User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4169849-20110719145240

When the books first came out, both Harry and I were 11 and on the verge of adolescence together. Over the years, I grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione. I've clambered eagerly over page after page, following their adventures and dreaming of ones of my own. The series means so much to myself and so many people around the world because the characters are so identifiable. Everyone can identify with one character or another, whether you are a It inspired a whole generation of young people to get excited about reading again which is a feat not easily obtained in our modern, techno-driven world. It's cliche to say that Harry Potter meant more to me than words can ever describe, but for myself and billions of fans around the world, its incredibly true. These books provided the world with so many different wonderful things, just from reading the other posts here: an escape from an orphaned life, courage to continue on after the death of a parent, the glittering hope of friendship in an otherwise unfriendly world. The most remarkable thing about this series is that is means something different to everyone who reads it, yet at the same, creates a sense of unity.