This past week my youngest son really kept Shabbos. Don't get me wrong – he keeps Shabbos every week and there's usually no temptation otherwise. But last Shabbos afternoon, the mailman delivered the final installment of the Harry Potter series, and according to Jewish law since it was delivered on Shabbos, he had to wait until sundown to open it. Now that's keeping Shabbos!
What is the attraction of the series? (There must a million blogs trying to answer that question!) Why were so many lining up at midnight for their copy? Across the globe they were clamoring for it. My son in the IDF (when do they have time to read?!) bought a copy Saturday night and it's being passed around the unit since the Hebrew version doesn't come out until December.
In our home, we were squabbling over who gets the book next, my husband sneaking peaks at it if I ever risked putting it down. (Maybe I should have ordered two copies from Amazon to maintain greater peace in my home!) The only negative aspect of the excitement may be its impact on our marriage. While reading the book it's very hard to concentrate on anything else -- like your relationship, dinner, laundry...
The initial appeal is the fun. It is too infrequent (despite the number of books published) that such a talented writer with such an incredible imagination appears on the scene. It is actually awe-inspiring to see the gift the Almighty gave her, to see what she can create. Everyone loves a good story. There's humor, suspense, friendship, family, family fights -- all the elements of life and literature -- with a fast paced and innovative story line.
But of course it's more. Although the wizards can do some neat tricks with their magic (they can read and dinner will still appear on the table), the book is not really about magic. All the books are, in fact, about friendship and loyalty, the development of character, growing up, [slight spoiler alert ahead!) the power of love and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. (This is not a spoiler; you knew it had to end that way, didn't you? And why haven't you finished it yet anyway?)
Which is why they are psychologically satisfying. Not only do we all want happy endings but we want to believe in our own ability to grow and change and make something of ourselves. Although Harry does use magic to battle Voldemort, it is clear in the books that his success comes not from his wizardry but from his human traits.
As we watch Harry through the years, we see him grapple with his challenges, at some points successfully, at some points less so (adolescence is hard, even for wizards!).
But the ultimate triumph is one of character -- Harry Potter is a celebration of friendship, of loyalty, of love. And of the ability to fight for what we believe in -- and succeed.
Just like Harry, we succeed one day and are beaten back the next.
This is inspiring and empowering. And Jewish. One of the cornerstones of our belief is in the ability of human beings to make the choices that will shape who we become -- the gift of free will. It's not easy. Just like Harry, we succeed one day and are beaten back the next. We deepen our character then allow circumstances to weaken our convictions. It's life's struggle.
It's been said that it's easier to learn the whole Talmud than change even one character trait, but who ever said it was going to be easy? Anything meaningful and important is worth fighting for. That's a value not just espoused by Harry but by his closest friends who stick with him through his and their torturous travails. (We had a friend once who was powerful and wealthy, giving freely to many Jewish causes. At one point he lost most of his money and ran into some legal difficulties. The most devastating of all was that except for a very small group of loyal friends, no one else would even return his phone calls!)
With real change, real commitment, real caring, we can uplift everyone we touch.
Yes, I know it's fiction and it may seem a little silly to be drawing lessons from it. But novels can be powerful and their messages can stay with us (which is why it is important to be careful about what we read).
I think perhaps the lasting popularity of the books will be due to J.K. Rowling's ability to develop universal themes that appeal to our very human (and not wizard-like at all) drives for purpose and community.
And if she succeeds in creating not just a good read but a sense within all of us that we could be better, that we could develop greater strength of character, that we understand what it means to be a loyal friend, that we recognize the power of love and wisdom, then her gift to us is truly priceless.
(44) Tammy, November 19, 2007 1:33 AM
Well said Emuna Braverman :-)
What a lovely article on Why everyones wild about Harry Potter.I agree with every word and was feeling sorry for the people who wrote such negative comments.I totally agree that J.K Rowling is a VERY Blessed individual, her imagination is like no others,and for all those who wrote such petty comments,they should realise what Emuna wrote about the book not actually being truley about the power of wizardry, but that of the power of Love and good morals and good deeds is what ultimatley wins evil, and that in itself is very jewish,i think some of the people who wrote such negative comments are quite far from that place, when you are whole with your faith and do your mitzvot with love not because you are expected to do them but because you want and choose and love to do them, then you are able to embrace and see Hashem in EVERYTHING, not just in the corner of your own world.Open your eyes and open your hearts and Soul and See Hashem working in every way.Every jewish child who reads these books will ONLY be influenced in a positive manner.
