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  4. Why Harry Potter?

Why Harry Potter?

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  • A Offline
    A Offline
    Anonymous101
    wrote on last edited by
    #1

    I am glad to spend the $19 for my 4th grade son (he finished it in 3 days) but I don't understand why it is so attactive to young children. I would never like such a book. What do you think?

    C N M R 4 Replies Last reply
    0
    • A Anonymous101

      I am glad to spend the $19 for my 4th grade son (he finished it in 3 days) but I don't understand why it is so attactive to young children. I would never like such a book. What do you think?

      C Offline
      C Offline
      ColinDavies
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      4th grade ? 9 or 10 I guess. My 9yr old is an addict to HP and has read all the books repeatedly. Though this latest one he is reading slowly, because he gets too excited through it, and starts jumping around agitated at what is gonna happen next. I think you need to put yourself in the mind of a 9yr old in the yr 2003, and not when you were 9. The stories are competing with and complimenting all the other merchandise about. Alo they are what kids want to read. JK Rowling has definitly created a cult following by kids which I think helps to futher the fire for more sales. On a brighter note my Son also found my old LOTR trilogy set which I have purposefully left lying around. :-) Regardz Colin J Davies

      *** WARNING *
      This could be addictive
      **The minion's version of "Catch :bob: "

      It's a real shame that people as stupid as you can work out how to use a computer. said by Christian Graus in the Soapbox

      A 1 Reply Last reply
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      • A Anonymous101

        I am glad to spend the $19 for my 4th grade son (he finished it in 3 days) but I don't understand why it is so attactive to young children. I would never like such a book. What do you think?

        N Offline
        N Offline
        Nick Seng
        wrote on last edited by
        #3

        My uhhh....kid brother....uh, that's it. Kid brother likes it for the same reason he liked Lord of the Rings. Nuff' said. ;) Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


        God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

        P P 2 Replies Last reply
        0
        • A Anonymous101

          I am glad to spend the $19 for my 4th grade son (he finished it in 3 days) but I don't understand why it is so attactive to young children. I would never like such a book. What do you think?

          M Offline
          M Offline
          Marc Clifton
          wrote on last edited by
          #4

          I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) Why do I like it? Well.... I like SF and Fantasy, and it sort of fits in that genre. It's something I can read to fill the gaps of time (like sitting on the potty :laugh: ) but I mainly find it interesting because it uses children (a metaphor for innocence) to combat darkness/evil (the metaphor for real life). For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia and Ender's Game. These books remind me that it looking at life from a child's perspective is important. A lot of times as adults we forget to ask "why?". As for being attractive to children--well, because especially at the 9-13 year old age, every child dreams of (I hate using the term) super-powers, daring rescues, overcoming adversity, and challenging authority, and being the hero. You find the same motifs in fairy tales. HP is just a "modern" fairy tale that's missing most of the spiritual elements found in true fairy tales. Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
          A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
          CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

          M J A 3 Replies Last reply
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          • M Marc Clifton

            I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) Why do I like it? Well.... I like SF and Fantasy, and it sort of fits in that genre. It's something I can read to fill the gaps of time (like sitting on the potty :laugh: ) but I mainly find it interesting because it uses children (a metaphor for innocence) to combat darkness/evil (the metaphor for real life). For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia and Ender's Game. These books remind me that it looking at life from a child's perspective is important. A lot of times as adults we forget to ask "why?". As for being attractive to children--well, because especially at the 9-13 year old age, every child dreams of (I hate using the term) super-powers, daring rescues, overcoming adversity, and challenging authority, and being the hero. You find the same motifs in fairy tales. HP is just a "modern" fairy tale that's missing most of the spiritual elements found in true fairy tales. Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
            A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
            CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

