First let me pat myself on the back for being able to survive my self imposed media blackout created to avoid book 7 spoilers. Of course it helped that I finished the book less then 24 hours after picking it up and spent a total of about 8 hours reading it. From excitement to sorrow to joy to resignation, I’ve crossed the gamut in the last few days and here are some impressions.
Friday 4:10pm- Get an email from my friend James discussing the plans for a night on the town. Although I was planning on this and ended up having a great and even somewhat productive night, I must admit a wave of disappointment flows through me as I realize I won’t be picking up the book at midnight…unless I show up tanked and scare the children.
Saturday 9:10am- With a hangover that I equate to having too much fire whiskey, I arrive at Border’s to pick up my reserved copy with James in tow screaming “nerds” at the top of his lungs. Way to encourage the kids to read Jimmy. Anyhoo, I must admit I got a little giddy upon arrival. The store was fairly empty but there was still a palpable buzz in the air as I gave my name and received my book and gigantic free poster. $22 later and I was out the door.
Saturday Noon- After filling my belly with alcohol absorbing grease for breakfast and depositing my “anti-Potter” friend at home, I crack the spine for the first time and start by reading the dedication. Immediately my hangover and everything else around me fades away from me and I’m once again back in Harry’s world.
Saturday 2pm- About 200 pages in my eyes begin to betray me and I’m forced to take a short nap. My initial reaction to the book is that not only is it great but also very rewarding in that JK Rowling is not waiting until the last 50 pages to reveal secrets and plot danglers. Already I feel a sense of closure to many lingering questions I had coming in.
Saturday 3pm- Waking up I immediately dive back in to the book. I have a BBQ to go to in the evening but I put off showering as long as possible and even after that I’m literally reading as I get dressed. I’m finding that book 7 is every bit the reading experience the previous 6 books were in that once I start it keeps me completely engrossed.
Saturday 5:30pm- Having shed tears of joy and pain I stop at page 356 as my chariot arrives to whisk me off into the night. The growth of the characters strikes me and I’m once again reminded of why I love this series. Rowling not only tells a tale of wizards and witches but she clearly understands the adolescent mind and gives one of the best representations of “growing up” I’ve ever seen in print.
Saturday 11pm- After spending a wonderful but low key (read, low alcohol content) evening at my friend’s BBQ, I return home after promising my friend Nikki that we can read together Sunday at a coffee shop and as such, I have every intention of going to bed. However after talking to my lady on the phone and trying to watch some Extras on DVD, I decide it wouldn’t hurt to read another 44 pages so I can even out at 400 going into Sunday.
Sunday 12:01am- Oops, I’m now up to page 424 might as well keep going.
Sunday 2:??am- I wake up on the couch with the book weighing upon my chest. I’ve only been out for a few minutes but at this point I’ve got about 150 pages to go and I’ll be damned if I don’t see this thru. After an energy drink and a Marb Light, I’m refocused.
Sunday 3:35am- It’s done. I’m done. JK’s done. Wow…I’m so wired. The thought of much needed sleep doesn’t even enter my mind. I reread the last chapter again. Yep that’s that. I wipe the tears from my eyes as I think about the conclusion and the journey. I break my media blackout and watch an episode of The Soup to try and lull me to sleep.
Sunday Noon- After having breakfast out, Nikki and I do head to the coffee shop as planned. I decide I need a little clarity and I want to back track to the area where I nodded off Sunday morning to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I reread the last 175 pages and I’m almost teary eyed again not because of the events of the book but because I’m thinking that this is really the end.
Monday 7pm- I start writing this blog and get depressed thinking this is the last Potter centric post I’ll ever leave. I head out to the interweb and realize how wrong I am. We’ve got two more movies to discuss and dissect, not to mention the indelible imprint on pop culture that the series has left. Potter is done and the journey has been more fufilling then any other series of books I’ve read other then Lord of the Rings (sorry Mr King but that last Dark Tower book really took me a back). It built and built to an ending I truly believe the author plotted out long ago. I hope JK resists the urge to write about this world again because the closure the book provides really leaves me with no further questions. Kudos for a job well done, Ms Rowling and good luck in the future as heat your house by burning money.
Ranking the Potter Books
7. Chamber of Secrets
6. Philospher’s Stone
5. Prizoner of Azkaban
4. Order of the Phoenix
3. Goblet of Fire
2. Half Blood Prince
1. Deathly Hallows
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