Harry Potter, As Told By the Only Person Alive Who Hasn’t Read the Series or Seen the Movies
literary July 23rd, 2011
They ask me how it’s possible.
How is it that I’ve missed out on the greatest story ever told this side of the Bible?
How is it that I don’t know Harry Potter?
Part of the reason is that when my sister loaned me the first book in the series, I didn’t make it past the first 25 pages or so.
Why?
Because poor Harry was locked in a closet under the steps by mean relatives after his parents were killed. Or something.
That’s as far as I got before I was too sad to continue. Despite encouragement from friends and family to give it another shot – and that I’d be well-rewarded if I did – I never picked it up again.
I also never saw a single Potter movie.
So I missed the multi-bazillion dollar franchise that even newborn babies knew about because their mothers read them the books while they were pregnant.
I do know bits and pieces of the story because you can’t avoid hearing about it unless you’ve been in a coma for 15 years.
So here is the story of Harry Potter, as told by someone who doesn’t know Harry Potter.
Harry’s parents are killed by some mean guy. Voldemort? I think he’s the guy they call “He Who Shall Not Be Named.”
An owl visits Harry at the house of his mean relatives and tells him to go to a train station. If he blasts through a wall at just the right spot, he’ll be transported to Hogwarts, a school for wizards.
Harry is a wizard.
We know this because there’s a lightening bolt tattooed to his forehead. I think it makes him extra special, right?
Harry also wears big round Carol Channing glasses.
He meets a red-headed kid on the train on the way to Hogwarts.
They meet a chick, Hermaine.
Is Harry sweet on her? I do not know.
Everyone at the school wears black graduation gowns and carries wands.
They do wizardy things at the wizard school.
They fly. Do they fly? Yes, I think they fly.
They also morph into animals and other things when the situation warrants. Maybe? I do not know.
There are muggles. I don’t know what muggles are, but they sound like furry slippers to me. Are they furry slippers?
Some gigantic, hairy man tells Harry he can avenge his parents’ murder by … by…. I do not know. Killing Voldemort?
How does he do this?
All together now! I do not know!
I’m sure there was some other stuff in between all that. Five, six, seven books’ worth and maybe one million words? I missed a few.
And thus concludes my knowledge of Harry Potter. How’d I do?
Are you mortified I don’t know the story? Is my life incomplete? Do you want to nail me down to a chair and make me read it, at least until I know what a muggle is?
Are there any of you out there who are Harry Potter-ignorant like me?
Stumble it!
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:01 am
*ahem* Hi, my name is Nicky, I have 3 sons and I’ve NEVER read the Harry Potter books either and I stopped watching the movies after the second one. I only know slightly more about Harry than you do, and I still consider my life worth living.
Thank you.
Nicky´s last [type] ..Heatwave, Shmeatwave
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:02 am
Hey, you can’t claim that title of the Only Person Alive Who Hasn’t Read the Series or Seen the Movies.
You read 25 pages.
The title should therefore should now go to me !
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:13 am
This cracked me up! Thanks for the early morning laugh.
YOU are a muggle (a non-wizard). I only read the first two, have seen a few of the movies. My kids were too little to get into them and who has time to read when you have kids?!
CrAzY Working Mom´s last [type] ..Boys…
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:15 am
Check this:
http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-harry-potter-films-according-to-someone-who-never-saw-them/
You know, maybe you should write for cracked.
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:16 am
As a Harry Potter holdout for a long time, I decided to read the first one right about the time the fifth one came out. I mean, all these idiotic adults dressed in capes waiting at midnight at the bookstore, right? BUT, I loved the story. Read the first five in about a week. Only watched one or two of the movies, but I really liked the books. When you get past Harry being an abused nephew under the stairs, he triumphs….but you know that. Sort of the underdog, nerd, geek…getting it right in the end and taking care of business.
melissa´s last [type] ..Vegetable Photography
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:34 am
You know more than I about Harry Potter. I haven’t even held a Harry Potter book. I did see the first movie when it came on TV though, and did quite enjoy it. Muggle?
Babs (beetle)´s last [type] ..She’s at it again!
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:41 am
Ditto here. Never read the books. Saw the first movie and didn’t get the fuss. I’ve never bothered with any of the others.
