Twelve years ago, while I was on bed rest with my first baby, I took to watching a program on TV everyday. It was a little known television show called Oprah and at the time she had just started the Oprah book club. While she usually featured books for adult readers, she saw something in the Potter Books and featured them on her show. Growing up I had the best child’s library ever. Mom and Dad believed in reading and collected our children’s library before I was born. I wanted to do the same for my children. So when I saw the Harry Potter books and heard how they were inspiring children who had never read for fun to do so, I thought they might make a good addition for my little boy. I also liked the fact I could collect the whole series as he grew up. So I bought the first book and since I had so much time on my hands, I started reading them. I was instantly addicted!
I know there has been a lot of controversy with the books. People have protested them, complained about how they teach our children Satanism, and have tried to have them pulled from our school libraries. I was not surprised at all to hear one protester admit she had never read the books herself.
Tonight, I watched the last Harry Potter with my husband and sons. I have to admit I cried when they prepared Hogwarts for the battle. At times, I was totally lost in the movie. During others, I began to reflect about what this series has meant to me.
I wanted to take a moment to share this with you. First, I need to address those who protest these books because they teach witchcraft or Satanism. I have never been reading one of these books and thought to myself, “Man, I need to go drink the blood of a sacrificial animal or try casting a satanic spell.” Nope. Not even once. These books teach so many good lessons for our kids, including friendship, love, respect, and the battle of good over evil. As a parent, I have NO problems with my children reading this series.
I have enjoyed reading these books. I have counted down the days until the next book was released and once actually went to a Harry Potter release party in order to get a copy right at midnight. I take great pleasure in watching my eight year old who has just started reading the series. We have had many discussions on what he is reading and I love watching him catch the Potter bug. He even asked to be Harry Potter last Halloween.
When Aaron and I got married, I became an Aunt to four terrific kids. These books gave us something to discuss while we learned more about each other. We rarely talk about Harry anymore, we talk boys, dreams, life, ect. But perhaps, Harry played a role introducing us to each other.
Thank you, JK, for sharing Harry with us.
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