In thinking that adults who are over excited by Harry Potter need to get a life?

I think the evidence that they encourage reluctant readers to move on and have a go at something else - preferably more challenging - is patchy at best.

yes you are! we all have something we enjoy and if its harry potter books then so be it

I've read two of the books. They weren't bad, but rhey weren't exactly rip-roaringly great either.

I read a Harry Potter book and it was okay, but really can't see what all the fuss is about - wouldn't read another. Don't understand why people go so nuts over it... keep thinking I'm missing something.

I have recently worried over this as everyone seems to be 'into' it. I find the films boring. I haven't read the books though and sadly never will as I can't watch a film, then read the book.

Well, I think they are cracking stories, even if they are derivative and far from being great works of literature. Who cares? You can enjoy good stories and high art, you know. Absolutely agree that anything that gets kids reading (even Horrid Bloody Henry) has to be a good thing. That Lizard bloke sounds a weeny bit envious to me - if it's so bloody easy to write crappy fiction, sell a gazillion copies and be a multi-millionaire, why don't more people do it?

Right on persephone - I respect your right to a 2nd childhood! lol

I am off to bed to read my v grown -up thriller where loads of people are getting murdered in a myriad horrible ways... maybe HP isn't so bad

i love doctor who as well. the delightful david tennant may have something to do with that ( rarrr!) and i may well be in the dotage of my second childhood, but i enjoy them - i love sharing these things with my dcs - things i remember from my childhood. really couldn't give a flying one if anyone disapproves. it's only (slightly) creepy if its guys in their 30's w/o g/fs who live at home with mummy and daddy.

it's escapism from wage-slave and binging up my kids on my own. books are my backbone, my indulgence, my 'me-time'. I'll challenge anyone to tell me I'm wrong, and then not give a jot of their opinion anyway. ;)

I'm not going to just read Harry Potter - I'm sure that I'll read other books in my life. YABU.

thank you ranting [smug]

Joking aside I have to agree with bigmouth, I have no problems with adults reading them, I still prefer the Susan Cooper books tho'.

Dr Who - on the other hand - totally get that but as oldest dc is yet to turn 3 - can't share who or Harry with either of the lo's!

I want my kids to enjoy reading too as I read voraciously as a child - but I think HP being read by adults (used to see them on the tube etc. all the time) is sad - unless you are reading them to your dc's.

I borrowed no. 2 can't remember the title lol - from my nephew (too find out what the fuss was about)and found it very irritating couldn't get through it.

On the other hand - loved 'His Dark Materials' trilogy - and occasionally reread Margaret Mahy's 'The Changeover' which I adored as a romantic teen

So maybe it comes down to literary tastes rather than sneering at adults reading childrens books. I just find HP lame and boring does not float my boat - sorry

LOL ps

But a very good point. One of the ncie things about children is they make you do things you wouldn't normally. I would never ever have read Harry Potter if I'd not had children, because it's a children's book.

And it is a lovely extra thing to share with DS and really enter into the excitement with him. I just can't do that with Dr Who.

screw all that. i like to read what my dd and subsequently ds's will read.. I like to be able to discuss the books with them. I may well be using my children as an excuse to revel in some ( much needed) escapism. so what? the day i start caring about what someone else is reading is the day i turn up my toes.

books are wonderful, amazing. I had very few friends as a child and totally emersed myself in anything i could get my hands on. books never judge you or try and better you - they are constant friends who understand you when no one else does.

I'm glad my children read vociferously. I want to share their imagination and adventures with them, what the hell is wrong with that?

expelliarmus, muggle!

pmsl headtwig

that is very funny

Oh sorry mmj, you meant booge

What, me? No, I've read 1-5, but when 4 & 5 didn't match up to 3 (IMHO) I didn't bother with 6.

HP is great

Nicholas Lizard is very ill-favoured

im wiht ya b

Message withdrawn

sorry to quote this, yet again but it does make me

From "Is it just me or is everythign shit?" by Steve Lowe & Alan Mcarthur

Adult editions of children's books

If you must follow the adventures of a public school conjuror, even though you are a) notionally a grown adult, and b) have probably been to university or at least to 'big school, why attempt to conceal the fact behind a different cover, as if fellow passengers will assume after a casual glance that you're actually reading Thomas Mann in the original German?

Just because the train on the front is black and white rather than bright red, it doesn't suddenly become a harrowing Booker prize-winner called Harry Potter and the Genocide in Rwanda.

How do the dinner party conversations go?

"What are you reading at the moment?"
"It's called The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's about a caterpillar who gets really hungry - he just has to keep on eating stuff."
"Ive read it. Marvellous."
"Oh, don't tell me how it ends!"
"No, I wouldn't. But it's ... well, it's pretty moving. Oh look, I'm hogging all the Hula Hoops..."