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.

[TexasAg1996]

She said 1/3rd of her magic was based on real historical belief.

I'm still waiting for you to identify the real occultic "practices and rituals" in HP (you did offer to do it, after all). Given all this time, I thought your extensive knowledge of the occult and your ability to block copy other people's websites would have made this an easy task.

[discostu]

And the context of that “real” magic (remember she put quotes around it) was “real” mythic and folkloric magic. You really need to brush up on your sentence diagramming.

[Dianna]

I am way late to this particular party but I am ROFL-ing at your post.

There are a number of characters from dysfunctional family backgrounds.

Hermione, whose parents were dentists.

Yeah, you've gotta watch out for those dentists!

[js1138]

HP books make light fun of several muggle professions. One Weasley relative is an accountant.

Hermione says she won’t go into law because she wants to do something useful.