What's the difference between me and you?

A book is and will never be the same as a movie.

Coming to terms with this statement is extremely difficult, especially when the movie industry can create such amazing images that books could only dream of. However, no movie will ever be able to replace the magic and excitement that a book brings whilst frantically flipping through page after page.
When I read a book that I really enjoy, I find myself putting it down quite often. This isn't because I don't want to read it for its context, but I am so intrigued with it that I don't want it to end. So was the case with the Harry Potter series. Five times, after the invigorating night filled with Harry Potter trivia, costume contests, think tanks, and raffles, I would find myself reading the first few chapters at 2 a.m., but quickly putting down the book before I read too far. I wanted the heavy read to last as long as possible, like I was experiencing Harry's journeys and adventures right along side him. I even took Goblet of Fire to Hawaii with me and read it in the hotel room while everyone else was at the beach. Sounds lame, but I was having just as much fun with Harry as they were having playing in the ocean. No book has ever captivated me like this series did throughout my childhood and early adulthood. I use to read it to my young cousin's while I babysat them, even though it was likely my third time reading it. They were suckers for the different voices that came with reading aloud. Snape was very cold and obnoxiousm whereas Dumbeldore was mellow and sage-like.
Tonight I watched "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince", which I found both intriguing and repulsive. It set the stage perfectly for the next two movies, which will surely be action-packed and bring closure, just as the book did. However, it left out so much crucial info that it hardly satisfied what I or any fan of the books would have liked to have seen. Where was the scene about the ring? How about the funeral?
I had to take a step back from this experience and remember; a movie can never be what a book has been and will always be. The true experience lies in the adventure. There is no time to put down the movie and wonder what will happen next. Instead, it forces you on a ride that you aren't ready to take. There is seldom a series of books that can equate to that of Harry Potter, but if given the chance, read the books and stay away from the movies. You will just be disappointed (except for Star Wars, I couldn't get past pg. 15 of Revenge of the Sith). Cheers and have a good night.