Bleary-Eyed, But Happy ... Love Me Hogwarts and All ...

[mrdreamjeans]

I just got out of bed, not from laziness, but because I didn't go to sleep that long ago. I knew the final installment of Harry Potter would be a straight-through read. I started at 4pm yesterday and finished at 3:15am. I changed locations in the house about 15 times, ate my meals one handed, precariously balancing the book, barely tasting what I was eating, I was so engrossed. For a few hours, I put away the problems of my life and savored the pacing, the plot, escaped to a magical world where the characters have to come to feel like friends. It was an evening and night where the television stayed off and the only sounds in the house were the ticking of a clock and the beating of my heart.

758 pages ..... A highly satisfying read and conclusion ... This series has taken my nephew Brennan from ages 11 to 20 and created a special bond between us. Bren was a shy, awkward 11 year old, outstripped by his twin and older brother in many ways; his main accomplishment was that he had picked up a trait from his dad's (his uncle's) side of the family, a love of reading. He devoured the first Harry Potter book within hours, called me and said, "Uncle Neil, I really think you will like this book too." I went out and bought the book for myself. He was so very right. As each book came out, I bought two ... one for Brennan and one for me. It became a thread in our family tapestry, a connection that we alone shared. It became "our thing" to do ...read the books and compare notes. See the movies and debate.

Brennan has grown into an assured, caring adult with a wicked sense of humor; has evolved from a pudgy 11 year old who mumbled, into an articulate young man, with an eye for the ladies. Yet, he never leaves a visit with his favorite uncle without giving me a hug or telling me that he loves me. He gets it. He gets the message of the books:. No one is alone in this world. If we aren't born to families who offer unconditional love and value us for who we are ... if we've lost our families because we are different ... or simply because they were taken from us much too soon ... we take a different route to family. We choose our friends and they us; we create our own families, families who love us hogwarts and all.

Comments

[zpunky.livejournal.com]

I didn't get in on this series but sympathize with those who did. now that the last book has been served up, the party is over, the table is cleared and the last good byes have been said.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

The best of all, is that it was done in a very satisfying way. Rowling did a great job in bringing the series to an end.

HUGS!

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

At a time when I'm more than tired of hearing about HP, this post is different - and stirring. Well done you!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much!!! For me Rowlings' books have always been about the close relationship with my nephew ... sharing the stories and characters, the reading experience with him. That's high praise from you and I appreciate it!

Big HUGS!

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

That's pretty awesome Neil.
I'm still not done reading. I hope to finish before my trip this week.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Hope you get to finish it too! You'll love the sex scenes .... hehehe ... eheheh? :)

HUGS!

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

Ewww there's a sex scene!!!
*covers ears*
lalalala

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! Well, not really .... but it certainly led to viewing of a most odd( and interesting) icon choice by you:)

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

I figured as much.
That was from our paintball outing last year for super_sean's birthday.
I didn't have an icon with my hands over my ears, so that's what I went with instead LOL

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I just thought it was a kink I didn't know about:)

[texwriterbear.livejournal.com]

I can see you've learned so much about me in the past year LOL

[macduff131.livejournal.com]

mine still hasn't arrived yet!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!!!! that's the last time i order a harry potter book from the UK. oh...wait...heh heh

isn't it wonderful that a book has brought so many people together?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is! You will really enjoyed how she brings the series to a close. I'm very happy to say that I think she accomplished it with some of her very best writing.

I have a slightly used copy I can send if yours doesn't come soon ... (but, I want it back:)

HUGS!

[bruinwi.livejournal.com]

"No one is alone in this world. If we aren't born to families who offer unconditional love and value us for who we are ... if we've lost our families because we are different ... or simply because they were taken from us much too soon ... we take a different route to family. We choose our friends and they us; we create our own families, families who love us hogwarts and all."

Since I'm not a Harry Potter fanboy, I can't tell if this is a quote from the books or not, but it does sum up the LGBT view of family.

If I may add my own two cents: We are majikal creatures, embued with at least one majikal power. If we're lucky, we learn what that power is; if we're clever, we learn how to use it fully; if we're wise, we learn not to over-reach our powers, because even majiks have their limits.

You're luckier than many, as you have several powers and have been clever enough to develop them fully; you also seem wise enough to know your limits.

Huggage!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

It's not a quote from the book. It is my sense of the message ... why I think the series has touched so many lives .I think it resonates powerfully within the Gay & Lesbian communities and with others who are disenfranchised. I know that many billions of books have been sold and that millions of movie tickets have been sold, but the books have a wonderful quality that makes you feel as if you are being spoken to directly, that the message is just for you. I finished it in the middle of the night ... much like the final battle in the final book.

I will miss the characters, but I am comforted by the certain knowledge that I do have friends like those portrayed. I am part of an extended family which loves me unconditionally and appreciates me for who I am ...

[elfkat.livejournal.com]

Amen! I wish I could have read it and discussed it with Cam and damn he probably knew the end before me.

Hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I think he probably would give this ending to the series a thumbs up, don't you?! Now that I've devoured the book, I may read it again just to savor the details once again.

HUGS!

[bearnight.livejournal.com]

I've decided to read only 2 pages a day. j/k ... I've only gotten through the first 75.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

LOL! At that pace you'll finish it in late May next year:) Which should be nice ... You can go from the seventh book to the sixth movie or so ....

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

With all that has been written about the Harry Potter books, I have never come upon an explanation of the core message as beautiful and spot-on as the one you've written here - this one gets filed away among important things I know I'll read over and over again. The funny thing is, I'm not sure I had seen how closely it fits the journey of so many among us - though there are all kinds of people the metaphor could apply to.
'Favorite uncle'... title well-deserved! Hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Joe! I believe the core message has particular resonance for the LGBT community; but as you've said, it applies to all kinds of people ... anyone who has ever felt alone, invisible, unloved, disenfranchised...There are lots of ways to be an orphan and these books point out that we will all find people who appreciate us, love us as we are, imperfections and all.

You will love this book!

HUGS!

[cimarrondfw.livejournal.com]

I may yet have to read a Harry Potter book. I can't think of any recommendation for it more compelling that that it appeals to you. I must send you an e-mail today. Hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Given your background as a teacher and the kind, compassionate and caring person that you are ... throw a little whimsy and magic into the mix along with solid advice on friendships and you have the Harry Potter books. It take a good deal of time to read all seven, but I think it's a worthwhile task. Enjoy if you do!

HUGS!