Monday, July 11, 2011

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

As the days tick by, we are quickly approaching the release of the final Harry Potter film.  Yesterday in my Sunday Synopsis, I talked a bit about my feelings.  Today, I talk about one of the books that still rank at the top of my Harry Potter favorites ... Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!  I believe that Azkaban is the book that I have re-read the most times ... and I have re-read these books many times!  For those who have not heard me say this before, Harry Potter is one of my comfort reads.  If I am feeling especially down, I tend to open up one of these books.  Azkaban is a popular one for these times and I truly believe that it is because of the one true happy ending.  No one really dies in this book!  Instead, Harry discovers that he has family ... family that is willing to risk everything to protect him, despite the reputation, the risk, and the danger.  At the end of the story, I feel hopeful.  I don't worry about what Voldemort is going to try next.  I don't worry about who will be the next victim.  I simply remember the unconditional acceptance and love, and the fact that it is still there despite all that Harry has been through.

Before sharing a quick Potter-ish recipe, I want to share my favorite quote from the book.  As I read it, I discover that these few lines impact me even today in real life.  If you have lost someone close to you recently or not, I think it will have a bit of an impact on you too.
"You think the dead we loved ever truly leave us?  You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble?  Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him."  spoken by Dumbledore p. 427-428.
Not the best picture, but you get the idea!

Now for a little extra fun!  I now introduce you to Acid Pops, a quick and easy recipe that is blast to do with your kids!

Ingredients
Charms Blow Pops Lollipops
Pop Rocks

Directions
Roll the Lollipops in the Pop Rocks.  If they are not sticky enough initially, I quickly ran the Lollipops under the faucet and then rolled them.  The Pop Rocks will begin to lose their "pop," so you will want to do these as close to serving time as possible.  I then wrapped them in mini clear plastic gift bags that you can find at most craft or hobby stores.

Enjoy this yummy treat! And, see you back tomorrow for the next installment of Harry Potter countdown fun!
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3 comments:

  1. TracyJuly 12, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite HP book. It was the first HP book I read (someone left a copy behind where I used to work, so it was in the office, as lost property, waiting to see if anyone claimed it) - and I read it to see what the hype was about - my son was only a few years old at the time, but based on POA I decided to buy him the HP books when he was older.

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  2. lisa :)July 12, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    PoA is my favorite book in the series as well! I read it before a lot of the hype started for the series and it's still, in my mind, one of Rowling's best! I feel they could have done a better adaptation for the film, but I've lost count of how many rereads I've done of the book.

    Love the idea of the acid pops too! What a fun way to make candy even more special as a treat!

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  3. Tif SweeneyJuly 12, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Tracy ... This is the book that I REALLY got hooked on the series! I liked the first two, but this one just stands out in so many ways! I told my son that we would start reading them together when he turns 7. He is constantly commenting that he can't wait to turn 7 now! Hope that was a good choice (especially with the age)! I didn't expect him to latch on as much as he has to the idea!

    lisa :) ... I agree about the adaptation, but I do have to say that the setting in the movie was more like I had imagined in then in the first two. I simply don't care anymore though. I love Harry Potter, no matter what format I can get it in! And, I'm glad you liked the Acid Pops!

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