Harry Potter Books: The Emotional Stages of Reading the Series for the First Time
It happens every day all over the world: somewhere, someone is opening up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and preparing to add a bit more magic to their life. Perhaps in this instance, that someone is you. Whether or not you’re delving into the wizarding world for the first time or the 50th, there’s something truly enchanting about spending your days and nights poring over the words of J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter means so many things to so many different people, but everyone experiences a similar emotional journey when they read the series. You’ll smile, you’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll cry; but no matter what, you’ll never forget the time you lovingly spent catching up with Harry, Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the treasured characters that not only drive the story, but become a part of your story, too.
1/41You pick up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and your first thought is “This is book is HUGE.”
2/41A brief moment of intimidation follows.
3/41Can you get through this?
4/41Is it worth it to devote your time to a children’s book series?
(This ain't no children's book series.)
GIF: Courtesy of GIPHY5/41Then you lovingly gaze at the remaining six books on your shelf — you can do this.
6/41And then, you open the page and read “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.”
7/41Your body begins trembling with excitement because MAGIC IS REAL!
8/41You forget about your muggle friends and become obsessed with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
9/41During the day, you constantly imagine what spells you would cast.
10/41Only to gape in awe at the ones Rowling has so masterfully crafted.
11/41You rush to your bedroom as soon as you get home to dive deeper into the series.
12/41You stay up waaaaay too late tearing through the books.
13/41And begin to feel as though you too attended Hogwarts.
14/41You’re emotionally invested in both the Gryffindor gang and your favorite teachers.
15/41But then, out of nowhere, things begin to take a dark turn.
16/41Voldemort is…back?
17/41Evil is everywhere!
18/41WHAT IS HOLY IN THIS WORLD?
19/41You hold your breath as you watch Harry and his friends fight off the darkness book after book
20/41Only to realize that there are some major messages about the muggle world in here, too.
21/41You walk around at school feeling like a new person.
22/41And then have the floor ripped out from under you when DUMBLEDORE DIES.
23/41Lots of crying ensues.
24/41How could this happen?
25/41You consider personally emailing J.K. Rowling to pick a bone with her.
26/41But realize that it was all because Harry had to eventually go it alone.
27/41And now the true fight is on: good vs. evil, Harry vs. Voldy, light vs. dark.
28/41You wonder if he has what it takes to defeat You Know Who.
29/41And ultimately realize Harry can prevail because he has love and friendship on his side.
30/41You have some major revelations like…HOLD UP — SNAPE WAS GOOD THIS WHOLE TIME?!
31/41It shocks you every time you read it…Always.
32/41Reading about Harry dying and speaking to Dumbledore leads you to cry your face off.
33/41Although things seem brighter when he returns to the living and heads for the Battle of Hogwarts.
34/41"You can do it, Harry!” is the constant thought in your mind.
35/41But a few more of your favey faves get killed off and you wonder about the meaning of life.
36/41Luckily, Voldemort fails and GOOD TRIUMPHS.
37/41Professor Dumbledore and Harry’s parents would be so proud.
38/41Their sacrifices were worth it!
39/41And the golden trio at the heart of it all get to live happily ever after.
40/41You weep silent tears of joy into your pillowcase before shelving the books.
41/41Remembering that “All was well” until the next time you pick up the series — which will probably be sooner than expected.
You will never regret choosing kindness. Be nicer to people, including yourself. What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Biz Markie's "Just a Friend." You got what I neeeeeed. What fashion item seems to always be on your shopping list?
Try as I might, I can't resist ... Read More
