I was thirteen when the first Harry Potter book came out in 1997. I remember there was a bit of a fuss about it, but I dismissed it as a children’s book. I wasn’t the coolest of thirteen year olds, but I was still at that age when you’re desperate to appear a bit more grown-up. A book about an eleven year old wizard didn’t appeal.
Anyway, the whole Harry Potter juggernaut passed me by completely. I wasn’t old enough to understand why grown-ups would want to read it.
But now I’m in my thirties, I understand. I’ve fallen hard for all things Harry Potter.
Why now?
My son was keen to try reading the first book, and I thought I’d read it first to make sure it wasn’t too scary. I didn’t expect to love it, but I did.
Weirdly, the thing that attracts me is the thing that put me off the books in the first place: the childishness. It’s a combination of magic, sparkle and escapism.
This is a time of responsibility: children, mortgages, bills. I read for pleasure, and I don’t like my books to be that challenging. I like a good story, with undemanding prose. I don’t always want realism. I’d rather read about magic wands than washing up.
I like the fact that my son and I can enjoy them together. He’s nearly eight and I’m thirty two. We’re enjoying the same thing, but probably noticing different things. For him it’s exciting, new and a bit scary at times. For me it’s comfortingly formulaic, but still mildly gripping. We can chat about it as equals which is great. Plus, I get to view things though a child’s eyes rather than my own cynical pair.
It also allows me to indulge my inner child. Despite ignoring it for a while, it’s still there and likes things that are a bit naff and glittery. And now I’m in my thirties I don’t feel remotely embarrassed by my Harry Potter socks.
I’m up to book five, and he’s just started book six. They’re getting a bit darker, which is challenging. I think we might have to have a little break soon, and wait till he’s a little older before we finish the series (he may take a little convincing about this). But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Are you a Harry Potter fan, or are you yet to be converted?
This is SO funny, we had pretty much the exact conversation at work where our ages range from mid-40s down to 21. I’ve never read any of the books because I was 17 when the first one came out and felt that I was doing far better things with my late teens and 20s than Harry Potter 🙂 I think it would be different now possibly if I had children but there are so many books I want to read and I’m not reaching for HP. My colleagues were absolutely flabbergasted but now I can tell them there may still be hope for me yet! Xx
I definitely don’t think I’d have picked it up if it wasn’t for my son. I’m glad I did though! Maybe give one a go over the Christmas holidays? x
I am a closet Harry Potter fan and I also started reading as my eldest wanted to read them and I wanted to check they were age appropriate. From the first couple of pages I was hooked, I’ve now read all but the last. I’ve not yet let my daughter read them as she’s very sensitive but I’m looking forward to the time when we can share the magic together.
Thanks Becky! It’s such a shame they had to get scarier as they go on – but I suppose the children who read them from the start got older as the books came out!