Re: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince released
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.
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Originally Posted by Steppe Merc
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