By: mthomson

mthomson — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:30:38 +0000

Being a parent and librarian and three books behind with Harry Potter I was not hanging out for the new book for myself but bought it for my son, now 18 and at uni. He still loves HP and said his faith was restored in JKR in this 7th instalment as she “fixed” something which he had felt she’d mucked up with a character in the last book. Suitably criptic? I have no idea.
But a few memories of watching his journey with Harry:
When I brought the first one home from the library where I worked on the recommendation of the children’s librarian he said: “I don’t read books other people recommend.” He doesn’t remember this (would’ve been about 10) and laughed when I told him recently. Must have had a bored moment one day and read it anyway. I know that throughout the series he has always read books on the coat-tails of HP because of the pleasure of being absorbed in such a book. One day he came out of his room to tell me he had forgotten he was reading it was so absorbing. And I remember the first time I preordered HP for him he gave me a big hug and kiss – and he was bigger than me by that time. And when I think of all those kids who read and reread Harry I can’ think that it is anything but amazing. JKR certainly has done a great job. I think there are plenty of equally excellent books (many that I think are better written in literary terms) but I have no problem in praising her great achievement. Even if it has only raised adult opinion of children’s literature – and gotten a few more to read it – that is a great achievement. And I still have three good books to read in my dotage !
And , by the way, my daughter wouldn’t touch HP (or any other book) with a bargepole (but her boyfriend still reads them at 20).
Marita

Comments on: the Harry Potter Phenomena

By: mthomson