I Love Harry Potter

Anyone who knows me in my life outside of this blog knows that I love Harry Potter. It started when my daughter borrowed the Sorcerer's Stone from the school library. I always try to read the book that my children are reading so that I can discuss it with them. I have two reasons for doing this.

1. I want to ensure they are understanding what they are reading
2. I want them to be able to articulate what they liked or didn't like about the book

I instantly fell in love with Harry and his magic world. When my son was 7 I began to read the books aloud to him. We started with just reading a few pages before bed but he became so enchanted with the story a few pages were just not enough. We made it a nightly routine that after dinner we would go up to his playroom get comfortable and together we would disappear into Hogwart's castle. We completed the 7th book in the summer he turned 8.

I think I love the books even more after seeing various interviews with the author J.K. Rowling. She has an amazing humbleness about her that just begs for your respect and admiration. I hope she writes again and I hope her readers allow her to move from Harry and create something else for us to enjoy.

My family and I were lucky to be able to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando Florida back in December 2010. I will say that even though it was FREEZING which we did not anticipate. One of the days it was only 40 (degrees) and very windy which may not sound cold but when you think of Florida you think SUNNY and WARM, not COLD and WINDY. But I digress.....even though it was freezing we had a fabulous time. The creators of this new park did a magical job capturing the essence of the books/movies. Walking through "Hogsmeade" you feel as if you have been transported into the pages of the books. The castle is a sight to behold and wandering though its rooms is a pleasure for any Potter fan. The ride that is at the end of the castle tour is an amazing example of simulation (if you have a weak stomach like me you may feel queasy afterwards). The ride allows you to fly with Harry across the Quidditch field into the Chamber of Secrets where the Basilisk waits to snap at you and Dementors attempt to drain you of your joy. Both of my kids loved this ride....like I said above I loved it but my sensitive stomach, not so much.

I am not as big a fan of the movies as I am the books, which I can say for nearly every book to movie I have seen so far. With utmost certainty I can say if you are a Potter fan you will love it.

If you have never read any of the books I suggest you do. They are an incredible example of the ability a writer has to invite readers to enter their imagination and become lost in the world they have created.

I have included some pictures from our trip. Have a Wonderful Day and Happy reading!