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Is it worth starting the Harry Potter series at my age?

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message 1: by Jovan (new)

Jovan (ignacadabra) | 14 comments Hey everyone, for those who are too lazy to click on my profile, I recently turned 30 ๐Ÿ˜…

Anyway, I received the Harry Potter series narrated by Stephen Fry as a gift from a friend, actually an ex-girlfriend who has since moved to the USA to continue her education, because, as she says, it's the only way I'll actually get around to reading the books someday, as otherwise, I never will.
When we were together, she was clearly in the Harry Potter camp, and I was in the Lord of the Rings camp (actually, the entire Tolkien's Middle-earth), while we both liked The Hunger Games, although I only recently bought the books when I decided to create a profile here, but to stay on topic... I'm interested in your opinions: Is it worth fully immersing myself in that world for a while, or is it better to start slowly as a side reading and finish when I finish?
Since I've only watched the films once (except maybe the first 3 or 4 in the series because they were often shown on cable TV), while I know the other mega-popular series quite well, my idea is to go film, book, film, book... so I can see what's missing or what's been changed.

Thanks in advance for your responses, and your suggestions regarding the order are more than welcome!


message 2: by sab (new)

sab | 46 comments Jovan wrote: "Hey everyone, for those who are too lazy to click on my profile, I recently turned 30 ๐Ÿ˜…

Anyway, I received the Harry Potter series narrated by Stephen Fry as a gift from a friend, actually an ex-..."


Hi Jovan :) In my opinion I think it's better to start slowly as a side reading and finish when you finish, and if you happen to enjoy it, fully immersing yourself would be something you could do along the road. I just think testing the waters to start would be better, but having read Lord of Rings already, you should keep in mind that there are some similarities which might make it more enjoyable. (or it would for me at least)

P.S I think the idea of film, book, film, book is a genius idea and will be doing it now ๐Ÿšถ


message 3: by Allison (new)

Allison | 45 comments Hi, i orginally did it in my early 20s! Loved it. Done it many times since. Im now in my 40s and just finished it again. Still love! Go for it!!


message 4: by Adrienne (new)

Adrienne Dixon | 11 comments I have read the series in my elementary years, teenage years, and as a grown up. I still enjoy the story no matter how old I am. As an adult, I feel you read it through a different perspective, in a good way. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and recommend reading it to all.


message 5: by Michelle (new)

Michelle (michellecales) | 45 comments I read it in my late teens early twenties I enjoyed it and honestly I read it reluctantly because everyone one was asking to read them and enjoyed it way more than I expected I would. Honestly I think it can be enjoyed by all ages the books and the movies but it is best to read the books first if you can.


message 6: by Ashby (new)

Ashby Dodd (ashbydodd) | 97 comments Worth it at any age! If I had time I'd read them again today.


message 7: by Jovan (last edited Sep 04, 2024 04:06AM) (new)

Jovan (ignacadabra) | 14 comments Thanks once again to everyone for the responses. I'll just write one post so as not to clutter the discussion unnecessarily.

sab wrote: "In my opinion I think it's better to start slowly as a side reading and finish when you finish, and if you happen to enjoy it, fully immersing yourself would be something you could do along the road."

sab, I'm leaning more towards your suggestion too because there are so many things I want to read in the coming period, but at the same time, I'm also afraid that I might not fully appreciate Harry Potter if it's not my main focus during that time, if you understand what I mean. I'm glad to hear that it can still work as a side reading without any issues.


message 8: by Marmaid (new)

Marmaid (marmaid210) | 36 comments started in elementary school and finished in high school. It's the series that made me actually fall in love with reading, as I was not interested in reading before my teacher read it to us in class in elementary school. I personally would read the series back to back, with occasionally another book between books. As an adult, I still love Harry Potter and have tons of Potter stuff.


message 9: by Judith Speed (new)

Judith Speed | 208 comments I started as an adult and loved it (still do).


message 10: by โ™ฅreadingfiendโ™ฅ (last edited Sep 01, 2024 02:29PM) (new)

โ™ฅreadingfiendโ™ฅ | 20 comments Well, if you were Miriam Margolyes (aka Professor Sprout), you would say there is an age limit... However, Miriam, I respectfully do not agree with you on that. (If you do not understand this reference please see the Miriam Margolyes interview about harry potter fans)

