In The News
Author Stephen King Says 'Goodbye' to Harry Potter
Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsSaying goodbye to the Harry Potter novels is difficult for everyone, author Stephen King, one of the most widely read, popular and prolific writers of our time, is no exception. In a column he wrote for Entertainment Weekly detailing his thoughts on the looming end of the Harry Potter novels, Mr. King eloquently relates the feelings of many Potter fans around the world with the final book by J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, only two weeks away.
He writes:
When it comes to Harry, part of me — a fairly large part, actually — can hardly bear to say goodbye. I’d guess that J.K. Rowling feels the same, although I’d also guess those feelings are mingled with the relief of knowing that the work is finally done, for better or worse.And I’m a grown-up, for God’s sake — a damn Muggle! Think how it must be for all the kids who were 8 when Harry debuted in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, with its cartoon jacket and modest (500 copies) first edition. Those kids are now 18, and when they close the final book, they will be in some measure closing the book on their own childhoods — magic summers spent in the porch swing, or reading under the covers at camp with flashlights in hand, or listening to Jim Dale’s recordings on long drives to see Grandma in Cincinnati or Uncle Bob in Wichita. My advice to families containing Harry Potter readers: Stock up on the Kleenex. You’re gonna need it. It’s all made worse by one unavoidable fact: It’s not just Harry. It’s time to say goodbye to the whole cast, from Moaning Myrtle to Scabbers the rat (a.k.a. Wormtail). Which leads to an interesting question — will the final volume satisfy Harry’s longtime (and very devoted) readers?
Mr. King answers that question, going on to talk about the possible endings of the book, he predicts Deathly Hallows won’t end in a 10-second blackout, and ultimately wraps up this splendid column by saying:
But there’s comfort. There are always more good stories, and now and then there are great stories. They come along if you wait for them. And here’s something I believe in my heart: No story can be great without closure. There must be closure, because it’s the human condition. And since that’s how it is, I’ll be in line with my money in my hand on July 21.And, I must admit, sorrow in my heart.
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He just put everything I’ve been feeling for the past few months into words. I swear, this made me want to crawl under my covers and just start blubbering. In fact, I may do that right now. He’s right about everything; the ending, the childhood aspect, and the abundance of Kleenex.
Wow … Stephen King is one of my all time favourite authors – I’ve enjoyed reading every book he’s written, from the age of 11 – and he just captures the feelings we’re all going through, doesn’t he? It’s getting so close now and I think we’re all swimming through this sweeping gamut of emotions, from giddy exuberance to heartfelt sorrow. It’s been an awe-inspiring ride and as we all approach the final leg of the journey, I think it’s only right that we reflect, as Mr. Stephen King has done, and marvel at the phenomenom that is (and will forever be) Harry Potter and the sheer magic that is the world he inhabits. Thanks, Jo, I’ve loved every step of the journey and I know that you will guide us all through the final leg with the flair, pinache and sheer brilliance to which we have all been honoured to become accustomed to.
He just put everything I’ve been feeling for the past few months into words. I swear, this made me want to crawl under my covers and just start blubbering. In fact, I may do that right now. He’s right about everything; the ending, the childhood aspect, and the abundance of Kleenex.
Well and right said. OMG i am gonna miss Harry Potter so much .. this is right … no more ron, Hermione, Harry, Snape .. No more waiting and longing for the next book, no more another facinating Harry Potter book … i’ll miss it.
Excuse me? Mr. King, I believe you’re mistaken should you think (or joke) yourself deserving of getting ‘Deathly Hallows’ before any of us.
J.K. Rowling has already stated she doesn’t think she’ll ever write something as great as Harry. I will doubtlessly read anything that comes out of her brain and heart nevertheless. Every great writer (or artist) has his own distinguished piece of work that goes above all the others, and that will make Harry even more precious.
Concerning the ending for ‘Hallows’: I trust J.K. Rowling. And even if she chooses the ‘wrong’ ending I will respect that, remembering it’s her creation and understanding that she’s the person who cares for Harry the most.
