I think book three was already out and Potter ws the tlak fo the town when my mom mentioned them to me. I bought the first book and was hooked.

The first book is short and light. I suspect that JKR had the whole world in her head but was unwilling or unable to sell a large or long book as a first book. She went with what she could sell in the first few books.

I was disappointed in book 6, but I realize that 6 was the launch point for 7. I suspect she was tying up some loose ends in preparation to zapping us with the finale. If 6 was longer or more detailed she may have given away too much and 7th would be as big a surprise.

I am in my umpteenth re-reading of the series prior to reading the last book. Oddly enough, I haven't pre-ordered the book yet. I'm not sure where I'll be on the 21st of July.

Anne