Harry Potter and the End of an Era

Well, the final book in the Harry Potter series has descended upon us, and with it comes the end of an era, not to mention more than a little sadness. I’m not sure another one will ever come around like it again, either, which is cause for even more tears. J.K. Rowling not only created a series of novels that will more than stand the test of time, but she also created a desire in children to read that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. For a little while (really, a decade isn’t all that long), people the world over greeted the arrival of a book with the same, if not more, fanfare that a movie or musical act or video game release would have received. It was cause for celebration. In my book, that is just damn cool.

In an effort to not spoil the book, I’ll keep my comments on “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” brief. Simply put, it was marvelous. Almost every character and location from the previous six novels was given service, most of the plot threads were tied up neatly, and there was a definite sense of closure when the final page was turned. Sure, there were some problems (the prose was padded a little too thickly on occasion, and one of the elements of the book’s resolution felt manufactured to the point of being shoehorned), but those do not undo what is otherwise a magnificent achievement. I cannot wait to go back and read them all over again, and since we’re talking about a hefty seven book series, that’s saying something. Harry Potter’s world is one I look forward to visiting time after time.

And Ms. Rowling, you have my eternal thanks, support, devotion, and admiration. There is nothing I can say that you haven’t heard a thousand times before, but just know that you have made mine and my wife’s lives better through your efforts. Thank you so very very much.