Yep, you read that headline correctly: with the exception of a few lines of a friend’s copy on a girls’ holiday to Gran Canaria, I’ve never read the most popular series of books in literary history.
But before you start throwing things at me, I’m not here to bash Harry and his wizarding pals.
I’ve always wondered just what it is that makes one book insanely popular, while another that is equally good flounders in obscurity.
Some of the best read novels of recent times are often not that well thought of critically. Look at the likes of The Da Vinci Code, Twilight or Fifty Shades of Grey. Although these books might not be that well written, they obviously tell a compelling story that has managed to engage millions of people around the world, inspiring those who aren’t regular readers to pick up a novel.
But I have a tendency to be stubborn. I don’t like to do something just because everyone else is. I joined Facebook years after it was the latest thing and I refuse to watch The X Factor or play Candy Crush.
There’s nothing wrong with popular culture, but I prefer to seek out amazing books that not many people know about; books that don’t have huge marketing campaigns behind them. Books that are challenging and exciting and beautiful. Books that have meaning.
It can be dangerous when a novel receives too much hype, because the reader’s expectations become so great that it’s almost impossible for the story to live up to them.
When I was younger, I sneered a bit at the Harry Potter series. I was too old for it when it came out, so it didn’t capture my imagination the same way it did for many children, who grew up with the books and became involved in the whole world as they waited eagerly for the next instalment to be released. Now I fear I might be too old to really appreciate it, although I may read it one day, when I need to get involved in a series and feel that desire to devour book after book.
Perhaps it’s a series of books I can share with my children one day, and find an appreciation of the story through their eyes.
But I must admit, if it hadn’t been such a well-loved series, it probably isn’t one I would have considered. In that sense, the popularity itself is the basis of the appeal. Now Harry Potter is included on many of the lists of classic, must-read novels, and as a serious bookworm, I feel compelled to tick it off the list.
If and when I do eventually get to the series, enough time has passed that I won’t be surrounded by a hubbub of other people’s opinions. Whilst Harry Potter will always be a phenomenon, another novel will be in the zeitgeist. I’ll be able to read the books quietly, in my own time and have space to think about them.
Sometimes you just need to discover a book for yourself, without feeling pressured into it by the sheer mass of people who are eager to share their thoughts.
Ron Vitale says
It’s funny to read this post because I’m remembering reading Harry Potter when it first came out. I was in my mid 20s and it hadn’t yet reached the popularity that it has now. I guess I got lucky in reading it then. So by the time book 3 came out, I was hooked. What I love so
Much about Harry Potter is the joy to know that the simplest person can be a hero. Harry might be a wizard but there are so many who help him along the way. To know that Rowling wrote the book when she was at a low point in her life, has since talked about depression and thought of auicide (if I remember the stories correctly) brings a whole different view to the series. I’ve learned a lot from the series but also about the writing life: Rowling believed in her vision and didn’t give up. That’s powerful and I’m so happy to have had that experience in my life.
Amy Lord says
Ron, you’ve pushed me over the edge, I’ll have to read them now! Interesting perspective; it is an inspiring story for writers.
Ron Vitale (@ronvitale) says
That’s good to hear. What I liked so much about the series is that they start off for little kids and as the characters get older, so do the themes. I think that was handled rather well. And there’s some interesting twists in the series as to what it really means to be a hero that are layered in ways that people are still debating what it all means. Is it perfect? No. But I had great fun in reading the series and hope to do so again with my kids (my read up to book 3 and then stopped as it was started to get too dark for him).
Amy Lord says
That is probably what appeals to me about the series: that it deals with the darker things and uses fantasy to construct a meaningful story. Hope you get to enjoy the rest of the books with your kids!
Sara Strauss says
Wow, I can’t believe you’ve never read Harry Potter! I wholeheartedly agree with Ron’s comment above! What I love about Harry Potter is of course the story and how detailed and intricate is. Rowling really thought about this and goes back to things in book 7 that she mentioned casually in book 1. Not only that it truly is a magical story about friendship and love and family and believing in other people and yourself, and how not having love in your life can ruin your life. Yes, the writing isn’t the most amazing ever in the world, but for me it’s not about the writing, but about the story and the characters. Once you read it, you want to jump into this world and never, ever leave. These books are what made me want to be a writer!
