Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

A Book Review

By Madison

Harry's seventh year at Hogwarts is thrilling and is also the last book of the series. The book is full of twists, turns and heart-pumping scenes. Throughout the story, you find yourself hanging onto every word, unable to put down the book. Who will die? Will Lord Voldemort be defeated? What are the Deathly Hallows? What happens after the battle? And of course, the question everyone wants to know the answer to: Is Severus Snape a friend or foe? I don't want to give anything away, but if you have read the other books, you must read this exciting conclusion to the Harry Potter series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , by J.K. Rowling.

Parent Review

By Nancy Brown, Ph.D.

I cannot believe I have finished reading what J.K. Rowling promises was the last of the Harry Potter books. It feels like the beginning of my empty nest phase of life. My kids and I have read every book out loud and then silently to ourselves since the very first one was published when my oldest child was about 6 years old. I loved all 759 pages of this book, and I even loved the ending, which I will not spoil for those of you who have not finished it. Beware! There will be tears. Four of my favorite characters are killed in this book, the bloodiest in the series.

I doubt there is another series of books that so carefully captures the teenage years of human beings. In these seven books, J.K. Rowling has described all of the phases teens move through: sweet openness and excitement, rebellion, self-hate, courage, daring, self-pity, romance and even selflessness. We have watched the main characters learn, love, play, succeed, fail, hate and develop an understanding of society and the circle of life. The three main characters –- Harry, Ron and Hermione -– shine in this book, and their challenges are the greatest they have ever faced. They are also all human, make mistakes and hurt the people they love, and everyone can identify with at least one of these characters.

If you have not read the Harry Potter series, it is not too late. Winter will be upon us soon, and you will have plenty of time to make your way through seven books and seven years of "teenage-hood." Enjoy!