Harry Potter by J.K Rowling

[chvang]

If you loved Harry Potter, chances are you'll find The Books of Magic just as wonderful. It's not the same story, but the discovery of magic, the world it opens, you'll find it very familiar.

[Noushin]

I loved Harry Potter. The whole series. The books kind of evolved with years like people do. I don't think any of the movies could do justice for the books. Only the LOTR series has been successful to a fine movie adaptation. HP movies are great, but not as good as the books that's all I am saying. There are so many lovable characters, it's hard to pick. I think I would pick out Hermione as she has got the brains.
I was sad when I finished the last book, felt like it would be long before something like this will come out in print again.

[Noushin]

Lit Bug wrote: "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..."

Well, I think it's simple. If you are targeting a large audience, then mentioning religion might make the pool smaller or might as well offend someone (it's very easy to offend anyone with the simplest of words about religion). Also if Harry Potter belonged to the X religion, then it would be admitting that X religion has witchcraft/magic (not a good thing to say I figure). Another scenario, if Harry Potter was of X religion, some little child from Y religion might feel sad or distant or not good about it. It could also be the case, where the parents might not want them to read a fiction about a boy from another religion.
I think it's best to keep religion out of fantasy/fairy tales. Just an opinion.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

You gave a very studied answer. Loved it. HP would not have been loved so much in that case, and would have been embroiled in worse debates. Better keep at least one genre away from the mess of religions.

[Selima]

I don't t agree with Lit Bug, some elements point toward christianism, particularly in the last book. For example when Harry buries Mad-eye's eye, he marks it with a cross.
However, it's true that religion is almost non-existant in the Harry Potter books and that's definitely best as Noushin said.

[Noushin]

Lit Bug wrote: "You gave a very studied answer. Loved it. HP would not have been loved so much in that case, and would have been embroiled in worse debates. Better keep at least one genre away from the mess of rel..."

Thank you and yes I could not agree more on "Better keep at least one genre away from the mess of religions."

[Camelia]

Harry Potter is my favourite book series.These books made my childhood awesome. I loved Dumbledore. And I cried when he died.From all 7 books,my favourite is the last one. Because in that book,Harry reached the upper level of maturity. I also enjoyed the scene when Ron kissed Hermione..And i liked how it ended. Even if I was sad for Snape's death.

[[deleted user]]

If I can add my two cents, I love these books! For me, they're more than just books. They're a world that I can dive into and live comfortably. The characters aren't perfect and that's what makes them real. They weren't out to find love or some sappy romance. They weren't even trying to win a war. They were out looking for loyalty and friendship and people they could trust. They wanted to be the absolute best they could be and do what they could with that. Their battle was not one of good vs. evil, but battling the ones who wanted power over the ones who wanted freedom to choose while at the same time fighting the good and bad within themselves. The development of the story was incredible and there was none of me wanting to write Ms. Rowling and furious letter telling her the things I hated about her books. I was able to accept the things that happened because I knew they would work out in their own way in the end. That is what Harry Potter means to me. They are more than just books and movies.

[Lit Bug (Foram)]

Selima wrote: "I don't t agree with Lit Bug, some elements point toward christianism, particularly in the last book. For example when Harry buries Mad-eye's eye, he marks it with a cross.
However, it's true that..."

I agree there are a lot of Biblical elements, but they are not that explicit. Unless you pay attention to details, there is not much outward allegiance to any religion. There are undercurrents, but not restrictive ones.

[Brittany]

Chang wrote: "If you loved Harry Potter, chances are you'll find The Books of Magic just as wonderful. It's not the same story, but the discovery of magic, the world it opens, you'll find it very familiar."

Do tell me what book you are speaking of is it new or old. I read a book called the invitation :Books of magic one. Just curious if it is the same one?

[D.M.]

Lit Bug wrote: "Selima wrote: "I don't t agree with Lit Bug, some elements point toward christianism, particularly in the last book. For example when Harry buries Mad-eye's eye, he marks it with a cross.
However,..."

