Harry Potter fans, what have I missed by not reading the books?

Question

I have seen the 4 movies, but have not read any of the books. What are some of the things you liked in the books that did not appear in the movie?

Am I missing any major plot points or just character development?

please give some examples not just read the book! entice me to read it!

Answer 1

Better descriptions and histories of characters

More details about the events and words said surrounding the deaths of Harry's parents

More details about Hogwarts Castle, history, and the classes that go on there.

The history of the Whomping Willow (it has a lot to do with James Potter and his friendship with Remus Lupin). This is only one of the plot points missing from the movies that seems to be important for understanding Snape's history and character, and whether his character is good or evil.

Whole characters are not in the movies that play key roles in the books, such as Winky the house-elf. Dobby plays an important role in the Goblet of Fire, but the movie cut him out completely.

The movies get out the basic story line, but they are such dim versions of the books. There really is no comparison between the two. The movies just seemed like Hollywood drivel compared to the excitement, action, and detail in the books. The books are more intriguing, as there are so many details that make people want to try and solve the puzzle of how the books will end.

Of course, if you read the books, you will be two books ahead of the movies, and know far more about the whole story overall! The Half-blood Prince reavels so very many of Voldemort's deepest secrets, which puts everything in the first 5 books into a whole new light!

If you liked the movies...you will LOVE the books!

Answer 2

The books are a wonderful way to spend your time. The movies just don't have the time to cover the books well aside from the first movie which did pretty well. You really miss out on the Shenanaigans of the Weasley twins and after watching the movies you don't get a good idea of how the charactors are.

One thing that you have missed by watching the movie is how, in the second book, they get a pass signed by Gilderoy Lockhart(the stupid vain teacher). There is a really funny joke I wouldn't do justice by repeating here.

Dumbledore is much funnier in the book and still manages to seem wise.The third movie doesn't cove4r the Knight Bus. That chapter had my dad laughing.

It's not like they are difficult to read like the Hunchback of Notre Dam. They are written for younger children so for older folks the books are like brain candy. It's actually what got my older brother reading and caused my dad to start reading like a maniac.

I guarantee if you start reading the books your biggest problem will be putting them down.

By the way the fourth book was slaughtered by the time it made it to movie form. You have no idea who Ludo Bagman and Winky are, do you? And they barely touch on Rita Skeeter who made for a humorous yet mean spirited part of the book.

Answer 3

Just about everything...the only movie that sort of followed the plot well was the third. Dumbledore sucks in the movies, completely and is different in the books. A lot of amusing side stories are thrown aside and you really "get" the wizarding world because of all the humorous side stories and explanations. I fully recommend reading the books and joining everyone else in finding out the ending. Almost the best thing you will ever do. :) It never hurts to read and especially when it's something fun.

Answer 4

My sister is an avid fan and she tells me that the films miss out a increasing amount with each passing film. Basically the books get longer as the series progresses and the films are all of similal length. So you don't miss too much in Philosopher's Stone but by Goblet of Fire you miss out around half the book.

Answer 5

HARRY POTTER.

You may contact J.K. Rowling using these addresses. She has not made her e-mail address public (for obvious reasons - you wouldn't want thousands of spam would you?), so you have to contact her via her publishers.

J.K. Rowling
c/o Scholastic Books
555 Broadway
New York, NY 10012, USA

J. K. Rowling
c/o Bloomsbury Publishing
38 Soho Square
London
W1V 5DF
UK

http://www.duelingclub.com/contact_jk.shtml

http://www.jkrowling.com/

http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/

http://www.mugglenet.com/

http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
J. K. RowlingDownload

& Print Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
J. K. RowlingDownload

& Print Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
J. K. RowlingDownload

& Print Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix
J. K. RowlingDownload

& Print Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J. K. RowlingDownload

& Print Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/index_h.html

http://www.happychild.org.uk/harrypottermagic/index2.htm

SPOILER ALERT: The Lexicon contains spoilers for ALL SIX of the Harry Potter novels! Read at your own risk!

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/index-2.html

For Harry Potter ( One for each book ).

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/ps/book_ps.html

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/cs/book_cs.html

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/pa/book_pa.html

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/gf/book_gf.html

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/op/book_op.html

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/hbp/book_hbp.html

Quidditch Through The Ages.

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/qa/book_qa.html

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

http://www.hp-lexicon.org/about/books/book_fb.html

Harry Potter Word Wizard

http://www.theblanchards.com/hp/

Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.

Answer 6

yeah a lot of fun stuff and little details. In the movie, they just jump over. By the way, reading the book has different kind of feeling. I think the book is better than the movie.

Answer 7

You missed A LOT of what has gone on in the books that they didn't show in the movies... You should pick up a HP book and start reading.

Answer 8

1. Very good writing that is entertaining and
delightful

2. A lot of details and sub-plot strands

3. Hours and hours of pure escapism from a
highly imperfect and stressful world

4. Serious bonding time with your inner child
and/or any children in your life

Answer 9

read and find out