Readers around the world have fallen in love with the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling since its inception. This legendary book series has become a classic, and it will be loved for centuries by adults and children alike. There are seven books, seven horcruxes, and seven reasons why Harry Potter is a timeless creation:
1. The characters are relatable.
If you're a
know-it-all, extremely imaginative, or constantly worry about pleasing your parents, you
relate to a character in Harry Potter. And those are just three of the hundreds
of characters presented throughout the books, which relate to people's personalities and beliefs. Everyone can relate to at least
one character.
2. The books are beyond descriptive.
I knew there was a reason I loved the books. When I reread some of them recently, I remembered just how detailed everything is. The scenery, characters' expressions, Harry's thoughts, the plot—everything is described carefully and articulately. The reader truly feels like they are walking through the halls of Hogwarts or down a path in Diagon Alley.
3. The characters are complex and constantly evolving.
Even if you think you know a character, think again, because the series transforms and matures every character. Just look at how Harry grew from a scrawny 11-year-old living under a staircase to the conqueror of Voldemort. Even characters that were mature to begin with, like Albus Dumbledore or Severus Snape, have interesting backstories that make you love them more than you ever thought you would.
4. Modern-day issues are tackled perfectly.
From discrimination to bullying to love, the novels fight against all types of evil and encourage love of friends, family and even enemies. They teach real lessons in an unrealistic setting, and the power of good over evil outshines throughout the story.
5. The books began a global phenomenon.
LeakyCon, MuggleNet, A Very Potter Musical, Potter Puppet Pals—the list could go on forever. Since the books became such a hit, eight movies were made, and fans produced spin-offs and wrote fan-fiction. An amusement park reigns in Orlando, Florida, and Harry Potter has become a household name.
6. The stories encourage imagination.
With a topic of wizards and a world manufactured by Rowling, the reader can imagine himself or herself experiencing the story alongside the characters. Before the movies, readers created their own idea of what each character looked like. Before reading all the books, one can guess at what would happen, who would die, and how it would end. The first time reading the series is a roller coaster for the imagination, and it is all worth it.
7. The life lessons speak volumes.
"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."
― J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
Throughout the book, there are pieces of wisdom for Harry about overcoming the challenges he must face. While encouraging to him, these quotes also inspire thousands of readers.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.”
― J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
With the Harry Potter stories continuing 19 years later, new developments about other wizarding worlds surfacing, and the ability for readers to sort themselves into houses on Pottermore, Harry Potter isn't going anywhere. The stories will live on forever, and generations will love the story that has charmed so many. In fact, they will love it always.
