Shlog Section-f

So...who else is planning on devouring the last book (sob) tomorrow?

I’ve been thinking about you Amy with all the media hype about your boy Harry.  Are you getting in line to buy the book at midnight?

I forgot to pre-order it (and take advantage of a cheaper price) until yesterday, so I did that and won’t be getting it until July 30-Aug 1 (I got the free super shipping or whatever it’s called because I ordered something else with it).  But I don’t mind waiting - my brother lent me “The Stand” and I should read that first so I can get it back to him

Splain this to me… I don’t read much fiction (OK, any, now that I’m out of school) so I’m clueless about Harry Potter.  What makes you read SEVEN books in a series like this?  I’d love to love a book that much.  What’s the love of Harry Potter about for you?

I want to figure out how to WRITE a book that people will love like that.  Or halfway as much.  Or 25% as much.  That would still be really good. 

nancy i would be an instant fan of anything you write! (and already am - as i have some of your published stuff. :D)

i dont care for harry potter myself, so i’d love to hear everyone’s answer to shauns question.

Nancy,

I pre-ordered it from Amazon.  They delivered it to my door this morning. 

I’m on a little break from reading at the moment, so I’ll try to explain my Harry Potter love.

First of all, I passionately love fiction and story, and often read series.  But I have known those who also don’t read fiction, who have read and loved Harry Potter.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading them, but I loved him from the start.  The books are funny, wildly imaginative, the main characters are loveable, and very human (even though, of course, they are wizards).  I, of course, love the big epic battles of good and evil.  These books are written for children but something I appreciate about Rowling is that she does not shy away from tackling the very tough issues.  But as she herself has said, she explores issues, such as death, in a loving and safe environment.  Love equals sacrifice.  Doing what is morally right is not always easy.  Friendship is so very very important to doing good.  In the tradition of C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien, they have strong hints of Christian allegory.

I read 2-3, sometimes four books a week.  (I have some downtime at my job) But never have books flown by or been as absorbing for me as Harry Potter.  Maybe that makes me simple, but I don’t care.

Rowling actually had some Scripture in this last one.  Sigh. It was a very satisfying ending.

Amy, thanks for talking about your love for the books.  How long did it take you to read this one?  And did I hear right that Rowling is planning a new series with new characters?

I read it over Saturday and Sunday, though obviously I did other things on those days.  But everytime I took a break, I just wanted to get back to it!

I hope she writes more books in a new series, but I haven’t heard anything about that yet.  I am really grateful that she didn’t stretch Harry out just because he was a big money maker.  That kept the integrity of the story intact. 

So about you writing a book Nancy....anytime soon? 

Cali Amy - 21 July 2007 08:27 PM

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading them, but I loved him from the start.  The books are funny, wildly imaginative, the main characters are loveable, and very human (even though, of course, they are wizards).  I, of course, love the big epic battles of good and evil.  These books are written for children but something I appreciate about Rowling is that she does not shy away from tackling the very tough issues.  But as she herself has said, she explores issues, such as death, in a loving and safe environment.  Love equals sacrifice.  Doing what is morally right is not always easy.  Friendship is so very very important to doing good.  In the tradition of C.S. Lewis and JRR Tolkien, they have strong hints of Christian allegory.

I am almost done with the book and my wife finished it last week and can’t wait to talk with me about it.  I love it so far and 100% agree with Amy’s comments above.  This is the best of the series and I am sad to see it end.

I finished it over the weekend and it is an amazing book and great way to finish an amazing series.  I was talking to a friend about it and the allegory is not unlike “Lord of the Rings” or “Chronicles of Narnia”.  Mostly, like Amy said, it is an ongoing story of love and sacrifice.  Naturally The Bible is my inspiration and joy and I hope JK Rowling and her readers also turn to the Word to continue reading about true love and true sacrifice.

I’m so glad you liked the end!