True Confessions...

Ok, before I start...put your rotten tomatoes and eggs down, step away from the stones, and if you can't handle the truth, plug your ears and cover your eyes.

I am a Harry Potter fan.

There, I've said it.

I'm one of the millions eagerly awaiting the last volume in the saga that began 10 years ago.

I remember seeing book one on the shelf at Walmart and wondering what it was. But didn't care enough to pick it up and browse.

Then volume two came out; again I saw it at Walmart. This time my husband told me had heard a buzz about the series, but he couldn't quite recall what it was all about.

By the time book three hit shelves, the Christian community was in an uproar. I joined in, listening to what was said and chiming in with "That's right! Uh-huh! Don't want to lose our kids to witchcraft, no we don't!"

But then Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was released...and I longed for that book. Why? I didn't know a thing about the series...but it was so thick...with so many pages...and I adore a nice, big, juicy read...However, I avoided temptation and bought several books and stacked them all together to give the illusion of a nice, thick book.

My mom and I were shopping in the mall in Chico, California right around the time Order of the Phoenix was released. I remember drooling gazing with longing at that one...it was bigger, thicker, and blue...my favorite color. My mom looked at me and said, "Deena, I've never known you to take someone else's word for anything. You've never even tried one of those books. See what all the fuss is about and then make up your own mind."

She bought me a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and it sat on my shelf for several weeks. I just felt too guilty reading it, after all the negative talk that I had spouted about the series.

Finally, after my son asked me to see what it was like so he might read the series, I surrendered, opened the cover, and read the first page...

I haven't been the same since.

Now, if you and your family have chosen to not read this series, I applaud you. We need parents to take responsibility for their children and the choices out there, and to stick to their guns. Don't let anyone condemn you for your decision, and there are oodles of other excellent books out there for kids to read and enjoy.

Likewise, please don't judge me either. After he read the first book, my son chose to read something else...the stories were too long and involved for him to hang in there...he's the opposite of me--doesn't like long reads, but likes them quick and fast-paced.

I've done my homework. I've read all the articles and the books both for and against. And believe me, there are still books out there that I don't believe are healthy for our kids to read, and some are even dangerous. If you want to know which ones I refer to, email me and I'll be happy to share my insight with you.

Having said all of that, I'm going to be re-reading the entire series in anticipation of the release of Book 7, just days after my birthday (happy birthday to me!!). So if my reviews slow down a tad bit, you'll know why.

Those who would like to discuss this with me may feel free to email me. I will not argue the point with you, nor debate the subject here. But I felt the need to "come clean" and I sincerely hope I will not lose readership over this.

On another note, I just got 4 new books today, and can't wait to dive in to each one...so be watching for reviews on Joyce Meyer's first fictional release, a new author my hubby discovered for me, and another one for teen girls that looks amazing!!

Happy Reading!

Deena