I may be a little late to the party, but I've recently discovered the magical joys and wonders of the Harry Potter book series.
I know, I know. Cathy, have you been near a book store in at any point since the late '90s?
Yes, I've seen a few of the earlier movies, of course, but I never really delved into the whole book phenomenon until a few weeks ago.
I blame it all on Twilight. I mean, without Twilight, I would have never read any teen lit books. And without that series, I would have never read The Hunger Games trilogy. And those led me to finally say, "It's time to read Potter."
I also blame it on my kids. Aidan has been into Harry since she was knee-high to a grasshopper. I remember posting this photo back in 2007, when she read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in one sitting, pausing only to eat and use the restroom.
Aidan is now re-reading the Potter series for the third time. Just last weekend, she invited some of her girlfriends over for an art party, and they made these:
Cole is re-reading the series for the second time. Whenever I put Cole's socks away, I see Ron and Harry on his chest of drawers, conversing over a cup of what I assume is a nice chalice of iced pumpkin juice:
I think the other thing that got me curious to read the stories was seeing Oprah's interview with J.K. Rowling. Her story is truly remarkable and her passion for these characters runs so deep. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
The only downside of this new thing I've got going on? The big chenille throw on my couch is constantly calling for me to blow off any work, make another cup of chai and curl up with Harry and his friends for 15 minutes. Or 30. Or an hour.
I just realized how much I love being a day late and a dollar short to certain trends. For me, there'll be no waiting for the next book to come out.
Heather Crawford says
Cathy, this is unrelated, but just started working on my kid’s school albums using your templates…is there somewhere to see how other’s have used them too? with maybe some varied patterned paper, etc? Thanks!
Amy Z says
I may jump on that bandwagon with you. I haven’t read much (except about running) since I started running, cause all my free time is eaten up by running or kids (don’t have the self-sufficient luxury just yet). I miss reading.
Amy Z says
could I say running again?
Sarah says
I have never read any of the Potter books… or Twilight series either. I feel as if I am “the only one”. I don’t doubt that they are good books; it’s just that I fear that once I start reading, I would NEED to read them all and I fear I don’t have time for that. (I am a busy SAHM to a 20-month old, a domestic goddess and expecting #2; I haven’t scrapbooked with paper and supplies in almost 2 years! Just ordered Project Life though… hoping to document SOMETHING for us to look back on.) ENJOY YOUR GOOD READS, Cathy!
Chris Olson says
I just started reading the Harry Potter books this fall, so you’re not the only late bloomer here. If I’m not curled up under the cupboard reading, I’m listeing to the audiobooks as I do houeswork or scrapbook.
I’m in the middle of the Order of the Phoenix and I’ve forced my husband to watch the movies again after I finish each book.
I’m boycotting Twilight so far, though. I’m an Anne Rice vampire girl, and just don’t want to even imagine vampires in hoodies.
Brek Noice says
Love the Harry Potter books. Loving it even more now that my 8-year-old is getting into the books. Our Christmas consisted of Harry Potter lego sets, Harry Potter costumes, Harry Potter Wii games, etc. YOu get the picture. My 8 and 6 year old boys are living a breathing Harry Potter right now and I couldn’t be happier.
Ruth says
The series is such a good read, I can’t blame you for curling up with them. I’m looking forward to introducing my son to them.
Barb says
I read all the Percy Jackson books this summer… as a preemptive read, to make sure they weren’t too scary for my 8 year-old. (They weren’t.) He’s already read all the Harry Potter books… he borrowed them from the school library and finished all seven between September and December. I bought him the entire set of hard covers for Christmas, and he’s rereading them now. I’ve been wanting to read the HP series myself, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t get anything else done for a couple of weeks while I read. Laundry, groceries, cooking… my job! Maybe I need to book a week off to tackle the entire series all at once?
Heather B says
I ignored Potter until I saw the 1st 2 movies on HBOish movie channels. Then I read the first & the second & the third…. I had to wait for 6 & 7 so I was late but not before the complete end! 🙂 I actually read twilight because of HP & Percy Jackson (OMG – if you like these try out Percy & then the Kane Chronicles).
I’ve read Harry through 3 or 4 times now… unless you count my ipod… I have all 7 on my iPOD that I got by justifying I drove 30 minutes to work each day & had a baby in my belly…. it was educational listening for him. Well – still listening – we finished book 6 today – again! Ahhh – LOVE the reading of them…. they did a great job with the audio!
I’ve also read twilight twice & all of the Percy-esque books 2-3 times. I’ve actually had a hard time reading adult lit in the last few years but have now dove back in with the help of Nora Roberts & the lady who writes the Bones books…. can’t think of her name though.
Enjoy!