            M Offline
            M Offline
            Megan Forbes
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            Marc Clifton wrote: I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) I agree. I haven't read the first 2 yet (having seen the movies). When the 5th one came out I borrowed books 3, 4 and 5 from a friend last Monday. I finished this weekend. I have to say, I enjoyed 3 and 4 a lot more than 5. 5 had the anger in it that the author had said she'd put there, but to me it just made it less comfortable to read. BTW - could you please email me the person who entered Harry in the Triwizard competition in book 4? I read that bit over the weekend, then couldn't remember. I've searched and searched both the ends of book 4 and 5, but can't come across it again :(( Thanks - reason for email request - it wouldn't be fair to spoil it for other CPians :)


            Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams

            N R 2 Replies Last reply
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            • M Marc Clifton

              I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) Why do I like it? Well.... I like SF and Fantasy, and it sort of fits in that genre. It's something I can read to fill the gaps of time (like sitting on the potty :laugh: ) but I mainly find it interesting because it uses children (a metaphor for innocence) to combat darkness/evil (the metaphor for real life). For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia and Ender's Game. These books remind me that it looking at life from a child's perspective is important. A lot of times as adults we forget to ask "why?". As for being attractive to children--well, because especially at the 9-13 year old age, every child dreams of (I hate using the term) super-powers, daring rescues, overcoming adversity, and challenging authority, and being the hero. You find the same motifs in fairy tales. HP is just a "modern" fairy tale that's missing most of the spiritual elements found in true fairy tales. Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
              A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
              CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

              J Offline
              J Offline
              Jason Henderson
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              I love the Potter books also but I haven't read the last one yet. Marc Clifton wrote: For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia Excellent books. Did you know they were based on Bible stories? C.S. Lewis was an athiest turned Christian who wrote several things like that.

              Jason Henderson

              my articles

              "If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

              M Z 2 Replies Last reply
              0
              • J Jason Henderson

                I love the Potter books also but I haven't read the last one yet. Marc Clifton wrote: For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia Excellent books. Did you know they were based on Bible stories? C.S. Lewis was an athiest turned Christian who wrote several things like that.

                Jason Henderson

                my articles

                "If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

                M Offline
                M Offline
                Marc Clifton
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                Jason Henderson wrote: C.S. Lewis was an athiest turned Christian who wrote several things like that. Yes, C.S. Lewis was a very interesting person. I once listened to the only audio recording of him, giving a talk on the four types of love. Highly recommended. I didn't realize that Narnia was a Christian myth until my teens. It's interesting how, every couple of years I'll re-read them and learn something new. Rather timeless, like another book, eh? :-D Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
                A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
                CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

                C 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • M Marc Clifton

                  Jason Henderson wrote: C.S. Lewis was an athiest turned Christian who wrote several things like that. Yes, C.S. Lewis was a very interesting person. I once listened to the only audio recording of him, giving a talk on the four types of love. Highly recommended. I didn't realize that Narnia was a Christian myth until my teens. It's interesting how, every couple of years I'll re-read them and learn something new. Rather timeless, like another book, eh? :-D Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
                  A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
                  CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

                  C Offline
                  C Offline
                  Chris Losinger
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #8

                  Marc Clifton wrote: Rather timeless, like another book, eh? LOTR? CheeseWeasle

                  M 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • J Jason Henderson

                    I love the Potter books also but I haven't read the last one yet. Marc Clifton wrote: For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia Excellent books. Did you know they were based on Bible stories? C.S. Lewis was an athiest turned Christian who wrote several things like that.

                    Jason Henderson

                    my articles

                    "If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

                    Z Offline
                    Z Offline
                    Zachery
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #9

                    Jason Henderson wrote: Did you know they were based on Bible stories? Yes, in fact my Sr year in High School we read them in my Christianity class. Those along with The Silent Planet series, which shows earth in different phases (the regualr world, a perfect world with no sin, and a world where sin is about to be introduced).

