I've read them ALLSep 04 '00 Write an essay on this topic.As of 9/1/2000, I've read ALL of the Harry Potter books. My credentials? Former 4th grade teacher, Doctor of Medicine (non-practicing) current Law student ---- in short, I love my own opinions. J.K.Rowling has a wonderful formula for success in the Harry Potter books. The Books are NOT "great literature" in the classic sense. I know, I know, all the "Big Literary Critics" have said the same thing. But it's true. The books have a nifty "cartoon character" flavor that never lets you forget this is fantasy. Still, the characters have a wonderful sense of reality about themselves as they navigate an environment of pure fantasy. Harry is an orphan, touched by the evil Voldemort —— who killed his parents when he was but an infant. And DEATH and CRUELTY are real life elements in the world of children --- to J.K.Rowling's credit, she doesn't back off the issue. On the other hand, there isn't a lot of philosophical insight into the meaning of life here. The book is pure fantasy and childhood entertainment. And the negative elements are presented as neutral facts; no more; no less. The kids eat it up! Harry Potter is a "hero" in the wizarding world. And this ONLY because he was magical and lucky, simultaneously, at the time his parents were killed. J.K.Rowling doesn't dwell, bemoan, or deeply explore the very adult "angst" of such a circumstance. Nothing thoughtful or introspective here. Thus, the natural narcissistic fantasies of childhood are fed and exploited. And if that gets kids to READ --- I am all for it! And like your average kid, after about 10 pages or so, I decided, "Who needs all that other stuff!" The fantasy/human elements are managed in a great "balancing act" that makes the whole cartoon animation work well. This is a cartoon in literary book-form. An it truly is great entertainment! Harry lives with some really weird "muggles" (non-magical people -- like most parents) who have all too human characteristics. This is typical of how most children see their relationship with their parents. Kids are naturally "magical," grown-ups simply are NOT! But at the same time Harry's situation is a tragic comedy of misery. Again, nothing too terribly "real" here. Any of this remind you of the last episode you saw of "Friends" ? Any of this remind you of your OWN parents. If so, J.K. Rowling is on the mark again! In any event, J.K.Rowling is a millionaire. Kids LOVE the books, and so do I. No, this is NOT a book you would give a college bound ninth grader. But a precocious 4th grader, or pubescent 6th grader will love them. And, if the total truth be told ---- I loved 'em too! It was a great fantasy break from the day to day work a-day world. It was a nifty way to revisit my own childhood. And from the fact that most books are bought by adults rather than kids, my guess is: I am not alone in feeling this way. As of today, at least seven books are planned in the series. If the trend continues, Harry Potter may well take his deserved place with Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys as icons of children's literature. No, this isn't L.Frank Baum and the Wizard of Oz --- And, I'm much rather my kid read, "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle than the Harry Potter books she so deeply loves. The thing I like best about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the L*E*N*G*T*H. J.K.Rowling's editors must have had a fit when they saw a 400 page children's novel written for fifth graders! But kids are plowing through it and begging for MORE! Beats the heck out of Television! And when the kids are reading, THEY are the ones who INSIST on quiet in the house! THAT is a parent's dream! J.K.Rowling, you have my undying gratitude! Who can argue with READING! The great works of children's literature aren't going AWAY by any means. And if reading Harry Potter is the first step to developing the reading skills that will put my child in front of a Newberry Award winner like "A Wrinkle in Time," all the better. I didn't read that book until 7th or 8th grade. My 6th grader is ready for it NOW, in part thanks to Harry Potter! Kids are plowing through Harry Potter and begging for MORE! Would any parent prefer they watch Television? When the kids are reading, THEY are developing needed skills that will last a lifetime! THAT is a parent's dream! J.K.Rowling, you have my undying gratitude! Any author who can motivate THIS many children to READ READ READ, is a miracle worker in my book!  |
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