Harry Potter by J.K Rowling

[Irini]

I loved every book, but I really really really liked the Half Blood Prince. Same with the movies, really liked it. A lot. Loved it. Yes.

[Jerry]

So nostalgic about these fantasy novels, like Narnia, Harry Potter and The Lord of The Rings! They shared a part of my childhood, and I honestly keep wanting to go back and read them again and again!

[Francisca]

My favourite book and movie is the 3rd, my favourite character is remus lupin, and I love the story about james's old group of friends and everything. I just love everything about that series! :)

[Jerry]

Yes! The aliases of Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs! <3

[Nadia]

Most people around me disliked the 5th book because let's face IT IS THICK. *I have to cap that to emphasise it.
But to be honest The Order of Phoenix is one of my favourite of the series.
Well, maybe I am overly attached to Sirius that it saddens me that he was dead. . .
However, I also think we can really see how happy and crushed Harry have been all in a book.
I sympathize with Harry and it is the first in the series that I feel that Harry is truly broken and vulnerable.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

I loved the movie series, except for the 5th and 6th installment. The rest were simply mind-blowing! Especially since the 3rd installment, when humor takes a backseat, and things get dark and mysterious and grim... I've only read the 2nd and the 3rd installment, but I liked the movie of the 3rd part better than the book, and the book of the 2nd part better than the movie. One day I hope to read all seven together.

[Rae]

The Harry Potter books are, and always will be, a special part of my life. Even now years after Deathly Hallows has finished, these books continue to serve as a source of comfort, of laughter, of adventure, and of friendship whenever I am having a hard time.

[Laura]

Rae wrote: "The Harry Potter books are, and always will be, a special part of my life. Even now years after Deathly Hallows has finished, these books continue to serve as a source of comfort, of laughter, of ..."

What a beautiful way to put it, Rae! I love JK Rowling's similar quote: “The stories we love best do live in us forever.” That perfectly describes how I feel about Harry Potter (and a few other series like Lord of the Rings!)

[Oishika]

My favorite book was the last one and fav movie was the 4th one. Fav character is Ron with Fred and George

[Elena]

Rae wrote: "The Harry Potter books are, and always will be, a special part of my life. Even now years after Deathly Hallows has finished, these books continue to serve as a source of comfort, of laughter, of ..."

So agree. I don't think I could pick a favorite one out of the seven. I wish I could read them all over for the first time. When I reread it I feel like I am going to visit old friends. =)

[Mia]

http://www.tickld.com/t/47039

HOLY SHIT!!!

[Megan]

Laura wrote: "Gina wrote: "Oh wait scratch that, favorite character(s) definetly have to be fred and george they are hilarious and i love them!"

I adore Gred and Forge too!"

I'm glad I'm not the only one who will always think of them as Gred and Forge!

[Vivian]

I love Harry Potter XD, i just recently finished series and i got to say it was an excellent read.
My favorite book is the 3rd book: HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban, i was instantly drawn into book three i could not put it down for the life of me XD, the plot was wonderful. My favorite movie is the 5th movie: HP and the Order of the Phoenix, i found the movie to be an interesting reaching point in the series,although i was very sad that Sirius Black died i was like noooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!. My Favorite character are Harry, Ron, and Hermonie for being friends through out the series. I really like the books better than the movies but some of the movies were really good to go back and watch the magic in action.

[Sinead]

I loved the book The Goblet of Fire and The Deathly Hallows. My favourite movie was The Order of the Phoneix :) my favourite characters are Neville, Hermione, Fred and George!

[Jennifer]

Ok I loved snape. I totally thought he was hot and found harry whiny as all hell. I thought he was a great character as the stories grew, but a little annoying at times. I don't have a favorite and was pissed when snape was removed if you know what I mean...booooooo. Yeah for freaky, weird, but strangely sexy people.

[Gowtham]

hi ..!! my favourite book is the Goblet Of Fire..! i really loved it..When the movie was about to release i had high expectations from it but unfortunately the movie was not as good as the book..And my favourite movie is the prisoner of askaban...!

[Tone]

I am a true Potterhead, although I have just read the books once.
Favourite books: 1 and 7
Favourite movie: difficult to pick but the last was amazing!
Favourite character: Love Ron and the whole Weasly family, especially Fred and George, they're so funny! (but I hate Percy). I would gladly be a part of that family!

