baller4lyfe

i've been interested in reading the harry potter series...only one problem: i'm 21, and i'd be reading a 5th grade book. also, the main reason why i wish to read is to boost my reading comprehension (but wouldn't mind enjoying the read itself). so if enhancing my reading comprehension is my main objective, should i disregard these "childish" books?

ChaosTheory

In order to boost your reading comprehension, read Umberto Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum."

You'll not only improve your reading comprehension, but your self-esteem will skyrocket.

baller4lyfe

chaos, sure thing - will do. but could you also answer my original question about the HP books?

ChaosTheory

Hmm... they are worth simply a read. No analysis. I suggest one time each - do not go beyond that, for you have wasted time. At age 21, the reading should go much faster than that of a 5th grader, and you'll be able to understand more easily; thus reducing the amount of times you must read it.

snoopyiscool

Just because Harry Potter isn't on the level of, say, War and Peace, doesn't mean you won't enjoy reading them. Harry Potter is an AWESOME series, but while vocabulary-wise it is pretty easy, you get caught up in plot.

Surely it's just as important to read for enjoyment as well as boosting your IQ?

FYI, Harry Potter may be classified as a "children's" book, but it really is reading for the masses.

.-_-.

EDIT: Chaos, reading Harry Potter more than once won't kill you, trust me. If it did, I think I would be a medical miracle.

War Chant

Read each book and then see each movie if you haven't already.

baller4lyfe

all this info is great, but i still wish someone can answer the original question of the improved reading comprehension after completion of at least 2 harry potter books..

leah377

I really don't think reading Harry Potter is going to improve your reading skills at all. They're still totally worth reading, though, because they're fun.

Odwalla

Why do you need to improve you reading comprehension skills? Is English not your first language? If so, I say go ahead and read the books. They're very entertaining, and depending on how advanced you are in the English language, will be helpful.

HelloKiki

Any reading is going to inprove your reading skills.

As far as the books being childish, all of my Journalism professors a HUGE Harry Potter fans. One of them just finished a Harry Potter-themed dissertation!

current_student

yeah, if english isn't your first language, then i guess it might improve your comprehension. but i don't know, it just depends on your level.

NoFX

I LOVED harry potter books when I was very young (books 1-4). I stopped enjoying them from 5. Maybe it's because of non-childish no-creaticvity kinda thing? So yeah you may not enjoy them, like me.

But I recall in the 6th book, there were some SAT vocabs slotted in there (i was kinda surprised).

miss independent

I don't know how much it'll help you... but I'm a Harry Potter freak so I'd say definitely read them.

Maybe it will errm...help your comprehension by trying to see if you can figure out where the story is going, and then you will find out you were totally wrong because JK Rowling is incredible like that. =P Enjoy them, really.

baller4lyfe

of course english is my first language. i am just curious of reading harry potter, because everyone has been ranting on how awesome they are, and i wanted to begin some heavy duty reading, so i thought the HP books can work for that, since its fun-filled fantasy and not some kind of other book that's boring fiction. i want to improve my comprehension though, and i wanted to do this with books that i find fun and stimulating.

Odwalla

If you really want to improve your reading comprehension, read some James Joyce.