THE END TO HARRY POTTER

Two summers ago, Matt and I decided to take up a new hobby: reading together. While we were on vacation at Lost Lake -- a quiet cottage in the middle of nowhere in Michigan -- I grabbed the newest Dan Brown book from the Lodge's limited but sufficient library. While Matthew napped, he and I headed out to the lawn, sat in the hammock and read aloud. It was awesome! Just sitting there together, using our imaginations and having discussions on our latest theories on what was to happen in the upcoming chapters.



After this one experience, we were hooked. Now, every time we travel anywhere, a book is always in tow! We've read everything from Dan Brown to Stephanie Meyer. Well, when we were heading to Pittsburgh for Jacq and Luke's wedding I hadn't yet picked out a book for the ride. In panic, I grabbed one of my Harry Potter books knowing that Matt - always doubtful of my explanations of how absolutely wonderful and amazing her books were - would probably put up a fuss. Surprisingly, whether desperate for a book to be read or not, he was receptive to it. So, I began to read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

Though I read the book already, it was so long ago that it was great to re-read. Well, you can only imagine ... at every pit stop, every night before bed, every morning when we'd wake up, Matt would ask about the book. We'd have many discussions; yes, even those where Matt would talk about becoming a wizard :) And so, with every chapter read we retreated into our imaginary and creative worlds. Once I finished the book, Matt immediately asked to begin the seventh: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Not surprisingly, Matt and I immediately immersed ourselves into the book and read it every opportunity we had. We even found ourselves reading it on the couch after the boys went to bed! This was a first for us as we usually sit, commatose, in front of the bleeping TV watching another horrific, stupid show. We read through the book almost too quickly because as I read the final sentences last night, we found ourselves disappointed at its end. Not that the ending was terrible. No! Just the opposite! If you have not read any of the series or just the last few books, I strongly encourage you to!! They are absolutely fantastic!

This has become one of our favorite pasttimes! It not only brings variety into a life so structured and predictable, but it assists in special bonding. Matt and I had more time simply putting up our feet and discussing something other than the usual: work, kids, finances. I must say that this has really given us an outlet we can share together, so I would certainly recommend this to ANY couple!

We haven't decided on our next book, but I think we'll find something a bit different this time - perhaps light-hearted! I have a bunch of Dave Sedaris, so I may suggest it to Matt to see what he thinks. I know Logan LOVES him, so there's one recommendation already!