I am in the midst of reading Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, and I must say I am in a state of perplexity. I'm not quite sure whether to be grossly horrified (and I do not use the word "grossly" lightly!), or brilliantly amused. At times it seems as though the author has created a web-bot into which you place the novel and out comes zombified language to substitute for the phrases of Austen-ian England. At other times, the writer has intuitively captured the underlying feeling of the characters and interjects some brilliant humor, where before it was only assumed.Elizabeth the Zombie Slayer, my verdict is still out whilst I finish the book. For now, I continue to waver between gasping in shock, and laughing...sometimes also in shock at the looser nature of some of the characters comments.

Now, of course, Elizabeth could come in handy...or rather, perhaps it is a good thing she is not real for it would tempt me to call upon her services driving as of late. I'm not sure if there is something in the air, but I am convinced that drivers have lost all sense of reason. Maybe zombies are to blame, eh Lizzy? Regardless, I find it challenging to maintain a sense of Christian charity as I've been driving. Don't get me wrong - I haven't lost it...yet. But seriously? You are going to be in the far right lane of a three lane exit ramp and then turn your car so it is horizontally blocking two lanes because you have realized you really want to turn left from the right-turn-only lane? SERIOUSLY?? [I do wish I'd been aware enough to snap a pic on my cell phone, but sadly I was not]. Oh, and boat-of-a-station-wagon - no, your car does not gracefully make U-turns in the middle of the road into a left turn lane right in front of me with any ease whatsoever. Please be advised.

Perhaps I am simply exhausted from these antics on the road ... or maybe it's just that I want to finish this book that has captured my attention for some odd reason. Either way, the painting I need to do will just have to wait. Sorry study - you've now reached procrastination station, especially since I've realized that you need to be completed in 4 weeks, not 2. My apologies.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

...for Harry Potter that is. Only a short wait until midnight when the book is released to what will undoubtedly be a mad rush of those who have awaited this moment with avid anticipation. Laugh all you want, but I will be among them...within reason of course. No costume, and no camping out...and really, no waiting 2 hours for the book. I can always go back tomorrow if it looks like the line will take forever.

For instance, what/where are the remaining horcruxes?

Many of you, (well, if anyone is reading this, then many of you) might recognize the title as a reference to Harry Potter. Now, before any chastizing begins, let me explain that I am not a crazy fan of the books and movies. Ok, now the chastizing can start, because I will admit that I am a fan. I know, I know, there was some scuttlebutt a few years ago about how Pope Benedict XVI was against reading the books. (Though the truth came out later that his statements were a response to a very specific letter he received and he did not condemn the books as a whole...funny how that happens.) I also hear the Pope doesn't like rock music, but that would be another digression, and I've already had one, and I really am trying to keep them to a minimum!

I suppose I understand the fear that the books promote the use of supernatural powers that may/may not exist, or somehow promote the use of dark powers. I can't dispute that there exists the possibility that someone might read the series and take an affinity for magic out of it, however, I'm not convinced that the fears are well founded given my experience amidst fans of the books.

As I began to read the books a few years ago (yes, I did actually hold out on the craze for a few years), what I found was a creative way to introduce the ideas of good and evil, the battle that exists between them, and the inherent value in giving of oneself for the benefit of others, even to the point of death. What I found was great discussion between readers of all ages, from youth to the aged, about the reality of those struggles set in the context of the life of a young boy no one really knew.

Clearly, at least I certainly hope it is clear, we as Catholics tell our story of Jesus Christ, Son of Man and Son of God, and the miraculous things he did, how he laid down his life out of love for a people who betrayed Him, and of course how He defeated death itself. That is the beautiful story we have to share. That does not however preclude others from creatively sharing stories that share common themes.

Dying out of love for another, being sealed with the sign of that deep selfless love and protected by it, being called to live for something greater than oneself, learning to die to self, to close our minds to evil, battling temptation and pride, trusting in true friendship...these are all storylines and character developments found in the series. Each of these are issues that young people struggle with and/or should be talking about. Given some of the other drivel that is out there, I'm for one glad that Harry Potter has caused a stir!

Should he replace a conversation about Christ? Well, of course not! What he can do, though, is offer another opportunity to talk about Christian ideals, open a door to talk about values that we don't see or hear enough of in today's society - at least not prominently displayed. So, as I wait for the final book and the fifth movie to come out, I say "hooray" for the "boy who lived" for refueling the discussion about values in popular culture, especially among the youth.

More importantly, though, I say, "Praise God!" that he sent his Son to be the Word made flesh, to live, suffer and die for us, and to rise again, defeating death and opening the door to eternity for us. In the midst of Harrymania, let's not forget to share our story - it is the greatest one ever told, after all. :)