Memories of HP

Harry Potter and I have not had a lot to do with each other for a long time now.  If the truth be known, I never finished The Deadly Hallows and I'm wayyy behind on the movies.  But I still have  a strong affection for him, and the big opening of the last movie has brought a wave of nostalgia to me.

I vaguely remember reading about Harry in 1997.  I was so intrigued after reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone that I ordered a paperback copy Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone from Amazon.uk, thinking it was a sequel.   It was actually a matter of changing the title for American audiences-- something about a sorcerer being more intriguing.  I enjoyed comparing the two- really a matter of changing a few spellings and Britishisms.  The original illustrator was not Mary GrandPre, as well.

I closely followed the sequels, looking forward to the delivery of each, but my greatest joy and memories of HP were sharing the first two books with my students.

Reading aloud was always a favorite thing for me to do with students.  Favorite enough to base my dissertation on reading aloud.  HP was one of the most memorable read-alouds.  The books are long, have flowing descriptions, and varied characters.  They invite taking on the voices of the characters.  I had a bit of difficulty keeping my characters straight.  Sometimes Hagrid would change accent and voice (I wasn't very good with the accents); I would mix up my characters, but there always seemed to be life in them, no matter what the voice rendition.  J.K. Rowling's writing was a teacher's dream.  What wonderful examples of descriptive writing, showing, not telling.  I fell in love with the book all over again when reading it aloud, and I believe my students were right there with me.

I usually do not reread- not time, but for Harry, I might make an exception.  Or there's always a movie marathon.  By the time I get through them, Hallows #2 may be available!