I am proud not to have read any of them. I always fall asleep in the cinema during quidditch (or whatever it is called) but my wife and step-children are avid fans.
Howard Meakin, BicesterMy husband, grown-up daughter and son and I are all eagerly awaiting our copies of the sixth Harry Potter book. We have read all the books many times over. My son began reading for pleasure only at the age of 18 and he started with Harry Potter. Now he is reading Steinbeck, Faulker, D.H. Lawrence, Hemingway, and all the greats. I think many kids, once hooked on Harry, with continue to read for the rest of their lives. Kris Bean, Charlottesville, Virginia
Harry Potter is most entertaining even for the older generation like myself. My only problem is with the idiots who proclaim her books as being against Christianity. I hope that most people will remember that her books are for entertainment and enjoyment. Larry Middleton, Edmonton, Alberta
I am 70 plus and love the Harry Potter books. They make you young at heart, they're a little scary but fun, and you can escape into another world - but you also know that in the end good will triumph over evil. Go Harry! Margaret Chapman, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Reading is one of the few methods of escapism left in our overcrowded, hectic lives. Children and adults alike, don't we all secretly want to be wand-brandishing, magic-makers? Harry Potter gives us just that. For a few hours, we're transported to another land and another time - the perfect end to a stressful day. Rajvi Kothari, London
The magic is gone. I am so sick of Harry Potter and his ends-justifies-the-means message that I threw all my books in the dumpster. This is not great literature by a long shot. Melissa Pereira, Park Ridge, Illinois
My 13-year-old, though she judges that later books in the series are not as sharp as the first two, is looking forward to midnight revelry at Harvard Square bookstores. I am rejoicing that she is having a communal reading experience that stretches across the English-speaking world and beyond. Polly Steele, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Like Anna Kournikova's tennis, Rowling's work was a great deal better when she was yet to be seduced by bright lights and worshippers. However, I don't think I could ever fall out of love with characters such as Dumbledore and the Weaselys and will always be eager to find out what happens to them in the end. Friya Engineer, London
Why the negativity? J. K. Rowling should be declared a British national treasure. Not since the Beatles has Britain so rightfully claimed the attention of the world. If you are bored with Harry Potter, to paraphrase, you are bored with reading. Mugsy Peabody, Oakland, California
I cannot see what all the fuss is about. There are many other fantastic books out there which do not get half the hype that the Harry Potter books do. I long for the news that Harry Potter meets his end. Somehow, though, I don't think that will happen and I will have to endure all the adults in my office getting silly over a children's book.Name and address withheld
You must be joking. My children are champing at the bit waiting for the new book - they've been creating their own wild rumours and speculation and I'm looking forward to a peaceful weekend! Arthur Harman, Hove
I am definitely still mad about Harry Potter. I can't wait to read it. I think the fact that the date of publication is announced so far in advance takes away a bit of the excitement, but as July approached I knew I had to stop by the book store and reserve my copy. In fact, I have started to re-read The Order of the Phoenix this week to refresh my memory. Roxana, Washington DC, USA
Of course it hasn't gone! I'm in my forties and have been an avid reader since the age of five. When I discovered CS Lewis's Narnia books at seven or eight I was overjoyed to realise I could move from one to the next as they were all already published. Despite being quite a few years down the line, it is still frustrating having to wait for what seems like a very long time for the next instalment of Harry Potter. Having said that, the pleasure in re-reading past books, in anticipation of the new release, is pretty good. Oh, and I do read a great deal of fiction and history that isn't "children's fantasy'", just in case you were wondering! The excitement hasn't gone because there is a structured story line which, presumably, will come to a conclusion when Harry's character leaves school at the end of year seven. In the same vein, it was particularly frustrating when Dorothy Dunnet's Niccolo series, which looked like it would run to twelve books following the signs of the zodiac, was curtailed because of her death. Everyone loves a series coming to a well-planned conclusion. Ali Whitburn, Sunderland
I have a copy ordered from Amazon due to be delivered to my door Saturday morning. I can't wait to read it. I'll probably stay up all night until I've finished it, then start again after I've slept! Felicja Zajko, Northampton
As a previously ardent fan I find that the immense wait between books has lessened my appetite for the series. If they could all come out now and I could finish the whole lot I would be content, but tastes change over time and enthusiasm wanes. I have pre-ordered the next book but it will have to be fantastic to rekindle my enthusiasm and there is no guarantee I will be bothered to order the next. They should also catch up with the films - I intend to wait for a few to be out and then maybe buy a set of DVDs. Name and address withheld
It's a well-crafted story that has managed to get through five installments without repeating itself. I expect as the saga gets nearer to its conclusion, there will be even more anticipation to see how the whole thing ties together. Olga Efremova, Nuneaton
I'm anxiously awaiting the release. I pre-ordered my copy in April and plan to spend the weekend reading! I hope she decides to continue it for a while past Harry's schooldays. Although she has indicated that it will end with one more book, I'd like to know what Harry does when he leaves Hogwarts. I am getting tired of people dying though - I read for escapism, I want happy endings. Gayle Ann Livecchia, Washington DC, USA
Initially the books blew me away. However since the first few, more time has been spent on the hype surrounding the books. JK Rowling has spent so much time in between writing, on promotions and films, that the magic has gone. Sarah, Cambridge
The magic of Harry Potter is still spellbinding! I can't wait to attend the Midnight Magic party at my local Barnes and Noble on Friday. Roshni Joshi, Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
Please complete the form below and your contribution will be considered for publication. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail.