Also, don't forget that the symbol of the cross, especially if the four lengths are the same, predates Christianity. It represents power.

[NinjaKid]

My favorite book would be HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Super loved it. It's full of revelations which I truly like. What more can I say? Sirius Black is super cool. I want him to be my godfather too.

[D.M.]

Janine wrote: "My favorite book would be HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Super loved it. It's full of revelations which I truly like. What more can I say? Sirius Black is super cool. I want him to be my..."

I think your parents have to choose your godfather. Perhaps you could apply to the new pope about that.

[Laura]

I am a die hard Potter fan!! I have seriously read the series at least four times and I have to say my favorite books are always the Order of the Phoenix and the Deathly Hallows... I also REALLY love the Chamber of Secrets too-I just love these books in general!!

[Wade]

Let's face it, the Harry Potter series is one of the best series EVER created. My favorite are the last four books; Goblet of fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. I've read them more times than i've read any other books. I'm still bummed that they're over. They are the only books i reread so many times though.
Who's the next great series writer...(if they can beat Harry Potter though, they must be really good)

[Ash]

I enjoyed all the books and recently got done reading the entire series. I honestly think giving Luna a series all her own would be priceless and I would love to read it. She was great. Especially if some of the things she believed in and got made fun of for were actually true. :)

[N]

Book - Deathly Hallows
Movie - Chamber of Secrets
Character - Professor McGonegall man she nails it in the books and screen.

[Anshul]

need help
guys, I want to read a book about a person struggling for his/her passion. series will b best....
any recommendations...?

[Camelia]

Anshul wrote: "need help
guys, I want to read a book about a person struggling for his/her passion. series will b best....
any recommendations...?"
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruis Zafon

[Criss]

Camelia wrote: "Anshul wrote: "need help
guys, I want to read a book about a person struggling for his/her passion. series will b best....
any recommendations...?"
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruis Zafon"

The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer

[Christian]

Harry Potter deserves it's own galaxy in the book universe while the rest are just astroids and comets.

[Brittany]

Harry Potter I believe will forever be popular. I have a son now and I think once I believe he is old enough, I will have to buy him his own hard back set. I am a bit selfish and don't want to share my copies

[Christian]

Have no shame. Someone bought me the entire set when i was 8. i shall never share them.

[Brittany]

I think every kid needs their own Harry Potter set. I grew up with the books so mine are a little battered from so many re-readings. I am sure my son will like having his own set so he can take them when he moves out. although that is 16 years from now.

[Christian]

Excellent Idea! Harry Potter makes the world a better place!

[Michal]

pure. genius.

[Avid Reader and Geek Girl]

Love Harry Potter the books more than the movies!

[Charlotte]

I'm the biggest Harry potter fan ever, I've been reading threm since I was sincce and I made a group for people to join earlier today. If any of you are really really mad about Harry Potter, then please join my group, 'Long Live Harry Potter Fans!'
Thanks! :-)

[Andrea]

Charlotte wrote: "I'm the biggest Harry potter fan ever, I've been reading threm since I was sincce and I made a group for people to join earlier today. If any of you are really really mad about Harry Potter, then p..."

I looked but can't find such a thing!

[Meagan]

Me either!

[Otessa]

I think the latter books were better because Rowling had more experience when she wrote them. The first two books were so much fun though, and because I turned to Harry Potter for a magical escape from everyday life, I wasn't too enthusiastic when the series began turning darker.

[Rianne]

I love Harry Potter.
I've been to London especially because of the last premiere! (I'm from the Netherlands)
I think that my favourite movie is the fourth and my favourite book is the fifth.
My favourite character is Hermione Granger and Fleur Delacour.
Besides I love the Marauders!