Have anyone been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. It is amazing! I want to go to the HP-set in UK too!

[Maribel]

I am also a huge HP fan. I agree with Martina, I didn't like the book but I enjoyed a lot the movie. For me the best book is the third.

[Sasha]

I've been to Harry Potter land in Orlando, my sis and I bought the Elder wand :)

[Shay]

I am a Potterhead to the soul. My favorite book has to be the 7th. It was the one I waited for with the most anticipation and proved that Severus as in fact one of the good guys. I always believed that. I can't pick a favorite character cause there are just too many fabulous ones to choose from. RON AND HERMIONE FOREVA THO! And I still in fact read HP in the form of fanfics. I am an addict and there's no plan to stop. Haha. :3

[Lanie]

Harry is definitely my favorite character! (Though I loved a bunch of them.)

And something that I find funny: I've read the books many times, and almost each time I do, I read something I never read before. Usually just a simple line or something, but I like that. I get something new every time I read it. :)

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

HP is not only loved because of the magical elements in it or the thrill of teaching a wicked wizard a good lesson - one of the outstanding merits of the series is that it very subtly sprinkles small doses of wisdom, happiness and humor into our lives. It injects a lost enthusiasm for the need of love, belonging, support and friendship, of being able to do the right thing together even against all odds. It is a magical reflection of our own lives, our little struggles that go unnoticed, unrepresented, unacknowledged... It is a reminder to us that 'WE' choose our character from a multitude of possibilities, it gives us power back into our own hands. I think that is why the series is so successful. It has lessons for life, no matter where you come from.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Absolutely didn't mean that!!! Was only pointing out to the subtle beauties of the series, apart from the most obvious merits already mentioned in the thread... I absolutely consider HP as highly meritorious fiction/fantasy. Perhaps I need to reword my comment.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Shrishti wrote: "Mr. Lit Bug, who says the HarryPotter is not loved!!
It gave birth to good British literature!"

There! I edited it. Now plz read it again..

[Carolyn]

I just love Harry Potter and all the characters. I would happily live in there world and not miss this one, one little bit. I just the loved the whole fact that they exist in our world and nobody really notices. I couldn't pick a favourite book but I do really love film number 5. This is where all the characters start to come together and be more than just friends.Love the whole series.

[Amr]

I'm a big fan of HP, but I've only watched the movie series (what a shame! :D). I'd be thankful if someone recommended a book.
My fav. movie parts would be the 6th and the 7th, I'm not going to mention the reason for my choice of the 7th as I think everybody liked it, besides they are many reasons. I mean it's the last part of the series and where everything's resolved, really splendid. As for the 6th I really liked the formation and the growth of the attachment between Harry and Genny, and what happened between Ron and Hemione. Also Snape's rule was amazing. And we can't forget professor Slughorn as well, was incredibly wonderful.
My fav. characters are Harry, Hermione and Snape.

[[deleted user]]

Harry Potter was like my childhood! I keep hoping everyday that something new will come out. I loved all the books but my favorite is Order of the Phoenix. Favorite character would have to be Hermione because I remind myself of her. And my least favorite character would have to be Wormtail. He just bugs me. My favorite movie is the last one, yes I know, cliche. If you guys haven't seen A Very Potter Musical, look it up it is just the greatest thing ever. You'll thank me later.

[Lanie]

Amr wrote: "I'm a big fan of HP, but I've only watched the movie series (what a shame! :D). I'd be thankful if someone recommended a book."

I actually saw the second movie first (and didn't even know about HP until someone dragged me to see it) and then I gobbled up the books and cried during the waiting times in between them. *grin*

But you should definitely check out the books. You get so much from them that you just can't get in the movies, though I did love them, too.

I'd start at the beginning with the books. But, be warned, book 1 is kind of slow to start--or at least I think so. Once you get past it though, it's wonderful.

[Amr]

Lanie wrote: "Amr wrote: "I'm a big fan of HP, but I've only watched the movie series (what a shame! :D). I'd be thankful if someone recommended a book."

I actually saw the second movie first (and didn't even k..."

Yeah, I'm currently reading some books now, but as soon as I finish them I'd start the HP book series from the very begging to the end :D I'd be aware of your note about the first book too. Anyway I feel excited about them all already xD. Thanks Lanie.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Amr wrote: "Lanie wrote: "Amr wrote: "I'm a big fan of HP, but I've only watched the movie series (what a shame! :D). I'd be thankful if someone recommended a book."

