My Harry Potter Escape

I've just finished listening to the Harry Potter books on audiobook, narrated by Jim Dale. Typically, I lean more toward listening to podcasts or non-fiction books on my commute, walking my dog, exercising, etc. However, I was finding that during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I struggled to listen to most podcasts as everything felt too serious and draining to me. Harry Potter felt like an escape from the constant news of the spreading virus, the constraints on our regular lives and the losses being faced. 

I didn't read the Harry Potter books as a child; I watched the movies as an adult and then read the books. I adored the books when I read them, and I potentially enjoyed the audiobooks even more. The narration by Jim Dale was tremendous; I was utterly blown away by his incredible ability to capture the characters' personalities and completely draw me into a story that I already knew. I became almost obsessed with listening to the books; every spare moment found me with my headphones back in, carried back into the wizarding world. I will admit, I find myself missing the books now that they are complete, grieving the loss of the comfort of the story and characters. 

I sometimes felt guilty for not doing what I call "smart listening" but was able to remind myself that it is entirely okay to grant myself an escape during trying times.  However, in reflection, this was an excellent reminder that it is okay to need an escape from time to time. It may come in the form of 117 hours of magical storytelling or a more simple 30-minute television show, but the permission to get away is refreshing. 

August 23, 2020