Originally posted by: GuideBot
I don't know.
I just can't stand Harry Potter.
Well, at least that's an honest answer. Maybe you dislike things that are popular? I mean, if you think about it, Harry Potter and Star Wars have similar parallels. You're brisked away into a magical world of supernatural abilities. The main protagonist is a superhero in disguise. He goes through a series of adventures, some twists and turns, makes some friends, and takes down the baddie because of his chosen one powers. Add in an incestuous kiss and wah-la, you've got an epic tale of daring escapades through an imaginary world.
Rinse and repeat for LOTR.
MikeyIs4Dcats
Lifer
- Nov 5, 2001
- 18,366
- 3
- 0
says the guy who has 168 posts in 9 days. You are a troll, pure and simple. You have started several threads about gays, several Harry Potter threads, and a callout thread asking how gay the mods were.
Frankly, I don't understand how you have avoided the banstick so far. 2 weeks ago you would have been banned within a day of acting this way.
Harry Potter is trendy with college and high school kids. They aren't trying to impress 5th graders or anything
Please explain the difference. It seems like because I am new to the forum I am trolling, but people that have been here longer can create whatever dumb topics they want.
pontifex
Lifer
- Dec 5, 2000
- 43,804
- 46
- 91
Originally posted by: StartingLine
Originally posted by: zinfamous
it's the opposite, actually. it's well written enough so that people don't have to guess what's going on...but so is Stephen KingThere is certianly nothing clever, or original about the writing.
it's a simple, predictable story that is understandably appealing to children. I can only fathom that adults find it appealing because so many of them also found DaVinci Code appealing (engaging story, but simple, hackneyed writing more cliche'd than a Mel Brooks joke...no offense to Mel Brooks)...
I think you can find Harry Potter in grocery stores, no? that explains a lot....
stating jk rowling is at the level of stephen king is pretty insulting. I cant really think of any Stephen King novel that is at the 4th grade level or lord help you what Stephen King books do you want your 4th grader to read lol.
i've read all the HP books so far. While reading them, there were thigns that happened or were mentioned that I thought were kind of more on the "adult" side than the "children's" side.
My favorite author is probably Terry Pratchett. He writes books for young adults/children as well as adults. I've read all of his young adult/children's books. is it because i'm dumb, immature, or can't read? No, it's because I like his style and he knows how to tell a great story.
The only Stephen King book I've read is The Green Mile. I've read stuff about Stephen King's writing that isn't very flattering. Its not like his writing is really deep or insightful.
I'd really like to see the "library" that some of you HP haters have. I'd bet it would be very telling.
I'd much rather read Harry Potter than the horseshit many adults read - Dan Brown comes to mind - but I still find it quite strange that people choose it over other fantasy/adventure stuff. If I want to read about heroes and magical creatues and such there's plenty out there...
Still, if it gets poorly educated people reading who otherwise wouldn't, then I'm all for it.
Still, if it gets poorly educated people reading who otherwise wouldn't, then I'm all for it.
Dumac
Diamond Member
- Dec 31, 2005
- 9,391
- 1
- 0
I like Terry Pratchett as well. I think his Discworld series provides a humorous and refreshing approach to fantasy fiction. However, I also believe his writing is on a higher level than J. K. Rowling's, if only by a small degree.
The Harry Potter series has it's positive qualities. It has humor, action, and an involving story that pulls in many readers, as we can tell by this thread. Also, the books are an easy read, creating a pull towards a wide audience. It is a great series for children, and one that I will gladly recommend to my child, when I finally have one.
However, like many children's books, the series has it's downfalls. These downfalls are to be expected and typical of such literature.
Almost every character in Harry Potter in two dimensional and shallow. The plot, while lovable, is completely predictable.
The undeniable fact is that Harry Potter is not adult literature. Although many adults enjoy the series, perhaps due to its childlike charm or the gift of nostalgia it presents upon older readers, the books are written for children when considering both content and sentence structure. There is nothing wrong with adults reading Harry Potter, especially if they want to share an experience with their own child, but don't bother denying the level of the book. Hopefully these readers also enjoy some more mature pieces as well.
Personally, I read the series partly because of a feeling of obligation. Also, I enjoy the sense of nostalgia present while I continue a series I started in my early childhood (I started the series in 4th grade, if i remember correctly). It is the same as if I were playing a video game related to one I played long ago.
