kiwijus
07-04-2007, 02:22 PM
I've noticed that a lot of people re-read the entire Harry Potter series every time a new book comes out. I usually do this too, because JK Rowling doesn't waste a lot of time explaining what happened so far in every new book. She references the past books, and sometimes I find myself (even after re-reading them) going, "Wait..what?" and having to look it up.
Do you like this in an author? When you read a series, do you want the second book to explain or rehash the first, and then begin, or just pick up where it left off?
Personally, I love it when an author just picks up where (s)he left off. I think you get more for your money if you don't have to skip the first six chapters because you already read the previous book. I do, however, think the HP books are the kind that would be hard to start reading with the third book, which I also like, because it promotes people reading the WHOLE series.
What are some cases of series you've read that do explain the past books before beginning? Some that don't?
:) Anybody else read the Babysitters Club books? She always had almost the exact same first two chapters in every book. I think it's necessary then, though, considering the age range that reads those books. I'm pretty sure the Boxcar children books did too.
PHilip Pulman, who wrote The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and the Amber Spyglass, (all three books together are called His Dark Materials) really didn't go back and explain. If you didn't read the book(s) before, you were LOST. :D
Do you like this in an author? When you read a series, do you want the second book to explain or rehash the first, and then begin, or just pick up where it left off?
Personally, I love it when an author just picks up where (s)he left off. I think you get more for your money if you don't have to skip the first six chapters because you already read the previous book. I do, however, think the HP books are the kind that would be hard to start reading with the third book, which I also like, because it promotes people reading the WHOLE series.
What are some cases of series you've read that do explain the past books before beginning? Some that don't?
:) Anybody else read the Babysitters Club books? She always had almost the exact same first two chapters in every book. I think it's necessary then, though, considering the age range that reads those books. I'm pretty sure the Boxcar children books did too.
PHilip Pulman, who wrote The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and the Amber Spyglass, (all three books together are called His Dark Materials) really didn't go back and explain. If you didn't read the book(s) before, you were LOST. :D