I had no interest in Potter until my kids asked me to read it to them(6 and 4 years old). After I started, I couldn't stop.
I loved the Lord of the Rings when I was younger, but didn't get interested in the Chronicles of Narnia. Anything related to Mythology (Greek, Roman, or otherwise) or King Arthur, I still read.
But mostly I read history, or other non-fiction today. Which is why I was surprised about how accessible Potter was. It really did appeal to age groups beyond the obvious ones.
Your assessment of it is right (Merlyn/Fairy Tales), but I'd say toss in some Agatha Christie, and you've got a rounded out picture. There is definitely a detective twist going on, and surprise endings are common (unlike the Hardy Boys or other younger detective books). |
