… the last one.
I will never forget how we met in the first. A friend (working on a PhD in Children’s Lit in Wales) had suggested we read this new fun book (back then, there was just one). The recommendation was light and carefree, there was no hint of the darkness and depth that would come later. We remembered the suggestion, every once in awhile bringing it up and at least once looking for it at a local bookstore without success. It was at least a year later that Paul surprised me with a hardback of the U.S. version of the first, along with a second, bringing them bedside to me as I recovered from a nasty virus picked up from the shelter where I was working. It was early 1999. Scout had just entered our lives and as Paul read the first few chapters out loud (I was too weak to hold the book) slept, curled up tiny and warm on the pillow beside me. Thus began our love for the little wizard and our hidden desire to turn an under-stair cupboard into a bedroom for the kids.
Since then, we’ve thrilled at the anticipation of each new book. We talked about reading them to our kids before we ever had kids. We have both read and re-read each book, carefully removing and storing the jacket safely while a book is in use.
Although we attended the festivities last night (more on that later) we decided to pre-order the book online. It finally arrived around 4, as we were leaving for a birthday party. We got the kids home and in bed around 8, which is when I started reading. But I’m hesitant to read too much too quickly (and frankly, too tired). It’s finally here and it’s in my hands… and I found myself re-reading the quotations in the front of the book over and over again, for ten minutes, before turning that page to the first chapter. It seemed like a very important moment.
There is, however, a need to finish. And finish quickly. Paul (who is generally respectful of my decree of getting the book first, always) is threatening to tie me down and read the ending out-loud if I don’t turn it over in a timely manner. Always the gentleman, that one.
Julie | 23-Jul-07 at 1:07 pm | Permalink
I can’t wait to talk with you about it. You better be done (or close) before I arrive. xoxo j
Cold Spaghetti | 23-Jul-07 at 6:33 pm | Permalink
I’m Done! Can’t wait to talk about it, either.