Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling-293 pages

I enjoyed reading the screenplay to the film, which was inspired by the short companion book of the same name written by J.K. Rowling for charity a few years ago. It was enthralling to read the screenplay that would become the film, especially since not everything from the original screenplay made the final cut for the film. However, the film does follow the original screenplay very well, for the most part. I watched the film in theaters in November and look forward to watching the rest of the films in the franchise as they are released.

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1) by J.K. Rowling

Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents #1) by J.K. Rowling-68 pages

It was really, really cool to learn more about Professor Minerva McGonagall, as she is my favorite character from Harry Potter. She went through much heartache in her younger years, but persevered through it all and went on to become one of the best teachers and Heads Hogwarts ever knew (not to mention good friends with Albus Dumbledore).  One also learns the 10 steps to (possibly) becoming an animagus and what can happen if done incorrectly or hastily. Learning about Remus Lupin's childhood, relationship with Tonks, and his first being bitten by Fenrir Greyback is interesting, yet sad. Additionally, I enjoyed learning more about Sybill Trelawney and her past and about Seers and Name Seers. An interesting observation from reading these biographies (and the original Harry Potter series) is many of the central characters had mixed parentage (one parent a witch/wizard and the other Muggle).

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling-64 pages

A movie based on this short book by Rowling is being released in theaters this fall, so I wanted to read the book. It is a fun read, if short. I especially enjoyed Harry's and Ron's notes in the margins, although I wish there were even more of them. It is cool to both learn even more about ones mentioned and discussed in the Harry Potter books and to learn about new beasts. Some of the names are interesting and remind me of Dr. Seuss and/or Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I am kind of excited to see the movie, especially since Eddie Redmayne is playing the title character.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (original U.K. edition)-607 pages

I am so relieved to have finally finished the series. It took a month, but I have done it. I was really happy with the ending. Yes, good characters died, but that happens in war. The first half or so of the book is pretty dark and gloomy, but the ending is great and I really like the epilogue. I think the ending is very fitting and I am satisfied with all the answers given about Dumbledore's and Riddle's/Voldemort's past. I also like Harry's decision not to keep the Elder Wand, but to lay it back at rest in Dumbledore's tomb. I could go on and on about things I like about this final chapter in the Harry Potter story, but suffice to say I am very satisfied with the ending (and with having finished the series)! Harry, Hermione, and Ron travel around looking for the remaining horcruxes, which is why I have tagged it travel for this month.