Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Is it Possible?

Can you be Harry Pottered out?

Right before Thanksgiving I decided to revisit the Harry Potter Universe. I had a couple of reasons.... I had read the books as they were published and had seen all of the movies to date as they were released (and own them all on DVD and have viewed them all many times since!). The problem was the books stretched out over a pretty good stretch of time, and my memory isn't always the best. Oh, I knew I retained all of the main ideas from each book, and these main ideas were reinforced by each of the movies as they came out, but I also knew that there were subplots left out of the movies, and there were things that I didn't remember clearly as I made my way thru each new book. I also had plans to pick up the new Tales of Beedle the Bard. And, finally, with Christmas right around the corner this would keep me from buying any new books.... at least for a little while and still have plenty to read!

I went to my storage unit and dug out the first 5 books and pulled the last 2 out of my bookcase here. I was ready to start. Looking at the books, I remembered when I picked up the first one. I had been hearing about the Harry Potter books for a little while, but hadn't picked any of them up yet. I was at a bookstore buying something else, and as I stood at the checkout I noticed a a trade paperback version of the Sorcerer's Stone in a display sitting there. I shrugged and picked it up, figuring I would see what all the hoopla was about....

I didn't read it right away, after all I had the two books I had actually gone in to buy that I read first, but soon I picked it up and and opened it and began to read... I was quickly captivated by this world of witches and wizards and magic. Next trip to the bookstore I looked and found the next two books were also out in trade paperback format and I grabbed them. I quickly devoured these and wanted more. By a trick of timing it turned out that the next book (#4) came out in paperback just as I finished the third. From then on I was hooked and bought each book in hardback within a day of them reaching the bookstore. This is saying something... I rarely buy books in hardback. I usually wait for the less expensive and more portable paperback versions, but with these books I couldn't wait!

Still, as much as I liked them, I hadn't re-read any of them till now. I started with Year 1 a couple of days after Thanksgiving and read straight thru till I finished Year 7 this evening. I was right. There were many little things that I had forgotten, or not caught on my first read thru. Knowing how it would all end, I saw many early hints and little things that I had overlooked or missed. It was a very enjoyable way to spend the Month of December, and I finished it all up with the Tales of Beedle the Bard this evening. These books are definitely just as good the second time around... and I'm sure I will enjoy them again in the future.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was a quick read, but a fun one. It's only 107 pages and is comprised of 5 Wizarding Tales, much like our Fairy Tales. One of the stories, of course, plays an important part in The Deathly Hallows.  It wouldn't be of any interest to anyone who wasn't already a fan of the Harry Potter Universe, but was a nice way to round out my Harry Potter Journey.

Now I am going to go to my TBR pile and pick up something not Harry Potter related to read! LOL!

11 comments:

DesLily said...

I'm glad you enjoyed them a second time! I plan to do that one day myself! The nice part is not having to wait a year or more for the "next book"!

I've said this in other blogs .. I don't understand why some people do not reread their favorite books when you already know you loved them. I try to fit in at least a few rereads every year and I'm never disappointed!

Chris/cacklinrosie101 said...

LOL...my daughter's friend has reread her Harry Potter books three times. I keep all my favorites and tend to read them over and over again. It's like watching a favorite movie more than once. HUGS

kelly said...

I agree with Chris.. it is just like watching a favorite movie over again.. at least this time no suprises, no heartaches.. you know the outcome... I wish I could find more time to read..
Hugs
Kelly~

Rachel said...

I haven't read the books or seen the movies. I know, I'm lame. Anyway, they intrigue me, and I intend to read them eventually.

Melissa said...

I love to read! I read the first three books pretty quickly and all of a sudden I was just "Harry Potter'd Out"! lol I love the movies and found that I was okay just waiting for the movies to come out. But come to think of it, I haven't seen the last one yet. I'm sure Austin will remedy that soon.

Glad you enjoyed them. What are you reading now?

Sage Ravenwood said...

Sad to say I haven't read them. I have however seen the movies. It's strange in itself as I usually prefer to read the book before I see the movie version. I gave in to curiousity and just brought the first book of the Twilight series on Rebecca's recommend. Yet it still sits on my shelves awaiting for me to read it. I might just as well buy the entire series and read it through in one stretch. (Hugs)Indigo

Traci said...

I'm ready to reread them. The girls are on a Harry Potter kick too. We finally let them watch the Sorcerer's Stone. The other's are too scary for them. I've got nothing I'm reading right now so I might as well!

Gayla said...

Now I have to read them ALL!! LOL I'm just like you, in that a good book I love to read twice, three times maybe. And you really do find little key things that you missed the first time.
Have you read the "The Emperor of Ocean Park" by Stephen L. Carter? Fantastic book!! You could easily find it at the library. I think you would like it. I just finished "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. Also really great book and a true story.

Thanks for stopping by and always been so sweet :)

Big Huggers,
Gayla

Bea said...

You are a true HP fan! I saw all the movies but have not taken the time to read the books. I enjoyed the movies, but now I don't care to read the books, I suppose, because I've seen the movies. But i understand the desire to reread one's favorite series of books as I've done the same thing with my set of Orson Scott Card books, and others. You never get tired of reading the stories that captured your interest the first time you read them.

Becky said...

I figure I'll be rereading them all once Tyler is old enough to start enjoying them. If you are looking for a new series to be sucked in to...I recommend the Twilight books. I devoured all 4 during December. Good stuff.

Monica said...

I remember a friend was raving about the Harry Potter book. I just shook my head and laughed that he was reading a children's book. Then he started reading parts of it, and the subtle humor intriqued me. Before I knew it I was wanting ALL of them myself. If I want to read them again or any other book for that matter I NEED to get reading glasses. ::sigh:: I'm breaking down and admitting the need and I'm so ready just so I can enjoy a good book again. Oh, and I re-read GOOD books!

Monica