HPBC Meeting Has Been Called to Order (sweet potato fries, that is...)

Last night was our first Harry Potter Book Club meeting. Amy, Becky, and I gathered to discuss books 1-3. So what did we talk about whilst eating burgers and fries? Plenty. We talked about our favorite characters so far, Rowling's cleverness, and the fact that I never should have gone to see Half-Blood Prince before reading the books. It was peer pressure I tell you!

What I I love about these books is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to believe in this magical world of wizards. Of course this world exists. No question. I love the twists and the surprise endings. I love learning more about Harry's parents. I love the friendships. Rowling has created such a fascinating story with interesting characters. My friends tell me the character development only gets better. I'm looking forward to it. And to more sweet potato fries as well :)

Prisoner of Azkaban

Finished book 3 the other night with a big smile on my face. I loved it. I love the twist at the end. Already into number 4. I will need to take a short hiatus from Harry next week when Mockingjay comes out. Harry will understand. Katniss rocks.

Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

Goodreads summary:
Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle's mother has disappeared. While tracing her steps on a car trip from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents, Salamanca tells a story to pass the time about a friend named Phoebe Winterbottom whose mother vanished and who received secret messages after her disappearance. One of them read, "Don't judge a man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins." Despite her father's warning that she is "fishing in the air," Salamanca hopes to bring her home. By drawing strength from her Native American ancestry, she is able to face the truth about her mother. Walk Two Moons won the 1995 Newbery Medal.

I read this book last summer and loved it. Sharon Creech is an impressive writer. Her characters were so believable, likeable, and relatable. I especially loved the relationship between Sal's grandparents.

Sharon Creech also wrote Love That Dog about a boy named Jack who believes he can't write poetry, only to discover he actually can. The book is written in poem form. Very clever. It's one of my 8 year old's favorites. She's read it at least three times. Creech also wrote Hate That Cat too. We haven't read that one yet, but it's on our list!

Book Club

* Update: Today I sadly returned the Harry Potter tapes sans tape number 6. The very sweet librarian (we talked about how she used to play the accordian) asked my daughter if she had hidden the tape somewhere. I told her it was all me and that I couldn't blame my children for this one (that might have been less shamefull...grown-ups should not lose cassette tapes).
"I'll just pay the fine." I'm pretty sure my eye twitched as I said this. When she asked me if I would be paying with check or cash, I answered "debit". But apparently, if you've lost a TAPE CASSETTE you need to pay for it the old fashioned way--CASH!
Then she asked, "Are you sure you don't just wanna look again for the tape?"
"No, I need to wash my hands of this. I will go get cash. What time do you close?"
"In fifteen minutes."
"Right. I'll be back."

Luckily, my bank was next door. I made it just in time. It's done, it's over, I'm ready to move on!

In other news, I have officially joined the Harry Potter Book Club. There are only three members thus far. Of course, I am the only member reading the series for the first time. BUT I am already almost done with Prisoner of Azkaban. I'm winning. Just kidding. This isn't a race...(p.s. it kind of is). I'm also very excited that we will have our meetings at Betty Burgers. Talking about Harry over a Basic Betty Burger AND sweet potato fries--that is a win, win situation. No joke.

Panicking

I'm panicking for a few reasons.

Number one. Remember how I listened to Harry Potter on tape in the car during my road trip? Yeah, well I can't find tape number six. It's gone. I've searched my car at least sixteen times. Why? Why is it gone? I've only listened to them in the car. How could it have disappeared??

I renewed the tapes hoping it would turn up like a five dollar bill in my jeans. Oh, how lovely--there you are!

Two weeks later and it is still nowhere to be found.

Today I mustered up the courage to explain the situation to the librarian (I have this fear of mean librarians). The lady was beyond nice and encouraged me to keep looking. I asked her what the worse case scenerio would be. She typed on her computer as fast as an airline ticket counteress and said if I couldn't find it there would be a $15 fee.

Sigh.

Okay, so I won't be banned from this library and publicly humiliated for losing a tape? That's a good deal compared to the alternative I had going on in my mind (I really didn't want to explain to my children why we can't check out books anymore because mommy lost a tape. Followed by the question, "What's a tape, mommy?")

So I will keep looking and pray it turns up because I'm so annoyed with myself.

Reason numero dos. There are way too many books I want to be reading right now. Fellow booklovers--do you ever feel panicky about not being able to read everything you want to read? It's weird. It doesn't feel normal. Please tell me you've experienced this. And maybe tell me you've misplaced things from the library as well and it all worked out in the end :)

Quick Harry Update

Okay. I know I've upset some of you because I have not yet read this series. Rest assured I have seen the error of my ways and I am quickly trying to set things right. I have completed books 1 and 2. I know this doesn't clear me yet, but please know I am working on it.

Wow. I am just amazed at Rowling's cleverness. To create such a believable, magical world is inspiring. And the detail. Sheesh.

I listened to Chamber of Secrets on tape (once I remembered how to use one) and I have to say that Jim Dale is a fantastic reader. Love.

Anyway, off to read...

Harry Who?

So, I've been challenged and re-challenged to read the Harry Potter series.

How is it possible that I have not read it yet?

I have no excuses. Except...I was in the throws of writing English papers and reading ridiculously boring books as an undergraduate when the first book came out. After school I was over reading. It took awhile for me to enjoy it again.

About a year ago a friend of mine asked me if I'd read the series. When I answered no, she looked at me as if I had committed a crime--a crime against the love of books and reading.

She then told me she wouldn't be my friend anymore if I didn't read them.

I laughed until I realized she was kind of serious. I really don't want to lose this friend...she's pretty awesome.

I'm happy to report that I started last night and I am currently on page 165.

There's no turning back now.

P.S. I think it's kind of cool I'm the only one left in the world who hasn't read it ;)