Book Reader’s Blog

Reading all HP books in a single go has one huge advantage.  You’re immersed in this magical world so deeply that it’s difficult at times to go back to reality.  Finishing the final book was indeed a bit sad experience: “what…  the whole adventure already over?”

Well, I knew some things about the final volume that must have happened, and some true nature of the characters. No spoilers here, so can’t give you details.

Overall: a big project, a little too slow/boring at times, but definitely impressing with its depth of details.  Way to go, despite what some critics say.

I’ve read so far the first 4 books in the series. When I started, I had believed the books are appropriate for a kid of–say–between 7 to 11 years of age, but with the 3rd book, The Prisoner of Azkaban, I was a bit worried how my 7 year old son would take dementors. With the 4th book, and the graphic descriptions of Lord Voldemort, I am sure I will not read to my son more than just the first book (we’re already through most of it, anyway), and maybe The Chamber of Secrets, if he insists.

So, my brief thoughts:

• no, that’s not a series for kids; I would only permit it for young adults on
• it’s not that bad I’ve read some comments that C.S. Lewis did a much better job, but honestly, C.S. Lewis’s biblical references sometimes repelled me from the books
• great storytelling, and interestingly developed universe. This kind of a series is bound to result in a plethora of fan clubs
• splendid performance by Jim Dale