I wasn’t a “reader” until High School, even then I was very casual in my reading. I read mostly beach books ... mostly James Patterson, it would take months to get through a single book. When I was 16, I read Harry Potter and the Sourcer’s Stone. Within a week and a half I read through Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which was the then current release. I finally understood was it was to be a reader. To stay up till 4am because you cannot put a book down. To quake with excitement at the release of the next book. To stand in line just to be one of the firsts to get your hands on a new volume.
I remember the wonder when the first film was released. The satisfaction I felt when I saw the characters in my imagination spring to life.
If you wonder why I love these books and movies it’s because they did change my life, as corny as that may sound. They created a passion for reading that has not dulled.
My entire adult life has been hallmarked with Harry Potter book releases and movie openings. To reach the end of the road is heartbreaking ... and exciting ... and disappointing ... and a closure for a large part of my life.
Thank you, J.K. Rowling. Thank you, for giving me Harry...
and Gaiman...
and the Discworld...
and Graphic Novels...
and fantasy...
and SF...
Thank you for giving me refuge from a world with too little magic.
