Reading Harry Potter for the first time

I am not a fan of fantasy tales, and I do not really like to watch fantasy movies.

So, it is a wonder that I picked up “Harry Potter and the Pilosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. My first Harry Potter book.

One reason why I do not like fantasy stories is because I find that some parts of the story are too unreal (that’s why they are called fantasy stories, aren’t they?). Perhaps I am used to dealing with logic. Everything happens and should happen for a reason. So when things become too ridiculous in such movies, I am unable to relate to them.

Another reason is because I can never seem to remember most parts in the fantasy movies. If it was a “normal” movie, I can remember most of the storyline, the scenes, the characters and even some of the dialogue after some time. But ask me about a fantasy movie a week after I watched it? I might not even remember the name of the lead.

However, I watched all the Harry Potter movies, simply because there was the craze (and I followed the crowd), and because critics say they are good mega movies (I wanted to be entertained and to make my money worth).

As I was reading the Harry Potter book, I picture in my mind: Harry Potter, his glasses, his scar, his friends Ron and Hermione, Hogwarts, Quidditch…… I must say having watched the movie helps. The story settles into place with more ease.

I always say that fantasy stories like Harry Potter, are movies that I will only watch once. Perhaps I am unable to appreciate the essence of these movies, but I feel that besides the magnificent architecture and beautiful scenery, such stories lack in meaning. The recent movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is another such example. A big disappointment and failure I would say, not to mention that the movie does not have grand buildings, breath-taking scenery or excellent casts to boast of.

While I was reading the Harry Potter book, something came to mind: This seems so much like a children’s book, why did it capture so many people’s attention (including adults), all over the world? Perhaps I need to finish the book, read the second, third, fourth…books before I am able to fully grasp the true meaning (if any) of the story and the message behind it.

I am about half way through the book, let’s hope I survive till the end!