Does anyone else besides me hate Harry Potter? Showing 51-100 of 3,118

[Audra]

good one!

[Rebecca]

I'm just bewildered by anyone who will criticize HP books as literary drivel and then recommend... wait for it... Lemony Snicket. The brain, it just goggles. LS is awful junk, and I plodded through all 13 of them in the hope that there would be some redeeming story hidden underneath, some purpose to the whole thing -- in short, that I would be rewarded with a subtly presented human growth story or morality tale or ANYTHING. It was a total waste. HP on the other hand, has actual characterization, enough reality mixed in with its fantasy to be relevant, and can resonate with every human emotion, particularly against the backdrop of making one's way through adolescence.

Seriously, in Ginny's case, I believe she is NOT open minded enough to get past the wizardry part of things. That one failure is essential to each and every person I've ever met who did not like HP. If you remove the "magic" aspects, what you have is a truly relatable story of teenagers making friendships, enemies, and finding their way at boarding school. It has moments of smacked-in-the-face bluntness with regards to story, but it also has moments of subtlety and excellent foreshadowing, a pretty well constructed and consistent backstory and timeline, and the writing skills reflect the growing maturity of the characters.

I would suggest, as others have, that you read one of the later books; perhaps you are too "high-minded" to stomach writing as it easily represents the 11 year old we first meet in Book 1, but it is at a more palatable level when Harry is 16. Although, that still doesn't explain the Lemony Snicket love. ???

[Old-Barbarossa]

OK, still no-body actually "hating" Harry Potter with any rational arguement to back up their reasoning.
It's difficult to argue/discuss their reasons with people of faith, as in their mind they are correct and have faith and whatever counter is offered is by deffinition wrong. So to avoid getting bogged down in a theological side debate that everyone will find pointless...I ask:
Any non-christians not allowed to read Harry Potter?

[Meh]

I really don't understand how any religion can just ban a book. It doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. Why? I'm a highly religious person, but as far as I know my religion hasn't banned any books. If you feel that the book threatens you in some way, stop reading. And you don't have to agree with everything you read either. If the book raises a valid point against your religion, then it's best to address it rather than run away. That only creates insecurity. For instance, if the church that banned this book is right beyond all doubt as they claim to be, than why do they care about banning that book? If they're so right, than the book can't possibly hurt the church.

[Old-Barbarossa]

OK...you know this is fiction right? Not actual magic?
It's not like the HP books are textbooks on Thelemic rituals, JKR isn't a pen-name of Crowley.
You do get that they're not autobiographical?

[Kim]

I don't understand people who will condemn something without having read it. Either read it and then decide it's not for you because it has magic in it, or don't talk about it at all.

It is not preaching worship to magic or anything like that. It is not about rituals or anything that remotely suggests people should believe in something. It is purely fiction.

Grace, you said you're off to college? If it's not a christian school, you may be required to read books that your parents wouldn't like. It's okay to experience life and then make decisions for yourself. Experience is the best teacher.

Best wishes.

[bookelf]

Another Harry Potter hater...didn't like the books- thought the movies were even worse... I do however think she is a brillant business woman.

[Renae]

"Willful Suspension of Disbelief." This is what my college age daughter tells me when I make a comment like, "It's contradictory to think that people don't know about the wizarding community in HP when many kids at the school came from Muggle families and their parents know they are at a wizard school learning magic." The fact is that if you read fantasy or Sci-fi you need to have a certain amount of "Willful Suspension of Disbelief." If you can't do it you won't like it. By the way I do like the HP series but don't think they are the best books I've ever read. I prefer less dark books, though there needs to be some danger to be exciting. Have you all read Patricia Wrede's books? She mixes a little magic and humor and I find them to be a lot of fun. Grace might even like them assuming Fairytales are allowed reading, "Enchanted Forest Chronicles," or "Mairlon the Magician" and Magician's Ward" where some people in the "real" world have magical abilities just like some people have a gift for music or math. I don't think those will challenge anyones religious beliefs. Grace- Have you read C.S.Lewis' "Chronicles of Narinia?" It has a lot of Christian overtones. His books, both fiction and non, are often quoted in my church.

