1.Well, I was in elementary school, when the first few books were released, and my Grandmother bought the first through third books for me. My dad wouldn’t let me read them though because he was skeptical, like most other Christians. But, he read the first, still a little skeptical, but he let me read them any ways. Around the time I finished reading the third the fourth book was released. I am lucky for two reasons. One, I was the perfect age because, as Harry grew so did I, I could relate to him (and still can). Second, I am am one of the many people that became a better student and reader by reading these books. Since then, I have read the Tolkien books, Eragon and Eldest, Chronicles of Narnia (which has gotten me into other Lewis books), I am currently into Tom Clancy books, and that genre (currently reading Rainbow Six). Anyways HP started a chain reaction of books that I have read!

2. Hmm, I don’t really remember. I think I cried, but I can’t remember. I think I forced myself to forget.

3. Not sure, my dad and I might go at midnight, but probably not. We will definitely get it next morning. My family will be getting anywhere from two to four. Already pre-ordered two, and one of my younger brothers might pre-order another. That day we will be leaving for the beach, so I will read in the car (these books always seem to be released while I am on vacation). Thankfully I don’t get car sick. Anyways at the beach, all my family will be there, so no one will be doing anything the first few days except reading. There will probably be ten different copies (maybe more) of Deathly Hallows in the house we are staying in!

I had always thought it was a children’s series, so it had not occurred to me to read it. My husband hooked-up with the series a couple months before publication of OotP, and recommended that I read it. I read SS/PS and fell in love with it! I then read remaining books, finishing OotP a few weeks after its publication. I just love JKR’s story-telling ability, humor, and plot twists!

What was your first reaction (physical and/or mental) when you read the scene in which Snape killed Dumbledore?

I was expecting Dumbledore to die since the wise mentor (think Yoda, Merlin, Gandalf) must be removed so the hero can fully emerge. I cried while reading the scene because he is one of my favorite characters.

How/when will you read Deathly Hallows?

I will be buying two books at midnight: one for me, one for my husband. I’m not a night owl, so I’ll go to bed as soon as I get home. The reading marathon will begin Saturday morning!

A colleague borrowed me the first three audio books after GoF came out. I liked the story, then read the first four books. Since it took very long until the release of OotP and then HBP my enthusiasm cooled down a bit. It wasn’t until HBP that I became a real fan of the series.

What was your first reaction (physical and/or mental) when you read the scene in which Snape killed Dumbledore?

I thought I was prepared for that, because I’d read about Dumbledore’s death in a review, no spoiler warning. But still, the scene on the Astronomy Tower totally hit me and caught me by surprise. Started to read the whole series over again in a rush and couldn’t stop thinking about it ever since. That’s what really brought me into fandom and online discussions.

How/when will you read Deathly Hallows?

I’ll buy the book asap and read through it as fast as I can. After that, I’ll probably read it again more slowly and pay more attention to the details. I don’t remember longing for any other book that much. Can hardly wait.

2: I like to read before going to sleep and as I got closer to that climactic night in the cave and then the tower top it got later and later in real life. By the time Dumbledore was slain I was almost numb with fatigue. It seemed that I couldn’t make sense of the situation and I didn’t know if it was because my tired brain couldn’t handle it or if my eyes weren’t operating as required. I didn’t shed tears but I felt Harry’s grief having lost my parents a couple of years before. It was familiar to me.

3: I’ll pick up my pre ordered copy at 9.01 with headphones in as I’ll be seriously annoyed if someone blurts out anything before I read it. I’ll go to my office and put in a good few hours reading. I had better put it down for the next day as it’s my anniversary… bummer.

Matthew

2. As for DD’s death, I was shocked and I cried like a baby. I am very sentimental anyway, but I think I felt so bad for Harry, rather than for the actual death. It would be like watching a beloved father or grandfather die right before your eyes. How terrible.

3. I am trying to convince my husband to watch our 2 boys so I can go to the bookstore at midnight to get the book, but if that doesn’t pan out, I made him promise that as a belated anniversary gift, I would get the ENTIRE DAY to myself. No kids…no disturbances. I will be at the bookstore first thing to pick up my reserved copy, then it’s off to grab some sushi to go and find a quiet spot to sit and read until I am done with the entire book. I WILL finish it in one day. I CAN’T WAIT!!!

You need a strategy to deal with that possibility. And you’re probably not the only one.

2. It was a mixture of shock and sadness. I was almost at the point of tears when I read the parts about the phoenix lament and the funeral. It was beautifully written and JKR really wrote that piece very well. I literally hated Snape but that softened once I read the book a second time.

3. I work at a Barnes & Noble so I’ll be working that night. I don’t really mind since I already been to Midnight parties for OOTP and HBP. They were all exciting experiences. Once all the customers are gone, I’ll have my Deathly Hallows book in my hand, run home, and read all through the night. I can tell you one thing. It will be torture seeing those customers buying the book and reading it three hours before I could so I’ll just pretend that 3 a.m. (that’s when B&N will close that night I believe) will be my Midnight. I know that sounds strange but I have to deal somehow. LOL.

Who needs long lines and the party, anyway? I want to get that book and get back to my couch as quickly as possible.