The Deathly Hallows

With a bittersweet feeling, I closed the final chapter in the Harry Potter series today. I loved this series. The seventh book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may not have been my favorite of the series, but it captivated me for more than 700 pages. (If, like me, you are years behind in reading this, there will be MAJOR SPOILERS in this review/reflection, so read no further.)

As in all the previous books, I think Rowling's most gripping chapters are the final few: Snape's last memories, when Harry accepts and walks into the forest to face his death, and meeting Dumbledore in Kings Cross. These few chapters were even more powerful than the final duel with Voldemort, because of what they reveal about characters you thought you knew so much about.

First, as I'd hoped all along, Snape ends up being on Harry's side from the beginning, until he meets his bitter end. And not necessarily for Harry himself, or the good of the cause even, but because he had loved Harry's mother since they were children. Snape never recieved this love back from Lilly Potter, but it didn't matter, it lasted long after her death. And although he made a horrible mistake, he spent the rest of his life making up for it the only way he could.

Second, you find out that Dumbledore has flaws, like anyone else. His flaw was his ability to deal with power. But his strength is the wise understanding the he's shown through the entire series. He realized and finally accepted that although he sought power, he was incapable of handling it.

"I had proven, as a very young man, that power was my weakness and my temptation. It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they where it well."

Although the magical properties of wands was a little overkill and confused me a bit, I think overall Rowling had a pretty simplistic ending to this epic tale. As Dumbledore explains, Voldemort always had a disadvantage to Harry because his knowledge was incomplete. "That which Voldemort does not value, he takes no trouble to comprehend. Of house-elves and children's tales, of love, loyalty and innocence Voldemort knows and understands nothing. Nothing. That they all have a power beyond his own, a power beyond the reach of any magic, is a truth he has never grasped."

And in the end, the true master of the deathly hallows is revealed to be Harry. "You are the true master of death, because the true master of death does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts he must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying."

Thanks to Dumbledore's well-laid plan, and everyone in Harry's life, Harry grew to become the young man who did not seek those things (the stone, the wand, the cloak) for his own personal gain. In the end, his only thoughts were of the greater good, of those who had died before him and for him. His understanding of love that lasts through death allowed him to even offer forgiveness to Voldemort after all his terrible deeds. In the end, Harry doesn't even really kill Voldemort - it's Voldemort's own curse that backfires on him as it did years before. Rowling certainly leaves us with a few lingering questions, but I think that is only fitting for such a tale.

Irish Trash Can Meets Voldemort

I think I've been reading too much Harry Potter. Or, I'm just going crazy. Last night, due to all the rain mentioned in yesterday's post, our Thursday night kickball game was canceled. But that did not stop us from heading to our sponsor bar anyways. This was after I had already shared a bottle (or 2) of wine with teammates at another bar. By the time I got into the city, I was feeling pretty happy.

Mere hours later I was a complete drunken fool. I've never in my life "blacked out" or completely forgot parts of an evening. I always thought people who said that were lying. Yes, there have been fuzzy nights, but I've always remembered parts of it. Last night after a certain point I remember nothing! Luckily I was with good friends who made sure I made it home safely (physically). However, after hearing a recap of my antics last night, I really feel ashamed and embarrassed for losing control and not realizing I'd hit my tipping point. The feeling of not remembering is scary!

I didn't DO anything stupid, I was just talking nonsense (or so I was told). Apparently, among other things, I started acting like I was living in Harry Potter world, calling people The Dark Lord. At one point (as retold by my friend) I said something like "Don't you dare bring him up!" My friends assumed I was talking about some heart breaker guy, to which I responded very seriously "No, Voldemort!"

I mean, really, who starts talking about novels when they are three sheets to the wind? Apparently me. Why couldn't' I have been quoting something more legit, like Shakespeare or something. Why is this how my subconscious works?

Lesson of the evening: NEVER drink an Irish trash can.

Exactly Where I'm Supposed to Be

Will it ever stop raining? I think it's been raining here everyday for over a week now. Occasionally, I like a rainy day. Not to be a pessimist, but a break in the sunshine every now and then is nice. But 7 straight days with rain? No thank you. Last night, though, it thunderstormed. I really love those first thunderstorms of the season (before you get sick of them b/c you've lost power for the 3 day in a row, or you are caught outside in one).

Last night, I was reading the last Harry Potter and listening to the thunder and torrential downpour of rain, and I just felt very content. I know that I'm in a transition period right now. I've been in DC long enough to get somewhat adjusted, but to also question my desire to live other places, experience other things. But last night sitting in my room, listening to the rain, I knew I am exactly where I'm supposed to be, for now.

So far the seventh HP book has been an emotional roller coaster (especially after another shocking death, that I am still very upset about). Harry keeps experiencing highs and lows, break throughs and set backs in equal measure. But last night, I think I got to a turning point in the book where he realizes he needs to stop the ups and downs, and accept what lies ahead, although it might not be completely clear currently.