Oh yeah, and I’ve got no desire to see glittery emo vampires either…
Rob O.´s last [type] ..The Tooth Fairy is Headed Our Way
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:48 am
You know more than me. I only know who Harry Potter is and that he’s a wizard and that he rides a horse naked. I have also never seen lord of the rings but I did see a middle school production of The Hobbit because I was in middle school at the time and my friends were in it. After that particular performance the school district put an end to middle school plays for 10 or so years. So basically I’m not into fantasy/wizard stuff.
Michele´s last [type] ..Update #2 on Summer To-do List
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:59 am
Im potter ignorant as well! And i thought this post was hilarious! hehe
Renee´s last [type] ..Funny Friday
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:23 am
who is Harry Potter?…….
robert bourne´s last [type] ..Fire Mountains
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:41 am
I will have to stand beside you as One Who Has Not Read or Seen Harry Potter. You know much more than I do and therefore, after reading your synopsis I won’t have to read or see it.
Cats~Goats~Quotes´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday ~ Phillip
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:51 am
I have never read a. single. word of it. Never even touch one of the books. Never seen even a minute of any of the movies. I’m a middle school teacher, so I can’t help SEEING the books around, but I rarely ask kids to tell me about it. I know about Harry and I know he has special skills. I think Muggles are adults who get in the way of great schemes (spoilers, maybe?) I know Hermione is a girl but only because my friend has a cat she named Hermione. And I know there are way too many books and movies and that the kid who plays Harry is way too old for this crap now. And he’s kind of creepy looking. Isn’t it amazing how the media pushes things on us so much that without ever reading or seeing the movies we still know more than we want to????
sparkling74´s last [type] ..Feel Good Friday- Another Week In Pictures
July 23rd, 2011 at 9:08 am
Last night I just finished re-reading the last Harry Potter book in preparation for seeing the last movie. So, um yeah, you don’t want to talk to me do you?
July 23rd, 2011 at 9:09 am
Well, I read the books, saw the movies, even visited the set at WB. Movies are good, books are better. No, I haven’t dressed up for a midnight screening, but I did go to one with my son. He enjoyed the movies, but not as much as Star Trek.
July 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 am
I’m afraid that I loved Harry Potter from the first sentence.
Way back when… One of my nieces was failing Reading and Reading Comprehension. She told me she absolutely hated the books her teacher had been assigning her class to read. I took her to B&N. We perused the children’s section. We saw the display for the just released 2nd Harry Potter Book. She was interested! So I bought 2 copies of both the first and second HP books so we could both read them and later discuss what we’d read. We went through every HP book together!
She is now married and a Mom. She loves to read, when the material interests her!
Can we still be friends?
Barb @iPhoneographi´s last [type] ..In case you missed it…
July 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 am
At least I’m in good company. Harry Potter bores me silly.
When I was an imaginative child, one of my teachers thought Lord of the Rings was just the very thing for me. I struggled through The Hobbit not terribly interested then, thinking it might get better, started the trilogy. Twenty-five or so pages was plenty. It wasn’t my age, I tried again as an adult and still nothing.
This is all Very Odd as I absolutely love Wagner’s Ring Cycle and, it’s been pointed out to me the plot is quite similar. Maybe if someone set Harry Potter to music …
July 23rd, 2011 at 10:28 am
I’m not HP ignorant, but I am ignorant of the series with the pale skinny sparkly boy and the not so skinny hairless other boy and the tiny pouty looking girl who is usually leaning on one or the other of them and there’s apparently vampires and werewolves and angst and whatnot. And I can tell you that I would not accept one of these books in my hand unless the old trusty with the cart was passing it through the bars of my cell because my rock hammer was hidden inside.
Shieldmaiden1196´s last [type] ..Summer Breeze
July 23rd, 2011 at 10:44 am
Ha, you read 25 pages? Well you’ve certainly got me beat. I’ve seen the ads, but never put 2+2 together to get a bazillion anythings. It’s like Trix, I thought it was for kids. So, I hereby join you in total ignorance of all things “Potter”.
