harry potter book club

It's Friday the 13th, everyone! So what better conversation is there than that of witches and wizards?

I have always loved Harry Potter. I feel incredibly close to that series, and I think I owe a lot of that to timing. I had the great privilege of reading the books at the same age as the characters within. I very impatiently awaited each sequel, poring over the new books like a starving man clinging to bread. It was the perfect age to binge read. I was still home-schooled, so I inhaled these books with a surprising fervor.

There's reading, and then there's reading. The crossover happens sometime around adolescence, when you truly find your zest for stories and begin to cherish those late night hours. Oh, to be 12 again. Your stamina is unbelievable, and your passion is completely unquenchable. It's a beautiful age, and it was at that time that I discovered Harry Potter and the beautiful realm of young adult fiction. These books were revolutionary. They grew up along with me. They prized friendship and bravery and loyalty. And that first fervor that I felt hasn't really died down over the years. I think I am more passionate about this series (with its great strengths and its tragic flaws) than I am about anything else. Except perhaps the HIMYM finale. I know, I know. But it's how I feel, so let's move on.

I have often been made fun of for the crazy eyes that I get when discussing Harry Potter. It's not that I truly value Hogwarts and its peoples more than real life (it's not only that), it's just that my 12-year-old self is still very much alive in my soul. As I said, the fervor hasn't died down. There's something about that series specifically that is inherently special to me. I dunno, it's like, magic or something.

All that being said, I think it's high time to revisit these books. My husband and I recently watched The Half-Blood Prince, and I realized that there are many details that have become fuzzy in my brain. I don't have a lot of love for the movies -- I'm loyal to the books, through and through -- but they've become my quick fix for Harry Potterness. Plus, that soundtrack is nothing to sniff at. It's fantastic.

I have a special kind of secret side-eye glare for people in the world that have seen the Harry Potter movies and never read the books. Those people (maybe those people are you, reader, so get ready for a scolding) don't know Harry Potter. They just don't. It's a farse, a phony. For the love of Hagrid, people, educate yourselves. Stretch your brain. Read a book. Or seven. It's about time. So, now is your chance. I am officially commencing the Harry Potter Book Club. I am pretty confident that there are thousands of Harry Potter Book Clubs out there, which is fantastic.

Join me in reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by April 15th, because that's Emma Watson's birthday and we all thank the Lord for her birth. I will be posting my review and discussion questions here on the blog on that date. It should be a grand ol' time.

Join our Facebook group by clicking here and become privy to thoughts and discussions from other readers. Also use #TheHarryPotterBookClub hashtag on Instagram and Twitter if you choose to post while reading along. It's a weird kind of miracle that this hashtag wasn't already in use!

I highly encourage you to get a real copy of the book, new or used, and mark it up like it's your personal Marauder's Map invention. Fold pages, underline favorite quotes, read it thoroughly and lovingly and actively like it's the first time. If it actually is your first time, well, better late than never.

novel dress

the lies of locke lamora by scott lynch // garden district dress

Have you ever come across a dress or an accessory that distinctly reminds you of something you've read, or of a character that you adore? 

I have recently been reading The Lies of Locke Lamora, a shockingly fantastic book by the daring Scott Lynch. (Warning: it's crude and sometimes violent. Think Venice, but add gallons more blood, crime and wicked genius. And also, you should read it.) It has been swimming around my mind constantly, and when I happened across that vibrant floral dress above, I immediately thought Camorr! Which obviously means nothing to you if you haven't read it, but it's the island city where the book takes place. It's a delightful place to be a thief. (Update: I totally bought this dress!).

Intrigued, I continued browsing on Ruche, making a new game of finding dresses that remind me of books and characters that I love. I thought I would share a collection of my favorites with you. 

If you've read any of the books below, what do you think of my selections? And if you haven't, you're welcome for loading up your wishlist. You can also follow me on Goodreads if you want to be bookish friends. 

Happy Friday!

anne of green gables by l.m. montgomery // lavender fields floral dress

peter pan by j.m. barrie // pixie dreams floral dress

daughter of smoke and bone by laini taylor // canyon horizon dress

harry potter and the sorcerer's stone by j.k. rowling // last kiss dress 

the ocean at the end of the lane by neil gaiman // midnight sky dress

pride and prejudice by jane austen // mossy path dress

i capture the castle by dodie smith // marvelous night dress

the book thief by markus zusak // dots knit dress

the secret garden by frances hodgson burnett // whimsical garden quilted dress

(read novel dress: children's books!)