Harry Potter: Do the stories really add up to all the hype?

I didn't get into Harry Potter when the books were first released.  I was in high school when they really started to become popular, and I was too grown up for children's stories.  Also, being raised in a Christian home, I had heard that the "good Christians" didn't read those kind of books.  So, I stayed away or ignored anything related to Harry Potter.  My younger sister, on the other hand, always quite the rebel read every single book that was released.  There were many differences between the two of us, one was that I was always an avid reader, but she "hated" reading.  That was why it was so peculiar that she actually read the Harry Potter books. She later told me that the Harry Potter books were the only books that she actually enjoyed reading at the time.

Years passed, and about ten years after the last book was published, Harry Potter is still going strong.  I started a family and became a teacher and I still had not read one single Harry Potter book.  My sister continued to persuade me to read the books, but I simply told her that I had no interest.  Perhaps I still thought the books were not for "good Christians" to read.  I am a Christian, and I am set on raising my boys in a Christian home, so what kind of mother would I be to read those kinds of books?

My husband showed my seven-year-old son the first Harry Potter movie one evening when I wasn't home.  I had never really told my husband that I didn't want Harry Potter books or movies in our house, so he assumed it wasn't an issue.  My son was hooked after watching the first movie.  Since I was still not sure about the content of the stories, I told my son that I wanted to read the first book to him before he watched the second movie. I figured if there was anything undesirable in the stories, I would be able to explain things better to my son, and maybe decide to ban Harry Potter from our home once and for all.  So, that's where it began.  I read the entire first book out loud to my son.  I started reading to him at night, then I would take the book with me in the car and read aloud while my husband drove us to different places.  It was around Christmas time, so then it seemed like we always had something planned...not nearly enough time to read Harry Potter.  We had to take a four hour trip to visit family over the Holidays, so we decided to get the audible version so we could all listen to the rest of the story in the car.  When I found out the real reason for Harry Potter's scar and his mother's death, and that the love of his mother had actually protected him from Voldemort at the end of The Sorcerer's Stone, I decided that I had to finish the series.

Books a Million had a Harry Potter themed day. 

I read The Chamber of Secrets to my son from a borrowed library book.  Then, we went on vacation over spring break to Disney World and purchased the third story on audible.  After finishing the third story in the car, my husband purchased the rest of the books on audible and decided that he needed to finish the series on his way to work.  Since we share an audible account, the boys and I also started listening to the rest of the stories either in the car, at home, even during meal times.  Eventually, we finished the series that summer.  I realized that I had missed out on these stories.  What I once thought was hype turned into some of the best stories I had read.

I was able to decide for myself that it was not "unchristian" of me to read and enjoy these stories.  Actually, I concluded that it was quite the opposite.  Every story had a similar theme of the power of love, which is the message of Christianity.  1 Corinthians 13:3 "And now these three remain, faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love." As a Christian,  I believe that the love we have through Jesus is the most powerful of all.  While Harry Potter is a secular story, I couldn't help but find elements of the Christian message in each of the books.  I later read that Rowling was inspired by the Christian message and there are Christian themes in her stories.

I couldn't help but be moved by the power of Lilly Potter's love for her son.  It was her love that protected Harry even though she was no longer with him.  For any of us that have held our own children in our arms, we understand just how strong that kind of love is.  There's no question that we would stand in front of our children to save them from someone like Voldemort even if it meant losing our lives.

My nephew and son rocking some lightning scars

So, to answer the question, does Harry live up to the hype?  Absolutely.  Here's why.  The plot is beyond powerful, but a strong plot doesn't always add up to a story that has stood the test of time.  I believe the reason why so many people love Harry Potter is because of the character development.  Not only with Harry, although being a kid who spent a great deal of his childhood living in a cupboard to being the hero of the wizarding world is nothing short of remarkable, but there are so many other well-developed characters that readers can't help but fall in love with.   Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonnagle, Sirus Black, Remus Lupin, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, and even Severus Snape all played a part in creating a timeless series that will continue to be a much-loved favorite among readers of all ages for years to come.

More reasons to love Harry

My family bonded over Harry Potter...even my then 3 year old enjoyed the stories, although I'm sure he didn't quite comprehend everything.  My 7 year old son was able to learn many life lessons through the stories that of course include the power of love, as well as choosing right over wrong, true friendship, understanding those who are often misunderstood, and the list goes on.  As a teacher, I've bonded with several students over these books...students who probably wouldn't have opened up as much if it wasn't for the love we share over the Harry Potter stories.  Being an introvert, I find it easier to talk to people when I find fellow "Potterheads."  Some of these people I might not have anything else in common with, but the HP story gives us a reason to come together.

We've gotten into Fantastic Beasts as well.  

A very thoughtful birthday gift from one of my students. 

So, bottom line, I'm hooked.  Even after a year since completing the series, I still can't get enough.  I transformed my classroom to a Harry Potter theme, I started a Harry Potter Book Club for my students, and I am planning a family trip to Universal to visit the Wizarding World.  To those who just don't get the hype, I would be willing to bet most of those same people haven't read the books, which is fine.  However, don't be so quick to shake your head in a condescending way at the Potterheads you know.  If and when you ever do read the books, I'm sure you will join us.

Dumbledore's Army minus the death eater.  Several of my students dressed as HP characters for our school's Comic-Con Day