Posted on 08/01/2007 6:59:32 AM PDT by ParsifalCA
I am warning those who have not finished the series . . . and there must be still a few of them by now. . . that there are spoilers ahead. I have just finished the last book . . . having spent an enjoyable evening with it thanks to Sam’s Club and an indulgent wife.
I am done with Harry Potter and enjoying the literary aftertaste the way one enjoys a fine meal almost as much after it is done as when it is being consumed . . . though it is a bit sad that the series is finished.
And it is really finished . . .
Will one be able to re-read the books with pleasure?
I think the answer is only a tentative “yes.” If one knows the “puzzles” and “the secrets” of the book, it will not take away the charm of the characters or the fun of a good Quidditch match, but the first read will always be the best.
The strength of these books is in the plot and the second read, when everything is known, will be satisfying for finding all the clues to what happens . . . but I am hard pressed to know if I will want to re-read them a third or fourth time.
A really great book is as good on the fourth read . . . and some children’s books (Little White Horse) are better.
I deeply enjoyed the last book and thought the ending satisfying. For those who found them quite Christian, they will find much in this last book to give strength to their idea.
(Excerpt) Read more at exilestreet.com ...
There are a number of characters from dysfunctional family backgrounds.
Dumbledore, whose father murdered three teenagers for harming his daughter, and who may have accidentally killed his sister.
Snape, whose father and mother fought continuously and lived in poverty.
Harry, whose parents were murdered and who grew up with people who hated him.
Tom Riddle, an orphan from an inbred, insane, violent family.
Neville, whose parents were tortured into insanity, and who was raised by a grandmother who belittled his intelligence and talent.
Ron, The youngest and least promising son, whose parents wanted a daughter.
Hermione, whose parents were dentists.
All these people struggled with their origins, and most turned out OK because they chose to be decent people. Tom was offered the same opportunities, but chose a life of vengeance.
That you are mistaken? I’ve read all but the last one at least three times. They are good stories. Not great, perhaps, but good. They do teach lessons that children need to learn, and they interested enough children (including my youngest) in reading that they should be given credit for that, if nothing else. Beowulf, Roland, El Cid, LOTR, and Harry Potter all have something in common. People who won’t give up can have and impact.
She did mention George in an interview after the book release. Ron comes to help him keep the joke shop open. George marries and names the first son Fred. (She also mentions that Ron becomes an auror, so it is a bit confusing.)
“Something else you get from the movies and NOT the books is some of the creepy occult stuff.”
I’m not talking about that kind of stuff. I’m talking about well known occultic practices like automatic writing, astral projection, the use of mirrors as communicaion devices, etc., etc., & etc.
Since kids drink it, my guess is that it's similar to ginger ale or ginger beer, neither of which are alcoholic (though I did see an alcoholic ginger beer once). The one time I tried ginger beer, talk about dry! ACK! I was coughing up dust! I'll stick to the far sweeter ginger ale!
Mark
Two-way mirrors? You’re now forced to argue that kids need to be protected from two-way mirrors???
I thought is was rather touching that Harry offers Tom one last chance at redemption, but Tom is so far gone he basically destroys himself rather than listen.
Do you seriously believe that if you have raised your children in the faith and belief in a one-true God, they would fall from His grace for reading a book?
The second example you quoted contains an emotional individualistic response that had, no fact in bearing, or had any conscionable effort to direct others to the occult, only a fear, which is emotional, not rational.
You missed on both of your quotes, and so far all you have done is show your ability to rationally use your beliefs to discern between fictional characters in a make-believe world from realistic day to day trials we all face in decisions we make.
Means you have a boring life and friends.
“See, I wish you hadn’t said that. Some people (like on this thread) need to give up! ;) “
Seems like I’m just a little ray of sunshine today... :)
“One of your quotes is an attempt to show ...”
Which posts on this thread are you refering to - I’ve only had about a hundred.
Neither of you seem to be familiar with real occultic practices.
Not to mention that the word "occult" appears regularly in astronomy magazines.
I guess I'll have to have my telescope exorcised and then destroy it by fire. How can I continue to look to the heavens when things are "occulting" there all the time?
Nonsense! Didn’t you see my post about the chickens?
You guys are gonna convert me yet!
We have beer...
*waves bottle tauntingly*
“Nonsense!”
An apt description of that post you refered to.
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