We were down on West Broadway last night. Calhoun's is a cavernous all-night coffeehouse and just a few steps from Kim's house so it seemed the logical choice as poor Kim was feeling a bit delicate and green around the gills. It's a great place but beware the strawberry smoothies. If sugar is white death, then these things are going to kill you outright.
It was also filled with pre-pubescent witches and warlocks, desperately quaffing hot chocolates in order to stay awake for the midnight arrival of the latest installment in the Potter books: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Yes, KidsBooks on West Broadway was a mob scene last night as hundreds of Rowling fans milled and quequed for a chance to be one of the first to carry away the newest tome in the series. There were stilt-walkers and phoenixes, sorcerors and babies. The sidewalk and part of the street was blocked off, the lights on cop cars and tow trucks flashed.
When we first cruised by, all-unknowing, Tai saw what was happening and muttered in a tone of dread, "Oh no....." I thought it must be the scene of a dreadful accident. "Worse", said Tai. She shuddered. "Harry Potter".
Okay, not everybody's a fan but I like the books myself well enough. I don't need to be first in line to read them, but I'll definitely read my mom's copy when she's done. As a librarian's daughter, I can't help but feel that it's a good thing for kids (and grownups) to be excited about literature. Really excited!
Shortly before midnight, shrieks and howls rose into the clear evening air. A brass band uniformed in shimmery cloaks and fanciful hats heralded the arrival of a caravan of three white trucks bearing the insignia of the Owl Post. The books were arriving with pomp and ceremony. The excitement was palpable.
We turned tail and fled back to Kim's house. But not before Kim had a ticket for a pre-paid copy of the Half-Blood Prince. :)
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