Okay now, no attacking the innocent reader, but I read the first book only because my son's fourth grade teacher was reading it in class. I never had an interest to read the rest of the series. Neither did my son. Don't get me wrong, JK Rowling is a great writer (she knows the formula). Nonetheless, I felt the story had been done before. At the least I thought she was ripping of J.R.R. Tolkien but then again, many writers are influenced by other writers. Anyway, didn't mean to get on my soapbox. Am I alone? Has anyone else not read JK Rowling's books? I wonder what her crime series will be like?
[question posted by gtargirl]
responses and comments:
YOU HAVEN'T READ HARRY POTTER! OHMYGOSH! lol. I'm kidding! I don't think it's awful that you haven't read them. People read what interests them, there are books I don't want to read. And I know they aren't as famous as Harry Potter, but who cares? It's the same situation. You shouldn't be expected to read a book you don't like just because it's famous. I do read Harry Potter, but I was a lot more excited about reading it when they first came out. As mroe books came out, I still read them...but I could wait to read them. I haven't started the last book yet, I'll start it when I'm finished reading my current book. I'm really interested in seeing how her crime books turn out too. Any news on that? [LilyoftheThorns]
Yeah that's how I feel. I LOVE MIchaell Connelly books. And if she's planning on writing her crime stories anything like his they are going to be a big hit! [LilyoftheThorns]
LOL I have never read the Harry Potter books either LOL I didn't even know they existed until the movies started coming out LOL They aren't the kind of books I like to read. [StrawberryKisses]
Aha, I knew it. I am not alone. LOL. I actually do love fantasy but she catered too much to the child and all that stuff. Maybe I'm a little darker than that. I love my swasbuckling and wizardry done by tall, dark and handsome or pretty elf boys. Sorry, just had to put that in there. Thanks for your input and have a nice Friday evening. [gtargirl]
i have not read or seen the movies. my current favorite book is 'catcher in the rye' and would love to see that turned into a movie! [xboxboy]
I need to start with the classics again. My TBR list has a lot of Sci-Fi/Fantasy titles on it but I would love to start reading Jane Austin and other old time favorites. Thanks, my friend, for stopping by. Have yourself a great evening. [gtargirl]
Well, I haven't and I would imagine most adult's have not read these children's books. I don't think it is fair to say she is ripping off Tolkien, the work of whom encompasses a wealth of Mythology and speaks to the route of English culture, as well as explicating one to the major themes of existential human experience; namely the corrupting effect of power. The Potter Books may be entertaining but that's about as far as they go. all the best urban [urbandekay]
Well, maybe you are right, I just presumed adults would have better things to do than read kids books. Devices that make you invisible are as old as the hills, Plato mentions the same. all the best urban [urbandekay]
Well I've never read them and as far as I'm aware about half of my friends have never read them. I actually bought the whole set cheap from a garage sale to see what all the fuss was about. I read a chapter pages and didn't get hooked at all, so just on-sold them to my ex girlfriend lol. [dArtagnan]
I know Pine Rivers high! Ahh yes... good old Fish'n'Chips lol. I spend part of each year in Michigan, so I know what it's like to miss certain things like that. :) And Brisbane is good.... just insanely hot this past week though. [dArtagnan]
I know a lot of people who haven't read Harry Potter. You have at least read one book though, so you at least started the series. I think that you're a little wrong about J.R.R. Tolkien though. I don't really get the same vibe from the two writers at all. But that's your opinion and mine. I don't think you were soapboxy at all. [raychill]
There's no need to apologize about the J.R.R. Tolkein thing, I just disagree. I'm not into the whole Lord of the Rings thing... but a lot of people find the two comparable. I just don't. I don't think their writing styles or the movie styles were similar at all. Soapboxy can be a word if we want it too :p [raychill]
Well, I'm glad to see I'm not alone. I didn't know anything about he books until after the first movie. My sister and brother - who don't read as much as I do and are tastes are about the same - are just really mystified that I have no desire to read these books. They just LOVE them!! I didn't care for the first movie, I apparently have a totally different take on what happend than what I guess everyone else thought happened... But, based on that, it's just not my kinda story. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get bored with what I've got to read - boxes of books actually - and go get the series... My oldest son (now 23) has probably read them all also. [reinydawn]
