As the anthology draws to a close, I have a confession. Well, I guess it isn’t much of a secret. But who cares – I like Harry Potter, the books and movies. I am a sci-fi fanatic, anglophile (one who loves everything British), and magic aficionado – so, duh. But in the beginning, back in 1997, I was not sure I would like them. I actually cannot recall when I finally read the first book…probably around the time Chamber of Secrets was released as a paperback. By the time Prisoner of Azkaban was released I was buying them (with a coupon) as they came out.
I enjoy the way J. K. Rowling writes. It is a disservice to dismiss her books as “children’s literature” as it suggests a lesser product (and suggests children’s books are some how inferior as a genre). She brings you into her world, as did 19th Century British authors such as Dickens and Stoker. She gives you visual details, emotions, thoughts, feelings…she gives you everything. Yet she is an easy read - her books are not War and Peace (although the Deathly Hallows is about as thick). Her words activate your senses – soon you feel the cold of a dementor and hear the slither of a basilisk. She writes about characters you can identify with and care about. By the time I finished Deathly Hallows (the first time) I knew these characters as if they were old friends. I celebrated their joys and wept at their sorrows. And then I wanted more.
I will confess I do not read much fiction, outside of the classics. My BA is in English and I do love many of the classics: Milton, Marlowe, Chaucer, and of course Shakespeare (now you know why my son’s first name is William). I generally read non-fiction- history and theology are my favorite genres. In today’s world of fiction, few authors interest me. Anne Rice and Anne McCaffrey are two of the few modern writers I can think of…and more recently J. K. Rowling. Maybe that makes me unqualified to judge fiction…but then again as a Lit major and veracious reader (I have my own library) I am comfortable that I can recognize good writing. If you dislike sci-fi, fantasy, or magic…stay away. However, for everyone else I can recommend the books – regardless of age.
The movies took a bit of getting used to for me. The movies by themselves are good, enjoyable, and I watch them often (just finished a marathon this weekend). My issue was no movie can compare to the books. I am so passionate about the stories, sub-stories, and sub-sub-stories that I cringe upon first viewing of the movie. My son likes to tease me that I need to see each movie twice, in quick succession. The first time I see one of the movies, I miss everything left out from the books in order to make the movie fit into a decent timeframe. I have to bitch and moan…explaining what was left unsaid in the movie or how something really happened. Then, after that is out of my system, I go back and watch it again. This time I watch it separate from the book and try to simply enjoy it for the movie it is. And I do. So despite wanting to add or tweak parts of each movie, I do actually like them. They are good fantasy films. Rowling’s characters are brought to life by a group of young actors who have turned into good actors. You do mistake Daniel, Emma, and Rupert as really being Harry, Hermione, and Ron. I love the fact that nearly all my favorite actors have had a part in at least one of the films…Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Kenneth Branagh, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Bill Nighy and so many more. If they could dig up Lawrence
And yes…I am seeing the midnight showing Thursday night with my boys and a few friends. I won’t get home until after 3am... that ok, I am having a procedure the next morning on my back (to alleviate the inflammation in my spine from the arthritis) and won’t have to be awake. J
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