Done.
I'd comment, but what can you say when you've just read the most thrilling/upsetting book of your life, and that's it - there will never be another? Not like that, anyway.
Mike and I initially read in separate rooms, convening in the kitchen after each chapter, discussing theories with a level of seriousness probably last seen associated with the Manhattan Project. Alas, I conked out on the sofa around 4 a.m., succumbing to the well-known Wombus Cramporami spell, and woke up around 9, shortly after Mike had given up for the night. I found a sealed envelope marked "Read After Chapter Fourteen" next to my copy of the book. By the time Mike was awake again, I was so far ahead that I knew his excellent thoughts were, alas, disproven, but just seeing the envelope reminds me why this is my guy.
We read together for most of the day, no more stopping to parlay now. Our only break was to say good-bye to little Feta, who passed away late this morning of old age. (Two years, four months, some days.) It was long expected, especially this past week. (I'm now watching his last sibling, Sparrow, take an unusually long drink. You never know if these bursts of energy are plucky perseverance or the final rally. Kind of like most of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - exhausting in its possibilities.)
Mike still has a couple hundred pages to go. I tried to read slowly and savour every detail, but I know he will find things I completely overlooked. Until then, I feel like every question has been answered, whether I like it or not. (Except one, prods the genealogist in me. Jung unccrarq gb nyy bs Uneel'f tenaqcneragf? ROT 13) I leave Mike to finish sequestered in the bedroom while I very gently pat Dart (Sparrow) and show her my affection with a dab of crunky peanut butter on the pinky. I think Hagrid would approve.
(Feta, this past spring)
I broke my vow not to go online until I read it, but I felt I could trust you not to say anything that would ruin it for me. :) But... I can't sit down with Harry for a WEEK! Too much to do - having house guests and a small birthday party for a small person this weekend and I can't justify staying up all night when my days are going to be busy with cooking (fun!) and cleaning (gah! I'd rather walk a blast-ended skrewt!). Meanwhile, I'll shall be burning with curiosity and impatience... Glad you had a good experience. Can't say 'glad you enjoyed it' because I know I won't 'enjoy' reading it, simply because I know it's THE LAST ONE.
*sigh*
Posted by: Heather in PA | 23 July 2007 at 05:20 AM
I am so sorry about Feta! The wee one had a good long life, though, right?
Posted by: Heather in PA | 25 July 2007 at 09:36 AM