Megan says
Have not yet partaken. Just do not enjoy fantasy for some reason. My oldest son LOVES the books; has re-read them *several* times. Addicted.
Leslie @ {Tiny Wings} says
I read them as they came out, and would really like to revisit them all one day. I think they’d be better appreciated. A few years ago my son (who was probably 11 at the time) gave up TV for Lent . . . and read the whole series back-to-back — and actually finished them all by Easter. Impressive!!
Misty says
I just read the whole series for the first time this summer after many years of browbeating by my friends. The books were excellent and it fantastic to read them all of the way through.
daney says
I am reading the Percy Jackson ones now – I read HP from about the 1/2 point in the series and had to wait-wait-wait for the last few books.
I am on book 4 of 5 in the Jackson ones and am gulping them down at pace of a book a day.
The oracle was too scary for my 5 and 8 yr olds, so Daddy’s bedtime reading of a chapter a night had to cease in book 1. Luckily, Mama is still reading the Little House books (Plum Creek right now), so we are still on track with those and I can read the other series on my own….
they are on HP book 3 now. We wait a year between books for them to let them “catch up” on aging and not be as easily creeped out.
Noelle says
Cathy I too was a little late to the Potter Party. Read an interview in Parents magazine w/ Rowling & they had the 1st chapter for book 4…and I was hooked! I promtly went over to my Mom’s (a retired librarian) & borrowed books 1-3 & presented her with book 4. I now have the whole set as well. I love that my daughter (11 yrs.) is now starting to enjoy them & I can’t wait to introduce my 6 yr. old to them when he is ready. Enjoy them!! (oh & I even have a scrapbook page dedicated to finishing the series!)
Sabrina says
I haven’t read or watched any Potter. I remember when they came out and everyone was just dying for the next book. I didn’t want to be like that so I just never picked them up. I guess I can now read them.
Tink says
Both of my kids happened to be born about the time a new book came out, and since they were both C-sections it was AWESOME timing. Step 1- curl up in chair. Step 2- adjust baby for nursing/snuggling/sleeping. Step 3- Read. and read. and read. Step 4- Hand someone the baby and ask for more water. Step 5- repeat.
Actually I think there might be a slight dent in my son’s noggin from book 4. 😀
cathy says
Hmmm. You know, possibly people have posted them over in the galleries of Designer Digitals. Its worth a search there. Otherwise, I dont know of any user communities on Flickr etc. : )
cathy says
I am SO an Anne Rice vampire girl too. Then I read ALL of her books. The witches series too. : ) Love those books.
cathy says
I actually now want Harrys world to be real. Scary, huh?
cathy says
Thats so cool, Leslie!
cathy says
My son also has read the Percy Jackson books and loves them. Those might have to be next for me!
cathy says
ha! love it!
Kim Colledge says
So glad you are finally enjoying the series, Cathy. We love HP in our house. My youngest was 3 months old when Deathly Hallows came out and my husband had the 3 older ones on a campout. Can I say that my baby was a bit neglected except to be fed and changed for about 24 hours till I finished it. It has been a wonderful series to share with my children.
I just finished the Twilight series about a month ago. That was the one I was late getting to:)
Jill Broyles says
Love the books but I really like those shoes. Talent is in abundance in your home. Great artwork and even on something useful. Fabulous!
debbie says
Ok so not getting into the Harry Potter after reading all Twilight, but I had to ask about your hardwood floors. They are beautiful and it is something we are considering doing, we are carpet people you know. So can you give us any tips or advise on what type to buy, grade or whatever, what is in your new space, seriously amazing color?
JenCoen says
How funny is this… this morning I grabbed my son’s copy of the first book. I have it with me at work now! And I just (less than five minutes ago) updated my Goodreads account to show that I am starting the HP series!
….Great minds Cathy, Great minds… 🙂
RobinD says
Maybe it is better this way! You can read through the whole series continuously!
SusanL says
Now that Harry P’s finished how about Harry D? I mean Harry Dresden in ‘The Dresden Files’ by Jim Butcher. This is a series about a professional wizard set in Chicago. I came across the series because the audio books are narrated by James Marsters (a.k.a Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer). I’m completely hooked. There are currently 12 books published in the series so far and I admit to fabricating dental appointments so I could stay home and listen to the latest installment. Now that I’ve just finished book 12 ‘Changes’, I’m going back to the beginning to #1 ‘Storm Front’. They make me laugh and cry and keep me on the edge of my seat. Can you really ask any more from a book? I can’t wait for the next installment.
kat :) says
i also have not read these books- i decided i wanted to wait until my daughters are old enough and we can read them together! but i’m sure they’re wonderful, especially since i too have recently discovered teen lit as you call it 🙂 and yes, the best part of reading these books is you can read them all in one sitting! (instead of waiting, that is torture!)
