A question for Potterheads

[starborn_scribe]

For those of you who aren't eyeball-deep in the latest Potter book yet, I've got a question for you. What is it about the Harry Potter series that you find so compelling? I'm particularly interested to hear from avid sci-fi/fantasy readers

Comments

[starborn_scribe]

lots of real-world stuff that people who ordinarily wouldn't read SFF find grounding

I think you're right. Having the main character come from the "real"/muggle world makes it that much easier to introduce the world of magic.

[tenajjanet]

No big surprise that I'm the first to answer this! ;)

First off, the books are much better than the movies. Don't get me wrong, I love the movies (the third one was my least favorite), but the books offer *so* much more detail! J. K. Rowling paints such a detailed picture of the wizarding world and the characters within it, that you feel you're really there. You know Harry and the crew as complete people, not just some flat character to get you through the stories. The plot is thrilling! It keeps you guessing as to what she'll come up with next. There's is such depth to the plot. It's not just what happens to a boy wizard that has a lot of bad things happen to him. You feel for the characters during their good times and bad. I will truly miss following in their journeys after I read book seven in about twelve hours and counting! Harry better not die!!!!! :D

[starborn_scribe]

I'll be shocked if Harry bites it.

I've been thinking some more about this. One of Rowling's strengths is providing lots of quirky details that are loosely based on real-world things. For example, quiddich is a fantastic take on soccer, cricket, and roller coasters. Bernie Bott's Many-Flavoured Beans are magical jelly beans. Everyone can identify with the mundane variety. Pretty clever. :)

I hope book seven is everything you hope for!

[sinanju]

Now, see, I thought (still think, actually) that Quidditch as described is absurd. If you catch the Golden Snitch, everything else your team--or the other team--does is basically irrelevant. So why would you bother? Plus, how can the crowd possibly see what's going on? It's a bust as a game AND as a spectator sport, imnsho.

I read the first two or three books my younger step-son until he started reading them for himself. They were mildly amusing, but I never really understand the fandom either.

[starborn_scribe]

I'll take your word for it about Quidditch rules. You've read far more Potter than I. *shrug*

[roseveare]

I can't help you, I don't get it either.

I think JK Rowling has done fantastic things for children's reading, and for adults to be able to respectably read kids books and YA fiction, but I don't think HP is that fantastic. It's ok. It's not any better than a whole lot of other quality stuff out there.

[starborn_scribe]

It's not any better than a whole lot of other quality stuff out there.

That's my opinion too based on reading 3/4 of the first HP book. IMO it's solidly written: good characterization and excellent worldbuilding. The plot moves right along and you care about the characters. I expect that from any "good" book.

[fikgirl]

Before reading the other comments, I'll say that I'm not "Harry Potter" crazed. I love the series, will be picking up my copy today (notice the time; I was not at the bookstore at midnight). I steer clear of fandom and the fanfic because most of those people are fanatical nuts.

However, I am a fan, and it's partly because I love magic and fantasy and what if worlds. While I appreciate sci-fi, at heart I am a fantasy girl. I have always been, and will always be, in love with the fantastical elements - magic, witches, dragons, demons, vampires. Given the choice of a book with magic and fairies versus a space ship and telepaths, I'm going to chose the former every. Single. Time.

Harry Potter is not The Lion, the Witch or the Wardrobe, and it's not The Eye of the World by any stretch of the imagination, but it's good, fun reading and I will miss the world and characters once I've read the final page of the final book.

All that rambling, I can't tell you what I like about it. (Though I have to add that I love children's literature in

[starborn_scribe]

Thanks for your opinion on the Potter. I hope you enjoy the last book!

[sinanju]

Yeah, but the difference is that if enough immortals buy into that--whether they really believe it or its just a rationalization for enjoying the thrill of the hunt and the quickenings they get--the others have no choice but to play along or die. Quidditch really is just a game--and a nonsensical one at that

[starborn_scribe]

After a few centuries the Game took on a life of its own.

LOL! Silly horsemen. :)