Like many millennials, I was exposed to the magical world of Harry Potter at a young age. While not everyone appreciates the genius of the series, I can say with 100% certainty that the work of J.K. Rowling has impacted my life in an unexplainably positive way. Growing up is tough, middle school is awkward, and everyone needs an outlet- mine just so happened to be reading.
Speaking of outlets, delving into these books time and time again have given me a place to escape to. Reading has always been a favorite past-time of mine, but there is just something about this alternate universe that always brings me back. Whether I needed a way to escape reality, or just wanted to reminisce on my childhood, Harry Potter was always a solid answer. That isn't to say that other books don't provide the same effect, but to emphasize the positivity this series exudes. These books were the first to really kindle my passion for reading; I was always excited to open the next one and be pulled into a different world. Even now when I re-read them, I'm always looking for new topics and details to point out.
I've never had a problem speaking to people or struggled with starting a conversation, but Harry Potter always seems to be a good start. If you ask, "Did you read Harry Potter?", and can immediately see the light in the other person's eyes, chances are you're about to have an awesome talk. Which book was your favorite? Was Snape good or bad? Why didn't Dumbledore destroy the Elder Wand? No matter what debates arise, you're in for a conversation that you won't forget. Not to mention Pottermore, which is an entirely different element in itself. What house are you in? What's your patronus? What about your wand?
Speaking of those talks, it really does make time pass and the conversation less awkward if there's a common ground. It's almost magical (c'mon) to see the friendships that have been formed over the love of these books.
As cliché as it sounds, Harry Potter taught me to embrace myself and who I am. The books teach so many valuable lessons that are often overlooked by people who don't care enough to read them. No, it doesn't promote negative agendas. No, your children are not going to need to be exercised because they want to read the books. If you dig a little deeper, it would be as obvious to you as it is the next person that these books are about love and friendship. And, let's be honest, HP marathons are pretty rad; don't act like you've never lied on the couch all day binge-watching all of the movies.
Sure, there is some debate over whether the series can be considered academic literature, but hey, enough people reference them in their literature/composition exams and use them to make connections to other works that are deemed scholarly. Take that, College Board.
Call me what you want, but I wouldn't want to live in a world where I wasn't exposed to Harry Potter. I wouldn't be as open, expressive, and passionate. Who knows if I would've still loved reading if it wasn't for J.K. Rowling?
