I Have A Shameful Secret

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have a secret. A dark, shameful secret that I have kept locked away for years, deep inside of me. I never thought it would see the light of day for I feared, to do so, would turn me immediately into a social outcast, a literary leper who would be mocked and ridiculed wherever he went. But, today, the world must know the truth and I will take whatever society chooses to throw at me. It is time for you all to know….

I’ve never read a Harry Potter book.

There I’ve said it. Are you still reading? I hope so for I will need all the support and counselling I can get in the coming days and weeks. What’s more I’ve never watched a Harry Potter film from start to finish. And believe me I’ve tried. I so want to fit in with the rest of the reading universe. Yet something holds me back. It leaves me cold. I just don’t get it. I change the channel always about half way through the quidditch game. Is that even the right word? Sighs….

I should love Harry, adore him and Emma Watson and the other one; you know, the annoying ginger bloke. Robbie Coltrane is in it. He was brilliant in Cracker. And Young Adult Fantasy is my favourite genre. Hunger Games? Loved it. Twilight? Read them all before they made the movies and everyone decided they weren’t cool anymore. Divergent? Yes, Yes and three times Yes. I was raised on a diet of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. This should soooooo be my cup of tea. Yet I retch on it like yucky coffee.

We hatezzzzz the coffeeeeee…..

It’s not as if I’m a literary snob either. I’ll give anything a go and am not one to be put off by a bucket of hype. After Game of Thrones exploded into our consciousness I watched the first season, became hooked and then read all the books before Season 2 came out. I stalked the cast all over Belfast city centre, cornering the Starc girls in jewellery stores, accosting Samwell Tarly in a coffee shop for a selfie. I had no shame.

I even gave the First Fifty Shades book a rattle to see what all the fuss was about. I found Christian robotic and Anastasia well….a bit annoying if I’m honest. Fun fact. My office colleague, Claire, used to play tennis with Jamie Dornan when they were teenagers. She said he was a bit quiet. Just thought I’d drop that in there. You’re welcome. So you see, I’m not one to be put off by fads and gimmicks. I’m as gullible as they come, a marketing dream.

As an aspiring author, J.K. Rowling should be my hero. The whole writing the first book in a coffee shop in her spare time, getting rejected by how many publishers before she got signed. It’s the rags to riches that keeps so many of us returning to our keyboards, day after thankless day. I haven’t even given Harry and her a chance. It’s as if I have a mental block when it comes to all things Hogwarts.

This troubles me. Should I seek professional help? Harry hypnotherapy? Are there support groups out there that I can attend? I’m willing to give anything a go. Anything to avoid the social alienation of being ‘that guy who hasn’t read the Harry Potter books.’ A social pariah of my generation, pointed at by people in the street who protectively usher their children away from me as I pass them by. The man who puts the Dumb into Dumbledore.

I write this post from my knees, a broken and desperate shadow of my former self. Please help me. Tell me I’m not on my own. Is there anybody out there who feels my pain? Who share my guilty secret? And if not, what do I have to do to become a PotterHead? Is there a magic potion I can take? Or perhaps one of you can wave your wizards wand and that will do the trick. I’ll try anything.

Are you a Harry Potter addict? Or does he leave you cold?

What are your ‘guilty secrets’ when it comes to your book collection?

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

342 thoughts on “I Have A Shameful Secret”

  2. I haven’t read any of them or seen the movies, either. I rather like the “Marvel Movies” and the “DC Universe” mostly – I object to certain non-Christian ideals and such.

    I’ve read a great deal of science fiction and quasi-scifi fantasy and even the arguable fantasy of Tolkien and Lewis.

    I do read many ‘mystery’ stories. Sherlock Holmes and Nero Wolf are my favorite, followed closely by Dame Agatha Christie and others. I enjoy the British sort of ‘intellectual and emotional’ mystery novels AND the “Hard-boiled” dicks of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett.

    Not everyone likes chocolate. I’ve met those who did not like – not a different preference, but DIDN’T LIKE – chocolate. I even accept them. Maintain a certain suspicion, of course…

    Perhaps our literary tastes are largely colored by taste. I am what I and many others would describe as a ‘strong Christian’. However, there are clearly Christian writers I really don’t read. It’s not that I disagree with what they say, I just don’t appreciate their ‘style’ of writing. So it goes.

