Book reviews, Tidy Books News

Living with a Harry Potter fan

I enjoy reading.  I enjoy reading all sorts of books, but have never really understood the immense fuss surrounding the Harry Potter series.

The first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was released in 1997 when I would have been around 20-years-old.  Not exactly the target audience I suppose, but then that didn’t stop vast swathes of people of all ages and backgrounds falling in love with these incredible books by J.K. Rowling.

Their success was, and still is, astounding.  Dispelling the previous common hold perception that children’s books would never have mass appeal.

I was always left a little confused.  I read the first book out of intrigue but to me it was clearly an excellent children’s book, but really not for me, an adult.

Not that I read very complex novels, Ben Elton was probably my favourite at that time, which says it all really.  But still, the tales of a young wizard were not for me.

But in our household my mother was absolutely gripped by them.  And was a little disappointed that nobody else in her immediate family was that bothered by them.

Skip forward 15 years and my son, now six-years-old, has become very interested in Harry Potter.  I think school pals have introduced him to Potter, and it has lead to lots of role play, and me watching him cast spells across the playground.

Whilst I enjoyed watching his Potter based play, part of me was thinking ‘bugger, I’m going to have to read the books to him.’

He really isn’t at the stage of reading novels himself.

I love reading to my child, but the thought of getting through a complete novel I didn’t like was a little daunting.

Then I remembered Grandma.

That picture was taken during the Easter holidays, where my son sat with his Nan for Harry Potter readings.  She read the first book to him over a week-long period.

Him never losing interest, and asking questions all the time.

They both really enjoyed the process, as did I watching and listening to them.

Only problem is now, he wants me to read the other six.

He may have to spend the summer at Grandma’s house.

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About Géraldine Grandidier

Géraldine is Tidy Books’ founder, designer and CEO, as well as mum to Adele and Emile. She started Tidy Books in her violin workshop because she couldn’t find a good bookcase for her kids. Now her Tidy Books bookcases and storage designs are encouraging independence and a love of reading in kids all over the world.

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