About six years ago, I fell in love with the Harry Potters books. I started reading them after book four came out; then, with each of the remaining three books, I would scurry to the bookstore the day they came out and voraciously read each book in a matter of days.
Even then, I looked forward to the day where I could share these mystical books with the boys, and in June of last year, we started our journey through the Harry books.
Now, we have just finished the sixth book, and I have gained so much more from the books this second time around.
1. When I first read them, I finished books so quickly that I missed so many of the small details. Reading them out loud has allowed me to appreciate every word of the book. I love watching the boys sit rapt to every word that I say, inquiring when confused and giggling when delighted. I also have discovered the immense amount of foreshadowing that occurs in the books, things that the boys can't possibly understand having never heard the conclusion of the series. I have never heard the background about Rowling's plans, but I imagine she had a vision for most of the characters from the very start.
2. I love sharing the magic with all three of the boys. They have fallen in love with these books so completely. All three boys will run around the house with wands -- or makeshift wands-- and yell spells from the book at each other. Never before have they been enthusiastic about going to bed, only to listen to me read for 45 minutes.
3. Most awe-inspiring to me has been the indepth analysis that occurs between readings. (If you have not read book six, don't read this next part. I will ruin it for you!) As we were reading the sixth book, I knew the death of Dumbledore was coming and was worried about how they would handle it. Andrew and I were both a little emotional, but he stated that he knew that something like that would happen. I asked him Why? He said that Harry needs to face Voldemort all by himself since he is the only one who can kill Voldemort. Wow- How very cool!
Then, we were discussing what we expected to happen in Book Seven and Andrew was talking about his thoughts. He explained to me that the Ministry of Magic was the broken part of the equation to beat Voldemort. He said the good people could defeat him if they unite to do that, but with the Ministry of Magic working against the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore, they are broken. Again, WOW!
Harry Potter has changed our ordinary bedtime routine into a magical world. We are taking a small break now; Andrew is struggling a little with Dumbledore's death and the scariness of the death eaters, but we will pick up again soon to finish Book Seven. We will cap off the whole experience with a trip to Harry Potter world this summer. I am not sure who is more excited: the boys or me.
Now, I am back to watching the movie with the boys. Guess which one? Harry Potter.
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