[Mark]

Truth be told, this book wasn't meant for all of you harsh judging critics. This book's target audience was Young Adult's. So if it's not deep enough for you, or the plot seems redundant and lackluster, or even the characters seems childish in their daily dealings then just chill out. This was meant to thrill the minds of young kids..... which it did. And just because you dont like it means little....... fact is
you're in the minority. this book is an international phenomena, and if your rationalizing is (quote from message one: -KAYLA- "The stupid book has no point at all! Only complete idiots would read Harry Potter!") no my luv that couldn't be farther from the truth. Just because this book isn't you particular cup of tea doesn't mean you need to go around demeaning all those who do enjoy it. Thats is extremely childish, and it shows the level of maturity reached which frankly is sad.
Do you know how many books have no point save for the simple fact that they allow the reader to escape this world and go to another far off place that they couldn't ever experience? For that matter, what book has a "point" (as you so eloquently put it) ?????

GROW UP

[Slaiman]

First for all the ones who are saying '' i hate harry potter and stuff''
j.k rowling did not put the book in your hands and forced you to read it , she wrote it for her self and her fans , and if you don't like the book don't say it here , go to your bathroom mirror and complain in front of it .

[Dusty]

I loved Harry Potter. I am neither an idiot nor a literary snob.

[Annalisa]

Saved By Grace,
I am in the middle of Brisingr and I keep thinking about you and this discussion because you like the Eragon series which has magic, but won't read Harry Potter because of its magic. I respect your decision not to read a book because of content. I often discourage people from reading even books I love if I think the content is not something for them. But I have never discouraged anyone from reading Harry Potter and I await the day my daughter is old enough to enjoy the series (and I am an over-protective parent). As a religious person myself, I thought I would pass along my opinion comparing HP to the Eragon series you already know...

I find the magic in Eragon far more black magic than Harry Potter. In HP, most of the spells are light, such as how to lift an object, turn a beetle into a button, grow plants that cure, make potions that make your face swell or you fall in love. It's about kids learning to use the magic talent they already have. There is a discussion about unforgiveable curses (murder, torture, and taking away someone's control) because they are wrong. They discuss how murder splits your soul because it is evil, but other spells do not require energy, take anything away from you, or really leave any sort of dark mystery like they do in Eragon. I find the magic in that series a lot more along the lines of what you would consider witchcraft. This is a fun, light children's tale.

There is one scene in one of the books that is dark: there is spell & a potion that uses enemy's blood and a servant cuts off his hand to complete the spell. It's intense because it revives an evil force and it is creepy, but I wouldn't say it is any darker than what I've read in the Eragon series (in fact one of the scenes in one of those books has a guy voluntarily taking off his hand too). It is the only place in the series clouded with a dark feeling, but mostly I contribute that to the rise of the dark wizard and your concern for what he will do.

If you like allegorical themes, you can find plenty to back the same Christian themes you find in other fantasy. The underlying theme is about a boy who finds he is destined to rid the world of a dark wizard and he has to prepare himself for an epic battle of good vs evil. Most of the series is him learning, preparing, finding out what is inside him that gives him the strength to fight evil. One of the things he discovers is his great strength is love and that love and friendship are underestimated by the dark lord and in the end contribute to his downfall. There is even a part allegorically like the lion and the stone table scene in Chronicles of Narnia.

I can see from a perspective of someone who hasn't read the books that a book about kids that learn to do magic spells could be dark or anti-Christian, but it isn't. I don't think anyone would ban these books would has read them because there isn't anything in the book to validate that concern. This is my favorite series and I hope that at least done the road you will give it a try. I don't think you would be disappointed.

[Jardley]

I personally find Harry's temperament to be annoying the way he's easily angered and hot-headed. However I find the books to show a true example of great imagery. Rowling truly captures the essence of a mystical far away place that one can see without trying to hard. So no I don't dislike Harry, I find him to be a great hero whose personality is a bit lacking.

