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Harry Potter: 3 More Things I Learned
ExileStreet ^ | 8/1/07 | John Mark Reynolds

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 ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: childrensbooks; christianity; culture; deloresumbridge; harrypotter; hillaryumbridge; kidbooks; nooccultpractices; strictly4kids; threaddementorsalert; tinfoilwitcheshat
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To: I still care
However, Riddle makes all the wrong choices, out of an evil heart, and Harry makes mostly right ones, out of love for friends and under the guidance of wise mentors - despite the fact that he is just as angry about things as Riddle (the heart is desperately wicked).

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.

241 posted on 08/01/2007 11:29:18 AM PDT by js1138
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To: jetson
“One thing I have noticed about the Harry Potter stuff. People who are tuned into and follow politics don’t read or watch the garbage. What could this mean?”

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.

242 posted on 08/01/2007 11:29:54 AM PDT by Old Student (We have a name for the people who think indiscriminate killing is fine. They're called "The Bad Guys)
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To: SuziQ

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.)


243 posted on 08/01/2007 11:30:59 AM PDT by Ingtar (The LDS problem that Romney is facing is not his religion, but his Lacking Decisive Stands.)
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To: Old Student
People who won’t give up can have and impact.

See, I wish you hadn't said that. Some people (like on this thread) need to give up! ;)
244 posted on 08/01/2007 11:31:16 AM PDT by TexasAg1996
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To: TalonDJ

“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.


245 posted on 08/01/2007 11:32:52 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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To: TalonDJ
I find it funny that no on condemning it mentions all the underage drinking. Just goes to show they have not read them. Mmmm Butterbeer!

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

246 posted on 08/01/2007 11:33:41 AM PDT by MarkL (Listen, Strange women lyin' in ponds distributin' swords is no basis for a system of government)
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To: PetroniusMaximus

Two-way mirrors? You’re now forced to argue that kids need to be protected from two-way mirrors???


247 posted on 08/01/2007 11:35:05 AM PDT by TexasAg1996
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To: js1138
Tom was offered the same opportunities, but chose a life of vengeance.

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.

248 posted on 08/01/2007 11:35:14 AM PDT by Ingtar (The LDS problem that Romney is facing is not his religion, but his Lacking Decisive Stands.)
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To: PetroniusMaximus
One of your quotes is an attempt to show that the ability of man to discern right from wrong is based on decisions made by individuals themselves, rather than by others and to look at their own faith.

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.

249 posted on 08/01/2007 11:36:03 AM PDT by Pistolshot (Every woman, who can, should learn to shoot, and carry a gun.)
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To: jetson
One thing I have noticed about the Harry Potter stuff. People who are tuned into and follow politics don’t read or watch the garbage. What could this mean?

Means you have a boring life and friends.

250 posted on 08/01/2007 11:37:48 AM PDT by Gypssy (Smart, Womanly & Conversative! :-)~~~)
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To: PetroniusMaximus
I’m talking about well known occultic practices like automatic writing, astral projection, the use of mirrors as communicaion devices

Voice recognition software, web cams, and video chatting. Aah!! Computers are of the devil! Quick, smash your up and get rid of it!
251 posted on 08/01/2007 11:39:01 AM PDT by TalonDJ
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To: TexasAg1996

“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... :)


252 posted on 08/01/2007 11:39:03 AM PDT by Old Student (We have a name for the people who think indiscriminate killing is fine. They're called "The Bad Guys)
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To: Pistolshot

“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.


253 posted on 08/01/2007 11:39:16 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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To: MarkL
Well she does mention it warming them up on a cold day. Sounds like actual beer. And Harry has firewhisky at least once I can remember. Just pointing it out. I am Catholic so I don't care ;-D
254 posted on 08/01/2007 11:40:56 AM PDT by TalonDJ
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To: TalonDJ; TexasAg1996

Neither of you seem to be familiar with real occultic practices.


255 posted on 08/01/2007 11:41:49 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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To: dmz
At the Barnes and Noble I shop at, Playboy magazine is in the same rack as Guitar Player. Are you suggesting that there is a connection between the 2?

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?

256 posted on 08/01/2007 11:41:58 AM PDT by Ignatz (NPC's have feelings, too!)
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To: PetroniusMaximus

Nonsense! Didn’t you see my post about the chickens?


257 posted on 08/01/2007 11:42:53 AM PDT by TalonDJ (;-D)
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To: TalonDJ; SuziQ; RosieCotton
I am Catholic so I don't care ;-D

You guys are gonna convert me yet!

258 posted on 08/01/2007 11:43:23 AM PDT by Corin Stormhands (I drink coffee for your protection.)
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To: Corin Stormhands

We have beer...

*waves bottle tauntingly*


259 posted on 08/01/2007 11:45:55 AM PDT by TalonDJ (;-D)
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To: TalonDJ

“Nonsense!”

An apt description of that post you refered to.


260 posted on 08/01/2007 11:48:28 AM PDT by PetroniusMaximus
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