I fell in love with Harry Potter roughly 10 years ago. I was babysitting two fabulous kids and they wanted to watch the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". I hadn't even heard of it. I agreed and we sat down to watch. Within 20 minutes I was completely enthralled. That first film completely sucked me in. Before you know it this neglected orphan is thrust into a world of mystery, danger and magic. He doesn't know who or even what he is. As a character, you are cheering for him as you watch him triumph. You want him to do well in everything he comes up against because he isn't your typical hero.
Needless to say after watching that first film, I just had to read the books. I went to the library and checked the first four books out. (They were what was released at the time.) I read all four books in five days. I had never read something so well written and engaging. As an immense book lover my whole life, how did I not hear about these? They were fabulous. I remember staying up late and getting up early just to read. The first three took me just over three days to finish, and the fourth took almost two days. I was completely hooked. I know I am not alone in my love for Potter.
The completed series didn't disappoint in my eyes. I have lost count of all the times I have read this beloved series. It never gets old or boring. Every time I read them I remember why I love them. They are a truly exciting read. Suspenseful, funny, tragic, and so enjoyable. For most people I have spoke to about the books they agree. It is a wonderful reading experience. You don't need to be a kid or fantasy fiction fan to appreciate the wonderful world of Harry Potter.
On to the films..... While I love the films and watch them frequently, I feel only the first two films really represented the books. With every film they strayed a little farther off the path layed down by J.K. Rowling and the books. I know she approved the films but I really think they should have stayed a little closer to the books. As all book readers wish they would. I dont know anyone who reads books who can sit through a film based on a book and not say "that wasn't how it was in the book". I understand what BASED on a book means, but it's still disappointing when it's some of your favorite parts that get cut. Still the movies alone have brought in a lot of Harry Potter fans.
I may be a little over excited when it comes to Harry Potter (as my friends and family will testify to) but the best thing is I am not alone. The whole world is in love with Harry Potter, when was the last time a book and movie series was made into an amusement park? Also one of the big reasons I love Harry? This series encouraged so many kids and even adults to read. It brought families together as parents read to thir kids. As a big believer in the power of books, I love a book that encourages readers to come back again and again. That is what only a great story can do.
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