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.

[Steelerfan]

If you tell me they taste like chicken, I will have to punch you.

[Cymbaline]

I’ve tried them, they don’t work. In fact none of the spells in any of the books work. (Too bad, I’d love for Accio to work!) So none of the book is based on actual occult practices.

[Cymbaline]

Is this the biggest Harry Potter thread ever? I thank PetroniusMaximus for making it so entertaining!

[WV Mountain Mama]

I think our only hope is all yell Stupefy! at the same time. This stuff is real after all! ;)

[null and void]

I’m pretty sure there have been longer HP threads.

I bet retrokitten would know.

[null and void]

Expelopatronum?

[null and void]

Two longer HP Threads, the after book spoiler threads for Half Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows.

Amazingly enough, some HP threads had no replies...

[TexasAg1996]

Her use of the phrase “what people used to believe” is disingenuous. She, more that likely, knows full well that people still believe and practice many of the things she admits are real. I have known people that use similar practices and rituals.

Pathetic. Truly pathetic.

[WV Mountain Mama]

I was hoping it would keep him from posting.

Honestly though, if the spells worked, I’d bet nuns would use them to clean the bathrooms when no one was looking. I sure as heck would!

[null and void]

If you seriously believed that reading Harry Potter books would cause a merciful God to damn the readers to an eternity in a lake of fire, would you stop posting?

[discostu]

Depends on how much I like the people on the thread ;)

[TexasAg1996]

I have known people that use similar practices and rituals.

Please tell us what these "similar practices and rituals" were by the people you knew. Try not to generalize. And don't bother posting "they said charms and made potions." I'd like to know specifically what these "similar practices and rituals" are.

[null and void]

That’s going to leave a mark...

[Corin Stormhands]

I was referring to a certain restaurant with an...um...Owl motif...

[TexasAg1996]

I was referring to a certain restaurant with an...um...Owl motif...

He he. It took me a second to figure that one out. I must be tired.

[null and void]

Hooo?

[EmilyGeiger]

Sounds like you and I have similar reading tastes.

[Tax-chick]

I love reading really old history, whether it’s Tacitus or Seutonius or the Bible, because the people are always just like the people we know today.

I have to say I never cared for Dante, but I like the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” and “Beowulf.” Robert Fagles, whose translations of Homer came out about 10 years ago, has done the “Aeneid,” but I’m waiting for it to come out in paperback.

[WV Mountain Mama]

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I would have probably stopped at post 666.

[EmilyGeiger]

LOL, I love those. I’m going to have to take the time to read through all of them.