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| | Harry Potter News Latest news and rumors about the Harry Potter world! | 
04-15-2004, 12:42 PM
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[img]http://www.snitchseeker.com/images/news/ootp_80.gif' align='middle'> College student says that HP isnt only a kids book - Summary:
A college student in America says that the HP series are not only for children Article:
Thanks to Wizardnews Quote: Another summer has come and gone, and with it, the box office smash hits. Now, in the middle of the hottest month of the year, when we would all love to be in the icy movie theater, sipping our Mr. Pibb and munching on greasy, buttery popcorn (extra butter please), we are stuck with few entertainment options.
We could watch TV, but most of the new fall shows have not started and we are tired of reruns. Watching "The O.C." only takes up one night a week, so what do we do with the other six? We could go to the mall, but we are all broke from paying tuition and buying school books. (Why one teacher wants to assign six books for one class is a rant for another day!) It looks like it is time to fall back on a classic form of entertainment that provides both an escape from real life and intellectual stimulation: books.
For this week's column, the Casual Critic seeks to dispel any rumors or misconceptions about a very popular series involving the adventures of a boy called Harry Potter written by J. K. Rowling.
Most of you are rolling your eyes and shaking your heads. You're saying, "We're college students, far too mature to read children's books." Well, you're wrong!
Harry Potter is not just a series for kids. In fact, the percentage of adults reading these books is comparable to the percentage of kids. And they are not just adults with kids.
The adult themes in this series have never been more prominent than in the most recent book, "The Order of the Phoenix." More importantly, the number of adults hooked on the series has never been more obvious than at the midnight book release parties of this book earlier this summer. The Casual Critic counted about an equal number of young adults without kids and children with their parents. Yes, I was there at midnight with all the kiddies and their moms, though I wasn't dressed up as a witch like some people my age!
To further cement my place in the geek hall of fame, I will admit I was wearing a T-shirt I made with the Hogwarts crest on the front. But why is this series so universally popular?
Children love these books because they show a world full of magic and possibilities. The spells are fun and interesting, the trials and tribulations are parallel to those children face in school, and the friendships are faithful and loving.
Adults love them because they are given a reminder that there is magic in the world. The possibilities adults tend to forget as they age and the imagination they do not regularly exercise get a work-out. Speculation about what will happen next in the series is a favorite activity among adult Potterholics, and it is done with gusto.
Of course, Harry Potter was intended at first to be a children's series, but is has evolved into modern classic literature. Remember Tom Sawyer? Anne of Green Gables? Any of the fairy tales Disney has made into animated features? These are children's stories that became classics for adults as well.
For the uninformed, I will now offer a little synopsis of the Harry Potter series thus far. Don't worry, I'll try not to spoil anything for you if you are planning to read the series.
"Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone" is the beginning of the saga. Harry is a young English boy who is just turning 11 when he finds out he is a wizard. He had lived with his aunt and uncle most of his life and was told his parents were killed in a car crash. This is not true.
Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter, were actually involved in an effort to defeat the most evil wizard who had ever lived, Lord Voldemort. When Voldemort tried to kill the infant Harry, his magic bounced back on himself and he was assumed dead. Harry survived the death curse with only a small lightening-shaped scar. He discovers the real way his parents died from Hagrid, an employee at Hogwarts. Hagrid is the person who shows Harry his first glimpse of the magical world. This world is only accessible only to those who have the ability to see it. Harry is one of these magical people.
He goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, which is much like the boarding schools in England. He meets a boy his age named Ron Weasley on the train to school and they become friends instantly. Harry discovers everyone in the wizarding world knows his name and wants to see his scar. He is a legend in a world he has never even been a part of.
During his first year at Hogwarts, Harry learns a great deal about the wizarding world. Though some of this knowledge comes from Hogwarts teachers, most of it originates from Hermione, a girl in his year who is very intelligent and well-read.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione have some great adventures in their first year. To find out more about them, read the book or rent the movie! Admittedly, the first book's audience was children, but it makes for a very quick read and a great escape.
The second book in the series is called "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets."
