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Calling All Harry Potter Fans

I have a Harry Potter dilemma. I am pretty sure I mentioned my overall “new project” mentality in one of my early entries- how I jump into whatever seems interesting at the time with such enormous fervor, only to slowly putter out over time. Well, I’ve done it again.

A couple months ago, I got a great deal on a set of the first five Harry Potter books. I figured it had been long enough, and that I would definitely enjoy the series. My all-time favorite author is Anne Rice, and although the Potter books are much tamer, they still have the whole witches and magic element that I love. I received the set in the mail, and read the first four books in about 2 weeks. Loved them! Couldn’t put the damn things down. And then, it was time for #5. All of the sudden, my interest completely disappeared! I would read a couple of pages and the brain would start drifting off. Drifting off to the land of unfinished errands, remembering if I paid the water bill on time, contemplating Brad and Jennifer’s divorce (damn that Angelina whorebag). Suddenly, I would find myself staring glassy-eyed at the same page I had been staring at for the past thirty minutes. What’s the deal? Why can’t I get into this book? I have seriously tried about 15 times.

So, here’s my dilemma. SAJ brought over book #6, and I’m thinking about skipping book #5 altogether. For those of you who have read the series, is it just CRUCIAL that I read #5? Frankly, I’m a tad disenchanted at this point.

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12 comments
  1. ms. sizzle

    October 6, 2005 at 10:21 am

    why not just read something utterly un-harry potter for a bit to break it up? the same thing happens to me and i can’t force myself to like a book if i am just not that into it. but often, months later, i find myself picking it up and then glued to it. so strange.

  2. Jessie

    October 6, 2005 at 11:11 am

    Book five was not my favorite and it took me a lot longer than the others to finish. There are a few things in book 6 that reference book 5, so it may be kind of confusing if you skip book five. Maybe look for a spoiler online or read the last couple of chapters or something like that.

  3. Anonymous

    October 6, 2005 at 12:57 pm

    Book #5 is my favorite! Don’t skip it or you won’t understand some of book 6.

  4. whoorl

    October 6, 2005 at 1:00 pm

    Good idea on taking a break, ladies. Any suggestions for a good read?

  5. lini

    October 6, 2005 at 2:42 pm

    Good pass the time books are Steve Berry’s The Third Secret, and the Romanov Prophecy. Also The Kite Runner is wonderful, distrubing but wonderful.

  6. chlamygirl

    October 6, 2005 at 11:54 am

    the first 100 pages or so of book 6 are pretty much a recap of the last book. i found book 5 a bit annoying, rather i found harry annoying. he was/is going through puberty and is all whiny, that all i wanted to do was wring his neck. so i say skip it if you want to read 6 now, otherwise take a break completely and read something else.

  7. Boogie's Mom

    October 6, 2005 at 6:55 pm

    I liked book 5, too, but I have to say that I hated Harry in it He was so annoying. It wasn’t as good as book 4 (which was my favorite), but I’d still try to get through it.

    I agree with the others, though, that you may need a break. Five books in a row might be the problem. If you’re looking for a light easy read, the Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic books are fun and fast, to get you right back on track with Potter. I’m trying to get through book 6, and am having the same problem you’re having.

  8. Jessie

    October 7, 2005 at 7:12 am

    For a good read try “Social Crimes” by June Stanton Hitchcock or if you want kind of a classic “A Season in Purgatory” by Dominic Dunne. I love both of those books, and both are pretty quick reads.

  9. Laurie

    October 7, 2005 at 8:34 am

    I thought Book 5 was the worst book, but it does tie into somethings that happen. Maybe take a break on another book and then come back to those 2 (book 5 and 6)?

  10. Daisy Mae

    October 7, 2005 at 7:51 am

    Oh no, you HAVE to read book 5 before book 6 or we will kick you out of the Harry Potter fanatics club. Maybe you just need a little break. I also find that I am more of a reader in the winter so maybe if you wait a month or so (that doesn’t count for Floridians or other warm weather lucky ducks)

  11. Mar

    October 9, 2005 at 6:25 am

    I think 5 was hard to start, but once you get past the first 100 pages (and the fact that Harry is showing some evidence of being a normal, whiny teenager) I think you’ll find that it picks up. There is quite a bit that ties into #6, so I wouldn’t skip it. Can you get books on tape (CD) from your library? Sometimes when I just don’t have time/energy, I borrow books on tape and listen while I’m cleaning the house, etc. Plus my youngest (5), a huge HP fan, can’t read them anyway, so she loves the tapes. And Jim Dale (the reader) is da bomb – he does all the voices so well!

    For a break, try the literary minded Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde – The Eyre Affair, Lost in a Good Book, the Well of Lost Plots, and Something Rotten. Make sure you read them in order though! They require you let go of certainly worldly assumptions and beliefs – but sometimes that’s a good thing!

  12. Cocodrie

    October 9, 2005 at 10:48 pm

    I am reading THE HISTORIAN right now and cannot put it down. Princessa, you absolutely must buy it pronto! Especially with your love for the gothic Rice.