for Harry Potter fans: Looking Back

Monday, November 22, 2010

Warning: If you have not read the books, some spoilers of course :)

I'm not usually the type to re-read books, but for some reason, it just felt like the perfect thing to do especially after having watched HP7. I was inspired to grab these books again. Though I did not read it all, I did go through some of my favorite chapters in each.

In the Sorcerer's Stone, I had to look back to the very first time Harry, Ron, and Hermione rode the Hogwarts Express. I loved that scene so much! In Prisoner of Azkaban -- which has got to be my top 2 favorite book in the series -- I went back to Harry, Sirius, Lupin, Snape, Ron, Hermione, and Wormtail's confrontation scene by the end. So well-told, that part! And then of course, for Goblet of Fire.. the Yule Ball. As for the Deathly Hallows, I pretty much read most of it! Though everything is pretty much as clear to me as when I first read it, there are so many little details I have already forgotten!

Needless to say, reading my favorite books (of all time!) was extremely nostalgic for me. Now don't even get me started on when I saw part 1 of the movie.. can I just say though?? Right when it ended, I just sat there, feeling the exact same way I did when I finished the entire series -- and told myself the exact way as well - "My childhood is over." That's how it felt to me. It was like one of my best friends moved away without even telling me or without even giving me any contact number or whatever. HA HA HA, seriously though. Did you feel like this too? I would love to know, because I'm pretty sure huge HP fans felt the same way I did, maybe even more! And also, do share your memories growing up with these beloved characters and this beloved story. Which HP book was your favorite? Who was your favorite character? Were you obsessed with the series? *don't worry, I won't tell* I would love to hear from you!

14 comments:

  1. I love the books too and I'm plannign on re-reading all seven next year before the final film. It does feel like a final chapter of childhood is closing, but in a wonderful nostalgic way.

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  2. When Deathly Hallows came out it was the summer I finished high school and I looked at the end of the series as a clean end to that part of my life. Now part 2 of the movie is being released right after I graduate with my undergrad.
    I still read at least one of the books (this year the whole series) over the summer, like I did when I was impatiently waiting for the next segment to be published.

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  3. Avid Reader - It was definitely wonderful, but also so bittersweet. Did you like the part 1? I thought Hermione/Emma Watson was the best in the film.

    Letter4no1 - Isn't it crazy? I feel like these books just went along with us as we grew up -- with you to high school and then grad school. For me, it is also the same.

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  4. Aww you are so cute; "it was like one of my best friends moved away without even telling me or without even giving me any contact number or whatever." True statement.

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  5. I love the series also and read it twice. Book 3 is my favorite as well as the last book of course. Book 3 is when I developed my Lupin crush :)
    It was definitely bittwersweet when the last book came out, but that's why I read them all again. There's so many little details you pick up when re-reading.
    When Dumbledore died, I cried. I just couldn't believe it!! And Voldemort is terrifying, he's such a scary villain.

    http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

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  6. May - Thanks dear!

    naida - Book 3 and the last one are my favorites for sure too. When Dumbledore died, I couldn't believe it either!! I hated Snape, but for some reason, I always knew he was one of the good guys.

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  7. I LOVE the series soo much. I know I'll be depressed for a couple of days after the whole things ends, but I'm very excited to see the Part 2. :)

    DH: Part 1 was awesome. Emma Watson was awesome as Hermione! The trio did a great job in this movie since this depended on the acting more than the action. I'm so glad they increased her role! The whole movie was sweet, sad, and heartfelt...It might be my favorite HP film after Prisnor of Azkaban. :D I want to reread the whole series again now...

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  8. Nonie - I remember reading the last book I wanted to slow down a bit because if I read any faster I knew the end would just come sooner :/ That was how it was for me watching the movie. I just didn't want it to end! And I have to agree Emma Watson made this movie for me. She was so good!!

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  9. I just discovered your blog, so this is my first comment here :)
    I think all HP fans feel like you do, because we grew up reading the books. I'm a huuuuge fan, I can't even tell how many times I reread the books (more than ten times for the 4 first ones, that's for sure). I still remember the first time I saw the book in the library, when it was not famous yet and I thought "oh this looks good". I remember when I started being a real fan when the fourth one was released. I remember the deathly hallows release, I was on holiday with my parents in Spain and I made them go with me to find a bookshop on the 21st of july. There are so many good memories linked to HP!
    My favorite book was always and will always be POA. I just love the fact that Harry was not alone anymore because of Sirius and because he found out more about his parents, they became real. My favorite character would be Snape, I was convinced after reading HBP that he was on Dumbledore's side and I cried in the end of DH. And Alan Rickman does him justice.
    And the part 1 movie was so great! I'm usually disappointed by the movies, but not this time, I held my breath the whole movie long! I love the scenes in London, I loved Ron and I agree, Emma Watson was so great. OMG I want to see the second part! But I don't feel so weird about the end, because I often reread the novels, so I know where to find Harry ;)

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  10. Wow I wrote a lot! Sorry about that ^^

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  11. +JMJ+

    I'll be starting my own reread next month, Jillian. =) And this time I plan to finish the entire series!

    I'm just not sure whether to read the American English editions or the British English editions.

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  12. I totally felt the same way - like my childhood was actually completely and totally over! I really don't know what I'm going to do after Part 2 comes out, probably bawl my eyes out. Mildly pathetic, but totally true. Harry Potter will forever be my favorite books of all time!

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  13. Touloulou - I love that you wrote a lot, hehe :) I know what you mean when you say there have been so memories linked to HP. In my life, there have been so many moments as well, as I did grow up with these characters. Emma Watson was brilliant here, and I personally felt she made the movie :)

    E - I have read both, but I am especially fond of the American English editions for some reason, hehe :)

    Tara - Mildly pathetic or not, I think it's safe to say I'm like that too. haha.

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