Also aimed at a younger audience, this book goes through the second year of Hogwarts and involves another adventure. This time, Harry wonders about his ancestry and hopes there are no skeletons in that closet. He agonizes about his place in the wizarding world and tries to prove himself brave and noble. He manages to save the day with intelligence, magic and sometimes pure luck, much in the same was as in the first book. One of the most touching ideas in this book is the fact that true loyalty is rewarded, something we would all do well to remember in daily life.
The third book starts to deal with meatier issues and is easier for the adult reader to sink their teeth in and enjoy. There are many opportunities for analysis in the symbolism and subtle hints dropped by the clever Rowling about what is to come. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" begins with the summer before Harry's third year at Hogwarts. He is now 13 years old. He learns about a man named Sirius Black, who escaped from the wizarding prison. All the adults around Harry think Sirius is planning to come after Harry and try to kill him because they believe him to be in league with the evil wizard, Lord Voldemort. I don't want to say anything else because I fear it will spoil the book, but let me assure you, it is a favorite among many adult fans because of the surprise ending. A movie version of this book is being released June 4, 2004. By all accounts, this movie is incredible!
Book four is called "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." If you haven't already caught the pattern, it spans Harry's fourth year at school and he is 14 years old. This book is a bit different. There are not a lot of classroom scenes and there is very little interaction between the three kids, who are still friends, but have some rocky moments in their relationships in this book. It mostly focuses on what is called the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It is an Olympic-like contest with 4 contestants and somehow Harry's name was chosen even though he did not enter. That mystery is revealed in the last pages of the book, so I will not share the information here. The tasks the competitors have to perform are difficult and the reader often wonders how Harry will pull through. He manages, as always, to come out on top. Unfortunately, this book ends on a very dark note, setting the tone for the next three books. The evil wizard, Lord Voldemort returns.
The most recent release, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," came out this summer. It was a best seller before it was even published. This book is dark and at times, scary. Harry is now a full-fledged teenager, at 15 years old. He went through a traumatic experience the year before and he has come out of it much moodier and more serious. Phoenix was actually quite hard to read because all the characters had such a hard time with their lives at some points. The reader cannot help feeling horrible for the characters and what they are going through. It is beautifully written and still has all the wonderful elements we Potterholics have come to expect from Rowling, including the snappy dialogue between the three friends. Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to help each other deal with all the difficulties they face during this book, and I think their friendships are going to be stronger for it. The last chapter in this book is called "The Second War Begins." This says all it needs to say. The sides of good and evil are setting up for a major battle, much like the first war in which Harry's parents lost their lives.
There is no word yet on when the sixth book will be published or even what the title will be, but I guarantee you there will be many adults joining me at the bookstore at midnight when it is released. I hope this review has convinced you that you need to be there too.
One of the greatest stress relievers we can have is to get lost in a good book. The entire Harry Potter series offers the escape we need when the stress of classes and jobs gets too overwhelming. So take some time out this year to get lost in the halls of Hogwarts and learn that there is some magic in the world, even if it is only within the pages of a well-written book.
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04-15-2004, 01:06 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: In my magical pink bubble
Posts: 361
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Quote: The entire Harry Potter series offers the escape we need when the stress of classes and jobs gets too overwhelming. Oh tell me about it! who needs anti depressants?- I'm on Azkaban!
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04-15-2004, 01:11 PM
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#3 (permalink)
| | Bowtruckle
Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: barrow-in-furness
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Cool,Ive worn hp t shirts to coll nobody says out,im on azkaban too cos i am 17,18 in june and i dont give a darn what people think. :sorcerer:
* Ooberu i like your sig v.funny*
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04-15-2004, 01:27 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Avoiding reality
Posts: 2,387
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hell yeh! HP is a great stress reliever and it's so nice to forget about normal life.
