What does Harry do for YOU?

[dilectio_indomitus]

No: HPFGUIDX 40493

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., sabrinarae77 at y... wrote:
> I am a college student writing a paper on why Harry Potter is great 
> for adults and kids.  I would like some feedback/personal opinions 
> about why you like Harry Potter.  Thanks.
> 
> Sabrina

First off it's a fantastic story. Rich characters, amazing 
descriptions etc. etc. 

Beyond that though, when I first read (actually listened) to book 
one, the series had been out for a while and I was aware of the 
craze. I'd heard that kids all over the world were putting down their 
nintendos and ploughing through these relatively long books. Given 
the context, I found the stories inspiring. I thought, "If this is 
what millions of kids all over the world are reading and loving, 
things can't be all that bad."

Later I was talking to a good friend about it. I mentioned that part 
of what I found inspiring is the hero's in the story are heroic based 
more on their character than on "success". This friend of mine reads 
a lot of self-improvement books. He mentioned that self improvement 
books used to be about how to develop and maintain good character, 
but have changed to emphasising pathways to career success and 
financial independence. 

So I guess the emphasis on character, and the fact that this is 
appealing to so many people, was a refreshing surprise to an old 
cynic like myself. That's what warmed my heart after reading the 
first time. I reread them because I love the story. 

Erasmas