Bring on the weekend! I am ready for a bit of relaxation (and maybe some sleeping in). Unfortunately, what could have been a perfectly lovely weekend in some fantastically wonderful sunshine will be marred by the necessity of completing some homework. Three more weeks of the semester. Slowly but surely...
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
 |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the UK) |
Orphaned Harry Potter finds out at age 11 that he is actually a wizard and he must save the wizarding world from his archenemy, He Who Must Not Be Named (Voldemort).
 |
| Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling |
Initial Thoughts:
First Read:
As I stated earlier, I first started reading the series back around 2001. I quickly became obsessed. I wasn't one to stand out and camp in line to get each book the day it was released, but I got ahold of a copy as soon after that as possible and typically read the whole thing within a day or two. Each one of them was wonderful, though I loved some more than others. My personal favorite... Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...the third in the series.
This is the point in the A to Z where I admit my shame. Yes...initially I was a doubter. I thought that Harry Potter was a passing fad and I wasn't going to give in. Idiot. I finally caved around 2001. I have never been sorry about it...I'm only sorry that I didn't read it sooner.
 |
| Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling |
As I stated earlier, I first started reading the series back around 2001. I quickly became obsessed. I wasn't one to stand out and camp in line to get each book the day it was released, but I got ahold of a copy as soon after that as possible and typically read the whole thing within a day or two. Each one of them was wonderful, though I loved some more than others. My personal favorite... Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...the third in the series.
 |
| Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling |
These books span the ages and nearly any kind of reader. They are designed to be easily read by those as young as eight or so, but they can easily be enjoyed by anyone above that age or read to anyone younger. They are written incredibly well and have the ability to attract readers despite their preferred genre. J.K. Rowling is just a born storyteller. There is a lot of imagination put into her works and she creates a magical world that just comes to feel real.
 |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling |
Once again, if you're not familiar...you've likely been living in complete isolation for nearly two decades. The movies started coming out about five years after the release of the first book. They follow the story line closer than most movie adaptations, though true Potter fans will easily tell you that there have been some alterations between book and screen. I will admit though, they did a pretty fantastic job. The movies are great and the actors/actresses really play their characters well. They truly become the characters over the course of the eight movies (the last book was split into two movies due to the ridiculous length). If you're not going to read the books, at least watch the movies. You need to have this story in your life.
 |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling |
Uh...duh. Have I not made myself clear? This series is just plain magnificent. It needs to be in everyone's life in some way. Seriously. Oh...and if you hadn't figured it out yet, this is an absolute reread for me. This is one I will be reading my entire life through and one I will gladly share with future generations.
 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
Always...
My Harry Potter story wouldn't be complete without mentioning Alan Rickman. He played Severus Snape in the movie series, but I have loved him for much longer than that. He was a fantastic actor and a wonderful man. Unfortunately, he passed away earlier this year. For me, Alan Rickman was one of the actors that made Harry Potter so magical. Those of you familiar with the series will understand...I will love him always.
Are you an A to Z Blogger? Leave me a comment so I can repay the visit.
Not an A to Z Blogger, but love the idea? Go here to see what other fun can be found in the challenge.
Not an A to Z Blogger, but love the idea? Go here to see what other fun can be found in the challenge.
Miss a prior 2016 A to Z post? Find your missing link down below...
B is for Boyfriend
C is for City
Ahh you are a woman (suddenly had to race back and check that you were a woman.. the photo was a giveaway) after my own heart. I bought the books for my kids.. the first 2 were out when I first discovered them, I read them and then tucked them away for their birthday but when my son was ill and bored I gave him the first one. He read it and said "Mum that is the best book I've ever read" He was an avid reader so that was a big statement. I caved and gave him the second to read straight away. My daughter also got to read them both... and then the wait for the release of the 3rd book and for our local library to get it... after that we bought them as they were released. we were all hooked. You might like to go check my daughter's AtoZ blog... she's writing on her visits to Harry Potter film sites that she visited during her 2 years living in the UK (I created a monster back then... she's a real fan)http://www.adventuringgeekstyle.blogspot.com.au/ and also her A to Z blog from last year where she cross stitched her way through Harry Potter Characters.(http://fangirlstitches.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/a-is-for-angels-and-albus.html) This year she is cross stitching her way through supernatural and pokemon characters. My blog is www.ozzypipquilts.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteOooh! I always love your daughter's posts. I've been totally lacking on my blog visiting this time around thanks to school, but I will definitely pop over to check out her film site visits.
DeleteI found Harry Potter about the same time as you did and fell head over heels in love with the series, reading the first four books twice in two weeks.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the things I love the most about them is the fact that little seeds are planted in one book and then aren't brought up again for two or three books, then become a plot point. It's so clever. :-)
And Azkaban is my favourite too.
It's definitely not hard to fall in love with them and it certainly helps that they are fairly easy and quick to read. They are really well written. Absolutely no doubt that Rowling is an amazingly talented storyteller.
DeleteI can't believe it's been almost 20 years!! EEK, I must be getting OLD. I bought the first Harry for my son and then we were both hooked. The release parties at midnight at B&N were the most fun. Thanks for bringing back sweet memories, enjoy the A to Z and good luck with the rest of your semester.
ReplyDelete@ScarlettBraden from
Frankly Scarlett
I know...while I was writing this post I totally started feeling old. I never went to a release party. I'm kind of sad that I didn't go experience that...I'm sure it was interesting and entertaining. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteWhat! I had no idea Snape died this year! That's sad. He was one of my favorites in the movie!
ReplyDeleteI discovered the world of Harry Potter only in 2005. So I read the first 6 books one after the other, all in a few days. Only had to wait for the 7th one to release! :D
And yes, even I can reread them any number of times!
Hopping over from the A to Z. I am doing in bi-weekly instead of daily. Time constraints!
- Chicky @ www.mysteriouskaddu.com
Yes...the loss of Alan Rickman was a total blow. I was depressed for a few days.
DeleteI totally understand the time constraints. Ugh. My life is a zoo right now. Good luck to you!! I'll have to pop over and see what fun you have going on for your A to Z.
I've never read Harry Potter but do think I will one of these days. They have such a wonderful impact on the lives of millions of readers :)
ReplyDeleteThey are a must read. One of those experiences that a book lover just can't deny themselves. I think they've been great for inspiring a whole new group of avid readers. Amazing what one little book series can do!
DeleteThe Harry Potter series is by far my favorite series of all time. I started reading them in 2001 and would anxiously await the next book in the series. I always prefaced the release by reading the previous books. Have you heard that there is a new book coming out, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" I believe it is called. I have already preordered mine, it comes out in July, obviously! Cassie from Mommy, RN
ReplyDeleteMy sister-in-law did the whole rereading thing. I thought it was some serious dedication. I have heard about the new book...it's actually the script for the play that they are getting ready to debut in the West End. It should be fantastic.
Delete