Marilyn's Chamber of Secrets

Last night I went to trivia night at my neighborhood bar. The trivia was pretty intense, but the best part of the night was making a name for our team. Apparently the MC for the night gives a "theme" on which to base your team name, and the best team name wins a prize. This particular week the name was supposed to be based off Marilyn Chambers, a porn star from the 70s who died yesterday. I dug deep down into my creative wit and came up with Marilyn's Chamber of Secrets. Who knew I'd somehow be able to tie my Harry Potter obsession into real life! 

Unfortunately my team not only lost the team name contest to I Hate When She Just Lies There (OK, a little raunchy for trivia night,  but lets consider the theme here), we didn't fare too well in the SEVEN rounds of trivia either. But, I did learn some random, useless info about Ms. Chambers as a result. In fact, she even tried to run for vice president of the US - there's some random trivia for you!

Other inventive team names:

• Somali Pirates - really no relation to the theme, but still in good fun
  
• Barack Obama is a bitch for not coming to the Nats Home Opener  - I wonder if he came if the would still be winless?
  
• At least when the Nats lose they aren't shot in the head (the Nats lost yet another game as trivia was about to begin)
• You can take the porn star out of the trailer park, but bring the body bag (that was just wrong lol)
• Knock Knock Knockin' on Heaven's Green Door - Marilyn's famous for her role in Behind the Green Door

(There were about 30 teams, so this is just a sampling. Next time I'll write down the good names!)

The Half Blood Prince

Happy Easter! I'm back from a relaxing weekend at home, although the trip home took me twice the time due to lovely DC traffic. During my time literally sitting in traffic I was able to finish the 6th Harry Potter book (I promise, I was just sitting there and only had about 30 pages left.)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was nothing what I expected. I guess, all along I realized that at some point this series was going to get pretty dark. However, I'm still surprised what happened in this one! I literally didn't believe what happened at the end- I was imagining different crazy scenarios to explain it, but in the end it was clear that I had to accept the reality Rowling had created. I'm being vague in case there is somehow someone out there that hasn't read it yet, but I was very wrong in my judgement of certain characters, or how Rowling would use them. Now, I still think there are a few tricks up her sleeve, but I truly have no clue what to expect in the last book. I think she left many things unexplained, or at least things that I didn't fully understand, which I hope will be answered in the last book.

However, I'll have to put the last HP on hold because I need to start reading our next book club novel, Handle with Care by Jodie Picoult. I just realized we are halfway through April (how did that happen?) and I haven't even bought the book. Oops! Hopefully it's a fast read.

Losing Sleep

Before bed I like to cuddle up with a good book. If I lay down and read it, I'll usually gently get tired and casually drift to sleep. If the writer is really good, it might take longer, but it's going to happen eventually. I think I figured out a new way to review my books....does the book keep you awake way past your bedtime? 

Last night I got to a turning point in Harry Potter (book 6 The Half Blood Prince). I could not stop reading, despite the sheer exhaustion I felt from a long day of work, errands and the gym. As it was nearing midnight, I had to reason with myself and force myself to put the book down. (I know midnight is not that late for some of you, but I need LOTS of sleep to function. The randomness of this post will attest to that.) I am in complete suspense about what will happen next. The worst part is I know I wont have time until at least late tomorrow night to pick it up again.  Despite my frustration, its been a long time since a book kept from sleeping, so thank you J.K. Rowling.

And now a random quote from the book that I enjoyed:

"Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth"

Sick Day

As much as I love the changing weather, my allergies don't appreciate it as much. I started feeling it last night and didn't feel much better when I woke up this morning. Time to stay home and rest, I decided. Unfortunately I also woke up with a random killer back pain, which only got worse as the day went on. It kind of made me forget about my allergies though, so I guess that was a plus?

So armed with my heating pad, I've had loads of time to read! I have been cracking up reading about the budding romance between Ron and Hermione in the 6th book (sorry if this was a spoiler, but c'mon, I think we all saw this one coming.)

"Although Harry watched his two friends more closely over the next few days, Ron and Hermione did not seem any different except that they were just a little politer to each other than usual. Harry supposed he would just have to wait to see what happened under the influence of butterbeer in Slughorn's dimly lit room on the night of the party." (How many times has that same phrase been thought or uttered in romantic situations lol!)

After Hermione announces she is dating another guy to spite Ron...."Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge."