Age is but a number! READ WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPY. Yes, I am in my 30's and Harry Potter will always bring me joy and nostalgia no matter my age and that is absolutely ok :)


message 11: by Kristina (new)

Kristina Mateo (chicklassique) | 85 comments The Chronicles of Narnia better


message 12: by Kindle Jenner (new)

Kindle Jenner | 90 comments I started reading them in my early 20s - youโ€™re never too old for HP


message 13: by Sara (new)

Sara | 69 comments it is worth every age. The books are much better than the films so read them. It's a good saga to start read


message 14: by Viggo (new)

Viggo Pedersen | 16 comments Mackenzie wrote: "Well, if you were Miriam Margolyes (aka Professor Sprout), you would say there is an age limit... However, Miriam, I respectfully do not agree with you on that. (If you do not understand this refer..."

Well I'm 50 now, and have just finished the series for the 3rd time, and will read them again. That should be answer enough. :)


message 15: by Morgan (new)

Morgan Rose | 89 comments I donโ€™t think youโ€™re ever too old for Harry Potter. I finished the series last year(iโ€™m 27) and Iโ€™m glad I did read it. Only thing is that I wish I read the books first then seen the movies but cause it blew up, there was no avoiding that one ๐Ÿ˜…


message 16: by Hallie (new)

Hallie | 20 comments I've read them at just about every stage of life I've been through so far (in mid-20s now), and they are still wonderful. My mom, who introduced me to the series as a kid, still absolutely loves them. There is no right or wrong time to get into them. If possible, read the books before getting into the movies, as the books have so much detail that the movies don't include (though I like those too, of course).


message 17: by Katarina (new)

Katarina | 19 comments I originally read them when I was 15 and Iโ€™m planning to do a reread during this fall because itโ€™s the perfect time to read them and Iโ€™m 24 and I love Harry Potter


message 18: by Diana (new)

Diana Jaques | 134 comments I personally haven't read Harry Potter but I think there is no age limit to what you can and can't read. It is wonderful to take a step back and snuggle down with a book that will transport you to a magical place. No matter the age recommendation.


Bella โ™ก โœง.* (starbella) | 10 comments my mom read the whole series and she's way older than you ๐Ÿ˜… i think you're more than welcome to give it a shot!!! there's no age limit to something beautiful. it reminds me of how animations is supposed to be "for kids" but we have so many amazing animation films that are often darker and more compelling than most "adult" films. beautiful art has no age restriction


message 20: by Malissa (new)

Malissa (malissa1578) | 163 comments I don't think it matters, your age. If you want to read or listen to them, go for it. I read them with my kids in my 20's and we enjoyed the heck out of them. I think if you are interested, then by all means.


message 21: by Tim (new)

Tim Mcguire | 166 comments I read it in my 40s. loved em lol


message 22: by Jovan (new)

Jovan (ignacadabra) | 14 comments Thank you all for the great responses and reassurances. The adventure begins in the coming days, first as a side read, and then it might turn into something I can't put down! If anyone's even interested, yes, I'll stick to my original idea of watching the films alongside the books, so I can compare them part by part ๐Ÿ™‚


message 24: by Bernie4444 (new)

Bernie4444 | 23 comments Jovan wrote: "Hey everyone, for those who are too lazy to click on my profile, I recently turned 30 ๐Ÿ˜…

Anyway, I received the Harry Potter series narrated by Stephen Fry as a gift from a friend, actually an ex-..."


A tad off subject: have you tried watching each Lord of the Rings movie after the book? That should give you an idea of what to expect.


message 25: by Tara (new)

Tara Warner (mermaid_stuckonland18) | 26 comments I think so.


message 26: by BookFrog79 (new)

BookFrog79 | 8 comments Itโ€™s never too late to read Harry Potter!!


message 27: by Judith Speed (new)

Judith Speed | 208 comments BookFrog79 wrote: "Itโ€™s never too late to read Harry Potter!!"

