Harry Potter question...

[Tarryk]

Yeah okay, so I'm totally not a Harry Potter fan. But my sister is, as are a couple of my coworkers (one of which would fit into the "rabid fan" sub-category). So I've taken it upon myself to "not knock it before I try it". However, I've heard that the first two books are more of a children's read, and that it gets into a bit more of a grown-up level by book three. While I could ask the rabid nearby fans for advice, I already know they'll tell me to start from the top (as I would do with the Firefly-Serenity series).

So my question is: If I just watch movies 1 and 2 (which I have), then start reading at book 3, will the story make enough sense to be enjoyable?

[Innari]

Yes, Tk, the first 2 movies were developed well enough that you can start at book 3.

Rowling wanted to make sure her books grew up with her audience, hence the first two books being fairly childish reads. Book 3+ they get deeper and you discover a lot about the characters and you actually have to make your own judgements, instead of letting the book do it for you. The plot also gets alot more twisted and interesting to follow.

[Vallikat]

I think you'd probably be ok, Tarryk. Its been a long time since I've read the first 2 books so I can't quite recall which, if any, significant details might have been left out of the movies. But I don't think it was so much that you couldn't still enjoy the books. Also you'd have your sister to ask if anything did come up that you didn't quite get. Of course, she'd probably take that opportunity to tell you that you should've read the books in the first place.

That said, while I would agree that the first 2 books are written on more of a child's level, they are a bit above "See Spot Run". I don't think you'd find that they were utter drivel or anything. Also, they're pretty quick and easy to breeze through. So it really wouldn't kill you to just read those books anyway.

Edit: I could also stop chatting with my co-workings long enough to actually post my response. So yeah, what Dani said.

[Ceryn]

yeah, I reckon that you could pick it up at book three...

of course, I'm only halfway through listening to book 7 (yes, I am lazy enough to listen to the audiobook as opposed to actualy reading it)

[Tarryk]

Thanks for input, peeps. From this and other sources, I figure I'll attempt to breeze through books 1 and 2 just to say I did. And if I can't take it, I'll skip to 3.

[Myz_Lilith]

I actually started on book 3, just as that was the first one I read. Had no trouble working out who was who and what was going on.

I found book four really dragged though, and I just lost interest halfway through and have actually skipped over to the films instead (which is pretty unusual for me as I'll usually avoid a film for years just to be able to read the book first - but in this case there was something about the writing I found annoying, so I'd rather follow the stories visually, then maybe go back and fill in the gaps if I can be bothered later...)

[Acushla]

I myself spend far too much time reading.... that said I prefer to start any series at the beginning and go through it (in order) to the end. I have been known to delay reading a series of books till I can find any pieces that are missing.

On the Subject of Movies/Books, as I tend to see movies only after they come out on Video/DvD I will read the book in general before watching the Movie. Doing both, watching Movie and reading book I find gives me a greater scope of understanding.

On the Subject of Harry Potter....................... Please don't hate me but I have not read the books, Have not seen the Movies, and frankly have no interest in doing so.

[Gridfan]

My advice would be to see the movie first then read the book, movie adaptions rarely manage to recreate the world in a book properly.

Also, seeing the fist few movies first should let you determine if it's worth picking up those first few books.

My advice, get all the books. put them on a shelf. In 2010 when the last potter movie hits the audience and you've seen that. Start with book 1 and read through them all to the last.

I think that will be the best experience as the images from the movies will have faded but act as nice visual guidelines as you read the books. And depending on how frequently you read. Those 7 books could give you months of escapism in say.. 2011

[Kryat]

i read all the books, and watched so far all the movies, yet the first two books are more headed towards children, it gives you more background of everything

if you have seen the 4th and 5th movie, you are missing alot of things, especially in the 5th so i would highly suggest reading all the books, it might seem childish in the beginning but its worth it when you get into the 5th,6th, and 7th

btw movies for the 6th and 7th one might have to be pg-13 or R i know for a fact that the 7th one is going to be rated R so, read the books

[Gridfan]

i know for a fact that the 7th one is going to be rated R so, read the books

Considering the long hands of Hollywood, don't count on your facts

[Kryat]

i know for a fact that the 7th one is going to be rated R so, read the books

Considering the long hands of Hollywood, don't count on your facts

well ya got a point there, i read the book and its very dark, so it might be pg-13, R by far but the whole dark feeling of the book still gives me hunches about possibly being rated R

[Vallikat]

I can see what you're saying Kryat, but all things considered I think they can get away with PG 13 without losing the impact of the story.

That said, you'll be old enough to watch R-rated movies by the time it comes out anyway.

[Tarryk]

That said, you'll be old enough to watch R-rated movies by the time it comes out anyway.

This was probably not intended to be nearly as funny as it was. Sorry kryat. hahahaha.

[Kryat]

That said, you'll be old enough to watch R-rated movies by the time it comes out anyway.

This was probably not intended to be nearly as funny as it was. Sorry kryat. hahahaha.

lol naw its all good, its basically my opinion cause when i went to go see the 5th movie, i was suprised on how many children were there, and i understand that it was a childrens book in the beginning, its just the next 2 movies will probably be like the book, dark, so its just my thoughts

[Firia]

That said,

A little off topic, considering as I read, it would appear that everything nessessary to say has been said; Anyone notice how much "that said" has cropped up in this conversation? It's like some form of writen meme that has latched on to the communication centers of everyones brain.

That said, I suppose it's better that roflcopters.

[Shigy]

I realise you have probally all told tarryk this but the first two movies are actually fairly reasonable (as far as movies go) when compared to the books...after that there shite.

Edit: Just a after thought though the first books really don't take that long to read so if your gonna read the harry potter series you may as well read them...given though the further you get into the series the darker it gets but the first two are good.

[Vallikat]

That said,

A little off topic, considering as I read, it would appear that everything nessessary to say has been said; Anyone notice how much "that said" has cropped up in this conversation? It's like some form of writen meme that has latched on to the communication centers of everyones brain.

That said, I suppose it's better that roflcopters.

Well, yes. See the phrase "that said" has the distinction of consisting of actual words.

[Arcblade]

This I remember, i have no idea why I do, but at least in the first movie they left out a couple cool things, but i was like 8 when i read the first book and i forgot the name of the 3 headed dog, but there was something cool there (at least i thought there was) that they left out

[Kryat]

This I remember, i have no idea why I do, but at least in the first movie they left out a couple cool things, but i was like 8 when i read the first book and i forgot the name of the 3 headed dog, but there was something cool there (at least i thought there was) that they left out

fluffy was the name lol

[Narcotic]

i found all the books to be quite enjoyable and a quick read.

and they always leave stuff out of movies