WARNING: Spoilers ahead!!!!
Please please please whatever you do, DO NOT read below this point unless you have read, in full, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Unless, that is, you don’t care about the book or reading it ever. However, if you do read below, and have not read the book, I take no responsibility whatsoever for your loss.
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I sobbed – and I do mean sobbed – for at least 45 minutes yesterday while finishing the book. Though I knew (and understood) from the beginning who was going to end up getting the proverbial 'axe', the way it was presented just made my heart bleed. Even thinking about it again today makes my throat tighten. The whole funeral scene and Harry’s talk with the Minister of Magic made the tears well up again, leaving watery spots on the pages of the book. Later, when I had finally closed the book, I called my friend L, the only other person I know who's finished the book, and started sobbing again while talking about it. I am obviously v. lame.
I admit that I may cry effortlessly whilst reading or watching extremely painful or dramatic scenes, but it must be superior goods. I won’t spring tears for just anyone. Though I tend to watch anime to get rid of some pent up frustration (as it provides a good release and excuse to cry), it’s normally not a deep-down sobbing fit like I had yesterday. I actually had to leave the book 3 times during the last 50 pages to blow my nose and grab more tissues to dab my eyes, lest the tears leave permanent stains on the pages (like the beet-horseradish did that I accidentally spilled on Saturday). I also didn’t cry this much when Sirius died – his character wasn’t around long enough for him to get inside of me, if you know what I mean.
Back to the book: as I said before, I can totally understand why Jo killed off Dumbledore – over the years he’s been a bit of a crutch for Harry. The next, and last, book will force Harry to take on Voldemort himself, with no one’s help (except Ron and Hermione, with the possible addition of a couple others, but c’mon here, Harry is much more powerful than the rest of them put together). The fact that Snape has now been seen in his true form, as well as Malfoy, adds pressure to Harry, as he must realize that these characters now have no one to fear but himself and Voldemort. Harry is now without a true protector, which is something he will have to adjust himself (back) to. I expect the next book to be incredibly long, beginning almost directly where this one left off. I’m sure that Jo must have Harry going back to Hogwarts, with a sneer to the remark Harry made about not returning. This leaves the summer to find at least most of the remaining horcruxes and to find out whom “R.E.B.†is. Whatever happens, it will certainly be exciting.
All in all, I thought it was an awesome fucking book, and now I’m really really really yearning for the next. This has to be my new favorite, with The Goblet of Fire as my second. I would really love to reread it immediately (Half-Blood Prince), but I have 3 other books I’m currently reading which all should be done within the next couple of weeks. Maybe I’ll be able to do it then…
In other interesting news, I went with some friends to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Saturday night. I enjoyed the movie, especially the way they adapted it from the book. It exceeded my expectations, and I would give it an 8.5/10. To tie in with the above yadda yadda about the Harry Potter book, we were also pleased to see the teaser trailer for The Goblet of Fire on the big screen before the Wonka movie. I have seen it more than a few times online, but seeing it larger-than-life made it all the more thrilling.
Must be off to work now and must stop thinking about Harry Potter. Argh.
ARGH! I'm only on page 200!!! *hides her eyes*
Posted by: LeeAnn at July 18, 2005 4:38 PM