bradtaura's Full Review: J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Books
Have you ever asked your self “What is all the fuss about Harry Potter”?
I too was somewhat annoyed with all the commercialization that transpired upon the 5th book’s debut. I watch as the Today show tried to set up a little game for Potter enthusiasts and noticed that it was obvious that one of the hosts of the show (Matt Lauer) hadn’t read the book and felt completely out of place and confused. At that point I asked myself, “If all these people enjoy the books that much, why don’t I give them a try instead of staying in the dark about it”. And so it began…
How I become a Harry Potter fan…
After watching the second movie I was hooked and decided I just had to start reading the series. I ended up reading all five books through the course of this summer. Warning to those that are unaware, they are addictive! I want to drive the point home that I have always been passive when it comes to reading fiction. As a child I would dabble in a few chapters of Laura Ingels Wilder’s series and old Nancy Drews but never had the urge to finish those books much less the series. Up to now, I have always left my heavy reading for research. The Harry Potter series changed all of that. I love the adventure and creativity that J.K. Rowling incorporates in her writing. I have never been so dazzled and enticed by a writer.
At first I was worried that, in reading the series, I would ruin the surprise and suspense for the next movie. So my plan was to just read the first two books and stop there. After I finished reading the Chamber of Secrets (second book) I just couldn’t wait and proceeded to read the next three. I had been bitten by the Harry bug.
Instead of giving you too much information on each book’s content, I thought it better to give you a teaser that won't ruin the surprises.
The Sourcer’s Stone
I got even more out of the beginning then was shown in the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed the details of how hard Mr. Dursley tried to keep the letters flowing in from Hogwarts, and the details on Hagrids new pet. You get a lot more in the character development in the books. Fun things about each character that makes you feel like you know them personally. The book allows your imagination to soar along with Harry through a newly found strange and magical world.
The Chamber of Secrets
Sinking my teeth into the second book just fueled the fire. This book brings back the array of feelings that you had going back to school: being thrilled to be with your friends again, anticipating the years new challenges and forming a greater bond with some of your peers while forming a greater divide amongst others as you continue to define yourself as a person. Thrown in the mix of all these elements, is a terrifying mystery that Harry and his friends have once again been destined to solve.
As the story unfolds you realize that by virtue of loyalty is their greatest strength and it leads them to victory.
The Prisoner of Azkaban
By now it was certain I couldn’t stop reading, I simply couldn’t set the books aside. I didn’t care anymore if reading the books would lessen the movie’s effects. In fact, I think it had made me more anxious to see the theatrical interpretation of it. They have done such a good job with the first two films and J.K. has a firm hand in it so I have every confidence that the third will be spectacular.
Back to the book--Nothing could have prepared me for the weight of this book. Here I was, a grown adult, and I was worried sick for Harry during this period where a notorious criminal breaks free from prison and was believed to have only one wish…to kill him. A tremendous load for a young boy to carry when his only desire is to experience life as a normal kid along with the rest of his friends. Harry becomes increasingly tormented with the knowledge of his parents’ demise, he carries the burden while performing in Quidditch and barely staying afloat in classes. The book takes you though many daring adventures intensifying to a new level then the plot twists at the last minute to reveal a most unexpected Allie.
The Goblet of Fire
Deadly competition visits Hogwarts where you will be on the edge of your seat and biting your nails to see how each challenge plays out. Harry is once again unwillingly thrown into a situation that separates him from his peers. Though innocent of wrongdoing, at the beginning of the book most believe him to be devious and self-important. Heartbreaking to experience the backlash he endures as he keeps a stiff upper lip to stay on task and survive the challenges he has been forced to face. His valiant character proves to be his saving grace once again while he tries to win back the approval of all who are important to him.
This book seems to teach us that of all Harry’s talents, his strength of character and devotion to his friendships are his greatest virtues.
The Order of the Pheonix?—I will post my review for the 5th book soon.
In conclusion
The fact that you are frustrated with some situations in the book just proves that J.K. Rowling really has a gift in forming a real connection between you and her characters. You struggle when they struggle, you rejoice when they celebrate and you mourn for them as they suffer. The fact that I could be so excited and anxious for a fictional character made the experience that much more gratifying. I can hardly wait to read the next book. This time, I will probably be one of the crazy ones standing in line at the book store in the middle of the night in anticipation, not to mention at the theater when the 3rd book on film is released (next November?). For now I am going through withdrawal. I supposed writing this review is helping me with that. I hope it helps you in your decision on whether of not to read the series.
For those that are too busy to read through these increasingly large novels, try the books on CD or cassette. I actually resorted to that for a time in the summer when I had a lot of time commuting to and from work. It was killing me to have to wait for time to read the next chapter so I went to the public library and checked out the book on CD, popped it in the car and have never been more entertained. It made my commute feel like nothing, even to the point that I was disappointed to arrive to my destination because I would have to wait for my ride back to finish. The narrator does a brilliant job (and that is very important because the wrong narrator can make or break a book on tape or CD).
Christian resistance—It seems to me that those that object to the Harry Potter series for religious reasons should so their homework (read the books) before they pass judgment. When you read the books you would know that they students go home for Christmas (not Winter Break), they celebrate Easter, value family and the books always has a strong moral backbone. Aren’t our children allowed to use their imagination? Is the presence of magic what scares some Christians away?
Here is a little food for thought…
Have you ever enjoyed or shared the following stories with your children?
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, or Mary Poppins
Did the presence of magic in those stories/films harm your upbringing in any way?
Reading level of the books—I personally like that J.K. Rowling doesn’t dumb down the vocabulary in her books so our children will experience a more intelligent and challenging read. I would suggest that parents read and/or watch the movies before you let your young ones (8 and under) because there are scary parts that some kids may not be ready to handle. Use your parental discretion to make that call. If they are ready, enjoy it as a family, if they aren’t keep it back for them for when they are.
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