Thoughts on 2: Definitely feel like the story progressed with content and writing. Would have worried about Hermoine being killed off, but I've seen previews of the movies over the years, and know she's in them. I like the way Voldemort was portrayed in a completely different way, and snuck in through an innocent character. Definitely did not at all suspect who opened the chamber, or who the 'bad guy' was, though I did figure it was Voldemort in some form.
I guess the only thing I'm not liking with the books is it seems like the world is against Harry, and the only person who cares about him is Dumbledore. It's like okay, are there going to just be 7 books with Voldemort trying to kill him in a different way/form? And will 5 other characters hate Harry, and you'll suspect them the whole time, but really know it's Voldemort? I guess that I just am wondering what's the point? What is Harry trying to accomplish? Just get through school? Become a great wizard? I started 3 today, so we'll see....
Re: for the record: finished HP2, started 3 today (spoilers)
It seems like you're actively trying to hate the books.
Just go with it and enjoy what you're reading without trying to analyze and figure out the bigger picture. J.K. Rowling will lead you to the bigger picture as the series goes on. Trust.
I think I'm waiting for something to be jaw-dropping because of the hype associated with the series. And maybe if I read them with no prior knowledge and didn't have people saying, oh 1,2,3 aren't that good, wait until you get to 4! I'd be more open to actually enjoying them. Know what I mean? When people say 'wait 'till you get to 4' it's like okay, then why bother with 1,2,3?
I honestly am enjoying the creativity and it is pretty amazing how she developed this whole other world and all of the characters in it. And I didn't see the twists in 2 coming at all. I really am enjoying them, clearly, as I'm still reading them.
ITA. It all builds & after you get further, you want to go back and re-read so you can see all the little bits & pieces.
WHY DO YOU HATE HARRY POTTER?! WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU?!
Kidding. I'm a little PMSy.
LOL I really don't hate Harry!
So you have the back story for four and on! Plus one through three aren't terrible by any means. They're still nice stories and wonderfully written. Four and on is just when sh!t gets real.
LOL
Last night during the Oscars, any time something HP was shown JJ would scream at me "CLOSE YOUR EYES!!! COVER YOUR EARS!!!!"