                    ..........Zack.......... Developer Extraordinaire && Full Time Geek

                    Think different, think beige "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups." - George Carlin GCS\P\SS d- s-:- a-- C++$ U--- P--- L- E- W++ N o K-? w+++ O++ !M-- V PS+ PE Y+ PGP t+ 5+ X+ R++ tv++ b++ DI++ D+++ G+>G++++ e* h- r++ y+

                    1 Reply Last reply
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                    • C ColinDavies

                      4th grade ? 9 or 10 I guess. My 9yr old is an addict to HP and has read all the books repeatedly. Though this latest one he is reading slowly, because he gets too excited through it, and starts jumping around agitated at what is gonna happen next. I think you need to put yourself in the mind of a 9yr old in the yr 2003, and not when you were 9. The stories are competing with and complimenting all the other merchandise about. Alo they are what kids want to read. JK Rowling has definitly created a cult following by kids which I think helps to futher the fire for more sales. On a brighter note my Son also found my old LOTR trilogy set which I have purposefully left lying around. :-) Regardz Colin J Davies

                      *** WARNING *
                      This could be addictive
                      **The minion's version of "Catch :bob: "

                      It's a real shame that people as stupid as you can work out how to use a computer. said by Christian Graus in the Soapbox

                      A Offline
                      A Offline
                      Anonymous101
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #10

                      Colin Davies wrote: I think you need to put yourself in the mind of a 9yr old in the yr 2003, and not when you were 9. That's it! I was trying to remember what I liked when I was 9 year old. ;)

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • M Marc Clifton

                        I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) Why do I like it? Well.... I like SF and Fantasy, and it sort of fits in that genre. It's something I can read to fill the gaps of time (like sitting on the potty :laugh: ) but I mainly find it interesting because it uses children (a metaphor for innocence) to combat darkness/evil (the metaphor for real life). For the same reason, I totally enjoy the Chronicles Of Narnia and Ender's Game. These books remind me that it looking at life from a child's perspective is important. A lot of times as adults we forget to ask "why?". As for being attractive to children--well, because especially at the 9-13 year old age, every child dreams of (I hate using the term) super-powers, daring rescues, overcoming adversity, and challenging authority, and being the hero. You find the same motifs in fairy tales. HP is just a "modern" fairy tale that's missing most of the spiritual elements found in true fairy tales. Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
                        A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
                        CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

                        A Offline
                        A Offline
                        Anonymous101
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #11

                        Marc Clifton wrote: every child dreams of (I hate using the term) super-powers Adults are no exception either. :)

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • C Chris Losinger

                          Marc Clifton wrote: Rather timeless, like another book, eh? LOTR? CheeseWeasle

                          M Offline
                          M Offline
                          Marc Clifton
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #12

                          Chris Losinger wrote: LOTR? Yes, that one too. :-D Marc Every line of code is a liability - Taka Muraoka
                          A doable project is one that is small enough to be done quickly and big enough to be interesting - Ken Orr
                          CPP Script Framework Design Page Latest AAL Article

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • M Megan Forbes

                            Marc Clifton wrote: I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) I agree. I haven't read the first 2 yet (having seen the movies). When the 5th one came out I borrowed books 3, 4 and 5 from a friend last Monday. I finished this weekend. I have to say, I enjoyed 3 and 4 a lot more than 5. 5 had the anger in it that the author had said she'd put there, but to me it just made it less comfortable to read. BTW - could you please email me the person who entered Harry in the Triwizard competition in book 4? I read that bit over the weekend, then couldn't remember. I've searched and searched both the ends of book 4 and 5, but can't come across it again :(( Thanks - reason for email request - it wouldn't be fair to spoil it for other CPians :)


                            Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams

                            N Offline
                            N Offline
                            Nick Seng
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #13

                            It was Barty Crouch Jr. impersonating as Mad-Eye Moony using the Polyjuice Potion. And I know it because.....errr....my kid brother told me ??;P Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


                            God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

                            M 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • N Nick Seng

                              It was Barty Crouch Jr. impersonating as Mad-Eye Moony using the Polyjuice Potion. And I know it because.....errr....my kid brother told me ??;P Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


