book is amazing; the woman is a genius. Basically in every life situation, Harry Potter has a quote for that. You can probably tell I'm one of those nerds who dressed up and went to the book releases and movie showings. I could go on and on but I won't. Haha
purple, I was wondering about that too...I have the book the is the "philosopher's stone" so I couldn't for the life of my figure out why the frick they'd changed the name in the movies.
I started reading the books when they came out and I was in middle school I never finished the series so now I'm going back and reading them all, I've also got my husband sucked into them.
As a teacher I LOVE any books that get kids so excited about reading.
purple, I was wondering about that too...I have the book the is the "philosopher's stone" so I couldn't for the life of my figure out why the frick they'd changed the name in the movies.
I totally thought I was going crazy on that one.
I heard that apparently publishers thought kids wouldn't want to read about a philosopher but they would want to read about a sorcerer. Doesn't make sense to me, but whatever...
Post by beersandweirs on Jan 15, 2016 13:08:51 GMT -5
I started reading the series on my maternity leave. I hadn't read any of the books or seen any of the movies before that. We would watch the movies after I finished the book and I just finished the last book and movies a few weeks ago.
I really enjoyed the books and the movies (the books more), but I don't really like how it all ended. Like I don't think that just because Snape was in love with Lily (spoiler? it's been 9 years...) that he is justified in being such a dick to Harry and the other students. And I feel like it was a little confusing how Harry beat Voldemort without himself dying and all that. I am probably reading too much in to it and I should just take it as it is.
'Muricans be dumb, yo. Also a serious HP nerd over here. Actually, you could take the HP off and it would still be accurate. H and I went to Universal (and Disney) on our honeymoon and totally geeked out. pic for proof. I'm sitting in my classroom pumping, and this is what's behind me.
Post by pghtruelove on Jan 15, 2016 14:18:57 GMT -5
I didn't start reading the series until a few years ago but all my friends were huge HP fans and made me read them. I am now in love. I almost stopped reading after the 5 book because I was sooo heartbroken. Anyways as I finished the book my best friend took this picture without me knowing it and it's me as I closed the 7th book.
I'm a huge Potterhead. DH and I were planning to go to Universal last summer but then you know, I had a baby. I read or listen to the books at least once a school year. My dog's middle name is Oswald as an obscure reference to the series (Fudge's middle name). I wanted to name my son Oliver but my husband knew it was because of HP and kind of shut me down. I'm currently in the 4th book which I think is my favorite...mostly because of the bubble bath description. Rowling was the first author to make me hate a character (Umbridge) and DH refuses to watch or read the 5th book ever again because of her. Whenever there is a 'dress as your favorite character day' at my school, I always go as Hermione.
I find the films so variable. Some of the characterisation is fabulous and some doesn't work at all. And there are places where the film makes no sense unless you've read the books.
Post by griffindor24 on Jan 15, 2016 16:24:56 GMT -5
I'm of the opinion that Ginny was not quite badass enough in the films. I also thought that Michael Gambon was a better Dumbledore even though it was incredibly sad that when Richard Harris died.
Post by jillywilly on Jan 15, 2016 20:40:30 GMT -5
Love the books! Read them when they came out. DH has seen the movies, but hadn't read the books, so now we're reading the whole series to DS as part of his bedtime routine. We just started the goblet of fire.
Post by paintdadanta on Jan 15, 2016 20:57:36 GMT -5
I've seen all the movies but didn't read the books until we started reading to my stepson to get him interested in reading. We still have 3 to go, but we love them more.
@griffindor I agree that Ginny was so much more badass in the books. I feel like she is almost nonexistent in the movies.
Ginny felt like an afterthought in the films. If I had only watched the films I would have no idea why Harry married her. She wasn't much more than eye candy. Mind you, I wouldn't know why Ron and Hermione got together from the films. He was used as comic relief in a way that annoyed me after a while.
Who are your favourite characters outside the main three?
I think the baby's gone back to sleep so I'll have to come back and answer properly in the morning, but I think Neville is one of the heroes of the series, right from the start.
I feel like Harris looked the part of Dumbledore more but Gambon acted it better. And ditto on Ginny. I listen to Jim Dale read the books and his voices are amazing but Ginny sounds like she smoked a pack a day for 30 years. And Professor Sprout always sounds plastered.
Who are your favourite characters outside the main three?
I think the baby's gone back to sleep so I'll have to come back and answer properly in the morning, but I think Neville is one of the heroes of the series, right from the start.
I love Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. I want to parent like they do and teach my children to love everyone fiercely regardless of who they are and where they come from.
Who are your favourite characters outside the main three?
I think the baby's gone back to sleep so I'll have to come back and answer properly in the morning, but I think Neville is one of the heroes of the series, right from the start.
I love Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. I want to parent like they do and teach my children to love everyone fiercely regardless of who they are and where they come from.
Mrs. Weasley is such a momma bear; I love it! When she kills Bellatrix after she attacks Ginny? One of my favorite moment in the series!
Haha griffindor24, no worries. It's weird that I'm a fan and haven't finished the series. I was reading it as a kid but only finished book five so now I'm reading it all. I just finished the third book.
It seems that quite a few of us are keen on Harry Potter. I thought it might be fun to have a chat about what we like about the books and possibly recommendations of other writers, and - well, anything you want, really.
I find Rowling's style very readable and I really enjoy all the plays on words. I also like the fact that she's telling a story on many different levels.
I do have a question that I've always wondered about. Why was the title of the first book changed? Rowling didn't invent the concept of the Philosopher's Stone. For hundreds of years many educated people believed it was only a matter of time before it would be found. The Sorceror's Stone, on the other hand, doesn't exist outside the American edition of the first book. It just seems like an odd change to make.
You asked about books that are comparable to HP also and I just thought of some. They are probably my second favorite sort-of children's books. Madeline L'Engles Time Quintet series is great along with all her other books! Start with A Wrinkle in Time and go from there if you want to give them a try!
Post by clairencub on Jan 15, 2016 23:34:13 GMT -5
I am currently reading The Chamber of Secrets to LO, he seems to enjoy listening so I'll continue reading it at bedtime. Just like Bluedaisy, I haven't finished the series but am already becoming a big fan.
Who are your favourite characters outside the main three?
I think the baby's gone back to sleep so I'll have to come back and answer properly in the morning, but I think Neville is one of the heroes of the series, right from the start.
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