Monday, July 14, 2025

Search

With the upcoming book release of the seventh and final book of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling on July 21 and the fifth movie, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” debuting last Wednesday, Harry Potter mania has descended on the fans – including me.
In just a few short days all of our questions will be answered, including, will Harry die? And of course, is Snape good or evil?
But before then, all we fans can do is sit and reflect on the series that has captured our hearts.
I discovered the Harry Potter series in middle school, when my cousin visited me for the summer armed with some books that his mother praised, saying that it was all she could get him to read.
Curious, I picked up the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and was instantly hooked.
Because of lengthy periods between each book, I have grown up with the series and with Harry, who will be coming of age in the seventh book.
Over time, I have grown to care deeply for the characters. Harry, Ron, and Hermione (also affectionately known as “The Trio”) are great favorites, as well as the Weasley family, especially Ginny and the practical jokers, Fred and George.
Along with great characters, the series is also so interwoven and connected, that even the smallest detail in one earlier book may become a major plot point in a later one.
Because of this, fans have learned to become careful readers, not taking any mention of something for granted (even including Ron’s sarcasm – which often comes true).
Add that to Rowling’s penchant for red herrings, and you have a series that offers a little bit of everything, including fantasy, mystery, and suspense.
Check with your favorite bookstore to see if they are throwing a midnight re-lease party to celebrate the last book in the series, and pick up your copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.