Why is Harry Potter so popular?

[SDNess]

Why is Harry Potter so popular? What is the magic that makes the series so popular?

[Allyn]

That is a really tough question to answer.

In thinking about it, it might be a combination of things. The books are well written and aren't placed in this world, which will allow kids to relate to it more. The Dursleys also represent what we sometimes see in regular families.

Also, the books aren't written in such a way that you're completely lost by not reading them in order. I first read the 3rd book and while I am able to grasp ideas and concepts that developed in earlier editions better than some, it isn't impossible.

Beyond that, i don't know what did it.

[knivesout]

The right story at the right time. Just like anything else.

[Marianne]

Because the stories are fun and Harry is such a likeable kid

[dwndrgn]

I think it is because it is so easy to relate to the situations in the book. Every kid has had some point where their parents denied them something, or for some reason they were angry at their parents. As a kid, parents are 'god' like. They have the power over all aspects of kids' lives. Harry being able to escape that is something that kids everywhere can relate to.

In addition, what kid (or adult for that matter) wouldn't love to find out that he/she can do magic?

Add to that the hidden aspects of Harry's world; Platform 9 3/4, Diagon Ally, etc. Kids (myself included ) love the idea that normal everyday things and places have hidden magical qualities.

The books were also well-written, the stories themselves were interesting to kids (and adults), and they happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Well, there's my two cents...

[Allyn]

After re-reading what I originally put, i realized how little sense I make when I'm tired.

I meant to say what dwndrgn said basically, only not in so many words.

[knivesout]

Dwndrgn does seem to have this terrible knack of making total sense. Must be a terror to friends and family.

[dwndrgn]

Shh! Don't tell anyone or it will ruin my image!

[littlemissattitude]

I think the main factor is that kids, who often feel quite powerless, enjoy reading stories about kids who have some sort of power that the adult world doesn't have. As for Harry's popularity with adults, I think the attraction may be that same vicarious feeling of power, only for the grown-ups it's the attraction of having some sort of power that the "mundane" (read "real") world doesn't have. How many of us have wished, at one time or another, that we could get a boss to quit talking at us or something similar?

Just my two cents.

[dwndrgn]

Originally Posted by littlemissattitude

I think the main factor is that kids, who often feel quite powerless, enjoy reading stories about kids who have some sort of power that the adult world doesn't have. As for Harry's popularity with adults, I think the attraction may be that same vicarious feeling of power, only for the grown-ups it's the attraction of having some sort of power that the "mundane" (read "real") world doesn't have. How many of us have wished, at one time or another, that we could get a boss to quit talking at us or something similar?

Just my two cents.

I still attempt the 'Jeannie Blink' every once in a while. It hasn't worked yet but I haven't given up hope

[littlemissattitude]

I thought of you as I wrote that last sentence, dwndrgn. How's the hunt going, by the way?

[jerchar]

Why is it so popular; I think it has to do with all the little details (how the main dining room is decorated, how the portraits move and talk, the owls, the quidditch game), the characters, I find Harry the most boring one, my favorite is Neville Longbottom (especially in the Order of Phoenix), Ron of course and Snapes.
Charlotte who is 8 years old identifies herself with Hermione, especially because sometimes she has this "told you so" face (I guess she got it from her father's side ). She got The prisoner of Azkaban in Audio cd's (5 cd's), up to now we are on CD 3, because she wants to hear it about 10 times before we can go on to the next one.
Jeremy (3) just likes the broom.

[dwndrgn]

Originally Posted by littlemissattitude

I thought of you as I wrote that last sentence, dwndrgn. How's the hunt going, by the way?

Not too well. I've got applications out but as of yet I haven't heard from anyone. My mom assures me that she has a 'feeling' that the British Consulate is going to call me next week. I've got the feeling that if they haven't called me yet then they aren't going to. However, I'm not giving up hope. How is yours going?

[dwndrgn]

Originally Posted by jerchar

Why is it so popular; I think it has to do with all the little details (how the main dining room is decorated, how the portraits move and talk, the owls, the quidditch game), the characters, I find Harry the most boring one, my favorite is Neville Longbottom (especially in the Order of Phoenix), Ron of course and Snapes.
Charlotte who is 8 years old identifies herself with Hermione, especially because sometimes she has this "told you so" face (I guess she got it from her father's side ). She got The prisoner of Azkaban in Audio cd's (5 cd's), up to now we are on CD 3, because she wants to hear it about 10 times before we can go on to the next one.
Jeremy (3) just likes the broom.

My friend's 8 yr old loved the binoculars that could speed up and slow down the action...he thought they were the coolest thing he had ever heard of!

[littlemissattitude]

dwndrgn...Not that well. I do have one lead that I need to follow up on today. However, since it is through someone from the church I used to attend, I have a feeling that there are going to be strings attached which I am not willing to be tied to.

It has been a couple of months since I made the rounds of local places, so I'm about ready to do that again. Probably would have done the past couple of days, but I've been feeling wretched and so have mostly just stayed home trying to get better. Don't think anyone is going to want to hire someone whose voice sounds like mine does just now.