    Like

    Reply

  3. This post made me laugh and especially the delightful puns! I have indeed read the Harry Potter books and seen all the films (I think). My guilty secret à propos my book collection is/was a raging obsession with all things Star Wars. I’m not ashamed to admit that I seek parallels for life with Jesus in fantasy fiction and tales of high adventure. 🙂 Thanks for your quirky, fun, and wholesome writing style! I look forward to browsing more of your blog.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I have read all the books… Out of obligation? When I was young, everybody would talk Harry Potter, so I force myself to read them even if I didn’t enjoy it. I am unable to watch the movies again.

    You blog post was great and made me laugh ❤️👏

    Like

    Reply

  6. I am new to this blog thing. So yours is one of the first I have read. You made me smile, I’m not one to laugh out loud, smiling is about as close as it gets. We all have secrets, what a fun place to share them. As for Harry, I watched my children and wife devour the books but just couldn’t bring myself to read them. However, I have watched all of the movies, only having to be nudged a few times. I am a very lucky soul though because I can watch a movie today and will honestly be able to tell you tomorrow that I have never seen that movie. I couldn’t tell you what any of the movies were about if you were to ask. I don’t know what it is but the majority of movies I have seen are forgettable. Or, I just forget to watch them or don’t pay attention because something else caught my eye. I do have adult ADHD so I guess that could be the issue. Anyway, great blog post, I’ll make it a point to browse through your site. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. I’ve never finished a Harry Potter book either! I watched the first film, liked the visuals and otherworldly feel but didn’t find the plot that amazing. Same with the first book. You’re not alone! Each to their own. I respect the author and how she was able to realise her dreams, writing like you said in her spare time etc that’s inspiring but the actual stories didn’t capture me as much as other authors.

    Like

    Reply

  8. I am so right there with you. As a writer proud of JK Rowlings struggles and amazing success, it follows I should read everything she wrote cover to cover. Just can’t fan the interest. This from a person who lives near Harry Potter Adventure at Universal Studios. I could go there, but would have no idea where I was as crowds wandered all around with stars in their eyes.

    Just want you to know it is comforting to know I’m not alone.

    Like

    Reply

  10. Ok so I am a fan of the Harry Potter universe and J. K. Rowling’s writing. As a writer interested in “Hero Cycle” adventures and someone who has always felt comfortable in a well fashioned fantasy world, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore, Snape. Lupin, and the rest populate a world I visit often as a welcome departure from the profane realm of muggledom ; albeit there are some fine characters here, too!

    Like

    Reply

      1. I resisted for a long time from reading the HP books and did not like the first one til several chapters in. Then I was hooked. But, we each appreciate different genres.
        I am no5 a fan of crime novels or biographies.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  14. I read the first one and didn’t love it; never read the rest. Nothing against the series or the author. Glad the world found something to love. I read some HP fanfic so I had to go to the wikis to get some of the plot points so I could understand the fanfic 😀

    Like

    Reply

  16. As others have mentioned, different people have different tastes. My best friend and I can watch a movie together, and she loves it while I hate it (or vice versa). If you’ve given it a reasonable chance and it doesn’t do anything for you, then no need to feel guilty. However, with so many Potterheads out there, it might be best not to admit it. Doing so just will mean sitting through a lot of well-meaning attempts to ‘convert’ you to the wonders of the Wizarding World.

    Intially, there was so much hype about the books that I ignored them. Not until someone I trusted said they were good did I dive in (by then 2-3 of the books were published). And I thoroughly enjoyed them. As with many things, there are flaws. There are things that don’t make sense. There are things that are questionable. One of the things I most liked was that Rowling would toss in some tiny detail or comment with no significance, but then a book or two later it became very important.

    While I do like the books, I don’t much care for the movies. They moved too far away from the story line, in some cases even going against it. After the 4th movie I completely lost interest. Any time I decide to watch one of the early movies, I usually decide to just read the book instead. It has richer, deeper characterizations and I find them far more enjoyable.