Oh no!! You might actually like the books? That is a frightful thought. I'm kidding. Like I said, I read the first book. From what I remember I thought it was well written and JK Rowling has a wonderful old fashion story telling kind of approach. However, something about it that just didn't make me look forward to the next installment. I'm going to wait till I'm 75, sitting on a comfy rocking chair, on my front porch overlooking the ocean to get to know Harry P. Maybe. [gtargirl]
I have not read a single word of any of the Harry Potter books, and I have no plans to. Maybe they are good, I don't know, but nothing about them interests me. And since I have a whole shelf full of books that do interest me, the HP books are not on my list of things to read. If she is working on a crime series, that is something I may read, since I do enjoy those types of books. [marciaj]
Yes, we will have to see if she makes the jump successfully. Even though I love Sci-Fi/Fantasay, a good crime story will grab me once in a while. We shall see. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend. [gtargirl]
I have't read it too,because I don't like that kind book. [jolly91]
Hi jolly91, what kind of book do you like to read. Do you have a particular genre. It probably isn't fantasy, I'm guessing. Well, thanks for stopping by. Have a good weekend. [gtargirl]
I have not read the entire series. I read the first two and started the third one. I got distracted away from finishing the third one and just haven't made it a priority to pick it back up. I thought the stories were good and enjoyed her writing but just never became a fanatic like so many people. It is so unlike me to not finish a book. I don't like unfinished things in my life...... so that should probably tell me something. [makingpots]
I'm like you. I don't like starting books and then not finish reading them. Right now I have three books on my shelf that are half read and I feel a little incomplete. LOL. Anyhow, thanks for your input and have a pleasant weekend. [gtargirl]
Nope I have not read the series, don't plan on it, and i have to say right now if you got through the first book you are doing better than me. I read the first chapter on Amazon.com and could tell you right then and there it was not my cup of tea. I will not watch the movies, as I don't need my kids who are special needs getting into reciting stuff that they don't understand. Its bad enough I hear the commercials for advertisements of shows and products as it is....reality TV like Harry Potter is just something I can not explain to them the difference between reality and fiction. So no I have not read the series, and don't intend to. But I do have to say that I appreciate those who do like the series and support that it got many kids into reading books again. Mooch [oneandonemakesix]
Hi jenny, so do you think Harry Potter is all weirdo or any kind of fantasy is. Harry is kind of weird--very creative though. Anyway, welcome back and enjoy the weekend. [gtargirl]
I've never read any of them. I never had any interest in them, I don't know why. They just didn't seem that interesting to me. The fact that I'm older may be part of the reason. [brendakaya]
I guess you're not alone. Being older might have something to do with it, but I'm not too sure about that. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend. [gtargirl]
Count me in. I just don't feel like reading JK Rowling's books, I feel it's just for kids but I do see adults toting around these hard bound books. I don't know, maybe I am just not a fan of Harry Potter. I am more for The Lord of the Rings.:P Cheers! [mari_skye]
Cheers right back at ya. Lord of the Rings rule. The characters were just more interesting to me. Then again, you're right . . . I felt that Ms. Rowling was writing for kids or something like that and I just couldn't get interested. I too have seen adults toting around these books. Ah, to each his own. Have a wonderful weekend. [gtargirl]
I havent even read the first one let alone the seiries. I have seen some of the movies and they seem great for kids . Am glad she made alot of money off these books always glad to see some one make it [Lakota12]
yes they do I might get into them when grand daughter gets older . You also have a great Weekend! [Lakota12]
Hello gtargirl I have not read a single book in the Harry Potter series. Nor have I seen any of the movies. My three boys have read them all and seen every movie, but not me. I don't even know why they don't interest me, but they don't. I keep telling myself I'm going to read them all now that they are all written, but I really don't have any interest in doing so. [Transdisc]
Ah, don't feel too bad. There's quite a few of us, I've come to realize, who just don't have an interest in HP. I guess it's okay, after all. [gtargirl]