P.S. I know some will probably disagree with this, but I believe Stephen King is a whore of words. His inability to diverge from what he has done for years long gone combined with his habit of quickly producing similar work over and over makes me see him as a sellout as an author. Granted, some of his books are great works and should be enjoyed, but the author himself is nothing spectacular in my opinion.
waggy
No Lifer
- Dec 14, 2000
- 68,143
- 10
- 81
I know 2 highly educated people that enjoy the books. One is a mechanical engineer and the other a children's psychologist
. Both loved the books.
while i do not have as high a education as those two i enjoyed the first 4 a lot. they are easy to read, go fast, and the story while very predictable they are good.
I have to agree with OP. I am not a fan of this childish HP stuff either, and dont understand the great hype and following by adults.
That being said, everyone has a right to their own likes/dislikes. Im sure many people dont like watching soccer, or hockey, or football, and think its childish for grown men to get in uniform and play team sports. Its called an opinion, and everyone has a right to their own one.
BTW, I tried watching LOTR and hated that too. Got about 1 hour into the first movie before I was in a deep sleep. My wife goes absolutely gaga over any and all of these sci-fi phenomenons (HP, LOTR, SW, etc)
I thought Star Wars was okay, mainly because of the cool special effects that Lucas created in the 70s and 80s.
That being said, everyone has a right to their own likes/dislikes. Im sure many people dont like watching soccer, or hockey, or football, and think its childish for grown men to get in uniform and play team sports. Its called an opinion, and everyone has a right to their own one.
BTW, I tried watching LOTR and hated that too. Got about 1 hour into the first movie before I was in a deep sleep. My wife goes absolutely gaga over any and all of these sci-fi phenomenons (HP, LOTR, SW, etc)
I thought Star Wars was okay, mainly because of the cool special effects that Lucas created in the 70s and 80s.
zinfamous
No Lifer
- Jul 12, 2006
- 111,695
- 31,043
- 146
Originally posted by: StartingLine
Originally posted by: zinfamous
it's the opposite, actually. it's well written enough so that people don't have to guess what's going on...but so is Stephen King
it's a simple, predictable story that is understandably appealing to children. I can only fathom that adults find it appealing because so many of them also found DaVinci Code appealing (engaging story, but simple, hackneyed writing more cliche'd than a Mel Brooks joke...no offense to Mel Brooks)...
I think you can find Harry Potter in grocery stores, no? that explains a lot....
stating jk rowling is at the level of stephen king is pretty insulting. I cant really think of any Stephen King novel that is at the 4th grade level or lord help you what Stephen King books do you want your 4th grader to read lol.
I read some Stephen King in the 4th or 5th grade. but yeah, since they are on-par in terms of writing ability (they certainly are), I would think comparing them would be an honor for Stephen King. She's clearly more successful than he is
ViviTheMage
Lifer
IMO Radcliffe has gotten worse as an actor as the movies went on....some of his facial expressions are just weird....and out of place.
I started reading Harry Potter books about 8 years ago. 8 years ago it was the type of book that such a child should be reading. Do you think I'm gonna stop being interested in the end after waiting so long?
I find it amusing how people try and mock the reading level of Harry Potter books. Serious, read current adult books. They're at the same reading level. Hell, in the Harry Potter books, I see a much better use of vocabulary and complexity in the stories than a lot of the drivel coming out by "adult" authors. I read Dan Brown and I think the only word he knows is incredulous.
Let's be honest, the reading level on most books is very low. The only difference is the amount of sex, swears and violence.
Also, as for those mocking them being little kids, you do realize that each book represents a new year? In the last book, they're supposed to be 17-18 year olds (mostly 17 if it makes you guys feel better).
Let's be honest, the reading level on most books is very low. The only difference is the amount of sex, swears and violence.
Also, as for those mocking them being little kids, you do realize that each book represents a new year? In the last book, they're supposed to be 17-18 year olds (mostly 17 if it makes you guys feel better).
Harry Potter is a childrens book, the story had to become darker because the readers of the original books grew up with along with the books and arent kids anymore.
Either way, I still think its a book for kids and adults who like to read fantasy/adventure books for kids. To call Harry Potter an 'adult' book is a insult to all of the real adult audience books out there.
pontifex
Lifer
- Dec 5, 2000
- 43,804
- 46
- 91
Originally posted by: zinfamous
believe me, you'll find me mocking the majority of authors that I can only assume you would classify as "adult." (read back through this thread for a few examples)
what would you classify as an adult book? examples of books and authors
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