I'll chime in with my two cents. I was fortunate (perhaps that term is debatable
) enough to read the first four books completely unaware of the surrounding controversy.
Shortly after book 4 was released (I had heard
nothing about the series at this point), I saw my mom had purchased all four and they were sitting on the table in my family room. I looked at the back cover, thought they were pretty lame, and just ignored them (not even sure what they were). Then, a close friend mentioned to me how much he was enjoying the series and since he and I had very similar interests, I gave them a try. I read book 1 in one sitting, fell asleep, read book 2, fell asleep, read book 3 in a couple days and book 4 the following few days. I absolutely loved the books, mainly for the interesting plot and the over arcing story present in each and every book (with small details about the overall story being released with each addition to the series).
A few months later, I was talking with Nathan Hoobler who informed me about the controversy and I was a little surprised, as it never even entered my head. I was actually more offended by The Chronicles of Narnia, when I re-read them in grade 7, and was
completely appalled that a book was promoting worship of someone (or
thing) other than God (even if it was in a different land, it still ticked me off). Of course, as you keep reading, the Christian allegory became clearer and I didn't mind it so much... but I went into reading them, ignorant of the Christianity contained inside, similar to how I went into reading Harry Potter. Though in CS Lewis case, the Christianity was on purpose. In JK Rowling's case, the controversy was not by design.
Growing up, witchcraft and wizardy was simply make-believe pretend things. Like stories about giants or fairies or goblins or dwarves. To this day, when I think of witches, I think of tall pointed hats and long noses, and the whole silly idea about it all. Stereotypical halloween style. I wasn't offended by the magic being used by the good guys, anymore than I am by Gandalf (a wizard mind you) using his magic, the elves in the Lord of the Rings using their special abilities, or Frodo using his sword with mystical properties. They are both fantasy stories, nothing more nothing less, and for me to even
think of Harry Potter in the same league as wicca or devil worship would be completely defeating the spirit of the books. I have no more desire to be a witch or wizard than I would if I read a book about elves and wanted to become one of them. I like the stories about them, but that doesn't mean I want to be one (or that it would be even possible to be such).
With all that said, do I endorse the books?
Absolutely not. Not because I don't think people would enjoy them, but because people who read a book with pre-conceived notions will always find small details here or there to back up their already strong opinions. I also respect people's opinions and beliefs enough to understand that if they don't feel it is appropriate for them, then it is their right to not read them. I'm just glad that I was given an opportunity to read these books before being slammed with the negative aspects people have dug up about them. I'll continue to enjoy them and think while she isn't the most gifted
writer, JK Rowling has crafted an
extremely interesting and complex plot that, for me, is exciting to watch onfold.
But by no means do I expect or encourage the members of this board to go out and read these books if your family has already decided against them or you personally just don't feel they are appropriate for you at this point in your life.