Yes, me!!! Well, sort of. When I was teaching I had to read part of Harry Potters books to my year 6 & 7 classes, the first & second one I think it was. I just couldn't relate to these stories. They weren't my thing at all. I have never read any since. My daughter loves the Harry Potter books & so does my Hubby. They bought the latest one on the first day of it's release. [jennybianca]
It seems that Harry P. was being read in most public schools. That is why I actually read book one. I wanted to make sure I knew what I was talking about if my son had any questions. I thought she was a good writer, but like you I couldn't relate to the characters. Thanks, Jenny, for your input. Have a most extraordinary weekend. [gtargirl]
well, i havent'read that either. well i don't thinkg it will be cheap here locally. well i don't want to read books. i just want seeing it in movies. i don't want to waste my time reading. well since it's not my favorite hobby. well i think it' has agreat story. well i have no idea why people liked it. well they say it's better than the movie. whatever, i will still not buy it. since i don't think i will be happy reading it. if someone lend it to i will read. buy now no. [bluewaves]
You don't like reading at all? Oh my! Reading is good for so many reasons. You should try it. There's a gabillion great books to choose from. Anyway, the books are always better than the movies. That's my opinion, I know. But it's usually true for most readers. At any rate, you have yourself a nice little weekend. [gtargirl]
I didnt read any of the book of Rouling on The Harry Potter. I didnt even see a film on Harry Potter... [matrix13]
Okay, you can join our club. Oh, wait, silly me, we don't have a club. But it does look like there's a growing list of proof that not everyone is reading Harry Potter. I'm glad to hear I was not alone. Have a wonderful Friday night. [gtargirl]
I haven't read any Harry Potter books, and I don't think I ever will. They made me read an except from the first book many years ago while still in school, and it didn't really captivate me at all. I hadn't seen any of the films until recently, when one of my flat mates made me watch the first one. It was pretty much what I had expected it to be, and I'm not going to watch the follow-ups, to put it that way ;) [Cognition]
Hi dear, who says u r alone there, I heard a lot about Harry potter but never read any book. have seen bit and parts of the movie , not sure which part, but what i saw did not tempt me to read that series. this is simple a magic fiction , which some how got popular and sold like crazy, well best luck to lady author. i think u can read much better books than this at this age. if i would be under 10 then i might think of reading that, LOL Take care [cupid74]
i am too lazy to read the biook so i watched the show. its not that i don't read but heck, the movie is out so why not watch. [sandwedge]
I do that sometimes with certain movies with the thought that I'll read the book if the movie was any good. However, I could have missed out on a great book. Directors and writers can really botch up a good book. Not to mention movies usually leave out so many details. Anyway, those are my thoughts. Thanks for your input. Enjoy the weekend. [gtargirl]
You're not the only one! I've never read any of them or seen the movies and just don't really have any desire to. My son on the other hand has read all of them and he loves them. 15 years ago, I would have but that phase is long gone. [shovmama]
Hey, welcome to the club--the haven't read HP books unofficial club. Heheehehe. Just kidding. My daughter, like your son, has read all Ms. Rowling's HP books. But you know what? She read straight through them last summer for a college "literature to film" class. She would not have tackled them otherwise. Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful Saturday afternoon. [gtargirl]
Hi gtargirl! I have my hand raised.LOL I havent read the Harry Potter Series. I just really had no interest in them. And besides I really havent read anything in a couple of years now. Now that I must wear glasses to read.UGH! [TerryZ]
Hi TerryZ. I guess that's what most of us are saying. For some reason we just never had an interest in the HP series. It's allowed. And I know how you feel about glasses. I've had to purchase a pair myself. Every page is a blurr these days. Haven't checked in with Mr. Eye Doctor yet. My glasses are from Wal-Mart. Anyhow, thanks for dropping in. Have a wonderful Saturday afternoon. [gtargirl]
ooops!You got company-its me. [tuhpaul]
Well, okay then, Tuhpaul. Thanks for dropping by. LOL. Always love your company. [gtargirl]
Well I haven't read them so you're not alone, but I have seen all the movies except the new one with my step-daughter. Shes' 7 and thinks Harry is cute. But I assume that since teh movies are pretty good so are the books. I've been wanting to start reading them though, I just always put it off when I go to the store to buy one. [dreamsof06]