Stacia says
So fun, Cathy!! I’m jealous that you’re just now reading them. I so enjoyed reading them to my older three boys, and am looking forward to a return trip to all seven books with my youngest (now 6 – and almost ready :D).
Percy Jackson is fun, too, though not up there with HP. Have read through that whole series with my 10YO. He read them first (devoured in about a month – LOVES mythology so a perfect fit for him), and then I read them aloud for bedtime after we went to see the movie together.
Another amazing series, though only three books: His Dark Materials (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass).
Enjoy!! 🙂
MonicaB says
Welcome aboard! I’ve been on the HP train since the second book came out. I’ve read or listened to each book over a dozen times and I’m now enjoying reading them to my kids. Yes, I read them even before I had children! I’m a huge fan and I’m really looking forward to the midnight showing of the final movie.
Enjoy the books! They are truly wonderful!
kayleen burke says
Oh man, do I love those books. It started innocently enough with books 1 and 2 on sale at Target for $5 each. I figured, what the heck, how good can they be? Then I had to fork out for the hardcover editions of 3&4 since I lived in a mountain community and those were all that were available. Next thing you know, I’m up at midnight in line at the local book store for a fresh hot copy of the newest Harry Potter. Now my 6 year old has seen the movies, been to Universal where he rode the Hogwarts Express and has a cape and glasses waiting for the release of the final Harry Potter movie. I’ve shared my madness.
So, Welcome, Cathy, to the world of the Harry Potter books. While you don’t have to wait for the next book, going to the store for a midnight party was a blast. Maybe for the last movie?
tara says
Love the art party shoes Aidan!!!!!!
Stephanie K. says
I’ve been reading your blog almost everyday for about 3 years and think you are all adorable (you, Dan, the kids-so cute). Anytime I meet someone from Minnesota I ask if they know a Cathy Zielske. I have not yet been successful. Anyways, I read the Harry Potter series way late. I think I wanted to read them just so I could say “No Can Do, It’s Potter Time!” to any weekend task I was trying to avoid. And also, maybe one day when my kids a bit older they’ll think I’m cool. Not because I read Harry Potter, but because I still say “no can do.”
ginny says
Enjoy your HP marathon! I too enjoyed Harry Potter, Twilight, and the Hunger Games. My new favorite YA series is The Mortal Instruments Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. They are a bit edgier than Twilight, and {whispers so certain friends don’t hear} I actually liked them better than the Twilight series!
Jana says
Each time a book in the Harry Potter series came out, my 2 daughters and I would read the new book in shifts. We’d make a pact not to talk about it ’til all 3 of us finished and consequently read so fast I barely remember each one! After seeing the latest movie a few weeks ago, I had to re-read the last book so I could remember the ending more clearly. Like others, my life gets put on hold while I’m reading the books. I try not to let it pull me away, but any moment I get a chance to read, I do—so glad to finish it & get my life back… Sad there aren’t any more to follow though! I can’t imagine reading all the books at once… so much in my life would be neglected, including my poor husband! Good luck plowing through the series and keeping your life in balance! If you don’t, I totally understand, and yes, life can wait ’til your finished!!
Brenda in Sunny SoCal says
I am waiting on my 8 yr. old to read Harry together, BUT I love Greek mythology so I did not wait for him on Percy Jackson, let me tell you, those books are worth it AND not as long.
A QUESTION: being a huge Anne Rice fan and having read all of her Vampire, Witches etc. books, (PS Armand is my absolute fave, not Interview) is Twilight worth it?
Brenda in Sunny SoCal says
I like the year to catch up idea…
Jackson is great I finished them in about 4 days could not put any of them down…
Gina says
I absolutely adore the Potter books. I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve read through the series…4-5 times at least. It never gets old.
Just like your daughter, I read #7 in 24 hours. Some serious child neglect going on in that 24 hours, let me tell you! lol As soon as I finished reading, I put the book down for less than an hour, picked it up & started all over again. I’m a dork, what can I say?
Heather Crawford says
Yep, I tried searching “school” there with no luck 🙁
Oh well, cranking the pages out..loving it!
MelissaL88 says
Welcome to Hogwarts! I so love those HP books! My favorite experience was reading number 6 (Half Blood Prince) on a train in England! I think I need to scrap that 🙂
I also highly recommend the Percy Jackson series. I’ve read the first two and adore them. I need to rip number three out of my youngest son’s hands. After Percy, I’ll be hanging out with Katniss and her friends in the Hunger Games. Number One son finished number 1 and is eagerly awaiting number 2 to arrive from Amazon.
I love reading!
Sarah Kristiansen says
Loved them too…I started them about halfway through the series…it was SO hard waiting for the last couple of books!
