Today's coined word: Literothanatophobia

[dianeduane]

Or, "The fear of death in literature."

A British book retailer plans to set up a counseling hotline for all heartbroken fans of Harry Potter, in case he dies in the much awaited next book.

As a former psychiatric professional, I can kind of see the point.  ...But I do start wondering, sometimes... Are human beings actually less robust, more fragile, than they used to be -- or are we just being encouraged to believe we are? 

And I remember clearly the resilience and fortitude of my younger patients as compared to the so-called "adults". The kids were endlessly more pragmatic and better at handling pain than the grownups. Any bets on the percentage of over-eighteens who wind up being counseled, as opposed to the under-eighteens?...

Comments

[tortoises.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to see Harry die. Heh.

[kayshapero]

You wish. Frankly I don't even see much hope of mister "look at me, MY familiar is a phoenix" staying dead.... ;)

[tortoises.livejournal.com]

Nah, I reckon he's dead for good. We have to have at least one person staying dead! If anyone comes back it'll be Mr I-Can-Turn-Into-A-Big-Black-Dog-Isn't-That-Cool?!!?!?!?!!!!1111!1!, in my opinion. :)

[kayshapero]

The last time I felt compelled to hurl a book across the room with great force, it was a paperback. I do hope my walls can withstand the result if I find myself doing it with a hardback... :)