I'm not afraid to admit it.
If you follow The Elliott Homestead on Facebook, you know the guilty pleasure I've been indulging in.
His name is Harry.
On Monday, I finished the very last book. Sigh. What am I going to do with my life now?!
The five loads of laundry that await me?
Caring for my toddler?
Preparing meals?
Ironing clothes?
All good things – and worthy tasks – no doubt. But as with most book series, it is always bittersweet to finish. Like the loss of a good friend, one is left melancholy – slowly wishing for more moments.
Of course, I don't think my husband will complain if I finally finish those projects I've been putting off…
But the books were soooo good!!!
And seriously, I'm totally not into the whole wizard/magic thing at all. But these books were wonderful. What an incredible story of tragedy and triumph! I laughed. I cried. I stayed up late contemplating the ‘what-ifs'. I talked about them so much with Stu that he started to begin conversations with “Is this about Harry Potter again….”.
Why yes. Yes, it is about Harry Potter again. I have theories! I have opinions! I have thoughts!
Luckily, he graciously listened to my theories about Snape and Dumbledore and the Horcruxes. And that's why I love him.
Stuart. Not Harry, I mean.
I write this message for a few reasons:
1. I saw a Harry Potter wand in Barnes and Noble last week and contemplated buying it for myself for Christmas. Accio wand! And just in case you see me walking around with one, I thought you better know.
2. I'm kidding. Sort of.
3. If you haven't read the series, I wanted to encourage you to. Even if you're not into the magic-thing, I'm very confident you'll find the books captivating and wonderfully written. It tells a wonderful tale and is thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable.
Of course, I'm preaching to the choir here. Since 98% of the world's population has read the books already.
Now that I've completed my goal of finishing the series before baby arrives, I'm about to begin on my next adventure: The Chronicles of Narnia!
I've never read them either. I'm, like, so out of the loop.
You know me. I like to be 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years behind all trends.
It makes life less hectic that way. You don't have to wait in line at the movie theater to see the premiere! Because, unlike all those anxious people, you won't even read the book for another seven years! And then you can just rent the movie!
By the way, I am totally planning a Harry Potter Movie Marathon. As soon as I can locate all seven movies, that is.
There will be popcorn involved.
And hot chocolate.
And something with pumpkin in it.
And blankets.
And perhaps a wand I can point at the screen while I watch to really feel a part of the action.
I may even knit myself a scarf in the Gryffindor colors to show my pride during the Quidditch scenes. This is going to be awesome.
Thanks for all the wonderful memories Harry! I shall never forget you. Now, don't take it personally, but I've got to share some attention with my husband and baby. They are, after all, real people…and not fictional characters.
Cheers to priorities!
JennB
I get it!!! I so get it!!! I felt the same way when I read the books 🙂 I think they are genius. As a family we watch a lot of Harry Potter at our house…it’s kind of a go to series for us 🙂 I’ve never read Chronicles either but have always wanted to! Maybe I will read them with you 🙂 Happy reading!
Mischief Managed,
Jennifer Brinkman
Kathy
I’m up for a Harry Potter movie marathon! And you are going to love the Narnia books… it’s too bad you missed them as a child, but pretty soon you’ll be able to read them to your own kids!
Anonymous
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/harrypotter.html
There are so many things to read, to focus on, to fill the mind with. I am in no place to project judgement, but I find more and more the people who admit to being a follower of Jesus, are also the ones who tell me how great this series is. I say dont let them distract you from the real story of tragedy and triumph. I plan to never spend the time it would take to read these books or watch these movies.
Philippians 4:8.
JennB
“I don’t believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.”
― J.K. Rowling
Nikki
I felt the same way! I read them this summer and was bummed when it all ended. I want to read the Chronicles of Narnia next, too. Enjoy! 🙂
Anonymous
Another book I didn’t read til I was in my older years is The Secret Garden. I so loved the garden that I completely redid part of my backyard with butterfly bushes, roses and other flowers that attracted birds,butterflies and beneficial insects just for the sheer beauty of it all. Just from children’s book which holds it’s own magic!
Kendra at New Life On A Homestead
Jada and I (last year, when she was 7) read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. They’re SO good. I think you’ll really enjoy it 🙂
If you really want to read a book you won’t be able to put down until you’ve finished, read One Second After.
Hope
SHAYE!!! you finished at the perfect time! JK Rowling just came out with a new book yesterday, called The Casual Vacancy. I’m trying not to be too excited, since I know it’s impossible to top Harry. But I’m still excited!!
Diane
I haven’t read the Harry Potter and have only seen one or two of the movies. My daughter just started the series. The Narnia series is another story. I love all things Narnai. I too didn’t read it until I was an adult and read it with my daughter. You will love the Narnia Series.
Blessings
Diane