Linda´s last [type] ..The Sights of Minnesota
July 23rd, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I haven’t “Read the Series” or “Seen the Movies” either!! So this was a SPECTACULAR review as far as I’m concerned.
meleah rebeccah´s last [type] ..Woman Verses Food: Attack Of The Killer Lettuce.
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Nicky — So you’re saying that motherhood doesn’t mean you’re required to read the books?
Jaffer – You, sir, are correct. I hereby pass the torch to you!
Crazy Working Mom — OK, so every day people are muggles? Are they considered lacking? Or just regular? By that, I mean should a muggle strive to be something better, or is it OK to be a muggle?
Fifthmarch — Ha! Maybe I should. But my articles would be way shorter. Hee.
Melissa — So you did get sucked in! I was always told that would happen, but it didn’t. I guess I didn’t give it enough of a chance, but I feel like it’s too late now. In a way, I wish I’d stuck it out past the sad part in the very beginning.
Babs Beetle — I thought it would be required that every English person has to read Harry under penalty of death.
Rob O. — OMG. What’s an emo vampire? See? I’m totally out of the loop on these things.
Michele — “..rides a horse naked.” Wait. What? My husband says I should read The Hobbit. He’s very much into the scifi/fantasy genre. He never read HP, but he liked the movies.
Renee — Thank you very much! And apparently, we’re not alone in the ignorant department. I’m pleasantly surprised I’m really not the only person where HP didn’t hold my interest.
robert bourne — He’s J.K. Rowling’s personal ATM machine. You press his nose and a million euros spits out his mouth.
Cats Goats Quotes — Aren’t you glad I was able to summarize the story in 500 words or less? Look at all the days of reading I just saved everyone.
sparkling74 — Part of the reason I stayed away was because of the media circus. When something like this (and Twilight more recently) gets shoved down your throat, it makes me NOT want to read it. I do not respond well to overkill, unless it’s all about me. Hee.
merrycricket — Funny! Well, I can say that you’d be able to educate me better about the story than I ever did here. And you’d save me weeks of reading.
Shadowsrider — Books are always better than the movie. Oh, and you just reminded me of a comment I made on Facebook recently, where someone just could not believe that I hated Star Wars (didn’t care for Star Trek either). I guess it’s my aversion to all those scifi, spacey movies. Bleh.
Barb — That’s OK. You and billions of others do too! I love your story about getting your niece to read them and talking about them later. That’s a huge plus for the series. I remember hearing so much about how HP made a lot of kids catch the reading bug. Never a bad thing. Yes, we can still be friends.
rossie — Part of why I feel so odd here is that so many others told me I would absolutely love it, but I didn’t. I think I expected to be blown away immediately. I know I didn’t give it enough chance, but I’m still not interested. Furthermore, I tend to read non-fiction books about people who’ve done amazing things in real life. To me, that’s much more exciting to read about than something fabricated.
Shieldmaiden — I just want to say I loved your comment. Have I asked you lately when you’re going to write a book already?
Linda — That’s what my husband said. Thought the books were only for kids. But I think early on, it became this crazy sensation and even old, arthritic people were reading it. Except for me.
meleah rebeccah — Look how many people here haven’t either! I’m totally surprised by the response. And I feel better. Glad you liked my lame review.
July 23rd, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I read the first book and that’s all I could take.
I saw the first movie and that’s all I could take.
I’m a Lord of the Rings snob. HP doesn’t hold a candle to those books.
Ferd´s last [type] ..Bethabara Park clean-up
July 23rd, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Never read the books, and had only seen a couple movies till a few weeks ago. With the last one coming out, we decided to have a Harry-a-thon and caught ourselves up.
Definitely worth it.
Chris@Knucklehead!´s last [type] ..Mike
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
I saw the first movie, had to watch it twice because I fell asleep the first time around. And I have not read the books. Of course I have only ever seen one episode of American Idol, and that was because the kid I was watching wanted to see it. I kind of live under a rock =)
July 23rd, 2011 at 5:38 pm
My Mommeh, who reads everything, hasn’t read that series or watched any of the movies, either! But she did give in and watch those Twilight vampire movies.
Daisy the Curly Cat´s last [type] ..Hot Dog!