~Sara
Amy Lord says
I think reading it now will be a different experience, as obviously a lot of the story elements are out there and I’ve seen hits of the films. It’s the submersion in another world that does appeal to me as a reader. One day when I can dedicate a bit of time, I will read them!
Katie Louise says
It’s always a shock to me when I hear that statement, but then I did grow up with the books. I mean, I was actually four when the first book came out, but after the first film in 2001, I started to read them and was hooked. I’m in the right ‘age group’ to have been young enough, as well as old enough to understand.
I can see where you’re coming from with hype though! I remember reading Looking For Alaska, and then John Green become so hyped up. I don’t think his books really are that amazing. They’re good, but not as good as people seem to imply. There are far better authors are there.
That said, I do think that Harry Potter can be enjoyed by all ages. (Hey, my Grandad loved them!) The first two books are maybe very ‘young’ and hard to get into as an older reader, but they set the whole story up. It’s the kind of series that you can read over and over, picking up new things each time. Each year, before each film came out, I would re-read every book before watching. I don’t know why, but it just became a tradition that I loved! I haven’t read them since the last film came out now though, and I’m thinking a re-read may be needed this summer! Sorry, bit of a paragraph here)
Amy Lord says
If I’m honest, I purposely avoided the books for a long time, but I’m past that stage! I was a big Twilight fan, despite regularly picking apart the quality of the writing, and always had to re-read them before a new film. I think I enjoyed them so much because I was able to become so absorbed in the world, which is HP’s appeal. And now I’ve read and loved The Cuckoo’s Calling, I know Rowling is actually a decent writer so I’m happy to give her other stuff a chance. And happy to have the long comment 🙂
Allison says
Ron really did hit the nail on the head! I’m a Harry Potter addict. I grew up with the books and have reads the series multiple times. I’ve begged my mom for years to please see what she was missing and give them a chance. She finally gave in about a month ago and absolutely loves them. So obviously, I highly highly highly recommend them! If/when you do end up reading them, let us know what you think! I’m interested!
Amy Lord says
I’ll definitely let you know if I read them, Allison! Thanks for commenting!
Jessica Brown says
I’m exactly the same. I always have an innate resistance to anything that is really popular, in particular with books. But I think it’s always about choosing your battles – X Factor, no. Candy Crush, no. But Harry Potter – yes! I read a quote that’s stuck with me ever since:
‘If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.’ – Haruki Murakami
Amy Lord says
Great quote, that’s so true! And bonus points for using Murakami, who is amazing 🙂
Kristin | My Life as a Teacup says
I’ve got a lot of feelings invested in the series, from nostalgia, to a good story, to being a part of it as it was happening. One day I’ll sort out all of my feelings. I hope you get a chance to read them, and that you enjoy them, for whatever shape they take on for you (not because it’s Harry Potter and a “phenomenon” but because of the story itself!)
Amy Lord says
Thanks Kristin, that’s what I’m hoping for – to be able to read the books in my own time and bring my own understanding to the story, if that makes sense!
Joséphine says
THIS! This is why I’ve not read The Fault in Our Stars. There is something special about discovering books I like, without the pressure of hype. I do think it’s nice to be able to join in the conversation when everyone’s read the same book, and it is a lot of fun being able to debate particular issues in a book. As great as that is though, I generally pass over books that I’m not interested in, regardless of how popular they are. There’s no joy in forcing myself to read something I care very little about. That being said, I do hope you enjoy Harry Potter when you do pick up the series in future to read! 🙂
Amy Lord says
Interesting, I’ve had The Fault in Our Stars on my Kindle for a while but haven’t read it yet, mostly because I’ll probably end up sobbing uncontrollably and need to make sure I can dedicate some time to reading it! 😉