[Dogwoman]

I've just read through this post for my own general amusement.In an attempt to locate what is really going on, I find it humorous that several of you insist on comparing and contrasting Harry Potter with James Joyce?????? Shakespeare???? Are you mad?
These books are rightly considered Young Adult novels. As much as I love young adult novels, very few are classics known for their great characterization or magnificent writing. Attempting to create a deep literary discussion of Harry Potter is, um, funny. So thanks for that.

Also, Ginny,while you cannot ban HP books from your room, which you should never do anyway, I find it interesting that your alternatives are all deeply christian novels thinly disguised as children's literature. In your listing you forgot novels by Madeline L'Engle, also a christian author.

One should read some books for the writing and others for the story. Occasionally, you actually find both under the covers of one book. These are the classics. Harry Potter is not a classic, it's a way to pass the time.

Remember, taste is subjective.

[Jessica]

I think it was interesting, but this type of reading is totally not my style. Obviously a well-loved book, but I just couldn't read it. My son did not even want it read to him.

[[deleted user]]

I didn't really like the series. I read it like many others to see what the hype was about. Now, I can see why some people would really enjoy it. It is well written and the story line moves along nicely. The characters are written to speak to a certain target audience and are accessible as well as likable, for the most part. The one thought that kept entering my mind was,"this is definitely a kids book." Not that that thought was good or bad, it just didn't appeal to me. Another observation I have had is this: women seem to love this book much much more then men. I have done several "compare books" on goodreads with people and almost with out fail, the only common books that I seem to have with a lot of women is the HP series. When I do the same for men, the HP books almost never show up. Another observation is that many many Christians flatly denounce the series but love Lord of the Rings, go figure. I understand the difference from a Christian perspective of the 'source' of the elements in the story, but honestly, kids who read the HP series aren't going to be able to tell the difference.

[Old-Barbarossa]

Mike, you say: "I understand the difference from a Christian perspective of the 'source' of the elements in the story". What do you mean? Does the source/inspiration for a story matter?

[Maggie Lulu]

I think it's very ironic that the first pearson to post a comment has a bookworm as thier picture.
if you don't like harry potter you can not be a bookworm only idiots won't like the beautifully written harry potter!!

[Petra X]

I can't read them at all. I'm not the target audience although many of my so-called adult friends have enjoyed them. I think they have been very good for kids though, introducing many of them to the concept that reading a long book for pleasure can be a lot of fun.

[Kieran20]

I started reading the first book about three years ago and I completely hated it but now I re-read it. So now I really love. But the book's are way to long.

[Andy]

ok this is stupid this is like going to a justin bieber video and writing a bunch of mean comments i hate justin biebers music but i dont do that this is why this group is stupid im not saying your stupid if you like or dis-like Harry Potter just saying

[Andy]

Kara wrote: "Wow. How to respond...I like Harry Potter. I don't love Harry Potter (although I live with people who do). I've heard the first book was kinda cheesey (haven't read it, oops), but have read the res..."

i agree

[Madeline L]

HARRY POTTER RULES. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, GTFO.

[Sydney]

Kayla wrote: "The stupid book has no point at all! Only complete idiots would read Harry Potter!"

My dear Kayla: The last time I checked, I was not a "complete idiot", nor will I ever be a "complete idiot". If you dislike Harry Potter, feel free! However, to insult others if they enjoy something you didn't is both immature and rude.

[Sierra]

Hey! You callin me a complete idiot?! I LOVED this series! There aren't many people who dont like Harry Potter, so watch your mouth. They are fantastical books that transport you to the vivid world of Harry Potter. Great concept, great characters, great writing style, great EVERTHING. Have you even read any of the books?

[Paige]

Harry Potter is awesome, better than Twilight, FOR SURE!

[Andy]

well duh :)

[Jacquel]

I used to like Harry Potter, but not anymore.

[A. Vampire Queen.]

I got bored with Harry potter like 10 pages into the first book

[Carola]

I love the series a lot (I grew up with the books and they are very dear to me), but I see why it may pose a 'problem' for some people.