One thing remains ambiguous to me: Why the movies are so horrible? They are like cheap porn. The books’ series is a masterpiece. Don’t give up the writing, Ms. Rowling… ever.
No ending can be right, because it shouldn’t be over at all.
He hit it on the head with that line! This even had me in tears :(. These next two weeks are going to be horrible! There is the movie ofcourse on wednesday, but still, It’s almost over!!!!!!! :(
I’m crying after reading this….I truly don’t know what I’ll do after I know the answers to the big questions, I’ll never ben able to read the stories the same way again. It’s so true what he said, I was one of those kids who was 7 when they got their first Harry Potter book. =[
It IS more than just Harry…it’s a whole world, and people I’ve come to feel very close to. I think I’m going to miss Mr. and Mrs. Weasley just as much as the trio and Hagrid. Stephen King was right on, only I won’t have kleenex, I’ve got a roll of paper towels set aside for this book. -B
He said it so well, what a wonderful man! I almost cried reading his article.
WOW, he just opened up my heart and put all my emoitions into words. I cried when I read it. He got it completely right, When I close this book, Its gona be like closing the book to my childhood. All those times I stayed up till dawn reading these books, going to release parties, anticipating the next book, driving my parents crazy with my Harry Potter drabble (of course I will do that long after the final book is released)... even though it hurts that its ending, I will treasure the memories forever. I can personaly thank JKR, she and her amazing story opened my eyes and heart to the fun and excitment of reading. The day this book is released will be a day of many mixed emotions, for me and milions of other readers. we will cry,laugh,be scared, be angry, and be relieved. I cant wait for this book but at the same time, I wish these last 2 weeks would last as long as it could. Thanks JKR, We love you!!
mt King has deffinatly summed that up nicely. It almost made me cry, which is not good as this means I will no doubt be in tears through most of book 7.
God love Stephen King…he gives a great voice to all of us fans!
This is why (aside from Jo) Stephen King is my favourite author.
I knew before I even clicked the link that I was about to read something moving, with lines I’d want to quote to people for weeks after.
Well put as ever.
You all should read The Dark Tower Series; it’s one of only four book series that have had an impact on me comparable to Harry Potter.
I’m crying. I’m sitting at my desk at work….crying. I don’t want to say goodbye and I refuse to do so! I will still be on TLC soaking in the news and I will still be on the forums. Well said Mr. King and Long Live HP!
It just hit me. This is THE end of the series. only two weeks and there will be no more of the books to be read. there will be no more impaitent-ness for the next one. I can’t imagine how Jo must feel about finishing this book. I don’t want it to end but i know it has to.
I’ll probably drowned in my tears while reading this. I cried just reading this article. some people think its an obsession, when really, harry potter is what got me into literature and reading. where would i be without it? If i had never once picked up a harry potter book , i wouldn’t be the same person. This is like a hobby. It takes me away from reality and brings me into this world where im cheerful and careless about what is happening out there.
but it has to end. it will end the way it was always meant to end. and though it may be sad and unpleasant, it is what it is.
stephen king is such an inspiration to me, just as is j.k. rowling. it is so great to hear that he is, like so many other, sad to say goodbye to the series. teartear*
I love you Stephen King!
That Final line of his, perfectly said.
Leaky Poll
Moving the HBP film to July 2009 is:
- Completely unforgivable35 (45%)
- Annoying, but I'll get over it28 (36%)
- Not something I care about.4 (5%)
- Cool; who wants to go to the movies in the winter anyway?1 (1%)
- Awesome! I get to save $10 until next year.3 (3%)
- Awesome! I get to save $10 because now I'm skipping this movie!4 (5%)
- I've made a Facebook group, started a protest, called my local councilman, staged a sit-in, started a boycott, and organized a million-fan march because we won't stand for the - wait, what was this about again?2 (2%)
Well said!