We love going back to the books too–and I’ll tell you, the audio books are AMAZING. A few years ago my mom gave me the entire set of audio cd’s, and long stretches of work, and long solo car rides, I always bring Harry out!!
Jenny says
I started reading them when they came out as I was nursing my first child with nothing else but sitting for 45 minutes every 3 hours. Now Ben is just shy of 10 and on the verge of book 7. I re-read them so that I would know what part he was on and so when he talked about them I would be able to understand. Reading them back to back was awesome. I’m not a deep thinker when it comes to books and why the auther did what they did, but it was cool to see how things in each book tied together to culminate in the last book. ENJOY!
(P.S. I also have only seen the first 2 movies and really have no desire to see the others, except for the last one to see how they really portray things that happen. Besides, the books are always better. I learned that in 3rd grade after reading “Space Camp” and then going to see the movie.)
cathy says
hmmm. We got our floors at Lumber Liquidators, and they are a tongue and groove Brazilian cherry. Thats all I know! : )
cathy says
OH, i have read ALL of them. I loved the Witch series too!
Twilight is a whole different beast though. Its not as well written as an Anne Rice book, but… the story is good.
Susan says
Love love love Harry Potter…love. enough said.
Janice says
Glad to see another grown-up read the Hunger Games trilogy. Those were hard to put down. I’ve read all of HP (twice) and Twilight too.
Meredith says
Lucky you! I had never heard of Harry Potter, then my daughter was put into the hospital and I stayed with her. My mother-in-law brought three books for me to read while I sat with her for five days. They were the first three Harry Potters. I LOVED them and I loved/hated waiting for each new book. My kids love them too and the books are falling apart from lots of use. I’m so excited for you!
Delisa says
Welcome to the party even if you are late. The beauty of HP is you notice something new each time you read the books. Back in the day we had to re-read the books over and over while we were waiting on the next book. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve read them 8 times. When my daughter turned 9 I read them out loud to her. I wanted to make sure she “got” the funny parts, the clues, the references to other lit/astronomy/historical events. Then she would read the book on her own and watch the movie. I successfully groomed her into a HP geek. Planning on a girls trip to HP World this spring.
Can’t wait to do the same with my son. He is only 5 now, but it will be so fun to watch his eyes when Olivander hands Harry the right wand. I think that was the moment that hooked me.
Enjoy.
Nancy McM says
Dare I confess I enjoy reading more than scrapping?! I loved the HP books. Happy reading 🙂
Becky H says
If you are in to Vampire books you need to check out J.R. Ward’s series starting with Blood Lover. Awesome series and will suck you in so beware.
alexa says
What your talented daughter and friends have done with those shoes is amazing. If she opens an Etsy shop, I’ll be first in the queue.
Becky @ {Me & Mine} says
Cathy,
I love the color also and we are wanting to do hardwood floors when taxes come back. Did you have any problems with Lumber Liquidators?
cathy says
No problems. : ) We got this floor in 2003. Then we had to order some more boards for part of the remodel. The new floor matches perfectly to the old.
: )
Cynthia Friese-Hassanein says
Oh gosh a month ago I got on the Hogwarts express potter party too and have not got off yet, year 4 now:). I have never been one for fantasy or spells:) But, I am so obsessed:) I wish I could see the JK Rowling interview:) What a story teller!!!!!!!!!
Tasia M says
I loved (still do) the Harry Potter books and have read them all SEVERAL times, but after reading the Twilight series (SEVERAL times) I find it hard to get back into Harry Potter. I guess now that I’m 32 I’ve matured from books for 12 year olds to books for 15 year olds. I can’t seem to find any adult books that I want to read. Although I might give the Anne Rice books a chance. I really liked the Hunger games series, too, although the ending fell a little flat. Tried to read the City of Bones series but didn’t care for it. I’ve also been meaning to read the Percy Jackson series. But, I have found another series that no one has mentioned yet. The Looking Glass Wars series. It’s a twist on Alice in Wonderland. I’m reading the second book right now and am really enjoying them so far. So if you need another series to read when you’re done with HP, take a look at those. 🙂
Jennifer says
I, too, came late to the HP table. My 8yo daughter brought the first book home from the library and, although I love to read, I had ZERO desire to read about a boy wizard. But in the interest of making sure it wasn’t too scary for her, I grudgingly consented to read it with her every night.
By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. JK Rowling is a genius. We’ve just started the series again, for the third time. My daughter is fully capable of reading the books by herself now, but we still read them together. A shared obsession.
You may curse me for suggesting this–as it will undoubtedly divert your attention from work, household chores, and personal hygiene–but check out the chapter-by-chapter guides over at http://hpcompanion.com/ .
