<p>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?</p>
<p>In order to boost your reading comprehension, read Umberto Eco’s “Foucault’s Pendulum.”</p>
<p>You’ll not only improve your reading comprehension, but your self-esteem will skyrocket. :)</p>
<p>chaos, sure thing - will do. but could you also answer my original question about the HP books?</p>
<p>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. :)</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>Surely it’s just as important to read for enjoyment as well as boosting your IQ? </p>
<p>FYI, Harry Potter may be classified as a “children’s” book, but it really is reading for the masses.</p>
<p>.-_-.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Read each book and then see each movie if you haven’t already.</p>
<p>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…</p>
<p>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. :)</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Any reading is going to inprove your reading skills.</p>
<p>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!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>But I recall in the 6th book, there were some SAT vocabs slotted in there (i was kinda surprised).</p>
<p>I don’t know how much it’ll help you… but I’m a Harry Potter freak so I’d say definitely read them. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>If you really want to improve your reading comprehension, read some James Joyce.</p>
<p>1) Harry Potter is a good book series worth a read.
2) If you are 21 and have the typical reading skills of a 21 year old, reading Harry Potter will more than likely not improve your reading comprehension.</p>
<p>so, any books you know of brand that will improve a young adult’s reading comprehension (or anyone else)?<br>
we have james joyce mentioned. any author that does not use TOO much convoluted language (michel foucault is the master of this) would be welcomed for a read.</p>
<p>actually, i was wondering, does reading concrete language in a book enhance your comprehension or does figurative language do it? what kind would you label harry potter? whatever answer you give, what books use that language?</p>
<p>Well when I was a “young adult” (which I still consider myself to be) I read 1984, Brave New World, The Jungle, The Bible, Lord of the Flies…among others. Those are pretty easy reads that will get your skills up. </p>
<p>Then try The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. :D</p>
<p>Comprehension? Read Hemingway’s short stories and novels. Simple language, but they force you to read between the lines. He’s the master of the iceberg theory.</p>