July 23rd, 2011 at 7:56 pm
It took until the 6th book was already out and a coworker brought me the entire series (well the first 6 books at least) at work one day that I finally got around to reading it. I’d heard all about it and how phenomenal it was supposed to be, but I just couldn’t muster up the desire to buy or borrow any of the books. But I have to say I LOVED them once I read them! I like the movies too, although I haven’t seen all of them, just the first 5 I think. It was the same way with Twilight. The books had been around forever and movies were being made, and I had not read or seen any of it, and had no plans to do so. This time it was a friend who brought me the entire series to read. Now I’ve read all the books and seen the first two movies. I actually love the soundtrack and bought it and the score for the first movie.
Surfie´s last [type] ..Your Friendly Neighborhood Copperhead
July 23rd, 2011 at 8:32 pm
My husband and I read the books OUT LOUD to our kids. All 7 of the books. Every single word. Twice. (OK, hubby did most of it; I claimed a sore throat most nights.) (We read them once to our older daughter then once to our little ones, close enough in age that they could both understand the stories at the same time.) We also read every word (and I did a lot of that reading) of The Lord of the Rings to our older daughter. It’s about time to start TLOTR with the little ones. Oh, golly, I feel a sore throat coming on.
Kim, Rambling Family Manager´s last [type] ..Hospital Mode
July 24th, 2011 at 1:42 am
I don’t know too much about Harry Potter. But I do know Muggles are people who do not yet know about geocaching.
Will´s last [type] ..How Clean Are Your Dishes?
July 24th, 2011 at 2:40 am
I can’t believe the blasphemy I’m reading in these comments! (Oh I’m just kidding…sort of)
Harry Potter is just one of those things that is hard to understand unless you’ve actually read the books. From the outside it looks completely frivolous and dumb, but from the inside it’s a wonderfully intricate world. Sure it’s marketed to kids mostly, I was a teenager when they started coming out, and was skeptical at first, but I love them.
That being said, I don’t blame anyone for not wanting to get into it, or not being a fan. It’s just simply not for everyone. I do think that people who haven’t read the books should withhold judgement on them though. (Not talking to you Kathy, nor anybody in particular, just saying.)
Your synopsis was entertaining though! I LOL’d at your interpretation of “Muggles”.
July 24th, 2011 at 2:59 am
A muggle has no magic…therefor is not a witch or wizard.
My son has ADHD and was a slow reader. I had read HP and enjoyed them so when he was in 3rd grade I read ALL the books…Out Loud…to the entire family…WITH different voices for each character. (I’m an actor, what can I say) We watched the movie then read the books so he could see what was missing. My best day as a mom was hearing him say with wonder and joy “MOM!!! Books are like a movie for your MIND”
He starts 8th grade this year and reads voraciously…he re-read the entire Potter series in 3rd grade all by himself and he’s been hooked since.
I’m not big on sparkly vampires either (they are cotton candy fluff…fun and enjoyable but lacking meat) but I’m a huge bibliophile…I love everything from Rowling to King to Shakespeare to Thomas Mallory to Joyce to John Fowles.
Rowlings books gave my struggling son the impetus to read…that’s magic to me and I’ll raise my glass to it.
Let’s face it…especially today…if it makes people WANT to read? It’s done something right.
July 24th, 2011 at 3:08 am
Haven’t seen the movies (though I zapped by one only the other day – I saw a few minutes), haven’t read the books except for 2 or 3 pages:
I bought one for the kid I was tutoring, thinking it might make him pay attention to something or other for the first time since our sessions began, but it didn’t. Read the first few pages, myself, and…was bored.
I can’t help it. I just couldn’t get interested. Same with the movie. It didn’t do a damn thing for me.
Lisa von Lempke´s last [type] ..Dear Andrea,
July 24th, 2011 at 7:12 am
Ferd — I think that makes a half dozen votes for LotR, also a series I haven’t read. All of a sudden, I’m feeling really lame. But I blame my lack of reading books on blogging for four years. My anniversary’s coming up in a few days! I should celebrate by reading an actual book.
Chris — Last night, ABC ran the first movie and I started watching it, but then Dave said “Wait. We’ll watch the first four together.” Apparently he went on a Harry movie spree at some point and so now I can watch them in hi-def without commercials. I’m gonna get educated!
PhunnieOne — I’m with you on American Idol. I gave it a shot in the first season, but it quickly wore on me. Haven’t watched one since.
