This question is inspired by the "Why I love Harry" thread.
I've noticed that in all of JKR's books, the last (about) 1/3 of the book is simply irresistable. You don't want to put it down for anything. I must admit that a large part of #5 was kind of difficult (especially that endless and horrible "handwriting" sequence). But I kept on because I knew that, once I got the the last third, everything would start snapping. And of course it did.
I know she does it on purpose. It's almost like she flips a switch.
Now here's the question: technically speaking, any thoughts on how she does it?
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Usually unputdownable books have completely arresting characters, but in the case of Harry Potter, I don't think it's the characters that grip me. If it were the characters, I'd be hooked all along--not, as you said, for the last third of the book.
My guess is that Rowling is doing a good job of raising a question (mystery) just as she answers another. So you keep reading to find out an answer, and you get it just in time to come across another. That way, you're not strung along not knowing anything for too long, and if you're good at guessing stuff, there's another mystery right around the corner for you to think about.