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04-15-2004, 02:04 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: It's a secret! *giggles*
Posts: 758
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yea i agree, hp books (& films) r gr8 escapism. i know tht loads of people who rnt kids who read them & also luv the films!!  | |
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04-15-2004, 03:52 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 50
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This is spot on! I'm an adult, and I find an amazing number of paralels to "our" world. Clearly the whole mudblood thing relates to racisim, but more than that, the series shows our trio learning that adults can't always be trusted, and to trust their own instincts. Also, the need to approach the "rules" with a bit of skepticism. Bottom line, you have to learn to think for yourself! While I love the books much more than the first two films, I love the films because it's so much fun just watching the cast grow up together! :beer:
__________________  1 Swell Dude!
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04-15-2004, 04:05 PM
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#7 (permalink)
| | Kneazle
Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Dunna Dun...wha..? NOT TELLING! BACK OFF!
Posts: 3,179
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Took me over ten minutes to read the whole thing! Ah well, I am thirteen and it is so appropraite for me to watch this movie. I'm on Azkaban!...too! | |
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04-15-2004, 05:04 PM
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#8 (permalink)
| | Dragon
Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Louisiana - SS!Vet
Posts: 20,503
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Cara Alexandra Davies
Third Year | Shiny 'Claw Babe
Quote: Originally posted by madmiss88@Apr 15 2004, 05:01 AM
hell yeh! HP is a great stress reliever and it's so nice to forget about normal life. It is a great stress reliever!! :flowersmile: Whenever Im sad or very stressed, I pop in a HP movie or read a HP book. It always cheers me up!! :sorcerer:
Im soooo glad i discovered Harry Potter in the 6th grade (4 yrs ago). And its true. HP is not a kids book. I actually got my grandma into Harry Potter!!  JK even said that in an interview that she didnt intend it to be a kids book. I dont know what interview..... :whisle:
Cheers!! :beer:
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04-15-2004, 05:17 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: UK
Posts: 413
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I also own a HP t-shirt, but most of my friends don't know about it!
I don't think HP is aimed at children or adults; it's aimed at anyone who wants to read it. The kids wouldn't be able to understand some of the language or any of the hints etc, but they get the main jist of it. The more mature people will understand that it's also about friendship, family and (I hate to say it cos it sounds really soppy!) love. I think the older you are, the more enjoyable the series is, you understand and relate to the characters' feelings.
Sorry to go on...
Danz_angel x
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04-15-2004, 10:50 PM
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#10 (permalink)
| | Lethifold
Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: <.<
Posts: 21,038
| Twitchy TomsLovelyLady
of course its not just for kids!! every age group loves them!
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swirly doom
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04-15-2004, 11:03 PM
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#11 (permalink)
| | Guest |
I don't think Harry Potter books are for kids only I mean the whole series can be read by everyone in all ages and it interest many poeple in all sorts of ways. Espacially on magic, it just such a great book to read at anytime no matter who it is.
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04-15-2004, 11:40 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: 9, Diagon Alley
Posts: 1,261
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it's great that people are admitting HP's not only for adults. nice article :sorcerer:
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04-15-2004, 11:48 PM
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#13 (permalink)
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Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Hiding out with Professor Lupin *heart*
Posts: 358
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Cool article. I was one of the people he/she? was referring to. I started reading HP my freshman yr in college, and now I love everything about it!! I can't wait for the rest of the books and the movies to come out!! | |
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04-16-2004, 01:23 AM
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#14 (permalink)
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 231
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[/it's great that people are admitting HP's not only for adults. nice article
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I agree!
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04-16-2004, 11:23 AM
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#15 (permalink)
|  Assistant News Admin Banshee
Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cardiff, Wales, UK
Posts: 16,622
Hogwarts RPG Name:
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Graduated | Kaplinski Rival Sorting Hat Machine
I was about 11/12 when I started reading HP and now I'm nearly 17. It only goes to show that alot of the HP fans have grown up now, but are still staying loyal to their beloved book series.
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10-29-2005, 11:54 PM
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#16 (permalink)
|  Library WriterSirius AuthorLeftySS100 TriumphantChimaera
Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Signing off SS for good…blame the workload and the hectic-ness of life. I’ll miss you all…:cry:
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That's cool. Yeah, I totally agree with the article. I mean, there's so many deeper elements in HP that aren't in little kid stories, and that's what makes it more down-to-earth too.
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11-29-2005, 02:40 AM
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#17 (permalink)
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Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: 'Round Memphis
Posts: 12
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Nobody dosent like harry potter, 'cept people who think its satan
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