Harry Potter

[Celestite]

I have become totally obsessed with Harry Potter books to the point where I have dreams about them (and sometimes nightmares).

My husband took me on a journey the other night to find my power animal and guess what it was an owl and it looked just like Hedwig!!

He is threatening to flush the books down the toilet - so I have to read them in secret.

Am I just a completely sad individual or are others having the same problems as me??

P.S I hope you have Harry Potter in America or you'll all think I have gone completely barmy!!

[Dextra]

Celestite -
We do indeed have Harry Potter in America. As a matter of fact, the last time I went to Barnes & Noble was when the latest one hit the stands, and you'd have thought Elvis had come back, the way people were clamoring over those books. Haven't read any of them myself, but I know people who are more obsessed than you!:D

[Niamh]

I can understand your obsession! They are easy to get totally emersed in. When the fourth book came out, I was writing a huge term paper. While I got my book the day it hit the stores, I wasn't able to read it for a week or so. When my friends started discussing it in front of me I covered my ears and left the room. Childish, right? I wanted to read it for myself!
I say don't worry, so long as you're having FUN and not totally losing yourself in fantasy to the point where you think your broom will take you up, up and away!

[gunner]

Originally posted by Niamh
I can understand your obsession! They are easy to get totally emersed in. When the fourth book came out, I was writing a huge term paper. While I got my book the day it hit the stores, I wasn't able to read it for a week or so. When my friends started discussing it in front of me I covered my ears and left the room. Childish, right? I wanted to read it for myself!
I say don't worry, so long as you're having FUN and not totally losing yourself in fantasy to the point where you think your broom will take you up, up and away!

very important point niamh, i've been a sci-fi reader and fan for many years and while attending sci-fi conventions i've too often seen folks who blur or completely lose the difference between fantasty and reality.

look up a copy of sharyn mc crumb's "bimbos of the death sun", ballantine books, isbn #0-345-41215-X for a good example of a fan "lost in the dream" and the book itself is a hoot if you've ever been to a sci-fi con.

[bluecat]

I can relate to the Sci-Fi Con thing, I used to live in 'Vegas and work in casinos as a lighting techie. I can recall going to the ShowBoat Casino and seeing the "Star Trek Conventions" that were held there. I am not sure if they are still at the Showboat, this was the late 80's. Anyway there were all of these people in Costumes and they had props like phasers, tri-corders and such. I was struck by all of this; it's just not my cup of tea. I had the general "get a life" thought going thru my head. I did not express this to any of them because it would not be proper and outside of my own belief. I am sure some of these folks had elevated this to a sort of religion status in their own lives, I just know that it was not for me.

[gunner]

...but not all do carry it just about to the point of religion. we used to have a pair of sayings "fiawol" and "fijagdh" "fandom is a way of life!" and "fandom is just a gawd damm hobby!", me, i'm with group two.

(the "non religious" trekkies know who they are and won't be "insulted", most trekkies are just enjoying the hobby, having fun with the fantasty which is what fantasties are for)

[bluecat]

I know that there are plenty of folks who see it as a hobby and I am glad that you were not insulted gunner. I suppose the thing hat struck me was seeing some of these folks actually getting into heated arguements over aspects of a certain episode and what it meant or over what they saw as the proper way to interpret something. I suppose that is what struck me as being way too interested and "beyond hobby" status.

Steve

[Niamh]

Some people discus books... some discuss television. It's an odd way to look at it. But I have a sibling who grew up glued to the tv. The rest of the family reads avidly... whatever medium pops your corn!
But like I said before, either way, don't get too carried away with it!