I didn't get into it, but my roommates in college were obsessed. I saw the first movie, which reminded me of that campy British '80s movie, The Worst Witch and had no interest in the rest.

OP I never could read it either. I took my kid sister to see the movies, some of which were okay and others less so.

I was a literature major with a PhD so I am wondering if that may have something to do with it.

You are correct, the books are not particularly well written. But there is clearly something gripping enough to capture the hearts, minds and wallets of millions.

I am a huge reader and so are my DCs. I am NOT into fantasy or science fiction and guess what? My DCs are not either! We did read Roald Dahl and CS Lewis together, but for some reason, they never got the bug for fantasy. As well, my kids seem to reject popular trends.

They have never been interested in harry potter. I suggested it many times, it's great to be caught up in series b/c you have so many books to read, and this one is so much a part of pop culture now but no, not. interested. Oh well -

Not even the movies caught their attention!

Anonymous wrote:I think it is dumb. And I recently took my kids to Universal because they love Harry Potter, and I still think it is dumb, but I think they did a nice job building the parks.

It really is pretty amazing.

My kids forced me to sit down and watch the movies before we went to Universal Harry Potter World. After those two things, I started to like it a lot more. I then went back and tried to read the books again, but no, still couldn't finish them.

I think it is dumb. And I recently took my kids to Universal because they love Harry Potter, and I still think it is dumb, but I think they did a nice job building the parks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really liked it (still do), and I read the books as an adult, but before I had kids. And I am a reader who doesn't mind heavy lifting, reads the classics regularly, and reads in multiple languages. I didn't have issues with the writing, and the imaginative world captured me completely.

Ditto. They came out when I was in my mid-twenties - LOVED them. The first one is written much more simplistically. But, don't we all want to be the picked on kid who gets to go live in a castle and learn magic?

OP here. Honestly, not something I ever daydreamed about! And I was bullied a lot as a kid.

I have really diverse taste in fiction, that's why I was sitting here today wondering why I can't get into HP.

Anonymous wrote:I really liked it (still do), and I read the books as an adult, but before I had kids. And I am a reader who doesn't mind heavy lifting, reads the classics regularly, and reads in multiple languages. I didn't have issues with the writing, and the imaginative world captured me completely.

Ditto. They came out when I was in my mid-twenties - LOVED them. The first one is written much more simplistically. But, don't we all want to be the picked on kid who gets to go live in a castle and learn magic?

I really liked it (still do), and I read the books as an adult, but before I had kids. And I am a reader who doesn't mind heavy lifting, reads the classics regularly, and reads in multiple languages. I didn't have issues with the writing, and the imaginative world captured me completely.

I was working in a library in college when it came out. I didn't get it then, and I don't get it now. And I tried again and again each time the copies got in my hands, just so I could get in on the conversation. I just couldn't.

I remember my co-workers being all about Lemony Snicket too. I just can't do children's books!

I think it depends somewhat on you too. I'm an imaginative person and love the idea of witches and wizards living amongst us.

But yeah, it's written like a kids book. The later books are harder reads.

Same here, was in college when it came out, friend sent it to me and I think i read a few chapters. It just wasn't good or something I was into.

I didn't get into HP either. Years ago I started the first book and just read enough to say, "I guess I can see why kids like it" and then that was it. Fast forward to when my husband and I started reading it with our 6yo, and I got into it more. We're through book three now and are taking a break. Watched the first two movies too.

Not just you. It's a kids book so there.

I think it might be a function of my age - the first book came out when I was in college and wasn't doing much reading for fun. By the time I started looking into them, my taste in novels had grown, and let's face it - the first is not very well written. I borrowed it from a friend, read the first 10 pages, and handed it back. She said, "Yeah. It's pretty much a kids book, but they get better!"

But meh. Who has the time?

Please tell me it's not just me.