I never liked reading when I was a child. Having to read for school was a punishment, and I found no pleasure in reading novels. I was ok with comic books, but it wasn't a passion.
At 21, I had a health problem and was forced to stay in bed for several months, so I tried to read. I started with short novels, biographies, political novels… Now I can say it, I love reading! For the past four years, I've been catching up as best I can by reading anything and everything, trying to find my style.
Thank to my auntie, I'm one of those Harry Potter fans who hasn't read the books, only seen the movies. I know, boo me, mock me, you won't be the first, I don't care.
But I would love to describe to you the joy of rediscovering the story, a story I know by heart. Every line from the eight films is familiar to me, but now I've offer myself to the complete collection of books, and I'm starting volume 3. I've never been so happy. Some scenes that I found too weak in the films are so better in the books.
I'm falling in love with the universe all over again, and I have absolutely no regrets about discovering the saga at the age of 25. I wish we could feel this way more often.
After this, I'll probably try The Hunger Games. Do you have any other suggestions?
by morganehltb
3 Comments
Hunger Games is great! I also loved Raven Boys (first of Raven King series) and Golden Compass (first of His Dark Materials series). These are all YA.
For adult series with that similar expansive-world building vibe, Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire series), and Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicle series) are two faves of mine. Though I hesitate to recommend them since they are unfinished series so far …
I don’t really engage with Potterverse anymore because I can’t separate it from Rowling and her evil crap, but if you want something in that universe with a bit of queer flavouring, I’d suggest the All The Young Dudes fic, as it’s three books and is the marauders.
Beyond that, Sunbearer Trials is great, as is the manga adaptation of Little Witch Academia and the Worst Witch books (a witch school series that came before Potter).
You’re in for a great ride!
Some fanfiction (as recommended by the first person) can indeed make a great follow-on for engaging with more Potter. There are new HP audiobooks out now, too, if you find you reach the end and want to dive back in (the sub *harrypotter onhbo* is where people are talking about those, although it may contain book spoilers whilst series filming is ongoing so approach with caution – so far only HP+PS is out in the new audiobook form though).
Other books… sorry, I can’t see the top post while replying but if you’re happy for a standalone then *Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell* is wonderful!
You’ve really got so much to look forward to. I first read HP and then kept reading it over and over (along with a couple of vampire book series, and HP fanfiction) so apart from also suggesting *Narnia* my recommendations aren’t really existing.
But really. Enjoy!