Tuesday, July 24, 2007

This post has no title.

Nor does it contain any spoilers, just a mission, should you chose to accept it.

If you're new around here, you may not be aware of what a huge Potter fan I am. If your one of those types who hasn't read them because you think they're just kids books, not serious literature and fantasy is just silly, well you should probably just leave now because frankly, you people take yourselves far too seriously.

If, on the other hand, you have not read them *yet* because you've been terribly busy knitting, selling nappies, writing screen plays or building a log cabin, then I promise you, I will not ruin your fun. But I have been waiting for this book for a very long time, so I can't just let it go without comment, ya know?

I just want to say one thing, okay maybe a few things. Rowling does not disappoint. I loved this book, in fact it may end up being my favorite in the series. Deathly Hallows starts moving at a harrowing pace from chapter one and the hits just keep coming, one nail-biting, page turning chapter after another. Honestly, it doesn't let up until the epilogue. She manages to tie up most of the loose ends, saving some of the best for last in the final few chapters.

We all knew there would be some deaths, "it's not a bloodbath, but it is more then two" was the final word we heard from Rowling on the subject. Of course, Moldy Voldy and the gang were killing them off fairly indescriminately, so quite a few of them are unknowns or barely knowns, but there was a bit more bloodshed then I expected and that's definitely all I can say on that topic!

The only complaints I have regard the development of specific characters who could have been given more ink (imho) but I have to balance that (being a typical Libra) with the knowledge that further character development would have been paid for in the pace of the book, which I can only describe as breathtaking, or maybe exhilarating. Seriously.

Now I must confess, I'm one of those terribly impatient people who actually read the Epilogue spoiler on line because I HAD TO KNOW! Yes, I was a tiny bit disappointed in myself for that. However, knowing what the ending was going to be did not stop me from buying two copies anyway, so I think I'm somewhat redeemed. Also, I can assure you, that even if you also choose to read the epilogue first, you'll still want to read the rest of the book. You will still be biting your nails with suspense until the very end to see HOW it all ends up the way it does. Rowling always said that she enjoyed the fan fiction and they won't be disappointed either, she's left them plenty to work with!

A couple of thoughts on the latest movie, it's probably not a good idea to re-read the book *immediately* before seeing the movie. That did not improve my viewing pleasure. No siree. The guys loved it though, so I do recommend it for those non-readers out there. You know who they are, they can't sit still long enough to read a book but their houses are immaculate. What can you do? Some people's priorities are just totally screwed up!

But if you are a reader, you may appreciate this. I started re-reading with Sorceror's Stone right after school let out (Some of them for the third or 4th time!) and finished re-reading Half-Blood Prince on Wednesday, July 18th. Do not ask me what I did on the 19th, I don't recall. No, I'm not ashamed to be that obessed with a "kids book"...hey wait a minute, I thought I told you "serious" people to leave!

Anyway, I highly recommend re-reading the previous six books before you delve into the final chapter of Harry's story, if only to enjoy them one last time before the story ends. I know, that may take till fall, but that's cool, I'll wait...

So that's your mission, go read Deathly Hallows! Now! For extra credit read the rest of them, in order, first. Come back when you are finished so we can discuss, ok?

Gah, there's so much more I want to talk about! Aren't you people done reading yet?
      
Marriage is love.