Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling have brought much excitement and entertainment to millions around the world. I, myself, had never heard of any of them, until the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" came out. I watched it because all of the controversy surrounding it. I was curious. The movie brought me back to my own childhood. I mean, come on, what child doesn't pretend that they're something they're not.? What child hasn't pretended, at some time, that they had the power to make things different? This was the idea behind J. K. Rowling's first book.

That first movie got me into the books. I bought the whole set that was out, at the time. All the way up to "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban". Even my daughter has enjoyed these movies, because she understands the difference between fantasy and reality. In the first five books and movies, we watch Harry Potter grow from a scared and tormented little boy into a true hero. We learn much about him, his past, his parents, and Albus Dumbledore, himself.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" brings many surprises. Harry finds a book, which helps him in his magical studies. It contains many handwritten notations in the margin from someone calling himself "The Half-Blood Prince". The question throughout the book is "who is this Half-Blood Prince?" We learn more about Dumbledore, Snape, Potter, and others, and we learn the darker side of all. But the answers contained in the book, which will be in the movie, will surprise everyone.

During one of the memories, shown to Harry, Tom Riddle is shown as a child, in the orphanage where he grew up. Albus Dumbledore learns the powers that little boy has. As he says to Harry, in the trailer: "Did I know I 'd just met the most dangerous Dark Wizard of all time? No."

This book shows so many who could be that mysterious person. I have to wonder how closely the movie will follow the book. It was hard for me to put down, when I first bought it, about two years ago. I have been anxiously awaiting this movie, as I know others have been. For those who are Harry Potter fans, I highly recommend you watch it. I know I'll be there.