Anti-family?
Incredible.First it's parents in South Carolina worrying about the "dark side" of the Harry Potter books. Now it's a "family friendly" group in Cincinnati fretting over a perceived bias against family. Even those who support the series seem more excited about its ability to get kids to read than its content.
My sympathies to J.K. Rowling, who has used her delightful imagination and remarkable storytelling skills to put together some wonderful tales.
My apologies for the shallowness of hypercritical Americans. No matter who you are or what you do, Rowling, someone in America will find reason to criticize you. Don't take it personally. And please don't let it affect your future stories
I have read the series, as have my sons.
Each chapter is full of surprises. When you add a magic wand and a flying broomstick to the mix of friendships and rivalries and school troubles and family concerns, you're in for some real adventure.
But what I liked most about the books were the hidden messages:
The greatest protection is the love of a mother.
Evil can't stand up to love.
It is your choices more than your abilities that show who you are.
Loyalty to friends and mentors makes you strong.
Listen before judging.
A punishment worse than death is losing your soul.
It takes the greatest courage to overcome personal fears.
Yes, there are villains. Just as there are Darth Vader, Wylie Coyote, the Wicked Witch and Brutus.
But bad is bad, and good is good, and there's no mistaking where Harry Potter comes down.
Harry is fiercely loyal to his parents. He would do anything to help his friends.
I think those folks in Cincinnati missed something.
Louise R. Shaw
Salt Lake City