Enjoy!
tricia says
Too funny. I actually discovered the twilight series after reading the final Harry Potter book. I was an avid reader in college but life as usual got crazy and I stopped reading. The harry potter series made me love reading again. I was looking 4 something to fill the void after harry and discovered twilight (long before the movies or phenomenon. I remember being ridiculed by my sisters for rec. A book about teenage vampires. They didn’t laugh anymore after they read it). What a ride. I too have enjoyed the world of teen lit. I have enjoyed the vampire academy and house of night series. I absolutely loved the mortal instruments series and I am getting ready to read hunger games. I owe it all to ms. J.k. rowling. I know that you are going to love the world that is harry potter.
DawnS says
If you’re liking HP then you might enjoy watching some of the Very Potter Musical. I think you might get a kick out of it.
It “stars” Darren Criss (Blaine on Glee) as Harry…and was performed when he went to the University of Michigan. I think he wrote all of the songs for it(?) It does have some “language” in it though.
Val says
I highly suggest listening to the audio book while running…..I’m doing that now. It’s a great series. I’ve been known the check out the audiobooks from the library download to itunes/ipod and then delete them when I’m done. Works well.
kim brown says
I have read all of the books, but I have the worst memory. I watched the last two movies in theater on opening night and had no clue if something was missing, wrong or where the story started or ended. I haven’t been to see the latest in theaters because I can’t remember what the last movie was even about.
I did an advent calendar of books this year with my barely six year old. I picked up the first potter book in hopes that we could read some each night, but instead got 24 christmas books to read. one for each night.
Right now I’m buried in the girl with the dragon tattoo. I have read the hunger games series (book 1 was the best, 2 and 3 I think we not as good, but people wanted more) and the twilight series. I’m not ashamed to say that I like young adult fiction.
Anywho, after that long winded monologue, welcome to potter land. enjoy your pumpkin juice and invisibility cloak. oh yeah, watch out for those moving stairways.
Claudia says
A few years back I fell in love with watching tv series on DVD. The habit started with the Alias seriesIt was great not having to wait until the next week to see cliffhanger ending!
Each summer my family and I choose a series to enjoy. Last summer we went through 16 seasons of The Amazing Race. It was wonderful enjoying them together and cuddling with my family on the couch.
In this technological age it’s never too late and sometimes it’s even better!
Hugs, Claudia aka PomMommy
Cathy Rodgers says
I loved & adored all the Potter books and am glad you’ve joined the crowd! My husband is not much of a reader (he’d rather be outside working in the yard than to sit and read), but he has listened to the HP books on cd many, many, many times. All seven books at least 4 times.
I cannot tell you how excellent the audio books are of this series! Even if you’ve read the books, the audiobooks are very, very enjoyable. I highly recommend them to anyone.
Happy reading/listening!
Cathy
Sally Paxton says
I know how much you loved the Twilight series, but from a literary standpoint, they don’t hold a candle to J.K. Rowlings’s brilliant writing. And the story’s not to shabby, either!
The audio tapes are even more amazing than the written word. I highly recommend checking one out from the library and leaving it in your car. You will be amazed at how quickly you get through those CDs just running errands around town.
I resisted reading the series for years (although not as many years as you!), because I had absolutely no interest in the genre. Or so I thought.
Enjoy!
Sally
Robyn says
Oh I agree, HP audio books are awesome. That is how I got through the first three trying to catch up. I have read them all too.
Hunger Games was a great series too. I have not read Twilight.
Ruth says
Love HP. Read 1-4 in less than a week and then had to wait for 5-7. A few other series that haven’t been mentioned yet are The Tapestry by Harry Neff; Book 3 just came out. Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series; Shadowfever just came out. Artemis Fowl; I think he’s on book 6. And Gideon the Cutpurse (haven’t started this one yet)
MarionW says
Love Harry P. Most recent LO I did was my grandson in the robes and wand that Santa bought him, holding the stuffed Hedwig owl that grandma sent him.
Kathi says
Well it’s about time. They really are great books. I remember when my youngest was in Kindergarten and one of the books came out. We went to McDonald’s for breakfast and lunch for three days straight. She played in the playland, I sat in the corner and read Harry Potter. Such Parenting.
Kathi says
I also made my Husband purchase the entire set in the English (Great Brittan) version last time he went to England. They are fun to read. I can’t believe we (Americans) are so wimpy that we had to Americanize the books. We should have adapted.
jody says
My youngest son 14, loves all things HP and has read the series many times, and over many many years. In fact, every time a new movie comes out he rereads the series just to brush up. Of all the things he had to sort and purge recently, I noticed that his wand is still in the “keeper” pile LOL
TrickyNag says
Finally!
