Harry Potter and the Unhealthy Addiction

[netherspirit]

I remember reading the first Harry Potter book around the time it came out and never read any of the others.

I have been looking for something to read for awhile now. I am awaiting book 9 of the Dresden Files, White Knight. Its supposed to be out in April. Anyways, I haven't been reading as much as I would like lately so I thought I would read the Harry Potter books. There are 6 of them, and I am generally a light reader, meaning I usually read just a couple of chapters a day. That would take some time between now and April, right?

I couldn't stop reading them! I read them one right after the next. I read them in about 1.5 - 2 weeks. I didn't read non-stop but I did put a good number of hours down each day on the couch reading. I don't remember when I started, but I just finished book 6 on Tuesday.

I couldn't put the suckers down. This is a really good story, and I can't wait for the 7th book! Now I have 2 books I am waiting and I am right back where I started, waiting for these books and looking for something to read until they arrive!

[DarkSpade]

Haven't read the books, but I've seen some movies. Honestly, I don't get what's so great about them.
:tumble:

[Bannister]

Around my house the arrival of a new HP book is big news. My kids (now 16, 13 & 4) wife and I absolutely love the books. The last couple of times we have even made a big event out of standing in line at midnight waiting to get our hands on them.

:D

Bannister

[skyknight]

Let me tell you something Nether!!! Harry Potter are kid's books pure and simple....That is why I only read the first six in around two weeks also...That is why I had to wrestle my wife to get my copy back.

I did for a long time chalk these up as children's stories and finally I said ok I will give it a try to my oldest daughter. ONe of the best written stories I have ever read plain and simple.... It flows so easily that you never really get bored with it.

[Kepler]

I love the HP books. I first heard about them the night the 4th one was released. I happened to be at Borders that night and wondered what all the fuss was about, so i picked up the first HP book that night. I soon finished it and the next three. I can't wait for the 7th book.

Funny sorry, when the sixth book came out I bought and read it very quickly. A co-worker of mine was a fan of the books too and asked to borrow it. She came up to my desk a few days later pissed at me for not warning her about DD dieing at the end (apparently she cried quite a bit). She made me promise to warn her of any really sad endings to any future books I lend her. :D

[Malechi]

True enough. I don't have children. I kept seeing the books everywhere I went. I put off reading those "Children's Books" for a long time. Finally, my ex-wife (who is an avid reader) said that she had just finished Sorcerer's Stone and she really, really enjoyed it. I went out and picked myself up a copy and read it through in two days ... You cannot stop reading, it is just that well written. That DarkSpade is the real draw is to these books. The movies are fine and dandy, but the books are what is "so great about them". I went out immediately and purchased the current books at the time. Then waited like a child on Christmas Eve for each book thereafter.


Nether,

A very good book to read is Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Don't be put off by the title as yet another wizard in training story - and definitely, absolutely, without a doubt, not for children - Contains rape and extreme torture It will be quite different than you might expect. But, be warned, this too is a series of books!

[boom]

Nether, I just started reading book 5 again last week to get primed for the movie next year (saw the trailer when we took the boy to see "Happy Feet"). Even the second time around, I could not put it down. Just finished it last night and will probably start on "The Half-Blood Prince" again, just for fun. These are some of the most entertaining books I have ever read.

Mal-I'll check out your recommendation, also.

[netherspirit]

Nether,

A very good book to read is Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Don't be put off by the title as yet another wizard in training story - and definitely, absolutely, without a doubt, not for children - Contains rape and extreme torture It will be quite different than you might expect. But, be warned, this too is a series of books!

I will have to check that one out. Thanks for the tip. I will have to make a trip to the BN later.

I would recommend The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I think I got LilNewbie hooked on them. Its a series about a Wizard in present day Chicago. He's the only Wizard in the phone book. He helps the police solve mysteries crimes. There are Dark Sorcerers, Werewolves, Vampires, Faeries, he even Faerie Godmother that is actually a Faerie!

The first one is called Storm Front. Its good stuff. Its a bit of Mystery, Thriller, Supsense type thing. Its very good. Can't wait for the next one.