Daisy the Curly Cat — I bet you ran right out of the room when the vampires came on-screen. They are skeery! p.s. I hope you feel OK, Daisy, and that you managed to get a good sample for the vet. But you’re a good student, so I’m sure you did everything you were supposed to do for the test.
Surfie — See, now that’s the reaction I wanted! I wanted to love it! Maybe the movies will do something for me (see my comment to Chris above). We’ll see. Not sure I’ll read the series, but I’ll definitely watch the movies.
Kim – That is so awesome! What great parents you are to read them all aloud. Takes determination to do that. I’m impressed, sore throat notwithstanding. Wink wink.
Will — So they’re not slippers. Huh. Could have fooled me.
Laura #1 — I know you are right. And I know I didn’t give enough of a chance. In a way, maybe I shouldn’t have listened to all the hype because it set the bar so high for me. When I got sad at the beginning, I should have just soldiered on. I do believe I would have been rewarded, but I feel like it’s too late now. I’m not prepared to read the whole thing anymore. Feels too daunting.
Laura #2 — Another “out loud” reader! Good for you. And kudos on getting into character as well. That’s great. I love your son’s quote “Books are like a movie for your mind.” That’s so true and profound. And I bet he’d also say it looks a lot more interesting in his head than on-screen. Isn’t that always the way with books? I raise my coffee mug to Rowlings too. Getting people to read, both young and old, is an achievement. She deserves all the fame and fortune she got.
Lisa von Lempke — I’m at least giving the movies a shot. Found out husband bought the first four in the series, so we’ll watch them together soon. I’m not prepared to try again on the books, though. Maybe if I didn’t blog, I’d have more time.
July 24th, 2011 at 7:56 am
“Waving hands wildly” !!! Me, too!!! Me, too!!! I just never found it to be something that I wanted to read or watch and I have successfully avoided reading one page or watching one minute of the endless movies. I applaud all those Potter fans for their devotion but it is not for me!! Glad to hear that I am not alone!!!
Beth Ann Chiles´s last [type] ..Resurrection –7 Days–Give or Take
July 24th, 2011 at 9:50 am
Oh. Oh no. Well to start, you should watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y57sYHIDP_Y
That covers most of the important things. If you have any other questions please refer them to me and I will answer them with ease. I’ve read all the books and seen all the movies at least twice. I also know all kinds of random facts about the series, like the author, J.K. Rowling used that named because it sounded more masculine and she didn’t think boys would buy books by a girl author.
So just call me or email me and I can explain any and all questions.
July 24th, 2011 at 10:08 am
The publicist swore up and down that she was not going to read them, that they couldn’t be that good. Then her favoritest nephew in the whole wide world was reading them. Her nephew who “didn’t like to read.” Her nephew who she had being encouraging to read forEVER. So she picked the books up so she could discuss them with him….and she fell in love. They truly are well written books. A grand story written for both children and adults.
And they got her nephew to read. For THAT she will forever love Harry Potter.
Pricilla – Famous SpokesGoat´s last [type] ..Silly Sunday – Abby’s Tail is NOT a Goat Snack
July 24th, 2011 at 10:21 am
I tried to read the first book, but the vocabulary was too weird for me to get into it. That said, I loved the first movie. I think I saw 2 other movies, but can’t remember them very well. I will see the last movie. I want to find out who dies. Although my grandson is now 18, he’s still a big Harry Potter fan. The movies are fairly charming.
Linda Medrano´s last [type] ..Napping In Tehran
July 24th, 2011 at 11:43 am
That’s the extent of my HP knowledge. Sounds like I got to the same point as you did in the first book before putting it down. I’ve seen parts of HP movies, the beginning, middle or end, never the sum of all the parts.
With that said, I really admire Rowling.
Muggles aren’t slippers?
Lauren´s last [type] ..Checking the Rearview Mirror Back to Mayhem 2009.
July 24th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Ooooh, don’t let Hermaine hear you call her that. She’ll zap you.
I have read all the books. Why? Because it’s hard for me to quit once I start. And it was a good story.
I cannot say the same for Twilight, however. Harry Potter is like a classic Disney movie, whereas Twilight is like a battered issue of Teen Magazine.