I can’t wait until my kids are old enough to read the series to them. I already have my daughter shouting out at red lights: “Verde Luminosa” It sometimes works and they are magically green for me.
Courtney Walsh says
Cathy,
I’ve never read them either, but I really kinda want to. Our daughter’s been asking if she can read them and I feel like I should preview them first…however, I have a feeling I’m gonna get sucked in!! 🙂
PS. Does Chai have milk in it?
Terri Torrez says
Love, love love HP! And unlike Twilight, there is some truly quality Fanfic out there. Full length novels that carry these great characters into their adult years. It’s truly addictive.
sandi says
Oh, I love Harry. I didn’t want the series to end.
Ashley says
I couldn’t relate more Cathy! I just bought the first book for my 9 year old daughter and plan to read the series myself right behind her. It all started with Twilight and then the Hunger Games for me as well and I absolutely agree about being late to the scene and not having to wait.
nikki7 says
I am on the HP bandwagon with you! My 3 teen girls were never into HP when it first hit big. But this past Dec., ABC Familly network ran a HP marathon. They DVR’ed them and watched them non stop and could not stop raving. So during Christmas break, I bought the first book, and devoured the entire series by the time school started again. LOVED IT. So glad I read during the school break, because I did nothing domestic for 2 weeks!! LOL My older girls did laundry and bathed the younger kids, my poor dh cooked. I am so looking forward to the last movie as well. ( This 40-year old mom feels a bit creepy for admiting a huge crush on Rupert Grint) LOL!!!
Lynn Herrick says
I am so jealous you are just beginning the journey. It is a wonderful journey. The beauty of being so late to the party is that you don’t have to wait an entire year between books!
Kathyl says
It took me a while to catch on to what everyone was talking about too but what was nice was being able to read a book then watch the movie. Plus, we didn’t have to wait for the next book to come out. I just put them all on my Kindle so that I can take them with me and read any time 🙂
cathy says
yes, it does! : )
cathy says
My kids were telling me about this one. Ill have to check it out.
becky dunnell says
as a middle school language arts teacher, i applaud you for reading great books & allowing your kids to do the same…i adore harry potter & the hunger games was an awesome series…i have no desire to read twilight…but i am reading a different series about vampires — the chronicles of vladimir tod — it is a wonderful series that puts a teen vampire into real world problems (that are compounded by vampire world problems, lol)…good reads!!
Sherrie says
WOW not alone here! I just got the whole series in hard bound edition for Christmas felt silly asking for them because everyone has already been there done that, but because I waited I got all the books no waiting and its a really cool collectors edition! Yep I’m usually late to the party – I was with Twilight, but I always arrive eventually..lol
Cheryl Hirst says
OMGosh…I am 34 and JUST finished reading the HP series. I actually yelled at all of my girlfriends for not telling me how good they were…a true friend should insist you read the series. Then I spent an entire week watching all 6 movies and just saw HP 7 Pt.1 at the IMAX last Friday.
I have to warn you, however, that anything you read AFTER finishing the series will be a huge let down, no matter how good the book.
Next up, Twilight series. Thank goodness it’s on Kindle so I don’t have to lug around those honkin’ bricks in my purse.
Anne says
Hi
Guess how lame I was? I got into the series around the second book. It was pretty well known, but not a phenomenon yet. Loved the books and had a small baby then. I thought how cool it would be to have him read the books when he was the right age. And thinking that would be 10+ years in the future and the books would be hard to get then I made sure I bought the whole series. How lame. Now, it is all over, movies, legos etc. You can almost not NOT run into the books. So much for my ability to predict things.
Ann Marie says
Put the book on your treadmill and read while you run. I went to B&N and bought a cook book holder. It fits on the book holder on my treadmill and holds the book open. I can turn pages as long as I am not running too fast during an interval. It takes some time to get used to moving while reading, but it’s well worth it. That’s the only way I get any reading done anymore.
Korey Lindberg says
As someone who has read the series too many times to count, I welcome you to the party 😀 I’ve just started on the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series of books by George R.R. Martin (of which HBO is doing a series called Game of Thrones). It is WAY more adult fare, but OH SO GOOD and I could not put the first book down! 807 pages and I was done with book #1 and I just started #2 yesterday.
Loydene says
AHHH — yes, you don’t have to wait for the next book to appear …. but you also don’t *get to* wait for the next book to be released …. or attend one (at least … or, better *just* one!!) midnight release party!
kristin says
ha! and i thought that i was late in the game. in 200, my parents gifted me the 1st book and it was the only paperback book i have. the rest are all hardbound. 🙂 and again- my parents got it for me. 🙂 and everyone in my family has read the series, ‘cept for my mom. she’s not even reading twilight. goof. (because they are good!)
kristin says
in 2000, not 200. i’m not a time traveler.
