Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I know how many people are obsessed with the whole book release thing, but how many don't really care.

Mind you, I'll read it at some point (I've read the other 6) - but I honestly don't think these books are that good that I'm standing on line to get it at midnite on a Friday

I honestly think that most people do this cuz of the media hype more than anything.

I think there are so many worthier books than HP - Like the new book by Khaled Hosseini "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

Am I the only one?

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I tend to agree with you.....while I have also read the other HP books, and I will read this one, I won't be in line tonight, probably not even next week.....
eta i see nothing wrong with going out to get it tonight....its just not my thang.....im also the one who never goes to see a movie the night it opens

Message edited 7/20/2007 10:10:27 PM.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I read the first three, and then tired of them. They're all too similar.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I pre-ordered from Amazon and will get it tomorrow. I want to read it soon only b/c I think it will be hard to avoid the stories on the news & the web that will spoil the ending, so I'd rather discover what happens for myself.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I don't have the patience to stand on any line, never mind for hours on end. No matter how good anything is. I will go tomorrow to pick up my reserved copies.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I could care less, but the boxes delivered to the library had very strict instructions not to release them before tomorrow. We even had to sign a form from Baker & Taylor (our vendor) that we would abide by the rules or else we would be sued.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I couldn't care less about the books - not into HP. But I couldn't help but giggle at the news reports about the Mom fighting her son over who is going to read it first when they get it

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I have never read a Harry Potter book. I saw one of the movies, but there was a lot of spiders in it so I changed the channel

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I think the main draw is the investment people have in the characters. They want to find out what happens to them. At least that's the case with me.

Is the writing really that good? No. I mean, it's fine, but it's not fantastic. The stories to me are pretty good - they've kept me reading since 2001. Heck, I read the first 4 books in 2 weeks.

Yes, there are books better than Harry. But has anyone ever seen any book garner this much enthusiasm for reading? Or will we in our lifetimes?

I highly doubt it.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Posted by CAT215

I have never read a Harry Potter book. I saw one of the movies, but there was a lot of spiders in it so I changed the channel

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Message edited 7/21/2007 8:32:51 AM.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I honestly don't get the hype

I watched the 1st movie and it was painful to sit though the whole thing. granted I never read any of the books, but I just couldn't get into it.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Some think I'm nuts but I have never read a Harry Potter book nor have I ever seen any of the movies. I'm sure they're great, but it just doesn't jump out to me as something I'd be into.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I absolutely LOVE the books and the movies-- do I buy the book on the day it comes out-- yes. Well- I pre-order to avoid the hassles and I see the movies generally on opening night, this latest one I couldn't because it was during the week.

Do I buy into all the hoopla-- no. I watch the TV specials and part of me wishes there was something more adult to celebrate the new book-- but I feel it's all mostly for kids.

Dressing up as Hermoine I am not. But I really love Harry!

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I LOVE the Harry Potter books. I don't think it's about hype -- I'm really not one to get into that kind of thing -- I just think they are the most magical and wonderful books. I pre-order them online.

On the other hand, I only saw the first 2 movies, didn't like either of them, and have not seen any others.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I liked the books a lot. Good storyline & an easy read. I was excited that another book was coming out because it's been so long since I've had an easy, good read. I tend to lean toward very meaty, historical fiction.

I wouldn't classify HP as great literature & I've read thousands of better, more meaningful books.

I wouldn't wait in line for it, but I pre-ordered it. If I were a lot younger, I would have waited in line for the party, the fun & the experience of it.

There is no doubt it's media sensation that drive the excitement. I don't think that excitement is a bad thing at all. Anything that gets a younger generation excited to read is wonderful in my mind.

Message edited 7/22/2007 8:54:09 AM.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

i personally think the books are great- yes there are better written books but like someone said- you become invested in the characters and what happens. I preordered mine and I was like a kid at christmas when it arrived!!!

as a teacher, I love the fact that kids are lined up and anxious to buy a BOOK!!!!!!!

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Harry Potter was written for children - Rowling said in interviews that she was surprised and happy that adults got so into them as well - but primarily they are written for kids. They have great characters - but are pretty easy to read out of necessity. . . though the fact that kids are reading 700 page books is pretty awesome.

I've read the first 4 and really liked them - I keep meaning to read the others, but havent gotten around to them.

I agree that A thousand splendid suns is a wonderful book - but I dont know that you can compare them since the target audiences are so different.

Message edited 7/22/2007 12:09:14 PM.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I have NEVER read a book nor seen a movie!

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

Having just finished Book 7, and feeling rather breathless and entranced. I have to say YES. Harry Potter is amazing.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?

I'm soooo not wasting my time standing on line for a $34 book that I can get at Walmart for $17 minus the crowds.

Re: Harry Potter question - Is it really that good?