Have any of you started the “Harry Potter” book series for the very first time as an adult, like aged 30-ish and older, without having seen the movies either? If so, how did you like the books? Did you enjoy them as much younger people do who read them? Many times, we hear about the series (now) from folks who read them when they were younger. I’m looking for people who only started them for the very first time as an adult. Thanks!
(I’m not looking to discuss any controversies, etc.; I’m fully aware. I still want to read the books I’ve owned for a while. TIA.)
by DrmsRz
5 Comments
Yes, I read the books starting when the first was in paperback, and based on when that was, I was right around 30, 31 years old. I enjoyed them and liked the movies and then got to do it all over again with my daughter who was obsessed to say the very least. You should read them, they’re good.
Started them in my 30s, when _Goblet_ was published, and I’ve read them all at least half a dozen times.
Yes! I was 31 when I started (and finished) the series. I had not seen the movies either. People of all ages can enjoy Harry Potter. Give it a go.
Id never ‘properly’ read them as a kid. I’d say the closest I got was taking a few home from school when we were made to borrow a book from the library, and barely reading them. Was never much of a reader as a kid.
But now I find them a struggle. Twice ive tried as a late teen and adult and I can’t get passed the prisoner of azkaban. Personal disdain for Rowling aside, I don’t think she’s a good writer. She absolutely deserves credit for hitting the right demographic with the right thing at the right time. But I can’t help think any decent writer could have produced something better.
Honsestly I think it’s a similar phenomenon to fourth wing to a degree, only decades earlier. Provide readers with an appealing fantasy universe they can self insert into, and as long as you do that well enough, the quality of the writing doesn’t matter.
I read them when my daughter read them (I remember waiting in line at midnight at a bookstore to get #5). I enjoyed the early ones a lot— the world building and characters were excellent. I eventually couldn’t stand reading the 100-200 page review of the ongoing story at the beginning of each new book, and she lost me as a reader.