Marsaille says
My husband just drove to Vegas and listened to one of the Harry books for most of the way. I think he said it’s 22 hours worth. Work and listen 🙂 Not the same, I know. But an idea!
krys72599 says
We watch a Harry movie at least once every couple of weeks, and we listen to the CDs all the time, in the car on the way to the lake on the weekend, or in the house while I’m scrapping or cleaning or he’s working on something in the basement…
LOVE HARRY!!!
JWebb says
Harry is a big member of our family. Of the 5 of us, 4 are major fans (husband refuses to be a fan of anything!). Anyway, we had a big Harry Potter Birthday bash for my 7 year old DD on Saturday. It was fun! We had plaform 9 3/4, a Hogwarts feast with floating candles, potions class, divination class and a visit to Honeydukes!
Kathy in San Antonio says
After my mom died suddenly (and after losing my father, sister, stepfather), I found that I just could’t read my usual MDK (murder death kill) books nor did I have the concentration for anything more thought provoking. So I found myself reading juvenile fantasy. My favorite author from that time, besides JK Rowling, was Tamora Pierce. She has at least 7 little series (usually about 4 books each), most with women as heros, or ‘sheros.’ Good themes like accepting individual differences and using meditation/centering to find insight. All very wonderful books!
Kathy in San Antonio says
Loved the Harry Dresden series, but my favorite of Jim Butcher’s is his Codex Alera series. Just great. Begin with The Furies of Calderon.
Keianna says
My fave series. Truly great writing and wonderful life lessons. I was one of those people standing in line to get the books at midnight and crying when the series had ended. I have also seen all the movies on opening weekend. ENJOY 🙂
K Weston says
We came late to the Harry Party, too. We’d seen a couple of the movies, mostly on flights, but no books. My husband came home from a business trip a few days after Book Six came out–with all the media buzz about someone who died–and he asked if I’d looked online to figure out who it was. Oddly, I had and no one would say. He’d looked, too, with no luck. “I guess we’ll have to break down and read them,” he said. We started a series of road trips and picked up all the books, reading them aloud in the car. It took about six months to read the first six (only reading together, or we each would have devoured) and then we just had to wait a few months for seven. They are good. Enjoy.
cathy says
hmmm. might have to check that out. ive heard of the new HBO series coming.
cathy says
haha!
Kim says
Comments. How funny you should metion this. Currently I’m on a re-read of the whole series. I read each book at least twice and most three or more times. I have never read all seven straight through at once. I started with them in 2000 and read 1-4 at once, then had to wait for the others to come out. I on Prizoner of Azkaban right now. Love them. Love Harry. My 10 year old is the one who said absolutely HAD to read all seven straight through. She’s huge reader, loves to re-read her faves. I think she’s read Twilight 10 times. Anyway. Good for you. Better late than never.
{vicki} says
I haven’t read “harry” either—and yes they are on my list since I saw the interview too
Angie says
I’ve never read them either, Cathy! Everyone keeps insisting that I start the series, but now it’s such an investment of time. It’s like 10,000 pages. 🙂 It sounds like it’s worth it, though…
lnguyen says
It’s not pumpkin juice. It’s butterbear!
Christine F. says
Hi Cathy! Oh how I do love the Harry Potter books. I was 30 when I started reading them and I’m now 40 and I enjoyed every last word on those pages. In my opinion, JK Rowling is a genious. If I had only one ounce of her creativity and imagination, I would be blessed!! I so wish that Harry’s world existed too! If it did I would meet you at the Three Broomsticks for some butter beer!! Savor and enjoy!!
DonnaC says
I read the first read the series with my now 14 year old daughter starting about 7 years ago and got so into it I had Amazon deliver the last two books on their release dates – it was so exciting to be part of that and anticipate what the next book would be about.
Now I am rereading it with my now 8 year old son and thoroughly enjoying it again – catching details I didn’t the first time – I look forward to bedtime reading every night to catch up on the next chapter, and have secretly been reading ahead (don’t tell my son) even though I know what happens.
BTY – I think the books are so much better than the movie!
DonnaC says
Oh – and I am hoping that my son would like the new Daigon Alley Lego set but so far no luck. Somehow it doesn’t seem quite right to buy it for myself 🙂
Melissa says
I still haven’t picked them up either. My mother has read them all. My son read all 7 of the books in the 4th grade (3 years ago)!!! My plan was to read them along with him (we have two sets of the books — one set was a gift). But it didn’t work out because I was working that year. My plan? When he leaves for college (2016) I plan to take the year off and read Harry Potter .. and a few other things I’ve been waiting to read! They aren’t going anywhere! LOL!