Since I just finished the Half Blood Prince the other day my mind is still stewing on what happened and whats going to happen in the next book! Working out what I think is going to happen...so many things! I hope it comes out on its rumored date of 7/7/07, I'm not sure though, as of Oct 31st she is still writing. :( Its going to have be like 7000 pages to cover everything that needs to be tied up!

[Taelord]

The reason you didn't like them is because the movies are horrible. The books are good.

[Aldin]

I'm a big fan of Wizard's First Rule as well and can't reinforce strongly enough that this is NOT a book for kids. Of course, the later Harry Potter books are less and less for little kids as they go on. When my son has his reading chops down I'd probably let him read the first book, but every book in the series gets progressively darker and deals with more mature issues. I can't see letting him read the latest book until he's hit double-digits. Good in a way for readers who have grown up with the characters, not so hot if you start at seven or eight and want to buzz throught the entire series.

Without spoiling it, I was rather unsatisfied with the latest book. I have my fingers crossed about the next one, it may make or break the entire series.

~Aldin

[netherspirit]

The reason you didn't like them is because the movies are horrible. The books are good.

They are not entirely horrible. There is some cool stuff in there. I have watchd the first three movies and plan to watch the 4th soon.

The problem with the movies is that there is so much in the books that it can't all be put into a reasonably lengthed movie. There are so many small things that get left out because of time constraints.

I enjoyed the first 3 movies when I wasn't thinking about what was left out or changed. If you don't think about that, they are pretty decent. It would be cool if they did like an LotR: Extended edition type thing with them, but meh. Its all just eye candy anyways. I can't wait to see the Dragon scene in the 4th movie!

There are a lot of things in the 5th book that I hope are in the movie, like Fred and George's exit from Hogwarts, that was a cool scene in the book and it would be cool to see it in the movie (I have heard that it is).

Anyways, if you can watch them and not think about what was changed or removed, they are pretty good. Not great, but good, watchable movies.

[kenjib]

Lots of other kids books are great for adults too, like The Neverending Story and The Last Unicorn.

[CupidsArt]

I will say that I too love the Potter books and I feel Mal explained it best.

I'm not a big reader, but these books keep my attention (which is really hard to do, :) ). I can actually read for hours with a Potter book.

Yeah the movies are, meh, but the books are pretty good, :D

[DoesntCompute]

If you are looking for something to read, some other books I would recommend:
A Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin
White Gold Weilder - Donaldson
Book of Swords - Saberhagen
Black Company - Glen Cook
Chronicles of Amber - Zelazny

As far as Harry Potter goes, this is just another example of how the movie wasn't nearly as good as the book.

[netherspirit]

As far as Harry Potter goes, this is just another example of how the movie wasn't nearly as good as the book.

When are they ever, though?

Jaws was much better than the book.

Shawshank Redemption was a really good movie and a really good novella, the changes they made didn't affect the movie at all.

Oh and the Princess Bride is almost 100% faithful to the book.

Those are the only exampls that I think of...

[Nooblar]

Honestly, I read the first book and I thought it was really "meh." Didn't like it at all, for whatever reason. I did finish it, but there was nothing there to hook me on it.

What got me was Jordan's Wheel of Time. Say what you want about it, I enjoyed it and got the same reading bug that Potter apparently gives you guys. Now just waiting to find the 11th book in paperback...

[skyknight]

Well since we are going to rehash our favorites again.... Dark Tower series all the way.

[Mikestir]

I actully saw the frist movie and then read the book. The movies bring the stuff t live but the books is where the good stuff is. NUmber 4 in my opine was to fast. It skiped the frist 9 chapters just to get to the point were they are wacthing the qucidicth chapionship. THe movies if you ask me skip to much sometimes. I really hope they dont screw up number 5. Becuase that is very important to the series.

[LilNewbie]

I've enjoyed the Harry Potter series and love the Dresden Files.

I've been reading some of the Warhammer 40k books recently since I love the backdrop of that universe even if the mini game has moved past the point of enjoyment. If you get a chance, pick up the combined novels called Eisenhorn which are about the Inquisitor Eisenhorn and his story arc. Pretty good stuff. Right now I'm reading the combined novels of the Ultramarines which was the first army I played in W40K.

Newb.

[InfinityMax]

Yeah, Harry Potter is amazing. It's stultifying how great that woman can write, especially since they are ostensibly 'kid books'. I am anxiously awaiting the final volume - the end of book 6 was a killer (yeah, pun intended).