I wonder if we do decided to buy the books now if they will be available in a package deal or something. Somewhat like the "Chronicles of Narnia" series. Anyway, it's nice to welcome you in the "I haven't Read HP club." Hehehehe. Of course, you might leave that club soon. Enjoy them and if you do read them let me know what you thought of each book. Thanks for stopping by. [gtargirl]
Me i only read couple of line of this series. its not that im not interested but for the moment was so occupe doing some things that i have no time to read. but one day i promise to read all the collection. I saw all the movies about that. just curious if the book its better or not than the movie. [julie85]
Thanks for your input Julie. Yeah, I know how life can get in the way (or keeps going I should say) of doing those small fun things like reading a book. Let us know, when you do get to sit down with HP, if you liked them or not. And usually, but not always, the book is better than the movie. Ah, just my opinion though. Have a wonderful Monday morning. [gtargirl]
Count us in gtargirl! Neither me, my husband, my husband family and my family reads Harry Potter series. People may say, what happened to this family?" but each of us differs in interest and it just so happened that we are not interested in it. I can still remember that my classmates in college went crazy on the first release of the book and they call me weird coz I am just few of those who don't like it. hehehe [MarieJ23]
Ah, yes Marie. It's not that you and your husband and family are weird it's because you all have taste. LOL. It's funny how so many adults went gaga over a book written for children. It must be the easy-read attraction. I'm kidding. She probably aimed the series at the child in all of us. But I agree with you Ms. Rowling's books just never held my interest. Anyway, hope you're having a wonderful Monday morning and thanks so much for your comments here. [gtargirl]
I haven't read them, either, though I watched all the movies he he he...I don't feel like buying those thick books plus I can't borrow them from anyone. I just don't feel like reading them, but the movies are fine. ;-D So she's writing crime series now? Now THAT I'd love to read...maybe he he he...I'm into thrillers, suspense, and crime novels. ;-D [ailema4ever]
Gtargirl, I think I once heard someplace that Rowling herself admitted or predicted that her other books wouldn't have the same success as HP. She said that luck only came once or something like that he he he... Oh well...I'm still curious about her new novels, though. ;-D [ailema4ever]
I read one of the Harry Potter books (not the latest one) because I'd heard adults going on about how much they enjoyed them as well and ... it's a childrens book! It IS a very good childrens book but still a childrens book all the same. I have no idea why adults would get so caught up in it all. I'm sure when I was 10 years old I would have loved them but not now. So I've never had any inclination to read the rest of the series - it's a bit too basic for me I'm afraid. [Stiletto]
Uw, I'm just like you. Harry Potter is a children's book. Somehow though Ms. Rowling was able to attract a very wide audience of adult readers. It's still a mystery to me too. I actually read the first book and it did not pull me into the basic story line. Yes, she knows the formula for a successful book. I heard once that most of us read at a 6th grade level so if that's true maybe that is the reason why adults were interested in Harry. I'm only sayin', that's what I heard. Thanks for stopping by Stiletto and have yourself an awesome Monday morning. [gtargirl]
Your one better than me...I have not read any of the books or seen any of the movies, It honestly just dosnt interest me... [Calais]
LOL...Cheers. Its 4.40 am tuesday [Calais]
I haven't read the book. I would rather watch the movies. [Simoneetah]
I haven't seen any of the movies either. Of course, I saw the trailers, but it just didn't attract me. I heard the special effects were pretty good. Thanks for your input. Have a lovely Monday morning. [gtargirl]
I haven't read any of the Hary Potter books. I haven't seen any of the movies either. [lsutiger17]
Me neither. Oh wait, I did read the first book. I loved it so much I forgot the title. Hehehehe. Just kidding. Haven't seen any of the movies and I'm sure there's more of those coming in the near future. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great Monday. [gtargirl]
i dont mind watching harry potter but i think the books are a drag [galoforce]
The books are a drag. You mean you don't enjoy reading books or just children's fantasy books? Maybe I should sit through an entire HP movie and see if I would like it. The trailers did nothing for me though. In any case, thanks for dropping by. [gtargirl]
YES ME TOOOO i dont know why ppl make sucha fuzz about it,,i prefer to watch the movie than to read it,,i love to read ,,but not books of that kind,,i prefer philosophy and all well i dont like crime books,,dont know why,,have read a few agatha cristie,,but never liked it [anuj291]
