It’s late in the game, I know. But I just finished reading all 7 Harry Potter novels. I’d avoided them up to now because...
1. They’re for kids
2. I don't like fantasy
3. Way too much hype
4. I’m swamped with a long list of “must-reads.”
Turns out, I was misguided—on all 4 counts. Apologies to the millions of HP fans—I’m now one of you. ICH BIN EIN HARRY POTTER-ER!!!!
Some thoughts on Harry Potter books
- They're complex—Seven long novels with interlocking plots, details, secrets and characters. How did Rowling keep track of it all? Post-it notes?
- They're funny—Portraits that talk and leave home to vist to their neighbors; books with titles like “Which Broom” and "One Minute Feasts–It’s a Miracle!” and much more.
- They're mythological—Represent the archetypal hero's journey; peppered with parallels to Greek, Druid, and Norse mythology.
- They've got rich, long sentences—All of us, kids and adults, can work on our ability to read long, complex sentences. And Rowling gives us some doosies…stretching out to 50 words! F-I-F-T-Y words! They’re long, lovely things!
Granted, the writing on occastion is clunky, storyline overplotted, and villains cartoonish—but all of that’s incidental considering the totality of Rowling’s project. I’m enthralled…and surprised that I am! If you haven’t read Harry Potter…do!
For book clubs, we have Reading Guides for all seven…with discussion questions.
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