[Chimpy]

I love the Harry Potter series. Yet, I continually find thngs to rant about them. For example, Harry Potter is a character who can not do anything on his own. He is utterly helpless. I wrote a five page essay on this subject once.

[markwars]

I re-read the entire series before each new book comes out and I have to say that it never takes very long. These are the kinds of books that you stay up until 3am reading, you call in sick the next day and stay in bed reading until 3am again. They are addictive as hell.

[netherspirit]

These are the kinds of books that you stay up until 3am reading.

Definately did that a lot over the past week and a half to two weeks. I just couldn't put these things down.

[netherspirit]

I love the Harry Potter series. Yet, I continually find thngs to rant about them. For example, Harry Potter is a character who can not do anything on his own. He is utterly helpless. I wrote a five page essay on this subject once.

He's not a superhero. He's a kid who is trying to survive in the face of evil.

[Snotwalker 8000]

I had the same experience, Nether. I refused to read them for the longest time, just because there was so much hype. But then I saw the movies and was impressed. Read the first book, and then proceeded to DEVOUR the remaining ones. It reads so well, is entertaining, provides a richer background than the movies, and just sucks you in.

If you're looking for other book series to read, check out the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist. (Starting with Magician: Apprentice). It's another great series that's hard to put down.

[Pattar007]

The only problem I ever had with Harry Potter is Quiddich(yes it is misspelled).

1. Catching the Snitch is the only importent thing. Why on earth is it 150 points again?

2. They train all year and yet they play only 3 games. 3! They should play like 6 regular games and have a playoff at the end.

3. Fouls need to stricter. (Remember Draco pulling on the broom in #3

4 Harry needs to stop getting himself suspended from games, getting hurt, or skipping games.

5. I think J.K. has gotton tired of Quiddich.

So in general I think it was quiddich is like it is because it was invented by a women.(apologizes to all womem in the world)

Don't get me wrong I love Harry Potter.

[Mikestir]

I never knew their was Warhammer 40k..... Sounds cool.

[auralerogeny]

I own the six hardback Harry Potter books, but haven't read them yet. I'm looking foward to reading them, but refuse to start a series until it is complete. I can't stand reading a series of books, and then waiting a year or two at a time for the next book while the author is writing them. I want to read them all back to back, start to finish.

Hearing everyone's raving opinions on Harry Potter has really piqued my interest in them (I work in a bookstore) and I'm looking forward to reading them. I've really enjoyed the movies so far, and I'm sure that the books are better (they always are).

If you're looking for other book series to read, check out the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist. (Starting with Magician: Apprentice). It's another great series that's hard to put down.

I completely agree with this recommendation. I started reading Feist, and wasn't able to stop until I had read everything I could get my hands on (a little over 20 books). Feist's books are like a better written Tolkein series. The scope of Feist's work is huge, it spans a couple hundred years, basically following a lineage of Kings for the most part.

One of my favorite aspects of these books are the military strategies and tactics used throughout. He is always inventive with the wars/battles (and they are constantly fighting) and they have inspired a couple moves on the HS battlefield. They are action packed at times, yet still have a continuous plot from book to book.

There are several 4-book series, a few trilogies, and a couple stand-alone books that all fit into the world of Midkemia. I highly recommend them to anyone. Feist has become my favorite fantasy writer.

Also, another book that is immensly popular right now and is also a favorite is a book called "Eragon," and the sequel is "Eldest," by Christopher Paolini. There is supposed to be a third book coming some time in the near future as well. I haven't read these books, but everyone who has really likes them. It is another "childrens book" that adults really like. Infact, at work, only adults ask for them.

And now, I'm going to cross my fingers and hope that I wasn't logged out while typing this... :?

EDIT: Yup. I sure was. Luckily I hit Ctrl+C. :D

[Agent Minivann]

Honestly, I read the first book and I thought it was really "meh." Didn't like it at all, for whatever reason. I did finish it, but there was nothing there to hook me on it.


I'm kind of with you on that one. I read the first book after seeing the first three movies. I thought it was ok, but nothing really special. I thought the movie had a better flow. I started to read the second book and got bored with it pretty quickly. I haven't picked up one of the books since (with the exception of when the kids leave them on the floor).

