On the one hand, it’s fitting that Rowling is ending the juggernaut with book seven. I certainly respect her for making the tough choice to stick to the plan, and not pander to the desires of fans praying for spin-offs. Plus, you’ll notice — or, well, I will — that seven is described in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the most powerfully magical number. (Seems to have worked, so far as book sales are concerned.)

On the other hand, it seems more painful now that it’s finished. The lovely and talented Rowling, now forty-one and richer than the Queen, has set the release date of Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows for July 21, and millions of children age 9-12 — and other, non-recommended readers, including myself — will
read it nonstop until we know how it all ends.