The first 3 books are obviously aimed at 'young adults' and it seems there is no story line or point to them. The larger story really doesn't start until book 4 and that's also where the story becomes a lot more mature.

Personally I loved the books from the first book onward, but I can imagine why (especially older) readers have a problem getting through book 1. I think it's a pity though. The books are wonderful and the story is really touching :)

[Andy]

Amber (loves Dimka and Edward and Shane! + more) wrote: "I got bored with Harry potter like 10 pages into the first book"

i know its really boring at the beginning but it gets better

[Becky]

I don't think that calling people idiots is a very good thing to do, as do you know how many people have read the books? I think a lot. If you don't like a book you don't have to call people idiots who read it. I could read and book and hate it but wouldn't call people idiots if they enjoyed it!!

[Becky]

I am actually quite offended that someone called people who like Harry Potter idiots! They need to watch what they are saying. There the idiot if they are calling other people names for enjoying books that don't like!

[Becky]

do you like Harry Potter?

[N3v3rsl3epanim0re]

Kayla wrote: "The stupid book has no point at all! Only complete idiots would read Harry Potter!"

lmao swish and flick
i don't hate it honestly but its not really the big thing anymore so many people are focused on vampires and werewolves thanks to twilight and then they are going for aliens next i s2g

[N3v3rsl3epanim0re]

nd i haven't actually read all the book my parents have i only watched the movies xD

[Becky]

Fadhilah: yes i'm talking to you, j.k rowling wrote them really well!

[Becky]

there are some really clever writers!

[Summer]

I actually have comments for both sides of the debate:
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, positive or negative. If you like Harry Potter - GREAT! If you don't like Harry Potter - GREAT!

To get to my points about this discussion, I think that comments on BOTH sides are uncalled for. While a comment like "Only complete idiots would read Harry Potter" is really unnecessary, comments like "You are the only one who hates Harry Potter" are unnecessary as well.
I must point out: I am, and have been, an avid HP fan for the last 7+ years and am no way using any bias here. I think that everyone is entitled to an opinion, so, if you would like to say you don't like HP and don't see a point in the story, you could say, "I, personally, am not a fan, although I respect that people like it and would like to know why." And if you want to argue it back, you don't personally attack the person who said it.

Just some thoughts....

[Becky]

they are good points :)

[Meggi Lou]

WHAT??????????????????? not fair! harry potter was the best book ever!

[Becky]

i know
really good books and someone is calling us idiots for liking it!

[Lindis]

Ummm, I love Harry Potter, I've read all of them at least three times. I'm not an Idiot. J.K. Rowling is a genius!

[Meggi Lou]

yes! totaly!

[Becky]

i agree with you

[RETRODOLL]

LOL. NO you're not the only one. I tried reading the first book when it came out and absolutely hated it, it just wasn't for me. I wanted to like it though. I watched two of the movies and thought they were great, but since then I've fallen out with the series entirely. Oh well, can't win em all!

[Lindis]

Honeybfly wrote: "LOL. NO you're not the only one. I tried reading the first book when it came out and absolutely hated it, it just wasn't for me. I wanted to like it though. I watched two of the movies and thought ..."

Every time I recommend these books to someone, I have to admit, that the first two, are hard to get through, specially for adults.

However, then I tell them to just push through it, because you won't be sorry. Each book ties into the others. By the time you're deep into the fourth book, you won't care that the first to were kinda boring. You'll be in love with them by then.

And if you're not, then yes, these books aren't for you.

And that's okay!

[Becky]

good explination

[Silken]

Harry Potter is an interesting series to read, because I want to find out what happens next. Period. No need to have any in depth analysis about it. Why do people have to take a "created world" so seriously?

[Meggi Lou]

Lindis wrote: "Honeybfly wrote: "LOL. NO you're not the only one. I tried reading the first book when it came out and absolutely hated it, it just wasn't for me. I wanted to like it though. I watched two of the m..."

i agree, but if u read the 1st couple when you are little, they are way more enjoyable