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Smiling Shelves

Harry Potter Reading Marathon

7/22/2014

3 Comments

 
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The Goal: To read all seven Harry Potter books straight through without a break (okay, maybe a break here and there)
For the reasoning behind this crazy goal, check out my original post.
Official Marathon Start Time: 6:35 a.m.
First book completed at: 10:28 a.m.
Time it took to read it: 3 hours and 16 minutes
Number of pages read: 309
Thoughts about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The magic of Harry Potter never changes. I was drawn into the world of Hogwarts just as much as the first time I read the book many years ago. For as many times as I've read these books, there were still details I had forgotten and things that I had missed. The plot is refreshingly simple compared to the other books, but there are still hints of Rowling's complex world-building. Oh, to be an 11-year-old at Hogwarts!
Favorite line: "Welcome!" Dumbledore said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!" (I giggle every time I read that part.)
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Second book completed at: 2:32 p.m.
Time it took to read it: 3 hours and 47 minutes
Total time spent reading: 7 hours and 3 minutes
Total number of pages read: 650
Thoughts about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: This is probably my least favorite of all the Harry Potter books. I'm not a huge fan of snakes, and I'm definitely not a huge fan of huge snakes. That crawl through walls. And can kill you with a look. {shudder} Also, Gilderoy Lockhart drives me mildly crazy. And poor Ginny! Can you imagine growing up with six older brothers? I think the least I would do is pour out all my feelings in a diary, even if it happens to be unfortunately enchanted.
Snacks eaten so far today: Crab cheese rangoon, sharp cheddar cheese, sesame sticks, and blueberries (Time for something a little less healthy - bring on the chocolate!)
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Third book completed at: 8:50 p.m.
Time it took to read it: 4 hours and 21 minutes
Total time spent reading: 11 hours and 24 minutes
Total number of pages read: 1,085
Thoughts about Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: This one has long been my favorite Harry Potter book, and I think that's mostly because of Lupin. Haven't we always wanted a teacher and friend like him at some point in our lives (minus the werewolf bit)? In my opinion, they did an awfully poor job casting him in the movie, so I'm glad I can return to my mental picture of him when I read the books. And Rowling certainly has a gift for plot twists, doesn't she? It's hard to recognize that when we're so familiar with the story now. But just imagine reading this book for the first time. Page after page of twists and turns and new revelations. What fun!
Breaks I've taken today: Showering, running up and down the stairs for a little exercise, Bible study, cooking dinner, eating dinner. . .and soon, sleeping.
It's been a great first day of the Harry Potter Reading Marathon. I'll be continuing on to book four early tomorrow morning!
3 Comments
Jade @ Bits & Bobs link
7/22/2014 09:47:54 pm

It sounds like you're doing wonderfully with your marathon - I look forward to future updates. I think I would be exhausted after so much reading, its interesting how such a non active activity tires me out.

Also, I just love that quote from the first Harry Potter book!
:-)

Reply
Julie @ Smiling Shelves link
7/22/2014 11:37:33 pm

Yesterday was a lot of fun, but you're right - I was tired by the end of the day. My original plan was to stay up late and keep reading, but I thought it would be better to sleep and get an early start the next morning. So here goes!

And honestly, I think that's my favorite quote from the whole series. :)

Reply
Jade @ Bits & Bobs link
7/23/2014 05:52:28 am

You've got to love Dumbledore!
:-)




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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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