July 21, 2007
The day has finally arrived...
Well, my friends. The day has finally arrived.
After many moons, the seventh and final book in the acclaimed Harry Potter series is out.
I decided to stay up and get mine as quickly as I could and maybe even start in on it, so as to avoid hearing any news about it. And at exactly 1:57 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2007, I purchased my book, standing in line with all the other HP fans.
I'm hoping I can get a good jump on it this weekend and have most of it read by the middle of next week, if not finish it entirely. I finished re-reading book 6, The Half Blood Prince, this past week and it took me about 6 days. I wanted to prepare as much as I could. I saw Order of the Phoenix twice in the theatres in the last week, as well, figuring that I would have 2 stories worth of background ready for when this one came out.
I must say that this is bittersweet to the extreme. On one side, I'm very excited to read this story, as we all know that Harry and Voldermort will most likely face off against each other. Will Harry find all the Horcruxes? Is Dumbledore REALLY dead? Did Snape really kill him? Will Harry let his friends help him, or will he go this final road alone? These are all the great makings of a killer story, and I know J.K. Rowling will not disappoint.
On the other side, there is to be no more Harry Potter. When you spend 10 years with someone, and enjoy that time, you really get emotionally attached. And that's what has happened with a good majority of the world. And now there will be no more books. I guess the saving grace is that we have 2 more movies to look forward to, but at the same time, that's just not good enough.
Rowling has done an excellent job at bringing us all a great story, and while all great stories must come to an end, I hope that someone can find a way to keep it fresh for a long time to come. I know my kids will be the next generation of Potter readers. I wish they had been old enough to read through it with me, but I also look forward to being able to read them the books as they get older and have them discover the series in their own way.
My parting thought is this...I'm VERY thankful for this series. It's been a long time since one set of characters, one set of books, has brought reading to the forefront. I mean seriously...when was the last time you went to the bookstore at midnight to purchase a book on it's launch date? When was the last time that a bookstore stayed OPEN till midnight to sell said book? You let me know if you find something like that.
Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for telling us about Harry. I'm sure this last book was even more difficult for you. Somewhat like watching a child go off to college. I hope you are proud of what you have accomplished with this series. I know I am grateful and generations of kids, and kids at heart, to come will thank you, too.
Now, it's off to London to see how the story unfolds. Wish me luck and pray that my eyes can hold out for a while tonight so I can get a good jump start!
Cheers,
-Myles-