I'm reading John Granger's Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader. As the title indicates, the book is not for the casual book consumer. It is for serious readers who like to study literary themes and symbolism and re-read good books over and over.

According to Granger, the five keys to unlocking Harry Potter, understanding what JKR is trying to accomplish and, more importantly, figuring out what must happen in Deathly Hallows are:

1) JKR's use of narrative misdirection;
2) JKR's use of literary alchemy;
3) the hero's journey;
4) the series' postmodern themes; and
5) JKR's use of traditional symbolism.

I can't put the book down. To a "serious reader" and Harry Potter lover, it's good stuff.

Sometime very soon I'll post a review of the book and flesh out the keys. In the meantime, visit Granger's blog, Hogwarts Professor. Granger also is the author of Looking for God in Harry Potter. Great resource for Christian HP fans. I cited Granger's work in a two-part HP book review.

Check out my post about Harry Potter-related books. I highly recommend the first three.

Feel free to list and discuss any HP-related books you've read.