Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Okay, so I am a serious Harry Potter junkie, and I nearly exploded when I saw that the new cover has come out for Book Six, entitled “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” or HBP, as most fan sites call it. Although I really enjoy Mary GrandPre’s work (she is the illustrator for the American version of the series), I think the British version is even more intense. The UK adult version is just plain cool — I love old books, and each cover gives a little bit away. For one, Harry and Dumbledore are clearly going to be in a battle (UK children’s cover); two, Harry will continue Occlumency lessons, and will learn more secrets about the Pensieve that he has previously used to see both Dumbledore and Snape’s memories (American version); and three, if Harry takes advanced Potions (UK adult version)…it means he got an Outstanding on his O.W.L. (Ordinary Wizarding Level) tests for his Potions class, and we get to further enjoy the tension between Harry and Sn…I mean Professor Snape, marvelously played by Alan Rickman in the series. I can hardly wait! And if you think I’m crazy, a co-worker of mine will take Saturday, July 16th off so she can enjoy the midnight parties of the night before, and so she can spend the day reading Book Six. If only the story wouldn’t end at Book Seven! Regardless, anyone wishing to buy me the UK boxed set (in hardback, if you can find it) or the adult boxed set (also the UK version), I would be your good friend for life. In fact, buy me Harry Potter anything — I can’t help it! I love the series! (Yes, I must control my own gag reflex, I’m so pitiful!)