Then again, maybe there is something to the notion that adults shouldn't read childrens' books.
Posted by Andrea Harris at August 8, 2003 10:00 PMThere is the pervasive view amongst what I am currently calling OOTP Apologists that the reason some think OOTP is silly or bad is because it is meant for kids. That for me is not it, nor do I think Kieran Healy's hilarious blog shows that readers who are unhappy with the book are just not the target group. I wonder if his "household" includes any shorter people. His blog showed no sign of being overly analytical about the text. I think any kid can think - hey why didn't Sirius remind him about the mirror last time they spoke or hey I knew what Grawp meant by 'Haggy'
Kids are NOT stupid. They can pick out a plot-hole and they can handle good characterisation. They also unfortunately aren't very critical at times. But then neither are many adults, so that may be nothing more than a difference in temper. Claims as to the brilliance of Order of the Phoenix are suprious at best even given its target market. I think kids deserve to have good novels - ones filled with well intelligently worked out plots and themes.
Afterall children's literature has had good plots and characterisation since such books made it to market. Just look at classics like the Secret Garden. Allowing plot holes to pervade any work is just silly.
I agree with Eberhart's article that said whether you are writing for adults or children you owe your reader craft and concision.
Writing for children is a real art. Sometimes adults won't get it. See Captain Underpants! I don't get that but I think I understand why kids love it. Harry Potter was not like CU - its narrative style and traditional subject matter were accessable to adults, as proven by the adult affection for the series.
Is the repetition of words, phrases, comma splicing the sign of good writing for any age? In fact one can say such things are less tolerable in a book aimed at readers who are still learning how to write properly themselves. You learn to read and write well by reading quality work.
Having your characters necessarily motivated by their own stupidity or bizzare lapses in judgement is not in my opinion good writing.
Personally, I have an interest in children's books. When I read the first Potter book I couldn't believe adults (or ones without children) were enjoying it. I liked it but I always considered my interest in the genre odd. However, I also read other children's authors. Rowling's just not that good at what she attempts to do in this book. I think the ideas of what is wrong with this instalment go beyond the divide between adult and child taste and understanding. I think OOTP doesn't meet the standard of consistent well structured writing set by other children's writers.
I think there is nothing wrong with adults liking children's book. My complaint with Order of the Phoenix is not that it is childish, but that it fails reach the heights other children's books have proven the genre capable of reaching. I like children's books. In fact, Michael Bedard's Redwork is truly one of my favourite novels. Is it below my reading and comprehension level - sure. But it still resonates with a great plot and characters.
I don't apologise for liking it and it doesn't apologise for being a children's novel. I don't think either of us need to change. I read adult books as well. I think I take what from each what they have to give. Afterall, most children's books are written by adults anyway.
Posted by: G. DeeDee at August 9, 2003 at 05:10 PM