Fiction and exercise in the wizarding world

[catorman]

No: HPFGUIDX 31127

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "cindysphynx" <cindysphynx at h...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at y..., "sonjahric" <sonjahric at y...> wrote:
> 
> > I have always found the lack of entertainment for wizards odd.  

I don't agree with the bulk of this message, because one of the 
things I like about the books is that all the children aren't 
obsessed with their Gameboys and TVs. etc.

An omission which does concern me though, is lack of fictional 
reading material.  AFAIR, the only reference to fiction in the 
Wizarding World is the "Mad Muggle" comic books which Ron has in his 
bedroom.

Does it exist?  It must do, surely.  I would have thought that 
Hermione in particular would be interested in reading novels 
(particularly historical ones) by members of the Wizarding World.

The other point about exercise - we have discussed on this list 
before, in relation to the heaviness of the traditionally British 
Hogwarts food, that it is a wonder that all the children aren't 
grossly overweight.  It was surmised by a few people that performing 
magic, and the concentration it requires probably takes a great deal 
of physical as well as mental energy, thereby making the need for 
exercise of a more traditional kind redundant.  

We don't, however, know that exercise isn't taken.  For instance, it 
is mentioned that their are reserve players in Quidditch, so surely 
there are other practise sessions scheduled that aren't mentioned as 
they aren't relevant to Harry's POV.  Perhaps exercise is purely 
voluntary?

Catherine