Prepare To Meet A Real Life Wizard

I recently finished reading Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton. *POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT* Rating: 3.5/5 stars

"They called for a break, and Gambon magicked up a cigarette from out of his beard. He and I were often to be found outside the stage door, having 'a breath of fresh air', as we referred to it. There would be painters and plasterers and chippies and sparks, and among them all would be me and Dumbledore having a crafty cigarette.

From Borrower to wizard, Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Speaking with candour and his own trademark humour, Tom shares his experience of growing up on screen and as part of the wizarding world for the very first time. He tells all about his big break, what filming was really like and the lasting friendships he made during ten years as part of the franchise, as well as the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.

Prepare to meet a real-life wizard." Sometimes we think actors are really just like their characters and I will admit I wasn't a fan of Draco at first~ he's the character you love to hate. Luckily he wasn't the big meany pants that we were used to seeing on screen. I loved reading how they were really all a big family.

He tells his story of being in the public eye and his struggles with alcohol and drug use. Of course, I wasn't aware of his struggles, so I appreciated his candor and willingness to get help.

I love what he said about Neville and how he very much looked the part, until "each year, when we all congregated to make the next film, Matthew was ever so slightly hunkier, which meant that -physically speaking - he was ever so slightly less Neville-like." They had to give him a wedge behind his ears, fake teeth, and a little fat suit to stop him from looking like the hunk he was becoming. I mean HELLO, have you seen him lately? If not, google Matthew Lewis if you need some 33-year-old eye candy.

I love that it was narrated by Tom. I feel it gives his story a little more oomph. When I first found out that Tom Felton had written an autobiography, I was not all that interested. But the idea kept moving about inside my head and at last I caved. And now I am happy that I did. Felton narrates his story with great personal insight, humor, and a sober, relatable voice. And as a Potterhead, I was of course on cloud nine with all the delicious tidbits!

What I enjoyed:

Conversational: Have you ever had a chat with Tom Felton? After reading this book, you'll feel like you have. Felton's writing style is personable, down-to-earth and completely lacking in air. It almost felt like sitting down together for a cuppa and a chat. It was delightful.

Reflective: In order for any autobiography to work, there has to be a certain level of honesty and reflection. Felton delivers in full on both accounts. He reflects on his own life, his own decisions, and his relationships with those around him.

Tom Felton: Whether it is true or not, Tom Felton comes across as a sympathetic man who sees the good and valuable in anyone who crosses his path. His characterizations of the people around him show how he doesn't overlook flaws, but actively chose to focus on the value he sees in others.

Harry Potter: Of course, our favorite Slytherin has a lot of interesting insights into the cinematic world of Harry Potter - about the filming process, the other actors, and the universe. As a Potterhead it was like Christmas, getting all of these tidbits served on a platter. Check out Beyond the Wand, and go on the adventure of what it means to be a real-life wizard.

Happy Reading :)