I actually saw the second movie first (and..."

The third in the series, 'The Prisoner of Azkaban' is so different from the movie, so don't go looking for the movie in the book. There will be many differences.

[Amr]

Lit Bug wrote: "Amr wrote: "Lanie wrote: "Amr wrote: "I'm a big fan of HP, but I've only watched the movie series (what a shame! :D). I'd be thankful if someone recommended a book."

I actually saw the second movi..."

Alright, thanks Lit Bug too. Yes, t's a bit confusing, reading the book after watching the movie. I think it'd have been better if'd read the books first. I hope I could start with the series soon though.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

It won't matter whether you read first or saw the movies first. Either way, you're in for a surprise!!!

[Amr]

Lit Bug wrote: "It won't matter whether you read first or saw the movies first. Either way, you're in for a surprise!!!"

Haha I like that! :D

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Did anyone notice the complete, unexplained absence of God, religion, rituals and other similar stuff, or even any reference thereof in HP series? There are different nationalities, different races, but absolutely no mention of these things.

I haven't read/watched any other fantasy, not even LOTR series, so is it that fantasy usually excludes the topic, or is HP a singular example of this trend?

Isn't it weird that Science Fiction (Religion's arch enemy since centuries) has dabbled a lot with God, even collaborated with God, notably in Philip K. Dick, but fantasy refrains from even mentioning God?

[Brittany]

Think of your fairytales, no God in most of them. LOTR has no single God either that I can remember, and in Eragon the Elves do not believe in a god. I think it is fairly common in the Fantasy genre. If there were a mention of God one way or the other most people would assume that the book was teaching witchcraft, how to kill God, or any number of other misinterpreted views.

All those examples I have actually heard. What I tell them is "If you haven't read it how do you know what it teaches?" I swear some people would say the Chronicles of Narnia was evil. Which of course isn't true since Aslan was a symbol of Jesus.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Yes, Lewis was deeply religious and it heavily influenced his work. I don't understand what evil people find in Narnia... Any idea?

And to your view that presence of God would be misinterpreted in fantasy, isn't there the same danger when science fiction (SF) deals with God? Why does SF not have any issues with God, while fantasy has? After all, the only difference between them is the presence/absence of technology. Otherwise, no matter how imaginary, their worlds do have an underlying logic of their own. So what makes SF safe for god and fantasy a shaky realm?

[Brittany]

Because a person could argue that science proves the existence of God. Whereas fantasy is a horse of a different color. Science Fiction could happen with the right technology but wizards fairies and centaurs have never been real nor will they ever be real. As witchcraft in the bible is described as evil many people believe anything with the word wizard or witch is therefore evil. Authors have to pick their battles

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Do that many people really still believe in witchcraft and its antagonism with God?

And what is it with Narnia? I mean, it shows triumph of good over the obvious evil - so what's the issue?

[R.L.]

Brittany wrote: "Think of your fairytales, no God in most of them. LOTR has no single God either that I can remember, and in Eragon the Elves do not believe in a god. I think it is fairly common in the Fantasy genr..."

You raise a really interesting point.

There is the One in the LOTR (see the Silmarillion), and the Valar, who are like the angels (the elves worship Elbereth, who is the Queen of the Valar).

But you're right - most fantasy doesn't have much religion. Except for Terry Pratchett, but I'm not sure one would really wish to convert to many of his ideas of organised faiths (thinking of the Crocodile God here)...

[Laura]

Game of Thrones does a really good job of incorporating religion. I've only read the first book admittedly, but there are many references to an old religion with multiple gods and rituals and a newer monotheistic (I believe) religion. And then there's another religion for the Dothraki too, now that I think about it.

