First of all the argument that J.K. Rowling's books encouraged children to read "big" books is superficial. Librarians working with children day in and day out know that it is the quantity of pages that is read but the quality It's is what the children get out of the books that's important. I would be more apt to get excited about children reading War and Peace if "thick tomes" if that is the measurement of a good reader.
Secondly, her choices of adverbs and grammar syntax are quite ghastly, awfully redundant, and splendidly, and not surprisingly boring to read. On the upside, readers are treated to a quick read and additionally a refresher course on all words ending in -ly. Doesn't really do much in the way of learning new words but the adverbs keep piling on. Good thing?
Third, C.S. Lewis, who Rowlings is often compared to, was a master of painting a picture with his words and stories. Even after the reader has put down the book, images of Narnia lingers in the mind. It's vivid and real. Rowlings, is simply a sketch artist at best with her style of prose. Yeah one remembers the name of Hogwarts however, if it were not for the Harry Potter movies, readers would not have a clue what it would look or feel like to be walking the halls. The literary plot and devices such as invisible cloaks, abandoned orphan and the "special mark" on the forehead have been used ad nauseam. Please.. something new and exciting as well. Yawn!
Last but not least, the fact that Rowling has yet to have another "stellar" novel or series, should remind readers of the old saying that lightening never strikes twice. One could argue that her adult novels did well once it was revealed that she was writing under the pen name of Robert Galbraith. Before the revelation, the novels were not doing well. Did the writing change? No it was ho-hum like before. These days everyone is into "brand names" in everything from clothes to computers to cars. It would stand to reason that the brand Rowling is appealing to some readers.
Lets end with something positive. It's not entirely Rowling fault that she decided to be a writer in the age of instant gratification. Her writing is genius at sketching the story to allow the reader to move on quickly to the next book. The publishers are revamping, reissuing and reinventing the series for a new audience. For small libraries, with small budget getting the new set will hardly be worth it. The original set will have to do. Maybe one day they might be worth something of value. (Doubtful that this will be true) Having said that, there are those readers who long for the days of when writers painted a beautiful picture simply by using words.
It is now safe to click the window shut and go on with your happy life.
