Harry Potter- No spoilers

I’ve just emerged from my reading cave because Saturday morning my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows arrived. I wouldn’t say I’m a rabid HP fan, but I do enjoy JK Rowling’s books. They’re very readable, the characters are interesting, and I think she does a nice job of world-building. Some of her earlier books could definitely have used more editing to tighten them up, but all in all, not too bad.

I finished book #7 a few hours ago, and I won’t give away any spoilers. However, I will say that there were lots of rumors circulating around the web about the ending. It was enough to make me slightly wary of the book. On the whole, though, I trusted Rowling to uphold her good storytelling and to ensure that evil did not triumph over good. There were definitely some moments in the story that will make you teary, but I liked the themes she pulled together. I came away with a satisfied feeling about the book and the series as a whole. One of the story’s major revelations was very bittersweet, and I was glad she took it in the direction she did. (I’m really talking in riddles, aren’t I?) Basically, though, let’s just say that forgiveness and redemption play a big role–and that’s a powerful and wonderful message to send to kids.

At some point, I want to see the HP movie that’s out now. I don’t tend to re-read the Potter books the way I do romances, so that will make the movie more enjoyable. It’s been several years since I’ve read Order of the Phoenix.

Are you reading Harry Potter now? If so, don’t give away any spoilers, but did you have the same experience I did?