[Billie]

Really, the doctrine of many of the religions rely heavily upon the belief in a being or beings who possess powers/abilities there are outside the norm, who are able to create and destroy in ways that defy the laws of science. Who, on a whim, can drastically change others lives with little to no effort. The stories that are the foundations of these beliefs portray many events that, if told else where, would fall under the heading of science fiction(dead man rising from the dead, letting others poke at his mortal wounds so they know it's the same guy they watched die a few days earlier...). Rarely do the tales that define these beliefs deal with another system of belief system, except to provide examples of how members of their belief have triumphed over non-believers. Dealing in depth with another belief system takes away from the tale that is being told. You are not reading about witches and wizards to reconcile this magical world with say the biblical worlds of heaven and hell, you're looking at an alternate belief system, a world of new possibilities.
Beyond all of that though, without talking about religion specifically, Harry Potter (and others in this genre) do touch upon the idea of belief. Harry Potter's Aunt and Uncle are aware of the existence of magic and magical beings, yet in their own desire to conform, they categorically deny magic and their resentment of Harry arises from the threat that he poses to their understanding of their world and how it works. History if rife with examples of similar situations when any belief system is not that of the majority, challenges/questions are always resented and viewed as threatening (Spanish Inquisition, Holocaust, Pogroms...).

[Katie]

Favourite Movie: Hmmm...it's between 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 >.< sorry I just can't decide! OK maybe not 7...1, 2, 4 and 6...OK I'll take out 4 because they left out SPEW and Winky...1, 2 and 6...I'll take out 6 because I only prefere because of the humour during Lotion Luck...I'VE DECIDED! I like 1 the best.

Favourite Characters: In descending order,
Snape
Sirius
Bellatrix
Dumbledore
McGonnagall
Fred
Dobby
James
Lily
Ron
etc. ending in Harry, Hagrid, Umbridge (I know, I know, I just didn't like Harry or Hagrid...it's despicable...)

Favourite Book: 1! 1, 1, 1, 1, 1!!! My copy is falling apart! i like 4 and 7 too but are they worn almost to a state of disrepair? I don't think so! I know i sound fanatical but Harry Potter got me into reading so yay Harry. :)

[Katie]

I forgot Neville!! Put Neville in there >.<

[Tone]

Sasha wrote: "I've been to Harry Potter land in Orlando, my sis and I bought the Elder wand :)"

I have been there too! And it was amazing. Did you try the "rolercoster" inside the Hagwarts castle? I also bought a wand, Hermoine's :-)

[Katie]

I can't believe I just interrupted this huge debate about religion in fantasy novels with my happy little opinion >.< I wasn't on this page...whoops...

I think it's best to leave religion out of novels in case the author inadvertently offends someone through ignorance. I did like the Aslan symbolising Jesus because it was a wonderful parallel world but in other circumstances it might not work.

[Laura]

I like the allegory in Narnia too, Katie!

I remembered another fantasy series that very explicitly and extensively goes into religion: His Dark Materials. It's a completely opposite take on religion from Narnia in that it's atheist. So there definitely are fantasy books out there that incorporate religion.

And even if Harry Potter doesn't specifically address religion, it does, like Billie said, deal with belief, disbelief, resurrection, the afterlife and similar ideas.

[Sarah]

Ahhh, I love the Harry Potter books and i'm really sad i picked them up quite late. When i first read them, i basically spent three weeks holed up in my room ploughing through the seven books while watching the movies at the same time (im quite proud to say i read the third book in a day). I have now read them multiple times, but its hard to pick favourite. I loved the fifth one. Most people i know hated it because it was long etc. But i thought it was great.

My favourite characters are harry, snape and dumbledore. I cry every time i read dumbledore's and snape's death. Im glad JK didn't make dumbledore perfect, he had his flaws, even with all his wisdom.

I loved the second movie. I would have been about 6 when it came out and i went and saw it with my uncle and 2 friends (boys). When we came back, we gathered sticks from the backyard, i was hermione and they were ron and harry and we ran around reenacting parts from the movie, good times.

I just wish i could cast obliviate and read the books without knowing what happened.

[chvang]

You can do that, Sarah. Just pick up Neil Gaiman's The Books of Magic.

[Katie]

Laura wrote: "I like the allegory in Narnia too, Katie!

I remembered another fantasy series that very explicitly and extensively goes into religion: His Dark Materials. It's a completely opposite take on rel..."

I think the problem actually is that people take one person's point of view too seriously. I think the problem with certain science fiction and religion is that everywhere you go there will always be dispute between religion and science so it might not gel too well.

[Katie]

Sarah wrote: "Ahhh, I love the Harry Potter books and i'm really sad i picked them up quite late. When i first read them, i basically spent three weeks holed up in my room ploughing through the seven books while..."

That has been my dream since I read the books the first time! (The obliviate bit...not the role play...:) )