I think he was saying anybody who likes Harry Potter is stupider than the people who didn't like The Transformers.

"Book Good"- lol! :D

Knew you were joking, Matt, but didn't want to mess with you just in case you weren't. Some people have not been in a very good humor over some of this, so I find myself tippy-toeing......;)

What do you mean Harry Potter is a wizard????

MAN!!!!!!!!!!! You ruined the entire encyclopedia!

As long as you can take it as well as dish it, babe ;)

I need to steal that one, Matt.

You think in lower case?

What I love about these books has been the way the story lines, as well as the writing style and tone of the books has matured along with the characters.

Most importantly, I think the best thing is that, from the first book, kids are reading again! Erin, who is now twenty, commented the other day that when they look back, Harry Potter will be one of the main culteral influences of their lives.

My generation read Tolkien, which lead to a love for reading. In the eighties, it seemed like so many other things were happening - computers, MTV, video games, etc - reading sort of got lost. Editorials were written (ironically) on the death of the written word.

Now, thanks largely to J.K. Rowling, a new generation are excited about books. Sure, some may never pick up another, but many will go on to embrace reading as an important part of thier lives. Whatever your opinion of Harry Potter, this is a good thing.

Those are my thoughts, sweeping generalizations and all.

ron

I second that thought!

I have a DD, who is already an avid reader and at the ripe old age of 8 knocked out the first Potter book in 7 days. That is much faster then her father, who took at least 3 weeks. Granted he doesn't have as much time on his hands, but even I managed the longest book in 2 days.

I love the fact that she scored in the 98th percentile (on national level of ranking) in her reading and comprehension tests score this year. :D I am even prouder (even though he hasn't picked up a Potter book on his own yet-just our family bedtime readings) that my oldest DS hit 99% this year as well. Reading is so important, and no matter what gets them into it, I am glad there are books that get this much press attention to entice them to read. It is much better than the Spears and Lohan press IMHO. When was the last time that any childrens or fanatsy books had been given this much press and hype?

Agreed on the reading explosion among kids. I even welcome the fantasy series that sprung up to fill the new needs of the genre. Those hangers-on are actually good books and give the kids something else to chew on. Rowling really has done a service to this generation of kids. My younger brothers are among them.

I really can't wait to introduce B to HP. I think I'll do a mommy/daughter book club thing with her. That way I can read it again too! :)