They will see familiarity in the pages of her book of what we jews believe in as good character traits.Remember what you were like as kids.Dont be so condeming.
(43) susan, November 9, 2007 12:49 PM
Evil is Evil
Torah says not to do what the pagans do--witchcraft is a sin pure and simple--you are participating in it by way of reading it watching it or giving it any other place in your life. When will we turn back to the ways of Hashem and forsake the world? He is waiting, and waiting.
(42) Rebbe De La'O, August 13, 2007 3:22 PM
Harry Potter
All witchcraft is against Torah. Can not we find more suitable entertainment?
(41) Ronni, August 8, 2007 10:56 AM
My ten year odd daughter has been begging me to read the Harry Potter books and I've been telling her no; not until she's older. One should not be so happy that they're seeing their children reading that all standards get thrown out the window. The books and the movies in particular are way too frightening for a child. I wonder how many parents actually go to the trouble of reading the books before they hand them off to their kids?
(40) Anny Matar, August 7, 2007 10:28 AM
I'M IN FULL AGREEMENT AND IDENTIFY
The last book really brings the adventerous story full circle to a peak. The writer's imagination is astounding and the books have to "be lived through" by using your own imagination, by seeing each big or small individual figure in your own mind's eye, why spoil it all by trying to film it???I can't watch the film(s) they don't measure up to my imagination!! What I also don't like is the hysterics of getting the midnight copy, it's a great gimmick and certainly earns it a lot of money, I got mine the following day half price from my grandson who left London after Shabbos.
Anny Matar
Israel
(39) sue mccartney, August 4, 2007 7:58 PM
you shed a whole new light on "HARRY pOTTER" Thank you so much
(38) Chava, August 3, 2007 4:48 PM
Call for Jewish Writers!
The HP sensation can teach the Jewish community a different sort of lesson...we need more than ever excellent writers who can write engaging and imaginative literature with Jewish themes. As a writer and reading specialist, I am often dismayed at the lack of quality and depth in Jewish fiction, particularly for children and young adults. Until we do a better job of raising frum readers and writers, we may have to rely on the ba'le t'shuva to bring us top-notch literature.
(37) kollelwife, August 2, 2007 1:56 AM
Here's a shortcut if you are pressed for time!
If you (like me) are dying to know what happens in this book but don't want the house to go to pot and the kids to starve for days while you get sucked into the vortex, here's what I did. Wikipedia has a complete description of the plot in as little as much detail as you could possibly want. I spent half an hour there and now I don't need to spend ten hours ignoring my family while I read the book. Hope this helps.
(36) Anonymous, August 1, 2007 11:34 PM
thank u
i love the harry potter series and have been reading them since they came out - tahnk you so much for writing an article about its connection to judaism in a good way!!!
(35) Jeanne Jorash, August 1, 2007 12:05 PM
Right-O
Mrs. Braverman's comments are right on. We've been fighting over...well, not exactly fighting...but it is intense waiting for one person to finish so the next person can stay up all night reading. EXCELLENT READ!! The only problem is that there's no more HP books!
(34) Malcolm Rosen, July 31, 2007 3:16 PM
This analogy is quite effective
I enjoyed reading Mrs. Braverman's article, because it displayed unique introspective and comparison between the powers depicted in the book series, and the tenets of Judaic teachings and beliefs.
(33) Rox (goy), July 31, 2007 2:38 PM
Anonymous
My apologies to Aish.com for addressing "anonymous" again.
Anonymous wrote:
"If I had the courage, I would burn my husband's copies of Harry Potter. I will NEVER allow my son to read it."
Anonymous, I certainly hope you do not have a TV, computer, or a phone because these things can be as "damaging" as HP.
Do you watch the morning news and expect your son, your husband, or yourself to rob, murder, do arson, or so many horrible things you see on the evening news??
Do you pick up a call from a telemarketer on the phone and immediately buy what they're selling because they said to do it??
Do you see an ad haphazardly on the Internet or get spam in your email and immediately do it because it was there and made you to do so??
If you do any of those things, NO, I agree...you cannot handle making decisions and you and your family should NOT be reading Harry Potter!