    Take a stab at reading them if you like. Or not. If you don’t like the first one, then don’t bother with the rest. But probably best to keep your shameful little secret to yourself. Who needs to listen to a lot of fans haranguing you for not loving what they love, eh?

    Like

    Reply

  17. I have read them. J.K. Rowling is basically Enid Blyton on steroids, or possibly some sort of spell. The books aren’t great literature by any means, but are a fun read and a great way to get kids interested in reading. My daughter is now 13 and began reading the books at age six and has never looked back. In fact, she’s re-re-re-reading them now! I read very little fiction, but indulge in the works of Bernard Cornwell and have for the last 30+ years. There’s my secret

    Like

    Reply

  18. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books but I started with number 4 because it was on sale. It was darker than the first so less children, more young adult? My boys loved the series. Have you read JK Rowling’s new series? It’s under a pseudonym: Robert Galbraith

    Like

    Reply

  19. I have a shameful secret as well: I hate Game of Thrones! I know I should love it -it has the queen of dragons! And I’ve been called the queen of dragons (I sculpt dragon heads and make dragon eye pendants.) But when I watched I saw a child thrown out of a tower window and have never recovered from it!

    It’s kind of like my reaction to Pet Semetary. I love Stephen King! But when I read about a 2 year old playing on a hill leading to busy Route 2. I could see what was coming. I put down the book and never picked it up again. It’s been 33 years!

    So I understand!

    Like

    Reply

  20. I love Harry Potter stories, and I really enjoyed this hyperbolic post. I applaud you for not being a literary snob. I loved Atlas Shrugged but also the first 50 Shades book. It takes all kinds.

    Like

    Reply

  21. Your blog, just what was needed on a rainy morning! Ok I have read all the books, sort of. You see I am the greatest coward on two feet so when it came to the scary pieces I glossed over them.
    When the first film came out we went as a family where I promptly fell as sleep for the duration.

    Like

    Reply

  22. I have never read a Harry Potter book. I haven’t even tried watching any of the movies so don’t know “What’s the fuss all about?”

    Like

    Reply

  23. I only read the first one because a few friends insisted (one even paid me $1 to read it). I had seen the first few movies though (they’re not that exciting imo except for in the third one I enjoyed the Dementers). The first book wasn’t that exciting and I have no interest in reading any more of them. Interestingly though, people tell me to keep reading because by book 4-5 the series gets AMAZING!!!!

    …doesn’t that seem odd that you have to slog through three books to get to the amazing bit?

    Like

    Reply

  27. First book was a slog, but the rest I couldn’t put down!
    But, shhhh…I watched one episode of G of T and that’s it. No books, no more episodes.
    Now, Stranger Things…there’s a keeper!

    Like

    Reply

  29. Hello I am glad to make your acquaintance and thank you for the comment you left on my page. Now, as for you and your bib secret, look at not being able to finish a Harry Potter movie as you would a new book. I’m sure you’ve had this experience. You pick up a new book and feeling so very excited to have it in your library. But then after reading a few pages you totally lose interest. But weeks, months or even years later you pull the same book out of your library of books and start to read it and suddenly it appears as though each and every word is illuminated as you read them. You’ll be able to watch it when it’s your time. And I’d be willing to bet when you do watch it that you’ll have amazing things to write about.

    Like

    Reply

  30. I haven’t read the books, and only watched half of the movies. But there are a lot of books I haven’t read. I tried to read Game of thrones but it was too graphic for me.
    Now, as for Marvel movies, if I miss one all hell breaks loose.
    Priorities.

    Like

    Reply

  31. I absolutely adore the Harry Potter series! I first read it in the 5th grade and reread it about a million times! But it’s completely fine if you have a mental block (is that what it is?) against it. I have a friend who loves reading and devours every book she can get her hands on like me, but doesn’t like Harry Potter (even though she’s never actually read it). So don’t worry you’re not the only one 😊

    Like

    Reply

  32. Secrets are tricky things, no? They can rear their slimy heads at the worst of times if you don’t drag them out into the light of day. Better to struggle with truth than try to be comfortable with lies. And now, at least, you know you have a large support system right there with you. Count me among them. You are not alone – so not alone.

