Harry Potter 7

Spent 4 hours on this book.

After following the series for several years, I was keen to find out how it ends.
Nothing surprising, and nothing too controversial. Mostly minor characters killed off and loose ends in the series tied up pretty nicely.

Some well described and well paced action sequences, especially the Battle at Hogwarts. Found the whole book strangely empty at some parts. I could easily have skipped the middle camping out section and not missed much. Didn't understand how when the three are being chased around by the Deatheaters and they can still be bothered to change into pyjamas before sleeping.

The end was a little bit of a let down given the pace and momentum of the preceding books. But I suppose Rowling would be happy with a job well done given the millions she has earned from a book whose idea came to her on the train. The only idea that ever comes to me on the train is how to smack the guy beside me who has just sneezed into my arm.

In life that is so often the case as well. The start is slow, the middle excites you and the end fizzles out. Ending with a bang seems only likely if you get hit by a bus on the expressway. If not, our endeavours usually fade to nothingness over time. Which seems like a sad truth, but is strangely hopeful and inspiring for me.

From dust you came, and to dust you will return.