Besides I bought a book about the films and that's so awesome together with an invitation for the Yule Ball. Your own letter to attend hogwarts. Mini Marauders Map (I also have a bigger one)

[Christin]

Let's see, my favourite book is definitely the third. It's the one that got me hooked on Harry Potter for good. I just love the story and what we learn about the marauders.
Favourite movie would also be the third and also 7.1 and 7.2. I think the last two movies were just amazing and I absolutely loved the soundtrack. It fit so perfectly.
My favourite character is Sirius Black. I also love McGonnagal, Hermione, Draco and Bill.

Rose, did you buy that letter or did you make it yourself? Haha I want one too^^

[[deleted user]]

I have read the first one and halfway through the second book. It is really hard for me to read them after seeing the movies. It is like that with any book for me. If I have seen the movie first, no go on the book. I wish I would have listened to people and read them when they came out. I sitll want to read them because I hear nothing but greatness about them, but it is a struggle for me to open them up.

[[deleted user]]

Thanks you, I have been told similar things. I am sure I will get around to them! I hear at the third book they really pick up and there is a ton that is not in the movies.

[Rianne]

@Christin
I've bought a book in the Waterstones in London which is called the Harry Potter Film Wizardy. In there you've got a lot about things of the movies and the sets. And also things like a letter and an invitation to the yule ball. The rules from Umbridge and many more. So it's a total success to buy that one!

Harry Potter: Film Wizardry

[Lauren]

Favorite Book: Halfblood Prince & Deathly Hollows

Favorite Movie: Sorcerer Stone & Goblet of Fire

[[deleted user]]

My favorite book was Deathly Hallows. Everything comes together in the end, every mystery solved....all questions answered. I just love the way how JK Rowling wrote about everything in such minute detail. Every thing has a logic, everything makes sense....

My favorite movie was Goblet of Fire

[Elizabeth Hamor]

Favorite book was The Order of The Phoenix
I love Luna :) but my favorite character is Hermione I tended to relate to her the most. I mean as much as one can relate to a character in the magical world that swept me off my feet when I was 11 years old!
My favorite movie is the Prisoner of Azkaban.

[Callie]

I LOVE Dumbledore. He is infinitely wise and just cool with it :)

[Silvia]

I love all the books of Harry Potter, especially The Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince.
And my favorite character is Severus Snape :)

[Rianne]

I'm really curious for Fantastic beasts

[Silvia]

Rose wrote: "I'm really curious for Fantastic beasts"

It is one of Harry's books in the school, it is just the description of different magic creatures, but Harry has wrote his own funny comments for each creature.

[Rianne]

I know Silvia. I meant the movie.

[Allison]

My favourite movie would be either the fifth or the eighth, but I liked the fourth book the best.

[Megan]

My favorite book and movie from the Harry Potter series was the fourth one. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

[Alex]

I love all the books and the movies, but the third is my favorite, and other than that I like them all equally well.

[Alex]

Oh! I forgot! I LUFF THIS SERIES!!! Also I was sobbing when Sirius died! I mean HOW COULD HE JUST DIE?!?!?!!

[Amelia]

I love the Harry Potter series but I am much more of a fan of the books than the films. My favourite book...that's hard, but I think for me the third and the sixth tie. My favourite film is the third and my favourite character is Sirius.

[Hannah]

Hello All,

I am a huge HP fan too. I adore everything about the books. I still remember buying the first book when I was 12 and it basically started my love affair with reading. Reading HP led me to amazing classics such as J.R.R Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and the whole Gothic novel genre, which eventually lead to others!

Here are few random thoughts about the films and books from the top of m head:
I don't think I could choose a favorite character ... but I really liked Dumbledore.

The whole Weasley family were brilliant, and I thought the actors who played them in the films were perfect choices.

From the famous trio, I think Ron was always underrated.

Apart from the first film - I always thought that Hermione's hair was never bushy enough - and for some peculiar reason that always bugged me. Come on ... her bushy hair were hair trademark.

I am a passionate Ron and Hermione / Harry and Ginny shipper.

I cried when Dobby and Dumbledore died.

That's all for now methinks!