Saying 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.
Stephen King wrote my 8th all time favorite book (hp1-7 being my favorite!)
The Eye of the Dragon. Good read for kids, not scary or anything. The villian in that book reminds me of Snape, maybe distant cousins…..
Most of Stephen King’s stories scare me to death, but I love it that he enjoys Harry Potter, and has been such a positive spokesman for the books. Maybe I’ll just have to have another go at some of his novels, after I’ve read Deathly Hallows at least twice.
He really did express what many of us are feeling with the last book only 14 days away. Squeeeee—only 14 days!!!!!!!! :-D
Oh Stephen King… how I wish I had your gift of words. The eloquence of that article will stick with me forever. Just his way of summing it up… I can’t imagine how I’m going to hold up when I finish the book, if I cried after reading that article.
We’re definitely in for a tough couple of weeks. I mean, there’s euphoria and absolute excitement, but there’s also this horrible sense of having to say goodbye to a very old friend. I was 10 when I read my first Harry Potter book, and I’m almost 19 now. Harry Potter has been with me longer than my best friend. I don’t know how I’m going to hold up knowing that I’m reading the. last. book. ever.
But then I remember that these books will live forever in print, and that I can always go back to Harry when I’m sad or just want to mingle with him again.
Im not use to comment articles or any kind but i believe this articles is real and Stephen King, as many had said, he’d speak for all of us, It was my 10th birthday when my mom gave me her present…i teared the sponge bob wrapped paper and i saw it for first time.. Harry Potter and the Sorcer’s Stone…i was like thanks mom…i had no idea about harry potter world..so i went to school and when i came back i began to read it..just for fun…i just loved.
Now 6 years after…im closing my childhood book as im reading Harry Potter end…is sad, and is gonna be two long weeks before we can have our Harry Potter copy in our hands…i have no idea what i would feel when i hold the last book..because even JK Rowling make an Encyclopedia about Harry Potter is not gonna be the same…Thanks Stephen King to speak our hearths and mind out
Bloody Hell! I´m crying now… He knows how to use the perfect words, this guy. He is one of my favourites too… And the Dark Tower series is wonderful! I have suffered with the end of it too… I don´t know what I am going to do without Harry Potter. I have grew up reading it, it´s not simple say goodbye… but life goes on. Life goes on…
after reading this article (as soon as i took it out of the mailbox), a since of realization came over me. it will all be over in matter of weeks, wow im gonna cry when i finally open the book.
Yes, so many swirling emotions right now and I’m not 18 but 58. Those of you who are 18 do have something very special to look forward to: sharing these books with your children and watching them and you become enchanted all over again.
And to quote another English author: “parting is such sweet sorrow!”
That’s why Potter fans all sing, “Stephen is our King.”