I am not Jewish, but one thing that makes me run from Christianity was its sheer FEAR of anything and everything G-d put here on this earth. It's ridiculous and smacks of JUST as much Avoda Zara as the Christians' view of two separate powers in the world (G-d and their misunderstanding of Satan!)
The slippery slope falls both ways, and obviously, Torah study is the safeguard!
(32) Dean, July 31, 2007 11:36 AM
Big Fan Until It Went Christian [SPOILERS WITHIN]
I was a big fan of the series until the last 150 pages or so of Book 6, and now all of Book 7.
What lost it for me in Book 6 was that Dumbledore (Harry's principal mentor throughout the series) had been endangering students' lives for almost a year to let Draco run free, and then begged Snape to kill him at the end. Since when is suicide (or, forgive me, mercy-killing) a commendable trait?
Then, in Book 7, when JKR began interweaving all of this HEAVY Christian symbolism (which was never evident in the series before), she really blew it for me. The tombstones contain quotes from the "New" Testament, Harry etches a cross on a tree at the death of a friend, and Harry's Jesus-like sacrifice of himself out of "love" for his friends at the end was just way over the top.
It's a shame, because JKR is such an extremely talented, humorous, and imaginative writer. But in the end, her series suffered (and I think its longevity will suffer) by her moral relativism, and almost cliched and unimaginative use of Christian symbolism.
(31) Stacy, July 31, 2007 11:17 AM
Reading Fiction is Not Bad!
Altough many people might like the idea of spending all available free time reading only books relating to Judaism or holy books, many of us either do not or can not hold to the level. As someone who loves to read, there are so many wonderful books that can impart great lessons. And some are just fun to read. I foster a love of reading for my children, and while I guide them to age appropriate books, I can't see myself forbidding any book when they reach a certain age.
(30) Lisa, July 31, 2007 9:58 AM
Thank you aish.com!
I live in a very Christian community - the Bible belt of California. It is refreshing to see a Jewish point of view about these books that is positive and enlightening. Most of the Christian community condemns and even bans these books without even reading them. Thank you, Emuna, for finding the right message in the books. Harry Potter is truly a hero for today's children who need to see that it is possible to overcome the obstacles that come into their lives. Instead of ignoring their problems, through Harry, Ron and Hermione children can see that they can do anything if they work together. Thank God that's a Jewish message!
(29) Iris, July 31, 2007 9:45 AM
Saturday release is not a slap to the Jewish Community
Anonymous really has to lighten up. JK Rowling was NOT making an anti-Jewish statement by releasing her book on a Saturday. The Saturday release is probably a good business decision - that's all. Most of the world does not observe a Saturday Sabbath. A Monday release would be bad since that is the start of most people's work week. Getting one's hands on a hot book when one should be concentrating on work instead would be wrong. Anonymous, please do not see evil intent when there clearly is none. You would be a much happier person if you could do that.
(28) Batsheva, July 31, 2007 9:23 AM
We love H.P.
After Shabbos ended last week, I went to the book store to pick up two copies of Harry Potter. One for me, and one for my husband (we later gave away the second copy to some friends). There were a lot of Shabbat observant Jews there to pick up their copies, too. Her books are not only entertaining, but they teach about the importance of fighting evil, whether our own yetzer hara or terrorism in this world.
(27) Anonymous, July 31, 2007 7:50 AM
This book does teach the aspects of the...
good and evil inclination. But it still bothers me that JK Rowling released her book on Shabbat, and this was a slap to the Jewish Community. She could have had the release date on a Monday the start to a work week- not ofending anybody's Sabbath, of any religion- that is a key moral lesson to all- tolerance of others.
(26) Curteanu Gabriela, July 31, 2007 7:40 AM
thank you, Emuna
Emuna sinthetised very well my perceptions about Harry Potter and JK Rowling; many people can't understand why we like so much this novel; well, thank you, Emuna, for your words.
(25) Roshanna, July 31, 2007 12:23 AM
There's much better reading that Harry Potter!
I'm glad Debbie is a deeper thinker than most--she is protecting her children from the dark side. We should all be basking in the light of the Torah instead of the darkness of this world.
Torah plainly warns us of wizards and sorcery, for obvious reasons. What could possibly be more up lifting than reading the "best Story ever told'?