Margaret (Nanny Goats)´s last [type] ..Goat Thing of the Day: State Fair
July 24th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
I haven’t read even ONE page and I’ve not seen any Harry Potter movies. However, there is one hardback Harry Potter book in the house, although I’m not clear as to how it got here or why.
Sherry Martschink´s last [type] ..Sheep and Beer Bottles
July 24th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
OK I read the first book but not until about 3 or 4 years ago when a fellow writer told me I should read it for the style of writing. I failed to see what the fuss was about.
My family have watched the first and possibly the second movie on tv but since I was not interested and was doing other things I have seen bits but never the whole movie. Not sure if all the bits I have seen were one film or two.
I felt the same way about Dan Brown’s books….I have still not read da vinci code.Nor have I seen/read Lord of the rings. My father read The Hobit to us when we were children …..it terrified me, I have no wish to go back there.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:43 am
I think the younger generation have read every book and seen every movie (usually twice) but in the UK, although I could be wrong, the older generation are not so interested. It seems to be mainly kids and teenagers. I don’t know of a single adult that has read any of them. Then, maybe know a funny old bunch of people
Babs (beetle)´s last [type] ..She’s at it again!
July 25th, 2011 at 10:56 am
My extensive HP knowledge consists of watching part of the 2nd movie in my senior year Spanish class in Spanish with no subtitles.
I did gather that they fly. And carry twigs. My yard is full of twigs, so by default it must also be full of magic.
Elle´s last [type] ..The Almost Twins, at 3 Months
July 25th, 2011 at 10:59 am
I haven’t read/seen it either. And I have absolutely no desire to. That along with going to Vegas, New York City, watching a TV show about solving crimes or owning anything with Justin Beiber’s face on it.
July 25th, 2011 at 11:39 am
Just great article about Harry Potter! Have you seen this website? It’s also dedicated to Harry Potter especially movies – Harry Potter movies online.
July 25th, 2011 at 1:17 pm
Just read Laura’s comment which included the quote from her son, “Books are like movies for your mind.”
I’m going to display that quote in our school library (I’m a principal, in case you’ve forgotten), and if you could contact Laura and ask if I could use her son’s first name and age alongside the quote, I’d appreciate it.
Thanks,
Chris
Chris@Knucklehead!´s last [type] ..Mike
July 25th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I’ve read all the books but haven’t watched all the films, and am a fan. But I would say you’ve missed a huge chunk of your life just for not reading and watching the series. It would have been nice if you did though but I would never say the same with Twilight haha!
Karoline´s last [type] ..En anden måde at finde en billig 4-stjernet ferie på
July 25th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I read every one of those books (except the last, I think) ALOUD for my kid. If you think that is a lot of time and pages, you are correct. But we both enjoyed it and it gave us something to enjoy together.
I enjoyed the story, but you need to read the books–the movies are never as good as the book…EVER. I think you can live without reading them, but I enjoyed them. “Twilight” passed me by–I don’t feel like I am missing anything without reading those.
lin´s last [type] ..Rockin’ the Gangsta’ Socks
July 25th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
OMG. you are such a… muggle. (that’s a nerdy Harry Potter joke. you would laugh if you had read Harry Potter.)
but, truly. i ADORED the books. i haven’t seen any of the movies, though. the imagination to dream up such a story… amazing to me. and, it’s like pricilla said, any book that can get a kid to READ a 700 page BOOK is worth its weight in gold to me.
so, my vote? tie yourself down. get past the first few pages where he lives with his terrible aunt and uncle. you’ll be SO glad you did.
Ali´s last [type] ..When I Grow Up, I’m Going to be Responsible. I Wonder When That Will Be?
July 25th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Beth Ann Chiles — I never knew our Never Read Harry Potter Club would grow so large! I don’t know that we should be proud of it, but I do know we don’t have to feel like oddballs anymore.
Regan — OK, there’s a heck of a lot of characters named in that video. How can I keep them straight? Thank you for being my designated Potter encyclopedia. If you had to explain the story in 99 seconds, could you do it?
Pricilla — I do love that HP is the reason many kids picked up books once and for all. Books they could love and feel like they were part of their early lives. That’s just so awesome. For me, it was Ramona and Beezus. Remember them? Glad you were bitten by the Harry bug, too!