    Like

    Reply

  34. I love the movies but have only read two of the books, although I now have them all. I wonder if her writing style might be one of the issues for the block.
    I identified with the characters of Harry and Hermoine and I enjoyed studying JK Rowling’s characterization and plot.

    Maybe study some of JK’s writing techniques rather than the stories themselves. The Twilight series is on my shelves and I’ve read them all. I was quite disappointed with the characterization and the plot holes. Some characters I loved, like Jasper and Alice, Esme and Carlisle. They were much more interesting to me.

    Anyway, I’m sure you’ve got company with others who aren’t on the Harry Potter team.

    Great post! I enjoyed it very much.

    Tambra Nicole

    Hogwarts House: Gryffindor
    Patronus: Manx Cat
    Ilvermorny House: Pukwudgie

    Like

    Reply

  35. I guess I would have to say JD Robb is my guilty secret… except that I am not guilty about liking her books at all. I love the Eve Dallas character and want to be her best self and my best self to meet some day. Most people wouldn’t expect a pastor to like JD Robb’s writing, but I do. What can I say?

    Also not a guilty secret, but I cannot abide “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” or any of Douglas Adams’s books. I read Hitchhiker’s Guide to please my husband, but it took every ounce of love I have for that man to choke it down. I tried to read the next one in hopes I would like it better but found it was Adams’s style, not just the one book. I couldn’t do it. I cannot understand what people see in it. Oh well. To each her own.

    Like

    Reply

  36. Well, I haven’t read “50 Shades of Grey” haha. I enjoyed the “Harry Potter” series, but I read it when I was in middle school. My shameful book secret is that I am currently too scared to read “Finnegans Wake”. Hopefully in the near future I will gather the courage. Thanks for this blog post!

    Like

    Reply

      1. It’s more of gathering the courage … I suppose because of the reputation of it basically being unreadable. Well, it is readable, but I’m sure you know what I mean. 🙂

        Like

        Reply

          1. Haha! Most people stop after the first chapter … I’m afraid I’m one of those, but not out of disinterest, I just hopped to another book as I normally do. In time I shall finish it.

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply

  37. I tried. I honestly tried. My kids loved those books. I bought them. I picked up each book in turn thinking if everyone loves these books, I should read them. Just can’t do it. My mind begins to wander and I cannot read anymore because I can’t remember where I was or what was happening. I guess it’s not my cup of tea, but I wish it were.

    Like

    Reply

  39. I think my secret is even worse: I’ve read them all and loved the first 5, but didn’t like #6 and HATED #7!! So I’ve just given up on the series and it’s not just that I don’t give a rat’s tail about it, nor that I am not interested, but I think the last book was complete bull****… now I guess I have a target on my back 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. I didn’t really like the fact that in #6 we spend a full book getting 1 Horcrux, which has actually already been found. And then suddenly in #7 there’s a whole new plot with the Deathly Hallows, all the Horcrux plot gets resolved in 5 pages, and they spend half the book camping…. both boring and crammed

        Like

        Reply

          1. hahaha sorry about that! to make it simple, there’s a quest in book 6 that turns out to be completely useless, so you think you will continue it in the 7th book but nope, the author completely changes the story and solves that quest (which seemed extremely difficult in the 6th book) in one action-scene. Not a fan. *sigh*

            Like

            Reply
  40. Pingback: I Finally Donned the Sorting Hat | Chelsea Ann Owens

  42. Schoolboys and wizards?
    ‘When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things’.
    That’s my take on it. 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Like

    Reply

  43. You know, normally I am a supportive, understanding, tolerant, accepting and non-judgmental type of person. But NO.. not now. There are limits. I won’t sugar coat it. Not in this case. All I can say is . WTF is wrong with you!!!???

    Like

    Reply

  44. I’ve never read the either, never watched a movie. As far as I’ve gotten is reading the first chapter to my nephew, and he’s like 21 years old now. So that was a while ago. Never got into it.

    Like

    Reply

  45. Different strokes for different folks. I never read any of the Harry Potter books because I was already an adult when they came out and I don’t have any children of my own, but I liked how children everywhere were actually reading despite all the other diversions out there. I did see the first three or four movies and found them entertaining, but I have enough books on my to read pile as it is.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Please log in using one of these methods to post your comment:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: