User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4165370-20110718175126

Harry Potter is special because those books paralleled by own childhood and growing-up period. I read the Sorcerer's Stone when I was in third grade (age 8) and then finished the series when I was a Junior in High School (age 17). The magic of reading about characters my own age (albeit slightly more magically inclined) meant the world to me and I have since re-read the entire series twice in as many years. While I can't say that I've had that many magical duels with friends, etc... I will say that the Harry Potter series is always a fun topic of conversation amongst friends and the perfect reason to see the midnight premiere of a movie. Furthermore, I think Harry Potter has secretly influenced my choice of college as I was instantly drawn in by my current university's pervasive gothic architecture. I also travel to and from there via Amtrak... Coincidence? Maybe, but most likely not. I am, to this day, also envious that wizards and witches can take their pets to Hogwarts but I can't bring my dog to college. In summary, Harry Potter is quite simply the defining book series that has been published during my lifetime.