I didn’t read to Sarah then, but I wish I’d thought of it. We spent time sitting by her and just talking. The first five days after Sarah was born, my husband would stop by my room to see how I was doing, then spent all the rest of his time sitting with Sarah. They have a very special bond–I am convinced it comes from those first days.

Yes, it might not have made a difference to little Jacob what book his mother was reading to him, but as others have mentioned it made a difference to her. And when you are reading something aloud that has special meaning to you, you read it differently than something that has ordinary or no significance.

(And Sarah, as a footnote, is now almost 29 and healthy, after her very tenuous and rocky start. She was 5# 2 oz at birth (large for a premie), but lost a bit and came home at 4# 10 oz.)

Pat

I’m doubt the subject matter had meaning for the baby, but it certainly did for Mom. And busy doctors and nurses sneaking a listen certainly testifies to how compelling the series is.

But I don’t feel we need a proactive defensive attitude regarding how Harry critics *might* respond. It’s very possible Mom could also have found comfort and meaning in another series. But she sure gave Jacob a great start!

Luscious Badboy is stretched out in the autumnal sun by the window. He must be three feet long…

however, our lives are not merely tissue and synaps, but soul and spiritual experience (humans are ‘wired for God’ as you’ve said, John). the biological wonder of that child’s birth is only wonderful because it is how God creates a new, integral, body and soul little tiny person. and the parental love of that mother for her son mirrors God’s love for us. it was her love that saved her son, just like Lily Potter’s, albeit in different ways. would she have been as inspired by reading the dictionary, even if it’s all just words that matter? or an academic paper? or one of the books she has her high school students read? the Potter series offers a rich worldview of life, death, love, sacrifice, redemption, etc. couple that with this woman’s love and it’s no wonder the little one is doing well.

Now, I *do* think other books could have similar effects– Lord of the Rings is too dense and has too many words no longer in common usage. But Narnia perhaps could do it. But Narnia and Potter have a lot in common as I see it, both in themes/messages, and sometimes plot points (Stone Table-Deeper Magic and Harry’s willing death that lead to life, anyone?), and in some ways writing style. Ultimately, they offer life in a culture of death, and not cheap living like Moldywart, either, but eternal.

anyway, I’m a sap and I loved the article. best
~Nzie

And I think you might be right. I love Harry’s emphasis on the importance of family.