Absolutely. Why should the kids have all the fun?


message 28: by JoyReaderGirl1 (new)

JoyReaderGirl1 | 25 comments Thereโ€™s never an age limit on a book series that you love. We are readers, bibliophiles! Enjoy what you love. Within the last 10 years I read all of the Game of Thrones books, the Outlander Series, and the Jo Nesbo Harry Hole Books. Granted, they arenโ€™t HP, but if I was into the sorcerer lad, by golly, I would read them. I know 70-year-old dudes who highly recommend the series. Go figure. Read them and enjoy.


message 29: by Anthony (new)

Anthony Brooks (asbrooks88) I'm thinking of doing the same.


message 30: by Jovan (new)

Jovan (ignacadabra) | 14 comments Anthony wrote: "I'm thinking of doing the same."

Nice! I sent you a friend request to follow your progress if you start. I hope you don't mind ๐Ÿ™‚


message 31: by Hriti (new)

Hriti (grratteful) | 133 comments go for it don't overthink it


message 32: by ึ†วŸส (new)

ึ†วŸส | 3 comments There is absolutely no age to start Harry Potter ;)


message 33: by Sam (new)

Sam K (zutara123) | 251 comments im 29 and im about to start rereading the series. I haven't read then since high school and been feeling like rereading them for a while. I think its totally fine for you to read them now. ill be reading them while also reading other books too.


message 34: by Hara (new)

Hara Drakou (hara_drakou) | 6 comments you should do it. There are things that can be interesting for everyone in the series. I'm 26, and Harry Potter is still the only thing I read when I need to get out of a reading slump.


message 35: by Catherine (new)

Catherine Rivera | 51 comments Yes absolutely. This is a really done body of work and the stories are just fun to read.


message 36: by Sim1 (new)

Sim1 (sim1saunders) | 47 comments yes. many amazing characters of all ages.m


message 37: by Orikamane (new)

Orikamane | 83 comments My father first time read the series when he was in his early fifties and twenty years later still is a big fan,


message 38: by David (new)

David N. | 4 comments I've read the series on e, as an adult, have listened to the audio books twice, and ssen the movies at LEAST twice. I marvel at Rowlings' brilliance, as an author! Hmm... I may go back and re-read the hard copies again. ๐Ÿ˜Š


message 39: by Angelina (new)

Angelina Kierra (angelinakierra) | 38 comments You're never too old for harry potter. When my mom was around 30 she loved two things around the holidays and that was snowmen And Harry Potter books. So now it's like a whole tradition in our family.


message 40: by Shaikh (new)

Shaikh A | 72 comments mate, harry potter is a book I would like to read even when I turn 100


message 41: by Zilicia (new)

Zilicia (teachermomz) | 13 comments Steven Fry narrating the audiobook?!?
Awesome!


message 42: by Emma (new)

Emma Stauffer | 35 comments If you have it on audio you can listen to it in the car or at the store without it having to interfere with other things your reading. Iโ€™m also listening to the Harry Potter series and I listen to it on my way to karate, or on walks, and then when Iโ€™m at home I read my books from the library.


message 43: by Mary โ™ฅ (new)

Mary โ™ฅ | 44 comments I don't think you're ever too old for a series like Harry Potter. The books are full of whimsy, adventure, and themes that adults can appreciate. Life is short, read whatever you like!


message 44: by Yazmin (new)

Yazmin  (childofh3ll666) | 45 comments yes you can start it at any age


message 45: by Rob (new)

Rob (nhlorgsix) | 62 comments I am 62 and I would read them all over again.


message 46: by Doris (new)

Doris (dorisb) | 104 comments It's always a good time to dive into a series, even if everyone else you know is "over it". At least that way you'll know what all the hoopla was about.


message 47: by Tanja (new)

Tanja | 315 comments It is worth it. I read them in my teens, but reread them in my twenties. Go for it, they are fun to read


message 48: by Luka (new)

Luka Onee-san | 10 comments Yes it is! You will understand every hidsen meaning that otherwise kids don't. Which is natural.


message 49: by Annemarie (new)

Annemarie  | 46 comments I was in my fifties when Harry Potter came out. Not only did I enjoy every single book but I also saw every movie. You are never too old to enjoy a good fantasy.


message 50: by Kashfa (new)

Kashfa (kashfaarman) | 43 comments definately. I'd read Harry Potter even if I'm 300 years old. it's the most immortal fantasy in the history of fantasy series. the first few Harry Potter books are light hearted and at the same time have exceptional world building. it's just amazing


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