"But then again, JBI, who is left to defend this book series, and who even wanted to in the first place. I feel like a big bully kicking sand in the face of this little children's book. "
"Great analogy. Let's kick enough at it to bury it."
Oh well - I first picked up one of the series (Prisoner of Askaban) and read it only because there was nothing else available. I'd never heard of JKR until then. I thought it was a brilliant book - fresh, exciting and witty. I was keen to read the Philosopher's Stone, and then the others as they became available.
The books varied in appeal, to me, but when I discussed them I found that other people had different favourites, which implies that Rowling is capable of writing for different audiences.
The books all pass my trivial tests: Could I read them right through? Did they offer something new on second or subsequent reading? Did they have grrr moments and ah moments and aah moments? Yes, Yes & Yes.
They only thing I found discordant was the recurring plot device of "protecting" Harry, in the later books, ignoring the case that he had met and defeated Voldemort in a battle of wills in the Goblet of Fire.
Otherwise, I'll join Jozanny in saying "I think she relates well to what interests children, and I think she does have a talent for it."