good to know someone agrees, though i like crime books but only the factual ones [galoforce]
I haven't read the books. A good friend of mine said that she read the first 2 and enjoyed them. THey aren't my type of reading material so I may never read them. [ElusiveButterfly]
You are not alone in not reading the Harry Potter books. I have not read any of the books either and have no plans on reading them at the time being. I am not much of a book reader to begin with though I may start reading some books soon. I have not seen the movies either. [kgwat70]
I haven't read them, but i might someday, after i get through a few shelves of unread books. [lacurandera]
Yeah, I've got quite a to-be-read list of titles on my shelves to go through. Harry P. might be on the end of that list. We shall see. [gtargirl]
I haven't read the Harry Potter series yet because it is too expensive here. One book costs $20. I could afford to buy such expensive book. You see, I would rather buy it food for my children or spend it on their other needs. But i found a friend that has one, then most probably I will borrow it. lol But I watched most of its series. And I am amazed! [izathewzia]
You are not the only one. I never red the Harry Potter books, but one day, I wanted too. But the thing is, I saw all themovies, so I want to still wait a little bit before reading it. It's not because I don't find it interesting, it,s only because I decided to read others series. [beyonce03]
I started to read the Eragon book and the other series I'M reading is something that is only in french for the moment and it,s called les chevaliers d'Émeraudes. It,s kinda a mix between lord of the rings, Eragon and Harry Potter lol There will be 12 books and now the number 11 will be released soon. I know they will make it in english after that. [beyonce03]
I have not read the Harry Potter series. At one time I came across a book of this series. I started to read it but could not generate enough interest to go on. I left it and after that I did not try. [kishusia]
I actually got through the first book with ease. Read it in a couple of days. Not because I was interested in it but because I needed to find out what my kids were reading in school. It was simply written so not difficult to get through. But it didn't capture me to read any others in the series. So I heartily agree with you. Have a wonderful Monday morning. [gtargirl]
i also dont have the chance to read harry potter series because i dont have money to buy the book it so expensive..maybe someday i can also read it if i have the money to collect all of it..^^ [nadezna]
I bet you can find the books in your local library. And one day, I'm sure, you'll find them at yard sales. That will knock the price way down. There's probably online stores that will give you a good price. If you were interested still. LOL. Have a great day. [gtargirl]
I have not read any of the Harry Potter books either. I've seen the first movie on tv and it didn't look like something I'd want to sit down and read. I also don't have time to read for fun. I do read, but I have a purpose for those books. Wether it's how to improve myself or learn how to better deal with my kids. I read to learn something, not just for enjoyment. Those days might come back into by life when my kids are married. [simplyshawn]
I only read the first book and it didn't get me interested in seeing the movie. Reading fiction is not everyone's forte, so to speak. But I see that you must be reading quite a list of good books. Too much education for me though. I love to sit down with a good story. Takes me away to interesting places with wonderful characters. Again, it's my opinion. Thanks for dropping in, have a terrific Tuesday. [gtargirl]
I have read not one Harry Potter book, nor seen one Harry Potter movie. I have absolutely no interest in it at all. [AmbiePam]
It seems that you are not alone. Maybe her next series will interest you more. Who knows? Ms. Rowling is now entering the world of crime. Let's see how well she does there. Thanks for your input. [gtargirl]
I have seen the Harry Potter movie series. But I got to admit I have not yet ready of J.K. Rowling's books. I am interested in reading them though, I just haven't yet gotten to pick up a copy of any of the books myself. Sometime I'll be able to do that, read on the Harry Potter books, too. I like reading. [MariaD]
I've never read a Harry Potter book or seen one of the movies. Most people i speak to are gobsmacked and try to talk me into renting a dvd or they try and lend me one of the books! They jusy don't interest me at all, the storyline doesn't sound like something that would hold my attention! [hailie17]
I see your point. I'm waiting to see all the movies before I read the books. I hate starting a movie and then read about it while more series are being made. If I start with the book first then I continue with that or vise versa. [Lydia1901]