Now that we are left with only those who have read the book I would like to use this post to give a HUGE shout-out to J.K.Rowling. One of the things I stress to my students is that when we read we don't just become better readers, we can use that as a tool to become better writers. As a result we spend some of our time talking about the authors craft (for you non teacher types-or students who haven't been paying attention-this is the way an author writes, what they do to make a good story).
J.K.Rowling is the perfect example of someone who not just has a fabulous story, but is someone who has clearly spent a lot of time working on her craft. The first sign that Rowling has perfected her craft is that when you originally read the book you don't even notice how it is written because you are so engrossed in the story. It is only when you re-read the books that you pick up on many of the wonderful things she has done.
Herbology class isn't just a way to show more about Hogwarts and what types of things wizards learn, but it's also a chance to introduce plants that come up later in the books. A visit to St. Mungo's isn't just a chance to see Mr. Weasley recovering from his injuries, it's a chance to see whatever happened to Lockhart, and it sets the stage for future surprises. The Pensive isn't just a glimpse at cool gadgets that wizards have it's a way to use flashback without actually flashing back.
What is truly remarkable is that when you re-read the books you don't think, "ugh, she gave everything away here" or, "she only wrote this so she didn't have to explain it later." You think, 'oh how clever." And what's even more clever is this isn't just within the book it's within the series. Little details from book one help you understand something in book five. And that is why the best books are worth re-reading. We often re-watch our favorite movies, so why does it seem strange to re-read our favorite books?
That's enough of my rambling. I challenge all of you to re-read all of your favorite books and maybe think a little bit about the author's craft as you read.
Being clever...that's kids stuff.
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