Monday, November 16, 2009

What do you think about adults loving Harry Potter?

Is that childish? Do you think the books are intended for a much younger audience?

What do you think about adults loving Harry Potter?
Not in the least. Believe it or not, JK never intended HP to be a children's series. She was writing pretty much for herself, and so didn't have any targeted age group in mind. Unfortunately, the media pegged it as a children's book, and JK simply accepted it. I can see why most people think it's a children's book, though. The protagonist is a kid, the books are set (for the most part) in a school, and more importantly, the writing is simple enough that children can understand it and enjoy it.





But really, if you look closely at the books, there's so much more going on than a child will see. Political and social allegories, all the intricate hints planted throughout the series, and, of course, all the violence. Just because it's not gunfights and rape shouldn't make it any easier to swallow.





There are many layers to Harry Potter, aspects of it to appeal to almost any age group. The people who call it childish are either disgustingly pretentious or simply haven't read the books yet. I used to think they were for children until OotP came out and I decided to see what all the fuss was about. Then I was hooked.
Reply:I think they were written for a younger audience (Children and pre-teens, maybe), but that there's nothing wrong with adults reading them. Adults need to escape from reality more than kids, don't you think?
Reply:Have you actually read one to even comment. I say read one and then comment because chances are you'll fall in love with the books.
Reply:You could argue it's childish since they are certainly children's books. But even though they are children's books an adult certainly isn't any less intellegent or a person for reading them. I actually applaud adults reading anything since most don't spend much time reading novels.
Reply:A lot of young adult books are very suitable for adults. If the story is imaginitive and engaging there is no age limit for who will enjoy it.
Reply:nah anymore cuz harry is true potter...watch out for the movie it's going to be hotttttt and crazyyyyyyy
Reply:I think it's fine. I don't care for them, personally, but I have read the first one and I can see how it would appeal to a wide audience. My mother-in-law loves them, and she's very intelligent and a cool person.
Reply:not at all. They are written to appeal to a broad spectrum of readers.
Reply:I'm in my 50s and have read all of HP books at least twice and am eagerly awaiting the conclusion. They are juvenile books in that the story is not particularly intricate nor are there extensive literary allusions. They are still quite entertaining and original. No apologies nor embarassment from me.
Reply:Well I am one of the adults who really love Harry Potter. I am glad that there is something that can bridge a generation gap, something that adults and kids can talk about without age and experience getting in the way.





I love that kids/teens/adults seek me out (I'm work at a library) just to discuss the latest developments in Harry Potter movie releases and that we can trade opinions and theories and talk about what could happen next. But what I love the most is that the Harry Potter books have inspired people, no matter what age, to open and books and use their imaginations.
Reply:Fantasy books were intended for anyone who enjoys a good sound fantasy novel or novels. Is it wrong for a young adult to read adult novels? No. Yet, now you are condemning adults for just the reverse. Stories, tales, sagas, mysteries of all sorts were the basis of books for reading enjoyment. When did age of the reader begin to come into contention of reading a good book? If you cannot read a book without finding something bad about it or it's readers, you should just do what your contemporaries do, bury your head into a stupid TV program.
Reply:Yes, I think it is a little childish, but whatever makes a person happy should be their opinion.
Reply:Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings, and many Newberry Award winning books maintain their diverse readership because they include a story that will grip a child, but delve into issues that an adult can appreciate.
Reply:They are written so that people of any age can enjoy them. I am over 30, have read the books to my children and for myself and I LOVE them! There is nothing wrong with an adult reading them, and I can't wait until the next one!
Reply:its pretty queer.
Reply:Yes, it's childish.


Whatever happened to sophisticated adults?


No comments:

Post a Comment