That's what our children should be reading instead of Harry Potter. I have four children whom I home educate--they,ve never even held a H.P. Book in their hands and they are better off for it! They can however recite many stories/happenings of our heritage where good wins over evil. They do not feel like they have missed out of a "cultural" experience, or a "good read".
(24) Anonymous, July 30, 2007 9:44 PM
Listen to my comments
Listen carefully-I agree that kids should not be exposed with drugs, promiscuity and inappropriate language. However, Harry Potter is NOT an "innocent novel." It not only espouses avodah zarah, it can lead to a slippery slope to the abovementioned things. One can find relaxation and leisure in other things besides that garbage. If I had the courage, I would burn my husband's copies of Harry Potter. I will NEVER allow my son to read it.
(23) Anonymous, July 30, 2007 6:28 PM
I agree that Harry Potter is a great book. It has nothing to do with real magic and anyone who would believe that any of this is real is need of some serious help, so I would not call it witchcraft and wizardry. Rowling is brillient in that she is able to share such clear messages about friendship and good vs. evil in such a foreign imaginary world that we allow ourselves to connect with it and don't feel threatened by it. Great Author, great writting, great books! Can't wait till my kids are old enough to enjoy them!
(22) Jace, July 30, 2007 5:13 PM
Thank you for bringing out the positives of Harry Potter!
I'd just like to commend you for offering your refreshing interpretation of the positives afforded by J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter series. As a Christian and a newcomer to Jewish studies, I've heard more than a fair share of criticism of the series by the Christian community for its "demonic" undertones and advocacy of witchcraft. It's wonderful to find someone willing to answer the argument by highlighting the positive lessons to be learned from Harry and his friends--lessons we struggle with on a daily basis. As is true in so many instances, I guess we see only what we want to see and turn a blind eye to the rest.
(21) Esther, July 30, 2007 9:47 AM
Book release on Shabbos
I think it's great that you were honest about enjoying Harry Potter. I do want to bring up an issue from the release of the most recent book - there were many otherwise strictly observant people who did not consult their rebbeim about the halachas of procuring this book on Shabbos. As much as I am a proponent of reading appropriate secular literature, I think some in our community may have gotten to caught up the the Harry Potter craze that they neglected to show the same care when it came to this issue. I am glad that you began your post with mentioning how your family handled the issue.
(20) Shaindy, July 30, 2007 9:26 AM
Like Mrs. Braverman's son, the Harry Potter book was in our house on Shabbos - only it wasn't for our son, it was for me! Reading her article, I agreed with her wholeheartedly, yet when I read the comments I was amazed to see the condemnation that was being expressed by many of the respondents.
Like any book, movie, TV show, or news article what you get out of it is what you're taught to get out of it. If you're a responsible parent (which I hope I am - of a ten-month old son with whom I am already looking forward to sharing the Harry Potter books when he's old enough) you have to supervise and discuss with them what they're reading or seeing. That goes for all books - including the Torah.
Sure, we could read the Harry Potter books and just see the spells and the wizardry or we could see, as Mrs. Braverman does and several posters do, the underlying story of love, honour, bravery, loyalty and the myriad other beneficial lessons the books have to share. Yes, we can get them out of the Tanach and we should get them out of the Tanach, but there is no reason a child - or an adult - shouldn't get those lessons out of other areas as well.
(19) debbie, July 30, 2007 7:17 AM
harry potter - good or evil?
One thing about Harry Potter, the series evokes strong reactions! Personally, I love the first 3 books, and would definitely let my daughter read them. But then they get progressively longer, and darker. I'm not so sure that I want her to read the fourth one, and I find #5 and 6 to be disturbing. At this point in the series, I feel obligated to read the last book, just to see what happens. But because I object to the second half of the series, I cannot allow my children to read the first half either.
(18) Dennis, July 30, 2007 1:05 AM
Good examples
In one of the early books was a comment "it is hard to stand up tp your enemies but even harder to stand up to your friends". This is a terrific example for young readers who are just starting to experience peer pressure, Rowlings won me over to her writing by setting good examples for her main target market.
(17) Patty, July 29, 2007 10:09 PM
I disagree that it's not worthwhile
I disagree with the comment that reading Harry Potter is a waste of time. I'm in my 50s and think there's much to learn in Harry's journey to overcome evil. The more books tackling love and friendship the better, whether the author is Jewish or not.
