User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-3007607-20110718030651

I honestly can't describe how much Harry Potter means to me... when I read the books I escape to an entirely different world, a world where impossible things happen and yet everything feels so real. I'm in awe of JK Rowling; it never ceases to amaze me how she managed to create such an brilliant, complex series! The thing I like best about Harry Potter is that it manages to take very real, very serious issues from our society (racism, death, guilt, love, bravery) and translate them into positive messages for children and adults alike. Harry Potter has changed me as a person. As a child I was bossy, unkind, even a little selfish. I was bullied at the school I went to and it made me into an unpleasant, sulky child. Then I read Harry Potter and realised it didn't have to be that way - I started at a new school aged 8 and actively decided to change my attitude. In less than a week I'd made a good few friends and from then on, my life improved dramatically. Even nowadays I ask myself "What's the right thing to do in this situation? What would Harry do?" when facing a dilemma. It's boosted my self confidence so much and made me into a much nicer person. I'm even planning to name my first daughter Luna, in honour of my favourite character Luna Lovegood. And of course I will read Harry Potter to my children every night before bedtime!