If you're looking for other book series to read, check out the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist. (Starting with Magician: Apprentice). It's another great series that's hard to put down.

I completely agree with this recommendation. I started reading Feist, and wasn't able to stop until I had read everything I could get my hands on (a little over 20 books). Feist's books are like a better written Tolkein series. The scope of Feist's work is huge, it spans a couple hundred years, basically following a lineage of Kings for the most part.

One of my favorite aspects of these books are the military strategies and tactics used throughout. He is always inventive with the wars/battles (and they are constantly fighting) and they have inspired a couple moves on the HS battlefield. They are action packed at times, yet still have a continuous plot from book to book.

There are several 4-book series, a few trilogies, and a couple stand-alone books that all fit into the world of Midkemia. I highly recommend them to anyone. Feist has become my favorite fantasy writer.

I read the Serpent War Saga by Feist. I started out liking the books, but after I read the fourth book I didn't like it nearly as much. They got really formulaic. I don't know if all his books are that way, but it bugged the crap out of me when I was reading the third and fourth books. I also wished when the wizards would get all chatty about the philosophy of how magic works that it would have been formatted like the songs in LOTR so I could know what to skip. Those parts bored me to tears. I also didn't like how each book focused on a different character and practically forgot about the others. I just get interested in character 1 and then book 2 is all about character 2. Character 1 is in very little of book 2. Repeat in book 3 and 4. I think I would do better reading his books in a one at a time manner rather than a series at a time manner. I liked a lot of what he did, but there were parts that I can only take in small doses. Of course they were the first books I read after graduating from college, so I may have been reading them way too analytically.

I loved Battlefield Earth, written by Tom Cruise's hero. I wouldn't consider it fine art or anything, but I had fun reading it. It's long, but I thought it moved really well. And of course the obligatory, DON'T SEE THE MOVIE!!! At least not until you've read the book. If you've seen the movie, I'm sorry. I feel your pain.

[Mikestir]

I readed Battlefelid earth during the summer. It was awesome... The movie suckes big balls. They idn't really go with the story... If someone else did it it might have very much better.....

[Buffrat]

Hmm...

Try reading Eragon and Eldest. They are the two books in The Inheretence Series. A friend suggested them to me once, and I've loved the series ever since.

[Mikestir]

there you go buffart and the are a good series! Some one should start a topic! hint hint

[netherspirit]

Its an okay series. The only reason the first one got so much hype was because it was written by a 15 year old. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book (both of them) and am looking forward to the third, but after reading the Harry Potter series I can definately say that the stories in those books kept my attention a little better, I read the first and second ones in 2 days, back to back, only stopping to sleep, eat and poop. When I read Eragon, I kind of felt like I was reading Star Wars set in a Tolkein-esque universe.

No comparison while Eragon and Eldest are good, Harry Potter is a better, more well written story. IMO.

Props to Christopher though for writting something like Eragon. Its definately good.

[Country_Dragon]

Well the first book I got was Goblet of Fire cause I was really into the movies and I wanted to see what was going to happen. That book was so good I had to go back and get all the others so now Yeah Im like everyone else waiting and waiting for the 7th potter book and the 3rd Eragon book. By the way Im getting the Eragon sword for Christmas it is sweeet.

[boom]

For everyone's info; I just picked up "Wizards's First Rule" that Malechi had recommended and man is this book interesting. I flew threw the first hundred pages during my free time on Saturday and Sunday. A very good (so far) fantasy read. Be prepared to spend some time with it. In small print paperback form, the book still weighs in at over 800 pages.

Wisps and Gars and Seekers, oh my!

[Chimpy]

I have to say that Eragon is a pretty awesome book. I think that Paolini (I think that is his name) has some character development issues. Eragon and Saphira have nothing in common, they really share no link. A lot of the characters eh, Arya, eh, seem to be too idealized and Eragon seems to be nothing more than a selfish, hormone driven teenager. (Much like Harry Potter in the last two books. shudders)

Netherspirit hits the mark with the Star wars comparision I mean think about it. Spoilers: Eragon=Luke Skywalker. His mentor (Brom=Obi Wan) dies 2/3 the way through the first segment right before he meets the rebellion. He then successfully destroys the largest army Galbatorix has mustered(AKA Death Star). In the next book he travels into a forest and there he finds the "last dragon rider of old" (AKA Yoda). He leaves before his training is done to help his friends. There he discovers that the evil enemy dragon rider is Murtagh, his brother. (Anybody remember "Luke, I am your Father." Notice that you do not see Galbatorix (Palpatine) in the first two books. Now tell me this is not Star Wars.

