That's what time I finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Bert, so you're guess of 2 was not far off. I enjoyed it. I actually had several people tell me that I would hate the book, one going so far as to say that the end of this book ruined everything. I can certainly understand feeling a sense of loss, but I certainly didn't hate it. In fact, I found it to be the most predictible of the books, and to me the story is unfolding in the most logical way. I mean, let's face it. You can only tell the Harry-is-a-jolly-school-boy-who-gets-in-a-fix-but-everything-turns-out-all-right-in-the-end story so many times before it gets old. I feel like the character of the story has matured and darkened along with Harry. As he has faced more and more darkness, Harry has become more and more "real". He is far more complex than in the first book, and the story is following as it should as he grows older and more experienced with the harshness of his world.
As far as the predictibility I mentioned, the biggest surprise was that the story unfolded without any major surprises. I did not, however, guess the identity of the half-blood prince, but didn't find it hugely shocking.
I continue to be impressed by Rowling's story telling ability and the continuity of story throughout the series.
Now on to other juve-fiction. Tonight I will start the next book in the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, a series of books about a teenage version of James Bond that Ethan brought home and I swiped from him.
I've reached the halfway point. It feels like forever til Stephen and the boys get home. I have almost finished painting and stencilling the hallway. I hope to do the trim tomorrow.
Last night was passed pleasantly thanks to a dinner invite by the Kennedys. Be sure to drop by their blog and get updates on their family and friends in Biloxi.