User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4184897-20110722025534

Harry Potter to me is, basically, my stepping stone(s). When The Sorcerer's Stone was first out in theaters, I refused to see it? Why, because I did not believe in magic. By the time of the second film, I had wised up. I grew up reading Harry Potter, one of the few book series that it was not a chore to read. I read them out of order, mind you, but they still had a magical, pardon the expression, presence to them. More than that - they were really excellent (in the words of Harry). I remember reading The Chamber of Secrets with my mom in bed at night, page by page. I waited at midnight for the last two books to come out. I have sat through the movies numerous times, always thinking I won't be interested because of how many times I have seen them, but finding myself glued to the screen every time. Harry Potter fueled my imagination. It nurtured it. I am an aspiring writer, and Rowling's work is one I study for my passion. The depth of story and the character relationships are almost unparalleled. By the time I put down the last book, I had not just a story in my mind, but a legacy. Harry Potter went from being just an ignored child to a hero of many. I went from a child unbelieving in magic to a guy with a vivid imagination. I have Potter to thank for that. Without this series, I would not be where I am today. I and a lot of others grew up with this series, and I'm sure not one of us truly wants to let it go. Of course, we have the magic within us, and we can always show the books and movies to the next generation (and pretend we haven't seen them before!). Thanks, Harry. Thanks, Rowling. And thanks, my generation for getting Potter where he is today.