I was a huge Potterhead back in the day (well...I still am, just not as obsessed). I know the books are great and all, I know how addictive her writing style is, that she can create such vivid and engaging characters and places, and the stories keep you hungry for more...but IMO that still does not completely explain the insane hype that generated. I don't think there has ever been this level of mania and craze for a book -- a children's/YA book for that matter. So I am wondering, what are some of the factor that led to the hype? I've heard things like the rise in Internet (and internet fandom), JKR's rags-to-riches story, etc all contributed. So for those who have been there, what was the mania like at that point, and what factors (aside from the quality of the books themselves) that lead to it?
I tried reading it when I was 30 for the first time and didn’t get into them. I also have a hard time re reading the Chronicles of Narnia.
I think it hit kids at the right time were well written for their audience, but only ready the first 1.5, and I heard that they darken in tone.
Just one man’s opinion