On the Children's Shelf: Reading Harry Potter

I'm deep in the Harry Potter series. I have tried to pick up other books, but I can't until I finish this. I need to know what happens. I need to know how this series will end.
 
I remember when the first Harry Potter was published. I remember the subsequent books and the mass following they had. I remember thinking, "I wish I could get into that story," but I never really tried. I expected I wouldn't like it because I didn't normally read fantasy and didn't give it a chance. When Sally and I agreed to read each other's favorite books and I picked up book one of Harry Potter, I hoped I would find it interesting. I never expected to become the fan that I now find myself to be.
 
Last week, I was on vacation with my family. One night, I left my book (I was reading book five) in the car and didn't realize until it was late. I frantically searched on my phone to find the book online and proceeded to read over 100 pages on my little iPhone screen because I couldn't stop reading. While I am normally a creature of habit when it comes to food (even on vacation), our favorite vacation ice cream shop had butterbeer ice cream. Obviously, I needed to try the Harry Potter flavor.
 
When I'm not reading, I find myself thinking about the series. I think I may need to pre-order "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." I search Amazon for every book that ties into Harry Potter. Should I read "Qudditch Through the Ages" or "The Tales of Beedle the Bard" next? Or should I just start the series over again (because I really want to reread it, even though I haven't finished reading it for the first time yet). 
 
I didn't expect to be pulled so strongly into this series. I didn't expect to care about the characters as much as I do. I didn't expect to love it. I didn't expect that this series would make it onto my list of favorites. I really thought I would read book one and get through it, so I could hold up my end of the "I'll read your favorite book, if you read mine." I never expected to add this to my favorites, but I have. I have come to love this series more than I would have ever expected. I'm so grateful Sally pushed me to finally read it (and yes, Sally, I'm giving you six more favorite books to read....as it's only fair ;-) ). 
 
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Submitted by Newtown, CT

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