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A review by thyprecious
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
The world of Harry Potter has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my love for it wasn’t particularly encouraged at home which led to me feeling extremely related to the characters (especially in those nights of secretly reading another book under the blanket with a flashlight).
At the time, I didn’t really distinguish between the characters on screen and the actors who played them. And between you and me, that is saying something. Magic does exist after all!
As I got a bit older, I became more interested in how life was treating the very people who to me were part of my safe space, though fictional. Even now I keep coming back to these stories. Although, when I think about it, I don’t find it curious at all. Emma, for instance, was my forever inspiration to aspire and enjoy studying - and I’d be lying if I said that pixie cut idea dawned on me completely out of the blue.
You never really know a person until they decide to tell you their story - and even then you’d only know what they wanted you to know. This book did it for me.
It starts out with fun anecdotes, giving insight into the world of filmmaking and growing up in the spotlight. I really enjoyed learning about how other actors on the cast were in real life. These stories certainly grew more personal and deeper as Tom went on. Tom’s writing felt so heartfelt and honest to me. The further I read, the more it made me feel like I’d been trusted to look beyond the image on the cover, and this trust was a precious gift.
Tom’s story is one of a lost kid finding his way back to self. He shares the raw emotion of mental health struggles, while reflecting on the true riches of life, and I couldn’t but empathise with him.
It takes a great deal of bravery to admit to yourself that you’re not okay, and a great deal more to seek help and face the reality. Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. There’s a lot of shame and vulnerability associated with mental issues which makes it a whole lot harder for you to get help. But help would always be given to those who ask for it.
Tom’s story made me want to do three things. My first thought upon finishing the book was that I really wanted to give Tom a nice hug. Secondly, it made me appreciate what I have in life a little more. And finally, it reminded me that maybe being here is not all that meaningless as long as you can make someone else’s day a little better with your touch.
Thank you for telling your story, Tom. It made a whole lot of difference - for us readers and for the author in equal measure, I’m sure.
The world of Harry Potter has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my love for it wasn’t particularly encouraged at home which led to me feeling extremely related to the characters (especially in those nights of secretly reading another book under the blanket with a flashlight).
At the time, I didn’t really distinguish between the characters on screen and the actors who played them. And between you and me, that is saying something. Magic does exist after all!
As I got a bit older, I became more interested in how life was treating the very people who to me were part of my safe space, though fictional. Even now I keep coming back to these stories. Although, when I think about it, I don’t find it curious at all. Emma, for instance, was my forever inspiration to aspire and enjoy studying - and I’d be lying if I said that pixie cut idea dawned on me completely out of the blue.
You never really know a person until they decide to tell you their story - and even then you’d only know what they wanted you to know. This book did it for me.
It starts out with fun anecdotes, giving insight into the world of filmmaking and growing up in the spotlight. I really enjoyed learning about how other actors on the cast were in real life. These stories certainly grew more personal and deeper as Tom went on. Tom’s writing felt so heartfelt and honest to me. The further I read, the more it made me feel like I’d been trusted to look beyond the image on the cover, and this trust was a precious gift.
Tom’s story is one of a lost kid finding his way back to self. He shares the raw emotion of mental health struggles, while reflecting on the true riches of life, and I couldn’t but empathise with him.
It takes a great deal of bravery to admit to yourself that you’re not okay, and a great deal more to seek help and face the reality. Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it. There’s a lot of shame and vulnerability associated with mental issues which makes it a whole lot harder for you to get help. But help would always be given to those who ask for it.
Tom’s story made me want to do three things. My first thought upon finishing the book was that I really wanted to give Tom a nice hug. Secondly, it made me appreciate what I have in life a little more. And finally, it reminded me that maybe being here is not all that meaningless as long as you can make someone else’s day a little better with your touch.
Thank you for telling your story, Tom. It made a whole lot of difference - for us readers and for the author in equal measure, I’m sure.