Harry Potter: 3 More Things I Learned

ExileStreet ^ | 8/1/07 | John Mark Reynolds

[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.

[The Blitherer]

Give me a sec... I am sure I can tie that to HP being anti homeschooling...

Well, in the 7th book, the government forces all the students to go to school and makes homeschooling illegal. Of course, Voldemort is in charge of the government at the time, so I don't know how good a point that would be.

:-)

[Ingtar]

Regret is the key to allowing his soul to be healed. One cannot repent without regret seems to be part of the message and one that I agree with. It is impossible for Man to repent that he does not regret.

[Corin Stormhands]

It means they're protectionist xenophobes.

You say that like itsuhbadthing...

[ReignOfError]

Your mother turned you on to “Office Space”?

Yup. We were both working in cubicles at the time, and swapped Dilbert strips. I don't care who you are, if you have ever worked in a cubicle, Office Space has something to say to you.

I knew it was a movie from the Beavis and Butthead guy that did mediocre box office and got middling reviews. Mom told me I had to see it, and I trusted her, an instinct that never steered me wrong.

You must have one of the coolest moms EVER. (You oughta get her a red Swingline.)

Sadly, she's not around any more. But before she passed, she found herself a red Swingline, which I inherited.

[The Blitherer]

I remember when my kids discovered that their friends next door had never heard of the Alamo.

Funny thing is, I learned about the Alamo from watching TV. My parents had me watch reruns of that old Davy Crockett show. When he dies at the Alamo at the end, it was very crushing for a 7 year old, so I decided to read up about it.

I guess TV isn't ALL bad. ;-)

[PetroniusMaximus]

1) Books that I later found in the Occultism and Witchcraft isle.

B) (B?) I will gladly send you the info in a private email if you wish. It occurred at a B&N around Halloween time. I was so shocked I wanted to take a picture but I had no camera. I simply couldn’t believe it. What’s more, this table was right at the entrance to the children’s section.

I’ve seen the same thing done on several occasions.

[Xenalyte]

(in my best Kelly Bundy voice) Hey . . . HEEEEEY!

[SuziQ]

Seems like people who aren’t supposed to be reading about witchcraft sure are spending a heckuva lot of time reading about it.

*snort* Not just reading, bur OBSESSING about it!

I, and our two youngest, both teens, have read each of the books at least twice, but none of us have obsessed about the fantasy world of witches and wizards represented in them. SirKit hasn't read them, but then, he mostly reads non-fiction.

[TalonDJ]

You can't possibly secure a country.
Nonsense! We just have to enforce existing laws! And use Veritaserum on employers suspected of hiring illegals.

[ReignOfError]

John Cleese was outstanding reading "The Screwtape Letters"

I have to look for that recording. That's an inspired combination. Of course, Cleese could read the want ads, and I could listen o that for at least an hour.

[TexasAg1996]

Nonsense! We just have to enforce existing laws! And use Veritaserum on employers suspected of hiring illegals.

But then, politicians won't be able to buy the illegal wizard vote, and the wizard business lobby would stop contributing. It just doesn't work! :)

[Tijeras_Slim]

Bring in a couple million House Elves and the cheap labor lobby would forget all about it’s affection for illegals!

[Corin Stormhands]

It occurred at a B&N around Halloween time.

So, lemme get this straight...

Barnes and Noble had a display of occult/witchcraft books out at Halloween and that makes Harry Potter evil because???

Good Grief Charlie Brown...

[TalonDJ]

but none of us have obsessed about the fantasy world of witches and wizards represented in them.

Me either!

*hides his pointy hat*

[TexasAg1996]

Barnes and Noble had a display of occult/witchcraft books out at Halloween and that makes Harry Potter evil because???

That one little factoid changes the whole scenario, doesn't it?

[SuziQ]

Ole Voldy and Carville! Separated at birth! LOL!

Well, Carville's wife and family DO call him 'Serpent Head". ;o)

[TalonDJ]

I almost forgot about the rampant SLAVERY in the HP books. Clearly pure evil. Money after all is the root of all evil so if Rowling was not evil before she sure is now ;-D

[ReignOfError]

Actually, most libraries have some downloadable books. Check out the website.

Not mine, not yet. But I'm sure they'll get there soon. For voracious readers, there has never bee a better time to be alive.

[Cymbaline]

Hogwarts has a border fence.

[Corin Stormhands]

That one little factoid changes the whole scenario, doesn't it?

I can only assume we'll be hearing of the evils of candy corn and mini-Snickers bars.