There were some interesting facts but mainly a dry, boring read. Which is unfortunate, because I read the book in the hopes of getting some ideas or discussion topics for Harry potter week at my library.

It only covers books 1-4, but this is an early attempt by a professor of Children's Literature to examine the literature and cultural phenomenon of Harry Potter. The compendium of reviews he gleans are shocking in their blatant ignorance and the main point that Nel argues forcefully for is that Harry Potter is not solely children's literature, despite prestigious prizes such as the Whitbred designating it as such. The point is only hammered home by the fifth through seventh books, which are defiantly adult literature.

I found this on the shelf in our library and saw that Philip Nel wrote it. His critiques and analyses of children's literature are interesting and understandable which is why I grabbed it. Because only books 1-4 are covered in this reader's guide, it feels incomplete. The last two chapters I skimmed as well because are somewhat outdated looking at reviews. The copyright is 2001. Of course, if you want a snapshot in the midst of Pottermania, then it gives just that. As in the past, I liked Nel's analysis as I knew I would. His writing is clear and well-supported. The beginning gives personal background information on Rowling and shows how her early activism can be seen in the books, as well as, having to deal with a mother that had multiple sclerosis. Rowling was influenced by different authors growing up and Nel shows their influences in the Potter novels. The different people who influenced her life over the years also make an appearance in various characters and these are pointed out.

While I appreciated the mystery elements when I first read the series I didn't tie it into activism. The power that the characters wield comes through "unofficial networks" while the media or government officials tend to be corrupt. As the books continue Nel points out how the question of power becomes more complex as characters explore the morals of power positions and the exercising of authority. When Harry chooses not to kill Pettigrew after learning he killed his parents, there is the morality of Harry's choice that makes his decision more complicated and wrought with emotion.

I particularly liked how Nel articulated the ambiguity of the characters in the books. It is one of the appealing aspects and gives characters more complexity. Even Severus Snape, who seems like a one dimensional villain, shows depth by the last book. There is no index in the book and it is short, only 96 pages. If you are teaching the books or having a book club then it would help with discussions.

Interesting analysis of the Harry Potter novels. Although I still don't think they are best written or the best I've read in the genre, I have a new-found appreciation for them.

a few nice titbits here

I found this in the library by accident. Although it was published so early only to discuss Harry Potter books 1 to 4, it was really interesting to read about both the books, and the novelist, and the impact of the books. It gave me so new good ideas.

Some useful insights and a decent set of further reading recommendations (particularly of fantasy and children’s fiction that may have influenced or with which the HP series appears to have parallels).

There are a few errors (factual and typos) and a lot of references to crap newspaper reviews discussing the ‘phenomenon’ of the series and its potential for longevity in readership. The scholarly analysis is rather limited but it is a decent introduction to some overarching themes in books 1-4.