                              God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

                              M Offline
                              M Offline
                              Megan Forbes
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #14

                              Thanks Nick - you're err... kid brother knows his stuff :-D


                              Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • M Megan Forbes

                                Marc Clifton wrote: I've read them all, and I'm 40, and enjoyed them thoroughly (except Order of the Phoenix was lacking something. It's like the blade has been dulled, or something like that.) I agree. I haven't read the first 2 yet (having seen the movies). When the 5th one came out I borrowed books 3, 4 and 5 from a friend last Monday. I finished this weekend. I have to say, I enjoyed 3 and 4 a lot more than 5. 5 had the anger in it that the author had said she'd put there, but to me it just made it less comfortable to read. BTW - could you please email me the person who entered Harry in the Triwizard competition in book 4? I read that bit over the weekend, then couldn't remember. I've searched and searched both the ends of book 4 and 5, but can't come across it again :(( Thanks - reason for email request - it wouldn't be fair to spoil it for other CPians :)


                                Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams

                                R Offline
                                R Offline
                                Rage
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #15

                                Megan Forbes wrote: I haven't read the first 2 yet (having seen the movies). Then you missed something (as usual, the movie does not stand comparison with the books) ... ~RaGE();

                                M 1 Reply Last reply
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                                • R Rage

                                  Megan Forbes wrote: I haven't read the first 2 yet (having seen the movies). Then you missed something (as usual, the movie does not stand comparison with the books) ... ~RaGE();

                                  M Offline
                                  M Offline
                                  Megan Forbes
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #16

                                  I'll probably get around to reading 1 and 2 now :)


                                  Look at the world about you and trust to your own convictions. - Ansel Adams

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • A Anonymous101

                                    I am glad to spend the $19 for my 4th grade son (he finished it in 3 days) but I don't understand why it is so attactive to young children. I would never like such a book. What do you think?

                                    R Offline
                                    R Offline
                                    Rage
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #17

                                    I begun to read the first one last year, one week before my exams. That was the worst thing to do. I simply could not do anything else but read. This story is amazing. Fortunately, I read fast enough, and managed to read the first 4 in 5 days, leaving two days for preapring my exams :rolleyes:. So to answer your What do you think ?, I'd say, if you have a little bit of time :), try and read the first one. ~RaGE();

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • N Nick Seng

                                      My uhhh....kid brother....uh, that's it. Kid brother likes it for the same reason he liked Lord of the Rings. Nuff' said. ;) Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


                                      God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

                                      P Offline
                                      P Offline
                                      peterchen
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Yeah, but HarryPo is kid brother good-vs-evil stuff, LOT has more serious background.


                                      "Der Geist des Kriegers ist erwacht / Ich hab die Macht" StS
                                      sighist | Agile Programming | doxygen

                                      N 1 Reply Last reply
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                                      • P peterchen

                                        Yeah, but HarryPo is kid brother good-vs-evil stuff, LOT has more serious background.


                                        "Der Geist des Kriegers ist erwacht / Ich hab die Macht" StS
                                        sighist | Agile Programming | doxygen

                                        N Offline
                                        N Offline
                                        Nick Seng
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #19

                                        Well, I thought it got more serious after book 4 Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


                                        God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • N Nick Seng

                                          My uhhh....kid brother....uh, that's it. Kid brother likes it for the same reason he liked Lord of the Rings. Nuff' said. ;) Nick Seng (the programmer formerly known as Notorious SMC)


                                          God, I pity me! - Phoncible P. Bone

                                          P Offline
                                          P Offline
                                          Paul Watson
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Are you really comparing HP (the book not the sauce) to LOTR?

                                          Paul Watson
                                          Bluegrass
                                          Cape Town, South Africa

                                          Roger Wright wrote: Personally, I'm seeking a red-headed, double-breasted mattress thrasher

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