Not Iceland. Hogwarts.

John made the ultimate sacrifice, and accompanied me to the opening of Harry Potter 7, Pt. 2, the 12:01 am show. It was a first for me buying tickets online--good thing, as it sold out. I wanted to experience one Harry Potter opening night in my lifetime, and this was my last chance. 

It is surprising to realize that I've only been a fan for 2 1/2 years! But in that time I've read the series twice, listened to it once, and, as of tonight, have seen all the movies.

It was a lovely night in Richmond; unusually cool, with a full moon. My favorite part happened as we were waiting in line, when the girl behind me said, "I feel like my childhood is ending tonight."

Favorite part #2: Despite the best efforts of Danielle-at-work, I was not costumed--but, waiting for John to return from the restroom after the movie, I got to see the costumes, the faces, and hear the comments of legions of other Potter fans. Most of them pretty darn nerdy. I loved them all.

Favorite #3: The man next to me politely turned off his cell phone as the movie started, put it away, and proceeded to fall asleep. After the movie I tapped him on the shoulder ... "did you sleep through the whole movie?" "Yes!" I said to his daughter, "and you let him!"
... John and Stranger Dad: two men who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Next it's my turn, when I have to get up and go to work at 7 am ...

Was this movie "The Best"? Probably not. But it was really quite good. Thank you Harry. Thank you, J.K. Rowling.

Harry Potter

I love Harry Potter! I'm berserker for him!

from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, illus. by Mary GrandPre

I read Book One of the series a few years ago and wasn't a fan. I read it because I'm a librarian and felt I had to, although I'm not keen on fantasy.

Then Susan mentioned that she was listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks, and that they were exceptionally good. And Susan is almost always right. Hmmm, I thought...I'm always looking for good audiobooks to listen to in the car. I'm in the car at least 40 minutes a day, and if I'm listening to a good book I look forward to getting in the car and driving, any time, any where. So I decided to give Book Two an earful.

I was hooked right away. Maybe it was because I couldn't skim any parts. I was forced to hear every word, and lo!, a magical world unfolded. But most of the credit must to to Jim Dale, the narrator.

Jim Dale is absolutely phenomenal. He narrates all the Potter books, and has an amazing ability to give every character an individual voice, whether male or female, human or...non human. Jim holds the Guinness World Record for creating the most character voices in an audio book--146 for Deathly Hallows. When you hear a character begin to speak, you know who that character is.

Well, I've been in Potter heaven from last September until today, the last day of January. There have been many benefits, some less obvious that others. I have enjoyed almost every minute of commuting time these past 5 months, even if at times I would have been safer had I been texting on a cell phone. I feel much more closely connected to a huge part of our popular culture. I can now engage in conversation with almost any stranger I meet and have something to talk about. And, I have a new love in my life, the inimitable Harry Potter.

All is not lost. I still have Book One to go back to; it is the only audio book I haven't listened to. I know I will enjoy it ever so much more than when I read it, and it will be a nice way to end the series--this first time, anyway.

While listening to the audiobooks, I have read interspersed chapters--say, when I can't wait for my next car trip in order to continue with the story. But another good reason to read the books is to enjoy the truly wonderful art of Mary GrandPre (yet another famous Minnesotan). Her art is perfect for the series. And, who would think that the Scholastic editions would have been printed right up the road, in Peter-Country: Harrisonburg, Va? (Harrisonburg fans, check out this site.)So, if you haven't listed to Jim Dale reading Harry Potter, give him a try. Like me, you may be surprised at the pleasure awaiting you. And, if you've listed to the books but haven't read them, take a look at the illustrations. Then, try out the British editions! Check out the Harry Potter Lexicon, MuggleNet, and The Leaky Cauldron too.

Yours euphorically,
Rose