Harry Potter didn't come out until I was nearly done with med school . . . and I still didn't really have the time then for reading. Nor the desire, really, at that age. I can definitely understand not liking reading all that much. I was much more into rugby and football growing up than books. Makes it a bit weird that I'm mainly known for writing. I think it's more about the subject than the words in that case, though.
And as for understanding the why and how, I don't think I'm any closer than you are. I start thinking and really just come up with more questions.