Linda Medrano — Maybe we need another club for those of us who made it through some number of pages, but gave up too soon. Maybe the Early Dismissal Club. Hee.
Lauren — I know I got some of my knowledge from bits of movies I saw, just passing through the living room. The rest came from people I overheard talking about their love of it. Then I’d duck and hide because I was afraid they’d ask me if I knew the story and I’d have to admit that I didn’t. Then get yelled at, as was often the case.
Margaret — I love your characterization of HP compared to Twilight. Sounds like you’re not the only one who feels that way. And yet, Twilight made a bazillion dollars too, so why haven’t I written a sappy book yet?
Sherry — I love how you have a Harry book in your house and don’t know how it got there. Maybe Voldemort put it there and when you pick it up, your head will explode.
anna jay — You know, I loved De Vinci Code, but didn’t care for the prequel. It’s either hit or miss with me.
Babs Beetle — I’m sure the breakdown in the U.S. is more kids than adults, but I definitely know a ton of adults who are total Harry fanatics, so it’s not just the little ones who ate it up.
Elle — OMG. Harry in Spanish with no subtitles? I’d love to read your synopsis after that! Enjoy your magic yard!
Ordinary Sarah — I agree with most of your “Can live without” places and things, but you must do NYC. Have someone drop you off in SoHo or Times Square and you will change your mind about it forever.
Chris — Don’t you just love that ?! Check your email. Laura was happy to oblige.
Karoline — Wow, lots of Twilight haters here. I dare someone to come forward and say that they loved it!
lin — I love that some of you have read the books aloud. That’s an incredible achievement and I bet it added something special to the experience. I’ve got four of the movies in my house (news to me until just this weekend), so if I do anything, it’s going to be to watch the movies. I won’t be disappointed because I haven’t read the books first.
Ali — Agreed about kids reading the books. I don’t remember any series being the reason for so many millions of kids reading for pleasure and getting so hopped up about when the next book would come out. It’s a beautiful thing.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Ok, I’ll also say that I enjoyed the Twilight books. Not as much as HP, Not in the least. However, sometimes when you’re reading before bed, you just want a little bit of easy reading, something entertaining and completely vapid. That’s what I felt the Twilight series gave me, something completely vapid to waste my time with!
I completely understand why teenage girls are all enamored with the series though, who doesn’t like the thought that a boy (even if he is like 109) can’t possibly live without you?! Deep down I think we all just want to be loved! *cue sappy music and kissing montage*
July 25th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Maybe I could.
Next time we see you, feel free to ask me who everyone is.
Or just email me if your questions need answering pronto
July 25th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Life will not be made better for you if you read Harry Potter.
Marvin´s last [type] ..An unfortunate shape for a building
July 25th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Have not read the books, nor seen the movies. Thought I was alone in this. Glad to know I have company.
July 26th, 2011 at 3:09 am
Haven’t read the book, but i can’t wait to watch that movie….
charlotte´s last [type] ..Chinaillon Accommodation
July 26th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
never read the books or saw any of the movies…and really not interested…and wouldn’t go to the theme park either….just my 2 cents!
July 26th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I bought the books when they came out with intentions of reading them (which I never did) so I am keeping them for the grandkids. I think I saw one movie via tv and have gotten the dvds for the grands also when they visit. I guess we have missed out on the most exciting thing since sliced bread but remember bread is not good for you either..
Grannyann´s last [type] ..Is it Catherine or Katherine or Kathryn?????
July 26th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I made it five pages into the first book before zoning out, and five minutes into the first movie before falling asleep. I just can’t get into it. Glad to know I’m not the only one!
July 26th, 2011 at 11:07 pm
I read them all and saw all the movies. Although the movies are true to the books the books are the best especially the first one. I really liked the first. I am surprised that so many people haven’t read them.
July 27th, 2011 at 8:03 am
Add me in that list of Harry Potter ignorant as well! And I say you did a pretty good job of the story coz I dont think I would have managed even that
Arti´s last [type] ..Neelkanth Peak in Badrinath
July 27th, 2011 at 9:09 am
I would have been Harry Potter-ignorant, but I read all seven books OUT LOUD to Sean and Tessa at bedtime. Tessa loved them, and Sean did, too. I frankly got tired of a kid who had a magic wand and never used it to check a few skirts. It was a LOOOOOOOOONNNGGGG story that I could never get lost in.
