Somehow, it doesn't seem like so long ago when kids (and kids at heart) eagerly awaited the next book in the series to find out what happened to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the gang at Hogwarts. Bookstores across the country had midnight parties with people of all ages dressed in wizarding robes waiting to buy the newest book. I remember my mailman giddy with excitement when he rang my doorbell to personally deliver my copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix purchased from Amazon.
What is it about the Harry Potter series that continues to appeal to new generations as well as kids and adults alike? It's always amazing when something like a book or a movie stands the test of time, resonating with people all over the world.
Maybe it's the fascinating world that author J. K. Rowling created? A special train that takes students from Platform 9 3/4 to a special school of magic. Classes from Potions to Transfiguration to Defense Against the Dark Arts. Culinary delights such as butterbeer, pumpkin pasties, chocolate frogs, and Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. Extraordinary creatures including dragons, hippogriffs, centaurs, basilisks, and house elves. Not to mention an evil wizard and his cohorts who want to kill the title character and terrorize everyone else.
Whatever it is, the Harry Potter series captures the imagination of both young and old. It connects generations, giving kids, parents, and grandparents something they can enjoy together as a family. Additionally, it transforms reluctant readers into book lovers and teaches that the power of love and friendship is the greatest magic of all.
If you've never read the books, perhaps now is the time to start; if you have read them, take the time to revisit. Stop by the library to check out a Harry Potter book or movie and put yourself under its spell for the first time or once again.
Sending you magical greetings from the perch.
