Good-bye Harry for now

I thought it fitting that this week I should write about Harry Potter. When Tyler was in second grade, he found a book in a book order form he wanted to read, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I did not know anything about the book other than it was a "magical journey of a little boy." I do not even remember where I had read that but that is what I had read some place. I gave him the money and we received the book about 2 weeks later.
The deal was we would read one chapter before bed. Katie was too little to read it so we would do it in his room right before bedtime.We started the book and I was hooked with the first chapter. In fact, Tyler made me promise that I would not go ahead in the book. This was a promise I soon broke. We started the book on a Thursday night and by Sunday I was needed the second one and the third one. Then I had to wait like millions of fans for book number four.

There were numerous debates all over this country about these, "so called children's books about magic." Were these books of the devil? I have always thought and shared this opinion when asked about rather someone else's children should read them because of the magic issue. It is a fictional story, a great fictional story, but it is fiction. Harry Potter's life was not easier because of magic because it was not. He was orphaned as a boy because of magic. He had to live in a cupboard under the stairs with people that treated him horrible because of the magical powers his parents had. He had a nemesis (this is Noelle's favorite word) at the age of one. No, his life was not easier because of magic.

I am asked what my favorite book is well here is the answer. I love Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The trials in this book are what make Harry stronger and ready for the final task of the Tri Wizard Cup. He is then more prepared to meet what will happen in the graveyard. The scene where he sees his parents and they let him know what to do. He also sees Cedric and he tells Harry to take back his body to his father. This scene is so touching and this is the first time I cried in a Harry Potter book.

Number five is where Harry loses his Godfather Sirius Black. This was a devastating loss not only to Harry but also, to all Potter fans alike. Here was the man that he did not know very long but loved him more than any other adult. The tears flowed hard. This would be just the first of many of the main characters to die because of Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. Dumbledore in book six and too many in book seven (plus for those of you who have not read the book) I do not want to spoil it. I did write read the book not watch the movie.

Not only did Harry, Hermione, and Ron grew up we all did. Neville Longbottom grew up and became the leader of the DA in Harry's absence. Oh, how people cheered for Neville in number 7. He truly became a man. I have also watched how my children have grown up with Harry as well. Tyler is now 17 and getting ready for his final year of high school. There are trials he will have that hopefully he will have been prepared to go through. Katie is learning to fight her own battles and learning to be a leader in the group not always the follower. Noelle is still finding her place in the world and soon she will be equipped with all the items she needs to help fight those battles she will fight.

J. K. Rowling made reading cool again. Children, teenagers, and adults would stand in line to get a book! Oh, what a readers dream, to think it all started in a coffee shop across the pond. In the end because of the movies, hopefully more children will want to read these wonderful books. Good-bye Harry but I have a feeling I will be seeing you soon.