Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince released

[edyzmedieval]

I read the first Potter books before they got big, when I was younger. I enjoyed them then, but now, looking objectively at them, I realise that they are really very badly written indeed.

Why are they badly written?!

[JAG]

Why are they badly written?!

Probably because they are written for little kiddies.

[Ser Clegane]

Probably because they are written for little kiddies.

Hmm ... does that mean that books that are also directed at a younger audience are automatically badly written?
Why would that be?

BTW, I had to read the previous ones - my wifes likes them and she made me read them to her .
They sure aren't the greatest thing since sliced bread IMO and all the fuss about them is a bit over the top - but I still found them to be very entertaining, and that's what they are supposed to be (although I thought the last one was dragged out too much)

[JAG]

Often when reading a book aimed at a younger age group the language and phrasing used, on reflection often is different and not ad good, on the whole, as a book aimed at an older audience. That is what I have always thought anyway, when looking back on all the books I have read during my time.

[Cygnus X-1]

I also used to read the HP books (up to about Book 4), and i did find it entertaining for a while. But now, i can't stand the franchise. It's not so much that i think they're badly written (I mean, you kind of expect it from children's books), but it's been shoved down our throats so much for the past few years that i'll be glad to see the back of it.

[scooter_the_shooter]

The books are decent but those movies are some of the most annoying things ever made

[BDC]

I went to a 'Harry Potter' party but left before those who were sober enough went to get their copies...

[Ronin]

Hmm ... does that mean that books that are also directed at a younger audience are automatically badly written?
Why would that be?

well....of course there isn´t a 100% absolute direct connection between being written for little kiddies and being crap.....

but it´s sure as hell one giant step in that direction....

[Gregoshi]

well....of course there isn´t a 100% absolute direct connection between being written for little kiddies and being crap.....

but it´s sure as hell one giant step in that direction....

Muggles!!

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

Well, I found the Half-Blood Prince considerably more humerous than the others.

DON'T READ THE QUOTE BELOW! DON'T EVEN LET YOUR EYE PASS OVER IT! YOU MAY REALISE WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE END OF HALF-BLOOD PRINCE!

Dumbledore dies at the end

[Crazed Rabbit]

That spoiler alert isn't working, you just used light text, and I saw, and now I am greatly perturbed. Seriously, I advise taking it out completely.

Crazed Rabbit

[Cygnus X-1]

Well, I found the Half-Blood Prince considerably more humerous than the others.

SPOLIER ALERT:

If anything, that spoiler alert draws your eye towards it!

While i'm not greatly bothered by it, i'm sure more people like Crazed Rabbit would be. I also advise you remove it as soon as possible.

[Ronin]

Muggles!!

you lost me there pal.

[econ21]

I think the HP books are well-written. Kids' books aren't necessarily badly written - the Hobbit is quite delightful. Initially, reading the HP books outloud to my son, I was sceptical. But one thing I noticed and admired was that every time he asked me a question about the plot, character motivation or whatever, it was clarified almost immediately in the text. I think that shows some care and skill by the author - getting kids to ask questions and then anticipate them.

I've also heard she's raised the "reading age" of the books by one each volume, as Harry ages, on the assumption that the audience will also age.

I finally broke free of my "it's just a hyped kids' book" when the last one came out and my son (8 at the time) was too old to be read to, but not that keen to wade through it himself. I saw a city-gent type reading one on a tube station and felt liberated - "it's ok for adults to read!" - and greedily devoured it in private, my son following me later. This time I think he'll have first dibbs as he is now a voracious reader.

The last book or so seemed to be building up to quite an interesting crescendo - a magical "total war" so to speak - and so I'm intrigued to see what'll happen.

I also find the films great fun, although I think cute, nerdy Hermione would be a much more interesting star than bland, boring Harry.

[Gregoshi]

you lost me there pal.

I was afraid of that Ronin. I'll explain my jest. In the Harry Potter universe, a "muggle" is a normal human, i.e., a non-wizard/witch. Since you don't believe in the "magic" of the Harry Potter books, you must be a muggle. Pretty lame, eh? It seemed funny at the time.