I have never been a big fan of British imports but in the last few years I have become obsessed with them. I mean everything from Harry Potter to Doctor Who. I bring this up because I finally got my copy of the new, and final, Harry Potter novel. Hopefully I won’t sound like a major nerd by saying this, but I been waiting for this book with much anticipation.
I went to the movies the other night and saw the fifth Harry Potter film with some friends. It got me all worked up to read the final novel. As a result, I scoped out small stores in the area that would be selling the book at the traditional 1am release time on July 21st. If I was at home I would probably have to stand outside for hours to get my copy this early. Luckily things are a little different here in Norway.
The lines weren’t bad at all compared to NYC. I spoke to some people in Manhattan and they told me that there were lines around the block at some bookstores. Pottermania is running wild in the Apple. The Norwegians were much more subdued. There was maybe 50-60 people outside the store in my mother-in-law’s neighborhood. Now granted, she lives in the burbs. The burbs of Oslo no less. So the crowds weren’t expected to be that large. I just lucked out that the book was only being released in English at this time. I would hate to have to bug my wife to translate it for me.
I gotta drive to Sweden early in the morning to pick up the wife and kids from horseback riding camp. That means I can’t stay up too late reading. Considering it was already 1AM in the morning when I bought the book I guess staying up late is relative. Maybe I’ll get my mother-in-law to do most of the driving on the way down so I can start reading the book. Heheheh.