While I freely admit to have never read a Potter book, and probably won't, in general the only time I skip to the end or read ahead is when I'm bored with the book as a whole.

Skipping ahead isn't "cheating", this isn't a test it's a book, but it is a sign that people aren't very interested with the material and are really only looking to get some closure. I myself wouldn't purchase a book simply to stay culturally relevant, but for some people that's important.

I agree with you about reading the ending of a book, any book for that matter. My problem is with people who read the ending and then go on telling others what the ending was. That is really rude.

As simple as the plot may be in itself, some people would like to read the whole thing without some bored person ruining their own experience.

You don't have to like the series, just don't ruin it for the rest of us ignorant mortals.

By the way, some of us genuinley like the series, not because it's what's in right now. Does that mean it's the only thing we read, in some cases it might be, others just like reading a lot. Reading has to be fun and you can try reading from Oscar Wilde to maybe self help books (personally not my thing). Don't kill me for comparing the two.

I ALWAYS read the last chapter or so of a book, usually early in the reading process. With favorite authors or series, I'll even read the end of the book before starting it. Why is this such a horrible crime?

This has absolutely nothing to do with being bored. If a recreational book is boring, I pitch it and read something else. Reading a story's conclusion is more a matter of knowing the end purpose - where is the author taking me? Bad news is tolerable, but I hate surprises, even good ones. In no way does this "advance view" lessen the charm or excitement of the story for me! Do travelers enjoy a cruise any the less for knowing their destination? It would be ridiculous to say they do. And what about those who read a book or watch a movie more than once? Do the "foreknowlege police" complain about that? No.

But, since most people are not like me, I am polite. If discussing a book with others, I never reveal spoilers without first checking for listeners who would be disappointed to learn story details in advance.

Yes, I also poked through the wrappings, and peeked at my Christmas presents as a kid too. Yet somehow I managed to grow up to be a decisive, competent, resourceful adult, who does not wine, sulk, or shortcut procedures for personal gratification. That study doesn't leave much room for parental influence and nuturing.

Kathy in WA

I have to agree with Eigenvector. I only typically find myself skipping to the end of a book when the content between the beginning and the end can't hold my attention or isn't satisfying. I love the Harry Potter books, but I feel, especially with numbers 6 and 7, that J.K. Rowling could learn a thing or two about pacing of a plot - or at least, her editor needs to do a bit of a better job! The books tend to drag a little bit and save the *punches* for the very end. The whimsical nature and fun in the books 1-4 (maybe 5) made up for the lack of strong plot pacing. You enjoyed reading about the discoveries at Hogwarts, funny teachers, etc. Devoid of those side attractions, however, I find the pacing of books 6 and 7 laborious at best.

There are many other books I have read in which I have been equally excited about the ending, but provided enough well-designed and well-plotted meat in between beginning and end to maintain my interest. And for some reason (which is odd coming from someone who did their doctoral research on Proust!), I find Rowling's writing confusing at times and the plot-line disjointed; there never feels to be a forward thrust from beginning to end, just a sort of mucking about until you get to the climax at the end. I started off loving the HP books when I began them in high school, but now they just don't capture my interest anymore. Maybe it's just that I'm not a teen anymore or that I've grown to expect more out of books. HP is a great story for all ages, but as a book, it's not a literary classic (unless you're saying children's classic).