J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series has absolutely changed my life!!! On a serious note, though, I started reading Harry Potter in the seventh grade - after three of the books had already been published. I originally had refused to read them; I was determined not to be seduced by the wonderful cover art and thick binding... I took my literary career very seriously in middle school. Once I gave in, however, I was hooked.
I grew up as the HP series was released, and became more and more serious. It dealt with increasingly tense and serious issues, and I don't think anybody forgets the character to fall victim to Death: Sirius Black.
Rowling held an entire tween - and even adult - audience captivated with her imagination. From the complex rules of quidditch to the important plot points scattered throughout the series (which became crucial not to forget by the seventh and final installment). I grew up with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hedwig (RIP). Rowling's narrative power and creative twists made me detest Professor Umbridge as much as the students at Hogwarts did; I found myself shaking in rage at her cruel antics. In short, the Harry Potter books were so much more than just an escape from the every day monotony; the characters became a part of my life - I became utterly and irrevocably emotionally invested in each of the characters.
My heart belongs with Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived.
....Move aside, Ginny.
Our family eat, drank, and slept Harry Potter when the books came out. I remember how difficult it was to wait an entire year for the next book in the series. At the time, I was working as a librarian at a public library and had to sign a legal document stating that I would not release the Harry Potter volumes prior to the official release date. In fact, I was supposed to secure them in a safe, but since the library didn't have a safe, I just hoped that they would be safe if I left them in the office area.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I honored the contract, after all being a Hufflepuff it is in my nature, I was very tempted to secretly take one of the books home and read it! I am sad that the Harry Potter series has ended. I would love to read more about the characters and their adventures.