It's still a bit embarrassing at times, isn't it? Someone asking you what you're reading and you mumble "Harry Potter". Depending on who's asking, you'll get a disbelieving look and "Isn't that a children's' book?" in return.
But fact is that the Harry Potter series is overwhelmingly successful even with adult readers. The later books especially are exciting with a darker tone than the first two or three, and J.K. Rowling has mentioned herself that the readers are meant to grow with Harry and his friends, so that the later books are indeed written for an older target group than the earlier ones.
Some people will still be wondering – it's about kids at school. They do magic. Big deal. What's all the fuss about? And many times, it's kind of tough to put one's finger on what it is exactly that makes Harry Potter so fascinating.
One thing that's mentioned often is the universe Rowling built. There's this whole different world living side by side with ours, crossing it and merging with it at certain places. Rowling doesn't invent entirely new cities for example – instead, the magical center of all things shopping is hidden right in the middle of London. You just have to know the secret code, and Diagon Alley will open up before your eyes.
Even more people find it easy to identify with one of the characters.
If you've been a good student and were bullied for being a know-it-all, you have no problem sympathizing with Hermione. She uses her abilities to help her friends, and in the end she finds friendship and even love without having to dumb herself down.
Ron is the lovable but klutzy best friend. He's one of the characters that mature a lot in the series, and if you've been in the shadow of the popular guy then you will love how Ron develops – and even gets the girl!
Mostly, of course, people find themselves in Harry. Rowling crafted him in a way that makes this amazingly easy. Just think – isn't there a dark spot in everyone's childhood, some period one was sad or something bad happened? Thankfully, most people aren't abused like Harry was, but everyone will remember some time when they felt alone and unloved.
Everyone has at some time been in the closet under the stairs.
And then, suddenly, having someone want you so much they actually send hundreds of letters after you, and learning that you actually are special in a way you never dared to imagine – who wouldn't dream of that?
But fact is that the Harry Potter series is overwhelmingly successful even with adult readers. The later books especially are exciting with a darker tone than the first two or three, and J.K. Rowling has mentioned herself that the readers are meant to grow with Harry and his friends, so that the later books are indeed written for an older target group than the earlier ones.
Some people will still be wondering – it's about kids at school. They do magic. Big deal. What's all the fuss about? And many times, it's kind of tough to put one's finger on what it is exactly that makes Harry Potter so fascinating.
One thing that's mentioned often is the universe Rowling built. There's this whole different world living side by side with ours, crossing it and merging with it at certain places. Rowling doesn't invent entirely new cities for example – instead, the magical center of all things shopping is hidden right in the middle of London. You just have to know the secret code, and Diagon Alley will open up before your eyes.
Even more people find it easy to identify with one of the characters.
If you've been a good student and were bullied for being a know-it-all, you have no problem sympathizing with Hermione. She uses her abilities to help her friends, and in the end she finds friendship and even love without having to dumb herself down.
Ron is the lovable but klutzy best friend. He's one of the characters that mature a lot in the series, and if you've been in the shadow of the popular guy then you will love how Ron develops – and even gets the girl!
Mostly, of course, people find themselves in Harry. Rowling crafted him in a way that makes this amazingly easy. Just think – isn't there a dark spot in everyone's childhood, some period one was sad or something bad happened? Thankfully, most people aren't abused like Harry was, but everyone will remember some time when they felt alone and unloved.
Everyone has at some time been in the closet under the stairs.
And then, suddenly, having someone want you so much they actually send hundreds of letters after you, and learning that you actually are special in a way you never dared to imagine – who wouldn't dream of that?
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