NPR: No More Harry Potter Books Is a Daunting Thought

No More Harry Potter Books Is a Daunting Thought

Stacks of the seventh and last installment of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, at a bookstore in Washington.

Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images

I just finished it. The seventh book.

Yes, yes, I know I was reading at work. But it was just the last five pages. And a journalist has to research the important stories of the day, right? Since I picked up a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on Saturday around 4 p.m., I've been reading the more-than-700-page book non-stop.

And here is what you've all wanted to know: It is FABULOUS. By far the best of the series. I could not put it down. I read until 3 a.m. Sunday. I read at the swimming pool. I read during meals. I read at the dentist's office this morning while waiting for my cleaning. I read it on the subway to work. And I just finished reading it at my desk.

I'm not going to discuss the ending. I can confirm that some really important characters die; some of them totally unexpected. And you do learn things about deceased headmaster Albus Dumbledore and the villains Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy that will surprise you.

Here's JJ Sutherland's take on the book from Morning Edition. (I lent him several of the earlier movies so he could have a Harry Potter film festival before reviewing Deathly Hallows.)

So now I've read all the books and seen all the films made so far. And the best things about these books are what they teach children -- and, it must be said, adults -- about what's important in life: family, loyalty, friendship and love. (This is why I think it's a mistake to ban Potter books for their "magic.") But most of all, it may be about the choices that we make, and how they determine who we really are, despite what we say or think.

I'm sorry there won't be an eighth Harry Potter. But then again, seven seems a very good number for J.K. Rowling.

2:23 PM ET | 07-23-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I haven't finished yet. But, based upon what I read, the best so far.

Sent by MB | 2:42 PM ET | 07-23-2007

Finally got mine yesterday. Stayed up late reading. Hated to come to work today.

Sent by PAS | 3:27 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I could not put it down as well. I started it right after I purchased the book at 12:01 on the 21st. I would tell myself only one chapter, and realize two hours later I was closer and closer to knowing the end. It was brilliant. I am very sad this was the last book, but you know, it could not have been any better!

Sent by Bree DeGraw | 3:30 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I am only on the Tenth Chapter Kreacher's Tales, because I have to other sisters who are eading it as well.

Sent by Moon | 3:37 PM ET | 07-23-2007

My son and I took turns and both managed to finish the book this weekend. Excellent! I really wanted to be sure to read it before someone ruined the ending for me by saying too much and I'm glad I did.

Sent by Laurie | 4:27 PM ET | 07-23-2007

I found some funny video footage of Harry Potter fans in-line to buy the latest installment.

HARRY FANS WAITING TO SCORE THEIR POTTER
http://www.maximonline.com/video/index.aspx?filekey=3054&src=tst25

Sent by Rido | 4:27 PM ET | 07-23-2007

Harry Potter cavorts with demons: a bad example to us all!

Sent by steve myers | 5:13 PM ET | 07-23-2007

The "cavorting with demons" argument tells me that the person who wrote it probably hasn't actually read the books. Which, I've found through my many years as a journalist, tends to be a hallmark of people who condemn books of all persuasions, be they right or left or books about boy wizards.

As far as I'm concerned Harry Potter is a great role model for children, mine included.

Sent by Tom Regan | 9:38 PM ET | 07-23-2007

Appreciate your ending comments re: life lessons taught ... Consider the power of Harry Potter: see coverage of the Deathly hallows release party in the small (2,500 pop.) rural, Upstate New York town at www.radiofreehamilton.com The Colgate Bookstore sold out of its 300 copies in 12 hours! Harry, you will be missed.

Sent by David Hollis | 8:46 AM ET | 07-24-2007

No spoilers here, just disagreement that this is the best book of the series. Characterization is uneven, too many new elements were added, and the epilogue is pedestrian. To my mind, "Half-Blood Prince" is the best of the series, and anyone expecting that level of excellence will be disappointed.

Sent by Denise Sudell | 11:13 AM ET | 07-24-2007

I've always been rather confused at people who condemn the Harry Potter books for "cavorting with demons," or other such nonsense. Quite frequently, it is these same people who praise the Narnia series and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Especially in this 7th and final book, it becomes extremely clear that the values and the message of Harry Potter is much the same as its fantasy forebears. Love, friendship, loyalty, and bravery have a power of their own, and that power can defeat the darkest and meanest of things.

Sent by Emily | 2:36 PM ET | 07-25-2007

Harry Potter is great. As Tom said, it teaches values that are considered important in todays life. In addition, religion and politics should NEVER be mixed. The books don't "cavort with demons", and if kids believe that the wizarding world is true, they are no stupider than adults believing that their preferred religion is true. I'm sorry if I offend anyone with that previous statement, but the fact of the matter is that you offend me by saying literacy such as these should be banned. Try looking outside the box you live in and realise that it's books like these that keep children (and adults alike) reading -- a hobby that too few of us actually confide in these days.

Sent by Mick. | 7:13 AM ET | 09-15-2007

The thought of no more Harry Potter books still dwell inside my head. I just finished the book too and I am deeply sad, wishing for another installment. Then again, I thought, there will be no point because of the epilogue of the seventh book. Oh well.......

Sent by Sulaiman Alam | 9:42 PM ET | 01-31-2008

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