Oh young love :)

Let Us Step Into the Night

Happy Friday! Back to the business of books....I finished reading Water for Elephants this week. I'll save a full review of the book until after my book club meeting, but overall I enjoyed it. Unlike Harry Potter (which I am still currently reading) I didn't tear through this book, dying to see what happened. However, I like books that are full of little passages that make you stop and think for a bit. This book was full of them. And despite the serious nature of much of the conflict in the book, you are left with a happy, light-hearted feeling when you are done reading :)

I hate to admit that I was happy to finish reading it so I could get back to my HP. I'm so close to the end (only books 6 and 7 left) that I'm really getting into it! I have a pretty busy weekend ahead though, so I'll have to live with the suspense for a bit longer.  On Saturday I'm attending a co-worker's wedding. Although I'm going alone, my fun coworkers will be there, so it should be a good time. Tonight I'm going to my favorite local Irish pub for happy hour (martinis!), so it should be a great start to the weekend.

And in the words of Dumbledore, "...let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure." 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

"Sometimes it is there, and sometimes it is not"

Yesterday, as I continued my Harry Potter marathon, I read about the wonderful Room of Requirement - a magical room which can only be discovered by someone who is in need. " 'It is a room that a person can only enter,' said Dobby seriously, 'when they really have need of it. Sometimes it is there, and sometimes it is not, but when it appears, it is always equipped for the seeker's needs'...". The room only appears if you walk by the wall thinking hard about what you really need. Harry currently needs it to hold his Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons, but the room changes for anyone depending on their need.

I started thinking about my own room of requirement (ROR)...what would be in it? where would it be? The more I thought, I realized that I don't really NEED anything right now. Sure, there are things that I WANT for sure, but luckily, I am happy to say that if I walked by this room, I don't think it would appear. I think, that if I ever do need it, it would be filled with friends and family to help get me through. So, I guess my ROR is not there, for now. It's comforting to know my room would be full, if ever the time comes.

What would your ROR look like?

Paper Cuts, Moles and Harry Potter

Just a few things that have caught my attention in the past few days:

Paper Cuts- This is "A Blog About Books" put on by the New York Times. Definitely check it out, they post about random things (kind of like this blog!). In light of the approaching holiday, a recent post was about customized erotic novels. According to the press release "Users simply select what type of novel they'd like to customize then are asked a series of questions about themselves and their spouses; such as name, nicknames, body types, hometown, hair color etc. If the user prefers to leave their spouse out of the book and replace him/her with a celebrity, it's completely up to them."

According to the Web site they cost 26.95 in pounds. I'm not sure how much that is in US dollars, but is it worth it? If nothing else I'm sure it would definitely be a good laugh or make a funny bridal gift at the least. However, be careful - due to the highly personal nature of this product they are unable to correct spelling and recommend you review your answers before submitting....the pressure! You also can customize the level of sexual content included in your book by filling out the U-Star Lovin-O-Meter. This sounds more complicated than joining an online dating service!

Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed -Ran across a mention of this children's book in another blog that is completely unrelated to books. The book is by Mo Willems, who is apparently pretty big in the children's book world. This book is about being who you are not, not conforming to societal norms. The title alone (and the goofy picture) make me want to check this one out. Library trip this weekend? I think yes.

HP Update-Harry has completed has just completed his second task with the lake and merpeople. I am obsessed with anything related to water, aquatic life and mermaids. These merpeople weren't exactly like the ones I remember from The Little Mermaid (not the original, the Disney version), but I wish J.K. Rowley had set an entire HP book about merpeople.

So was that random enough?

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I've been thinking about starting a blog for a while, but haven't taken the plunge yet. I love reading blogs, but wasn't sure what I would write about if I started one. Two of my close friends recently started blogging. One is moving to another country and wanted to chronicle her trip (obviously a very interesting topic with much to write about. The other wants to keep hers anonymous, so I haven't read it but she tells me its less of a personal account and more postings of an interest of hers.

The other morning I stumbled across a blog about book publishing and was inspired. I have recently decided I'd like to get into the book publishing field and have contemplated moving to NYC to enter the industry, or at least grad school. I currently have a great job as an editor, but I'd like to eventually end up in books. So, although many of the books blogs I've encountered come from a viewpoint of someone already in the industry, mine will come from a different angle. I plan to keep this blog anonymous, but am sure to drop some personal touches in as well. I'm going to keep this introduction some-what open-ended as I'm not sure exactly how this blog will develop, but I look forward to seeing where it will go.

I hope to do some reviews, or at least up-dates on the books I'm currently reading. Right now it's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

So I'm a little late jumping on this bandwagon. I'm not one to go out and buy the latest best-seller, but my friend hooked me on the Twilight series a few months back, which I become obsessed with and read all four in about 3 months. So afterwards I decided I really should check out the classic that is Harry Potter - and let me tell you, I am hooked! I have seen a few of the movies (including watching the end of the latest movie over Christmas, which I knew would be somewhat of a spoiler for some of the books), but I am addicted. The first three were great, however I definitely I liked the third the best so far. I've also seen the ending of the fourth movie, but as it is 700+ pages long, I'm sure many things were left out. My hope is to finish reading the series, and watch all the movies before the next movie is released this summer. At the rate I'm going, I think I'll make it!

I wonder if Sasha and Malia are fans?