User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-96.241.61.12-20110722040601

Harry Potter has affected me differently than any other book or movie series. Sorceror's Stone (book) came out when I was 11, but I did not find it until I was 12. At that point, I thought it was a great book, and got to love the series. I have never been a huge reader because of a slowness in reading, but I made a point to read all the books, even the first one four times. Like so many others, HP (re)introduced me to the JOY of reading because it was one of the first stories I found that I really fell in love with. The characters in HP are well-rounded, dynamic characters. They are realistic (if you look past the magic wands) and you never really know what they are going to do or why they did what they did. They are strong, courage and good over evil is lauded above all else, but the other traits do see their day as well, if not often. Good versus evil, guys and girls can actually be JUST friends, the smart one is not an outcast, and so many more positive themes that help kids in growing up, whether they notice it or not. Not long after discovering Harry Potter, I discovered online fan communities and Hogwarts simulation sites. Through one of these sites in particular, I have met many fabulous people. Starting with book five, I have not been as enthusiastic about the books (I felt the quality went down), but because of the fan community and my love for the world of HP I stuck with Harry throughout his journey. Like others have said, it was not just his journey, but ours too. There's so much more I can say, but I will leave it at: It's been magical, thank you.