User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4132578-20110710033416

The world of Harry Potter means many things to me and my family. My family came together through the Harry Potter books. We would come together and read with each other. Not only did it entertain us, but it also brought us closer as a family. We bonded over Harry Potter and his adventures. Now everything we do as a family usually revolves around Harry Potter; whether it be planning to attend the premiere of the latest film, or having a conversation with about how even in real life there is magic like which could be found in the books and movies. Harry Potter has taught me that family is important and that even if you are battling evil at its upmost peak, the people who care about you will always be by your side. The Harry Potter concept has opened my eyes into the wonderful world is reading. Since becoming addicted to the books, I have never had such high scores in my English and Literature classes. It has also taught me that magic really does exist. It exists through our loved ones and through our ideas. J.K. Rowling's magical imaginations created a whole world; if that isn't magic, I don't know what else is. Harry Potter and the rest of the characters capture you and make you feel as if you are one of them. I have been a major fan of the Harry Potter series since I was 9. I have done every possible act to include the wizarding world into an everyday life. For the past 6 years, my room has been decorated like a small room in the Hogwarts Castle with Gryffindor crests, Horcruxes, the Sorting Hat, and the Mirror of Erised hanging from the wall. My wardrobe has elements from the films included in each outfit. My last 7 birthday parties were Harry Potter themed. For each party, I decorated my entire house to resemble Hogwarts and the castle grounds. Implementing Harry Potter in small ways has made me a stronger person. After reading about the experiences Harry went through at school when Voldemort returned in the Order of the Phoenix, it made me realize that I didn't need to be afraid and let others rule my life. I make the decisions and I can fight back. I have never cared since about what others think of me, my red hair, freckles, and glasses. I am no one but myself and I owe that to J.K. Rowling’s strength she ensured in Harry. Without her words of wisdom, I do not know where I would be academic and self-loving wise. Harry Potter is more than a good read to me; Harry Potter is an example on how to better my life. Harry Potter has forever changed my life.