What Would Harry Read?

Dumbledore #4 - The Lord of The Rings

The real question here is why WOULDN'T Dumbledore read The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

And, of course, there is no answer to such a silly question. Because he would. Of course. Without a second's hesitation. But if you must know why, I'm sure Dumbledore could deign to give a reason or two, though he really doesn't have to explain himself to anyone.

The Lord of the Rings is renowned as a thrilling epic adventure—a complete new world—with songs, poems, and back stories galore. It's also the heartwarming tale of a young hobbit who puts himself at risk in order to save the world as he knows it. Sound a little like the young man Dumbledore puts his own faith in? Frodo Baggins lives in a peaceful world raised by his adventuring uncle Bilbo Baggins (see The Hobbit for more on Bilbo's story). One of his uncle's greatest treasures, a ring which will render its wearer invisible, becomes the object of Frodo's formidable task. For the ring is more evil and powerful than anyone could imagine, and it must be destroyed to keep its owner and creator, the Dark Lord Sauron, at bay. Like Harry, Frodo has companions, friends, and even a wise old wizard (Gandolph the Grey) at his side during his quest but, in the end, he must face his task alone. And it changes him forever.

At the very least, I'm sure Dumbledore could have learned a spell or two from Gandolph and, of course, vice versa. It would be a treat for him—as it is for all—to submerse himself in the fantastic world of Middle Earth.

Dumbledore #3 - 211 Things a Bright Boy Can Do

Dumbledore seems possessed of a pretty classical kind of education, and while clearly versed in how to vanquish the dark arts, he may not have ever learned how to deal with the mischievous arts as  practiced by the likes of the Weasley brothers. Although Dumbledore is wise, some of these boys are cunning and mischievous in ways not to be imagined, so a book like 211 Things a Bright Boy Can Do would be the ideal thing to distract them from trouble-making experimentation with their new powers.

In fact, this book is not only a distraction, it is essential. If a boy gets to adulthood without learning the skills covered in this book, well, I just don't want to think about it. What would happen if one turned twelve without knowing Bracing Outdoor Activities, How to Use Your Watch As a Compass and How to Know When a Girl Fancies You. And when one is a bit older one must know How to Order Wine In a Restaurant, How to Mow the Perfect Lawn, and How to Impress a Girl on a Budget. Although presumably the boy would be on the budget, not the girl.

One of the most important things this book can teach those rapscallion boys is How to Appear More Intelligent Than You Are, something we all should know. This can be achieved merely by speaking quickly, using a large vocabulary, interrupting people and not using slang. It also helps to be tall and to wear eyeglasses.

But mostly I think the Weasleys would like to know How to Drive a Nail Into a Plank With Your Bare Hand. I know I would.

Dumbledore #2 - The Chronicles of Narnia

It’s pretty easy to imagine that Dumbledore might not have a lot of spare time for reading, being busy running a school and fighting evil and all that. However, if he found a book that was both entertaining and inspirational, I’m sure he’d make the time. That's where The Chronicles of Narnia comes in—it's a series I think would keep him up nights with a candle burning down to the nub.

Comprised of seven books, The Chronicles of Narnia tells the story of Aslan, a god-like lion, who rules the land of Narnia. As a leader and an educator himself, it's not hard to think that Dumbledore would identify with this classic character.

Some readers begin with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which is book two in the series, others begin with book one—The Magician’s Nephew. No matter what your starting point, readers are soon fully engrossed in the land of Narnia and the adventures of the characters there.

In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the four Pevensie children find a passage to the land of Narnia through an old wooden wardrobe. At this time, Narnia is in a state of permanent winter (sadly, with no Christmas) and under the rule of the evil White Witch. Displaying bravery and strength Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund stage a brilliant battle, alongside Aslan and other native-Narnians, to defeat the White Witch. Adventures such as this take place in all the books that make up The Chronicles of Narnia.  A dazzling array of people, talking animals and mythical creatures fill these books with their unforgettable exploits!

Throughout the scenes of battle, intrigue and excitement, C.S. Lewis infuses a message about faith, loyalty and making the right choices into the stories. Dumbledore, with his strong sense of honour, and his own vicious loyalty to his students, would surely find The Chronicles of Narnia irresistible.

Dumbledore #1 - The Dangerous Book For Boys

There is no question that The Dangerous Book for Boys is only about the most useful book ever written. It is chock full of helpful tips for people of the boy persuasion, such as how to build a catapult, how to use spy codes and ciphers, how to juggle, how to make a water bomb, and how to understand those Latin phrases every boy should know. In four pages it explains more about chess then some very expensive chess books I have had the misfortune to purchase and lug home.

Near the end comes a list of authors every boy should read. I only have space list a few, but Roald Dahl, Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis (we'll get to him later on this month), J.R.R. Tolkien (him too, later this month) and of course J.K. Rowling are included in this who’s who of fantastic authors.

For Dumbledore this is the ideal all-purpose guide for distracting and educating boys like the Weasley Brothers; they’re nothing but trouble and he needs all the help he can get in that department. Conn Iggulden and his brother Hal dispense fine advice like “Don’t swagger. The boy who swaggers—like the man who swaggers—has little else that he can do. He is a cheap-Jack crying his own paltry wares. It is the empty tin that rattles most. Be honest. Be loyal. Be kind. Remember that the hardest thing to acquire is the faculty of being unselfish. As a quality it is one of the finest attributes of manliness.”

All very helpful until those boys blow up something else. And, don’t let this get out, but even girls and grownups will like this book.

You can read an excerpt from the book here.