Dig Deeper Texas

Austin American-Statesman: Is this the end of Harry Potter?

Not since America spent a summer waiting to find out who shot J.R. have fans of popular culture longed so desperately to learn the fate of a fictional character. Will Harry Potter live or die? As I write these words, it’s the question of the hour, not just among young readers, but among the bookies in Las Vegas.

The eight local authors below had no foreknowledge when we asked them to compose their own versions of the final paragraphs of Harry Potter’s swan song. As writers of children’s books, young adult books and novels that dabble in the fantastical, each brought his or her considerable imagination to the task. Some, in convincing imitation of J.K.

Rowling’s prose style, earnestly tried to predict what would happen at the end of the book. Others, wands stuck squarely up their noses, came up with more outlandish scenarios.

And yes, the Sunday New York Times did do something like this a couple of weeks ago. What can I say? Sometimes, lightning strikes twice.

Of course, most of us have already finished the book and even if you haven’t there are no spoilers here. Go read their versions of the ending, they are interesting to say the least.

Filed under: weird news