Harry who? Boycotting popular series

Hundreds of millions of people have read the Harry Potter series since the first book was published in England in 1997. But not this girl.

It’s true. I’ve never read the entire Harry Potter series. Whenever I tell people this, I usually get a look of sheer terror and shock. The hardcore fans who can list their favorite books in order and create fan fiction can’t even bear to be in my presence.

At this point, I expect half my audience will have stopped reading, because they feel such indignation over a person not experiencing the world of Hogwarts. The other half is probably still really surprised about how I could not have possibly read this modern classic. They also probably pity me.

I have commitment issues, or issues committing to series. Most of the books I have read were singular novels, like “Stargirl” and “The Kite Runner.” After reading an entire novel, whether I loved it or hated it, I have no need to ever read about those particular characters again. It becomes too cumbersome and boring for me. Once the novel is over, my relationship with these fictional people is also over.

At times, I also have an aversion to the overly-hyped, extremely popular phenomena that take hold of the world. I’m not saying I don’t like popular music or Hollywood blockbusters. But, when something gets too big, I’m usually let down by the time I experience it. The same thing happened with the Twilight craze last year. I bought the book when it was getting popular. But I didn’t decide to read it until right before the movie came out. And I was very disappointed. The book was dull and lifeless.

Similarly, I had purchased the first Harry Potter book when it came out in the U.S. In my busy schedule as a third grader, I somehow managed to not read any part until the night of a J.K. Rowling book signing near my hometown. However, after reading only a few pages, I soon lost interest. I also got tired of waiting in line. My mom and I decided to just browse the bookstore instead, and we saw J.K. Rowling. It was only from afar, but it was still the J.K. Rowling. All of you diehard fans must really hate me now.

I soon became an avid viewer of the movies. While I know many Harry Potter fans detest them, I really enjoy the films. I loved the visual, fantasy depicted on the screen. I thought they were a perfect blend of comedy and drama, action and sentimentality, and great characterization and superb graphics.

The summer before my senior year in high school, I decided it was finally time for me to read all the books. My goal was to finish the series before the sixth movie was released. I finally read my hardcover copy from 1999. And I must say, I was not that impressed. I liked the funny and exaggerated moments, and also the British humor and style, but other than that, I couldn’t say I felt like I had missed out on anything my entire childhood.

Yes, I had a great childhood reading books I enjoyed, not just ones that were popular. I can honestly say I don’t regret not reading the Harry Potter series. If you like, love or worship the books, that’s great for you. I still understand its cultural significance. I can enjoy watching “Potter Puppet Pals” and “Harry Potter: The Musical” on YouTube like the next Potter fanatic.

So the next time I am yelled at or stared at with malice, I will remember there are more than 6 billion people on this planet. I’m sure I’ll meet another person who has not read the Harry Potter series… right?

Laura Rosenfeld can be reached at laurarosenfeld2013@u.northwestern.edu.