Why Do You Read the HP Books?

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 142753

> >>ibchawz:
> <snip>
> The first issue I would like to address is JKR's writing ability   
> and style. 
> <snip>
> My question is:  If you feel these books are so poorly written    
> from a character, plot, and storyline development perspective, why 
> do you read them?

Betsy Hp:
I, for one, do not think the Potter books are poorly written.  If a 
book is badly written I don't finish it.  I certainly don't struggle 
through six books, nor do I have a minor melt-down out of fear that 
the sixth book won't get delivered on time and make my husband go to 
the post office because I can't take the strain. <g>

I do, however, see some areas where JKR trips up a little.  For 
example, she doesn't, IMO, handle the character of Ginny very well. 
(She's a bit shaky on romance, period, I think.)  There are some 
parts of the various books that drag. (Hagrid's big adventure in 
OotP is one chapter I struggle to reread.)  Spinner's End gives 
Snape enough exposition to choke a horse.  (It's a good thing he's 
so damn sexy. <g>) But those areas are not enough (nor important 
enough to the plot, I think) to throw me out of her world.  In fact, 
I think I notice those things *because* I enjoy the books so much.

My sister had been bugging me to read the HP books for years (she 
invoked Mallory Towers, a childhood favorite in our family), but it 
took John Williams' movie score to push me over the edge.  (I mean, 
it was a *kids* book for crying out loud.)  Williams attracted me to 
the movie, and I decided to read the book before I saw the film 
(thank God).

Harry pulled me in. He was so delightfully *snarky*!  That "pig in a 
wig" line was priceless.  Snape made me stay. He also sent me back 
for an immediate reread, and then to the nearest book store for the 
next book in line.  [I think Snape pulled my husband in too (for 
different reasons, obviously, and not quite as deeply) because he 
commented when he reached the "Potions Master" chapter.  And I was 
like, "I *know*!"]

> >>ibchawz: 
> I have seen criticism of Harry Potter's character and moral       
> fiber. Comments I have seen include him being arrogant, lazy,     
> rebellious, amoral, immoral, plagiaristic, disrespectful,         
> incompetent, etc.  If Harry, as the main character, is really this 
> bad a person, why do you read the books?

Betsy Hp:
Because I've always preferred Goofus to Gallant.  I *love* that 
Harry has his dark side and is a bit of an idiot and is quick to 
judge.  Yeah, he frustrates the heck out of me at times.  But again, 
it's because I care. <g> 

Betsy Hp (enjoy this question and reading the various answers)