Never in a million years did I think that I would like the series, let alone enjoy it enough to sign up for a site like Pottermore. The language J.K. Rowling uses was part of what hooked me in. I think when I came across the word “tenterhooks,” I realized that this was YA that actually expanded minds rather than pacified them. I can stand behind that. Currently, I have ABC Family’s marathon on in the background as I write this. I’m also excited for Pottermore to move beyond the beta phase. I enjoyed reading the back stories for other characters and getting more information on the houses. I thought myself a Ravenclaw until I was initially sorted into Hufflepuff. On a second account, I was given the choice of Ravenclaw or Slytherin. That means I’m basically anything but Gryffindor, but I probably could have told you that without a Sorting Hat.

Seriously, if 16-year-old—or even 20-year-old—me knew I was writing this… In hindsight, I can’t believe how adamant I was about disliking this series! Oh well, I’ve since learned, and the series of books sits on my shelf. Now I just have to get the movies…

What’s lucky for me is that I never tainted my opinions of the series; in addition to avoiding the books, I’ve never seen any of the movies. I have kept myself fairly isolated from all things Potter, which means that I can still make my own mental images of the characters and I have no idea how the plot will twist and turn. I find myself making predictions, but I do not voice these to my friends because most of them are familiar with the books. I’m having a lot of fun being immersed in this world, and even though I thought the books would be childish and silly, I find myself admiring the prose and the language employed to convey stories that are not boring in the least. In fact, in Chamber of Secrets, Rowling used the word “tenterhooks,” which made me really, really happy. Perhaps I’ve been living in this county for too long if proper usage of words makes me giddy.

I think that after I finish the third book, I may take a brief break. Perhaps I will read something else, or dedicate myself solidly to working ahead on my classwork. Regardless, I think that three books in a little over a week will be a sufficient start to meeting this 2010 goal. Dan also pointed out that if I read all seven books in less than a month, I may start thinking that I am Harry Potter.

He’s totally wrong, though. I’d be Hermione. Duh.