Quarantine Series: What to Read (review of Harry Potter Series)

We love guest writer submissions, and what better time to submit work to us than now? Students are encouraged to send in information on what they’re reading, watching, studying, and new hobby you’ve acquired. Contributing writer, freshman, Olivia Thomas, writes her recommendation on the Harry Potter series. To submit something we can include, please send your work to contact@cherokeehighnews.com

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During these troubled times in our world, it can be hard to find joy. COVID-19 has definitely hit us hard. Social distancing is very important right now, and what better way to practice than to stay at home and curl up with a book. In a book, you can escape reality. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is the perfect escape. The Harry Potter series is composed of: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books are the best books that I have ever read! Rowling’s work is truly amazing. The books are about a boy named Harry Potter who lives in a cupboard under the stairs in the Dursleys’ house. The Dursleys are the only family Harry’s got, his dreadful aunt and uncle with their obnoxious son, Dudley.

They treat Harry like he is the gum on the bottom of their shoe. Everything in Harry’s life changes when gets a letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding and learns that he is a wizard. Not only does he learn that he is a wizard, but that he is famous for something that he
doesn’t even remember. As he begins to learn magic, he starts to learn about his mysterious past, makes friends, and goes on adventures that will lead to his destiny.

The Harry Potter series is extraordinary! In the film industry, they use the term “plant and pay offs” to express when the story line shows something in the beginning, that is used later on in the story. In the series, there are many “plant and pay offs” that make the story so rich and colorful. There are details from the first book that go into effect in the seventh book.

An example is the deluminator that Dumbledore leaves in his will to Ron Weasley in the seventh book. We see Dumbledore use it in the first book when he puts baby Harry Potter on the Dursleys’ front doorstep. It is a small detail that is crucial in the story.  

The characters also make the story so vibrant and alive. The characters are like a blooming flower. Over the years, or books their petals are slowly revealing the characters from the inside. This is a truly special journey to be apart of. The courage and vulnerability of Hermione Granger. 

The secrets that lie in the eyes of Severus Snape. The wickedness of Lord Voldemort. The passion in Neville Longbottom’s heart. The relationships that the characters form with each other over the years is astonishing. The hatred you can sense between Harry and Draco Malfoy. The friendship that grows to love between Ron and Hermione. The family love that is between Sirius Black and Harry.  

This magical world that J.K. Rowling has created, is one of a kind! Her books have brought so much joy into my life during these troubling times. I find myself daydreaming of when I can to go Hogwarts. They are my perfect escape! These books have made me laugh, cry, and get me on the edge of my seat, dying to know what happens next. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank J.K. Rowing for creating Harry Potter.