(16) Esther G. Edelson, July 29, 2007 9:41 PM
Who is wise?
I strongly disagree with the first poster about this article. There are many sources in Jewish literature - especially in Pirkei Avos - that emphasize that it is a wonderful trait to be able to learn something from everyone.
It is the nature of our characters, naturally affected by the times we live in, that many of us find it extremely difficult to devote ourselves to Torah, Torah, Torah, day in and day out, without allowing ourselves time for recreation. And while there are many talented Jewish writers, I believe I can safely say (having sampled much of their work personally) that very few can hold a candle to Ms. Rowling as far as bringing a message across. Like it or not, we live in the world as it exists today, and unless we lock ourselves in our houses and keep the shades drawn, we will be exposed to "outside influences." It is our responsibility to choose wisely what we will allow to affect us - to separate the grain from the chaff, not necessrily to reject everything outright. Harry Potter does have a lesson to teach, and that lesson is largely about choices. In this era of banning anything that smacks of "otherness" - killing the messenger, as it were, it is my belief that we are disempowering our children from learning to make proper choices. If they can learn that through this powerful medium, great!
(15) Sherry Potter, July 29, 2007 7:19 PM
Good Triumphs over Evil
I brought the audio version of the Deathly Hallows, thinking I could be doing something else while I listened. No chance,..the trials and challenges of experiencing the quest for horcruxes;with the support and seeming real life squabbles drew me and I had to hear the whole book.
(14) Rox (goy), July 29, 2007 6:04 PM
More Harry
I'm not really a "huge" fan of Harry, but I did enjoy reading the first book...(wow, am I behind the times!!) and look forward to the movies and reading the rest of the books.
I agree with what was said here. Harry is wonderful in the fact that it gets kids to read, too. Whether "anonoymous" knows it or not, there are a LOT more horrible things out there for kids to "waste time" on, like promiscuity, drugs, theft, etc. rather than reading a fictional fantasy novel!
It's very encouraging to see a website of faith NOT afraid of these books. I'd never expect a sensible faith like Judaism to espouse such ridiculous fear which so many mainstream people of faith hold, simply because they cannot separate reality from fiction!
(13) Frank Selch, July 29, 2007 4:16 PM
Angel of light
Harry Potter is a phenomenon not seen before to such an extent. Yes, there are themes of love and friendship, but why does it have to be surrounded with all the uglyness? If we line Harry Potter up alongside all the destructive computer games, which only know killing, we are presenting a formula of life to our children that will ultimately destroy them. If the world had at least an equal eagerness to know Torah, and through it HaShem, there would be some kind of a balance, but how many Jewish people really care for an in-depth knowledge of the Tenakh and to live it? Israel has a thin layer of extremely wealthy people, while countless numbers have to rely on Amutahs to put a decent meal on the Shabbat table. The world does not need more entertainment, what it needs is the love of G-d extended to our fellowmen in mercy and compassion
HP is poison dressed up as candy!
(12) Esther Einsten, July 29, 2007 4:16 PM
In my opinion ther is also something else very Jewish-the actual magic it self is like the Mitzvot-we do not really know why we keep them but they have long term effect in this world and in olamot haelyonim.In fact-all Jews are wizards and live on a different platform.
(11) Bea Baldridge, July 29, 2007 3:38 PM
Re:Harry Potter?
Dear Emuna: I was shocked, to say the least, that a Jewish family would so much as think to read HP! The incantations are directly, word for word, quoted from witch's books. Like a lot of people, we watch a movie with "a few little cuss words, it won't hurt," "a little nudity, it's nothing," and read HP books, "it couldn't hurt. Could it?" I don't want MY grandchildren going around spouting incantations, etc., and thinking sorcery is fine and cute. The Torah strictly forbids this in no uncertain terms.
(10) Anonymous, July 29, 2007 12:26 PM
I agree with Harry
Every and all lessons in life seem to actually exist in Genesis (Bereshit)and Exodus (Shmoat)if only we can successfully pass on their messages to our children then 'Am Yisroal Chai'!
(9) aviva, July 29, 2007 12:14 PM
Harry, I agree with you
If we are really looking for reality, soul, poetry and G-d's dramatic impact on our live, it's all there in the TANACH. Really, just look?!