Do not get me wrong, I love the series. It just seems a little easy to predict.

[Mikestir]

wtf? holy hell! thats inpossible! it make sos much sense..... Thats really weird.... having the pwers to influece things around you... reading their minds..... omg......what has happened to this world?

[Kepler]

The only problem I ever had with Harry Potter is Quiddich(yes it is misspelled).

1. Catching the Snitch is the only importent thing. Why on earth is it 150 points again?

2. They train all year and yet they play only 3 games. 3! They should play like 6 regular games and have a playoff at the end.

3. Fouls need to stricter. (Remember Draco pulling on the broom in #3

4 Harry needs to stop getting himself suspended from games, getting hurt, or skipping games.

5. I think J.K. has gotton tired of Quiddich.

So in general I think it was quiddich is like it is because it was invented by a women.(apologizes to all womem in the world)

Don't get me wrong I love Harry Potter.

I love HP, but the Quiddich thing is/was very stupid.

[Mikestir]

yep I secoundly notion that!

[Buffrat]

heh... if you're hinting at me to start a topic, then I might later.


Yeah, the Star Wars and Inheretance series comparisons are very similar. I ntocied a few myself while reading it.

As for Harry Potter, I tried to like the series, yet it just never got my interest like Inheretence. Probably I'm more into dragons/knights type of fanasty.

[Mikestir]

I guess thats probley why I like Eragon better as well. The major diffrenice is In Eragon the person is pulled into it while in HP harry is born with it. Plus I like Eragons setting and such.

[toddrew]

I have been looking for something to read for awhile now. I am awaiting book 9 of the Dresden Files, White Knight. Its supposed to be out in April.

Slight threadjack here, but, nether, how important is it to read the Dresden Files series sequentially? My wife is looking forward to the series on Sci-Fi, but would like to read some first - ideally the whole series in order, but the Library doesn't have the first book available for likely a couple of months. Anyway, if this post is too distracting, feel free to pm a reply, but I thought a more public expression of Dresden Files would be to your liking :)

[Pattar007]

I guess thats probley why I like Eragon better as well. The major diffrenice is In Eragon the person is pulled into it while in HP harry is born with it. Plus I like Eragons setting and such.

There you go. SPOILER After rereading the books, it is interesting to read the little stories, like Roran taking the entire town of Carvahall to Surda

[Loco4DaMofo]

The Harry Potter books are quite good. It sort of reminds me of "The Bartimaeus Trilogy" which are great books. I recommend them.

[Cavalier]

FYI, Number 7 will be release in July.

[netherspirit]

FYI, Number 7 will be release in July.

July 21st to be more exact.

[boom]

FYI, Number 7 will be release in July.

July 21st to be more exact.

That's what I needed to know! Thanks, nether.

[DarkDino]

Gotta wait till July for J.K. Rowling to kill off another major character.....
And gotta wait till June 7th for the movie(5). :(

[ZBeeblebrox]

True enough. I don't have children. I kept seeing the books everywhere I went. I put off reading those "Children's Books" for a long time. Finally, my ex-wife (who is an avid reader) said that she had just finished Sorcerer's Stone and she really, really enjoyed it. I went out and picked myself up a copy and read it through in two days ... You cannot stop reading, it is just that well written. That DarkSpade is the real draw is to these books. The movies are fine and dandy, but the books are what is "so great about them". I went out immediately and purchased the current books at the time. Then waited like a child on Christmas Eve for each book thereafter.


Nether,

A very good book to read is Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Don't be put off by the title as yet another wizard in training story - and definitely, absolutely, without a doubt, not for children - Contains rape and extreme torture It will be quite different than you might expect. But, be warned, this too is a series of books!

I concur with everything in this statement...the Harry potter books are easy to read and well written and the Goodkind books are Harry Potter for adults, whenever a new one from that series releases, I can't put it down until it is read...just like the Potter books.