Fred Miller´s last [type] ..Our Own Joplin Tornado
July 28th, 2011 at 12:31 am
I love harry Potter but I don’t read its books because i really don’t like reading…Anyway, thanks for this post…
Cher Shives´s last [type] ..Best Trading Plateform for Forex
July 28th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
A muggle is a normal person, who isn’t a wizard…lol
now you know!
Larissa´s last [type] ..Hair removal methods
July 29th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
I think I have seen one, maybe two of the Potter movies. By the end of the last one, I thought to myself….this is stupid. I am going to go out, live my life, do something interesting and then in about 10 years there will be a DVD boxed set of all the Potter films (with outtakes and never before seen scenes) and I will rent it and watch the whole saga over a long weekend. The hype just isn’t worth it.
Bruce´s last [type] ..Bugity, Bugity, Bugity
July 29th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
FUNNY! I loved the first book, enjoyed the second and then the third I tried and tried and tried but HATED. I saw several movies but not all. BUT… I think it is great that kids who normally would not pick up a book actually read b/c of these stories. YOUR version is the BEST version!
Katherine´s last [type] ..Trading The Internet For Polymer Bonding
July 30th, 2011 at 11:55 am
Count me in for not reading, nay, avoiding this series (books and film). I had friends pushing the books on me 10 years ago and I just never bothered. Over the years you learn about the characters through osmosis.
Voldemort still sounds like a kind of cheese to me.
July 30th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Haven’t read the books, haven’t seen the movies (except for bits on the news, which I didn’t pay attention to), and never plan to. Same goes for Twilight — not into vampires, sparkles, and teenage angst.
At the age of 9 I read The Hobbit because I was bored. I went on to read the first two books of the trilogy, started the third and thought, “I’m tired of this.” When the movies started coming out, I forced myself to reread The Hobbit. Notice the verb there. I got through it eventually, but I have absolutely no wish to ever watch the movies. Besides, I always saw the hobbits as kind of rabbit-like creatures with human characteristics, like the talking animals in Narnia, not small humans with extremely hairy feet.
And Mike’s right, Voldemort sounds like a cheese.
August 4th, 2011 at 3:20 pm
No Harry Potter, no Twilight, no LoTR… I’ve never watched American Idol or The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Have I really missed out on anything? I don’t think so!
August 5th, 2011 at 6:32 am
Another here! I haven’t read any of the books or seen more than about 1/3 of one of the movies.
August 6th, 2011 at 4:49 am
I didn’t read the whole story either.
Someone summarized the whole story to me:
Once upon a time there is a little boy named Harry Potter and he always annoyed a guy called Voldemort which made him very angry and wanted to take revenge. Eventually Harry Potter was able to defeat Voldemort so the conclusion is Harry Potter is a very bad boy.
And I find that this is so true! lol
Halogen´s last [type] ..Halogen Oven Used in Cooking Various Dishes
August 9th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Thank you for narrating the story of Harry Potter…I liked it…
Andy Clint´s last [type] ..Denver Singles Scene Where To Go What To Do?
August 10th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
This post made me laugh. I love the thought that muggles are slippers. I want a pair.
…And I just found your blog. LOVE it!
September 18th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
You haven’t read Harry Potter – the funniest book ever written?
I think it is a humour book. right?
Jokes aside – you should read it. Go beyond the 25 pages and you will really like it.
But don’t watch the movie. They are junk.
Sairam´s last [type] ..T shirt Quotes – I have one for you.
October 2nd, 2011 at 11:46 pm
this was hilarious. “do they fly. yes i think they fly” – you’re writing has a very bridget jones’ tone (“what has become of the tuna? what? WHAT?” … thanks.
December 25th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Count me in the list of folks who haven’t read the series. I did watch some of the movies on cable, but not enough to get me hooked on to the characters.
Guess I’ll be among those who’ll never realize what the buzz was all about.
Sameer´s last [type] ..Can self-publishing your e-book make you a best-selling author?