Erica K says
I think I started when the 4th book came out. It is nice not having to wait. 🙂 I don’t think I read past the 4th, but my son and I have watched all but the most recent movie. They sure are getting violent… 🙁
Leslie B says
Yea Harry Potter! I second and third the above comments about listening to the books on CD/loading them to your ipod as well as watching A Very Potter Musical & A Very Potter Sequel.
You can convert & download the You Tube videos so that you can load the files onto your ipod as well.
You will now no doubt get swept up in Potter Mania when the last movie comes out this summer! Woo hoo!
Elizabeth says
I’ve been reading teen lit for quite a while now. I think it has more substance than the adult variety. Of course, I mostly enjoyed the Harry Potter series because it is so well written. In fact, I’ve read them all three times and have all the movies. Geez, you would think I’d have grown up by now!
Rachel says
I read the Harry Potter series when it came out, and have just started reading the first one to my five year old daughter.
She has a love of books, and really wants to start “reading” chapter books, so we started with something she knew (she has seen the first couple of movies) to help with character knowledge etc.
Have you read The Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R Ward Cathy?
Another vampire series, but more of an adult audience 🙂
Trina says
My oldest son has loved Harry since he got the first book as a gift from my mom (who passed away 4 years ago) when he was only 5 years old. He grew up with Harry. He was so sad when he finished the last book. He spent a day and a half reading Deathly Hallows straight through without stopping except to go to the bathroom! I had never read the books myself but took him to see every one of the movies on the first day they played at the theatre. I would spend hours asking him questions about the movie when it was over and he got more & more frustrated, telling me I should read the books if I wanted to know so bad! After many years (and seeing Part 1 of Deathly Hallows at the theatre and him finally refusing to answer any more questions!!) I decided it was time to pick up the Sorcerers Secret and start answering my own questions. I just finished reading Prisoner of Azkaban yesterday & am anxious to get started on Goblet of Fire!! LOVE these books and I can finally see for myself what the fuss was all about. My copies are very worn and well loved…my son has read each book at least 20 times (no joke!) and it means the world to me that he has allowed me to read them too. Thanks for the link to the JK Rowling article, it was very interesting to read about her struggle and to think maybe, just maybe, we’ll hear from Harry again someday…..
cathy says
Im on Goblet of Fire right now! so fun!
Julie Z says
Teen fiction is where it’s at! We have all the good stuff just waiting for you. I should know. i’mm a teen librarian.
Diane Herman says
it is…there is a HP world in Universal Orlando…so want to go with my 19 yo daughter…she grew up on his books 🙂
Angel Estes says
Oooohhhh you make me want to find a new book series obsession! I’ve already done the Twilight, and of course Harry Potter. Your’e comment about the chenille throw reminded me just how much I miss brain candy literature. Thanks for that. 🙂
Angel Estes says
Oh, I almost forgot. Do yourself a huge favor and YouTube “Harry Potter Puppet Pals”. Irreverent (but stops short of offensive) and FUNNY!! Have a great day!
cathy says
oh, im all familiar with this. The kids LOVE that.
cathy says
we do too!
Chris says
Thanks for the suggestion, Becky, I’ll have to give them a try.
I did my best to read those Sookie Stackhouse books, but I kept throwing the books at the wall and saying bad words because the main character comes off as too stupid to even dress herself.
Sharon in CA and OR says
welcome!! Its a great series…I fell hook line and sinker when it first came out. Under the guise that it was for my 10 year old niece and we would practice her reading aloud. She read a chapter and I read a chapter. Well she lost interest, but I kept reading each and every book. I also love to see the movies as they are exactly how I pictured them.
I also fell into the Twilight series much later than every one else…but enjoyed them just the same.
Enjoy…
Sarah says
Not that it needs to be said, but you won’t regret coming on board. they are amazing. And I have to admit I’m a little jealous that you don’t have to wait for the next book…that was true torture! 😉 As for harry and ron, I’m sure someone has already mentioned it…but it’s probably butter beer they’re drinking!…(and you can make your own for any harry potter themed parties with rootbeer and a couple of shots of butterscotch syrup) yummy
Jo says
Oh Cathy, it seems I’m coming into the world of Harry Potter late too. My boys (7 and 5) got into Harry Potter last November when they saw they first two movies on the TV. Excellent – I’d been wanting an excuse to read the books! My 7 year old was given book 1 for Christmas. I started reading his book and quickly overtook. I bought books 2, 3 and 4 am passing them on to him when I’m through reading them. Currently I’m half way through HP and the Goblet of Fire, and he’s just finished the second book tonight, and I have the rest on order!
cathy says
I JUST finished Goblet of Fire last night. Going to start Order of the Phoenix later! woo hoo!