Harry Potter is tantamount to a mild case of avodah zarah and I am merely a traditional Jew
(8) Leonard, July 29, 2007 12:02 PM
What a pile of trash
You take a poorly written book about witchcraft; written from the pit of hell, and try and draw out a good meaning to justify it. The author is at best a mediocre writer. The story glamorizes the occult, and you see good in all of this. Your youngest son really kept Shabbos. I pray he learns to discern evil.
(7) Anonymous, July 29, 2007 11:45 AM
moral message
I think that Rowling has lived up to her moral repsonsibility as an influential author. Perhaps this isn't great literature, and I am not making a claim that it is, but I think that she found an analogy to the Holocaust in her saga. The Ministry of Magic is taken over by threats and intimidation. "Pure blood" wizards and witches go along with this, even going to the lengths of proving up their backgrounds so that they can get cushy jobs and protect their own while wilfully ignoring the plight of their fellows who are being persecuted. There is a hunt against those who are considered "mud-bloods" and those that aid them. Readers of this series are led to the empathy of the oppressed and outraged by the evil methods used against them and bolstered by the fighters against this evil, even when the good fighters come to grief. When compared with the truly dreadful stuff that is available to young readers, many of these terrible books authorized by even teacher groups, one gets very cheered by the Harry Potter series.
(6) Rebecca, July 29, 2007 11:20 AM
in defence
Great article!! How many authors can claim to have persuaded young non reading children to pick up a hefty tome of a book and actually read!!! Actually anonymous above, I can only think of 2 fictional jewish books which are worthwhile and they still don't come close to j k rowling in the imagination and one liner stakes. Don't knock it.....the theme in this last book was soooo....it could've been based on 1984 or the persecution of jews in 1930's (spoiler alert).
(5) Anonymous, July 29, 2007 10:44 AM
Harry Potter & Torah
The book has already been written:
Harry Potter & Torah by Dov Krulwich...worth taking a look at.
The Potter series is a brilliant piece of literature, that is already being taught in universities...
Not just fun but great literature, with all the elements of a great tale.
Bruce
[Bruce's MidEast Soundbites]
(4) Gretchen, July 29, 2007 10:17 AM
Definitely not a waste of time
People like fiction. Harry Potter is an excellent work of fiction. Yes, it teaches us about love and friendship, and yes, there are Jewish non-fiction books out there that do that also. However, reading about it in the contect of a suspensful and interesting fictional story brings it to life in a way that non-fiction lacks.
(3) Angela Jo Brittsan, July 29, 2007 10:12 AM
Good Points
Alot of so called religious people tend to condemn The Potter books. Although I have not read the books and do not intend to, I have seen a movie, which I enjoyed. I work at Barnes and Noble and have sold many a Potter book to all sorts of people whos mind and actions seem to be basicly normal, be they Jew or Gentile. But those of us who know the Good book should know their is nothing new under the sun, good - evil, magic - wizards, adults - children, Love - hate. Like other prolific authors who can write a good story that all can enjoy, there will be balance. Enjoy before I TURN ALL OF YOU COMPLAINERS INTO A TOAD.
(2) Anonymous, July 29, 2007 9:47 AM
Find Your Inner Child
I am so pleased to see that your web site refers to the many positive aspects and elements of the Harry Potter phenomena.
How sad that the visitor #1 comment above thinks it is a waste of time.
The Harry Potter series has brought about a revolution in children wanting to read and has stirred the imagination of millions of adults.
Your observations are wise:
1. We want to believe in our own ability to grow and change and make something of ourselves.
2. The importance of friendship and loyalty, the power of love, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil
and mostly
3. Our belief in the ability of human beings to make the choices that will shape who we become -- the gift of free will.
It is not my intention to judge someone or tell them what to do. However, might I suggest the person in visitor comments #1 perhaps search again for their inner child and actually take the time to try and read Harry Potter.
Yes, there is absolutely so much wonderful Jewish literature, but why would want someone want to limit their scope of knowdlege?
Life is so precarious and precious, and today's world is so often too serious. How wonderful to take a break from "Life's struggle" by reading the adventures of Harry Potter as well as Jewish literature.
Thank You
(1) Anonymous, July 29, 2007 9:23 AM
Harry
My husband loves Harry Potter and he's a grown man. I personally think it's the biggest waste of time and it detracts from learning and more worthwhile pusuits. If one wants to read about love and friendship, there are plenty of Jewish books that espouse those values as well.