I first started reading the Harry Potter series around the age that Harry himself started school at Hogwarts. I'm not sure how I decided to pick up the first book, but I'm glad I did.
Seven books and eight movies later, the series will always be one of my favorites, and when I heard about a new book, I was extremely excited. I wasn't first in line to read it, and after reading reviews I was expecting to be disappointed, but so far I've been pleasantly surprised. With a little over 100 pages left, I've really enjoyed Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I can understand some of the bad reviews, those being that the book itself is in script format, and the constant jumping between time periods gets confusing.
Overall though, it's been years since I've had a new Harry Potter book to read, and to have a new one in my hands feels amazing. It might not be the best book of the series, but I still thank J.K. Rowling for giving us another chance to be captivated yet again. The first book was released back in 1997, almost 20 years ago, and for a series to still be so incredible is a beautiful thing.
It's hard to find people who haven't at least read the books, even if they aren't Potterheads like myself (and many others). If you're one of the people who haven't, or even if you've reread them over and over like me, below are some of the main reasons I think the series itself is so brilliantly done.
1. It takes you to a completely different world
When you first read about the large halls of Hogwarts and the creatures that live in the area, there's just something indescribable about it. Even if the students are doing homework, having friendship issues, or excelling in athletics, it's the fact that they are witches and wizards that really takes you out of your boring, everyday muggle lifestyle.
2. You become deeply attached to the characters and actors
Regardless of your age, I believe that there is a character in Harry Potter for everyone, ranging from shy Ginny Weasley to confident Severus Snape. When Alan Rickman died earlier this year, we all felt the impact, and even if he had starred in other movies, a lot of us will always remember him as Severus Snape- brave, heartbroken, misunderstood.
3. Your definition of family expands
Everyone knows that Harry's family was killed when he was a baby and although that left him with his horrid aunt, uncle, and cousin, it was at Hogwarts that he truly learned the definition of family. Even the brilliant Hermione faced her own familial issues, ranging from teasing to her ultimately selfless decision in the last book. The series teaches us that family can be blood in the way that Ron's is, but that it can stretch to include the closest of friends.
4. You stop underestimating the quiet ones
Neville Longbottom transformed as a character in the 7 books arguably more than just about anyone. Quiet Neville went on to lead a rebellion and if someone had told me that in book 1, I probably would have laughed. One of the great things about the series is that it takes characters we would take for granted and puts them in roles we ourselves couldn't imagine. It reminds us to never doubt the underdog, and it reminds the underdog that there is always an opportunity to be great.
5. It tackles inner darkness
Dementors were pretty terrifying to read about at age 12, but looking back on them, they had a purpose. They represented sadness and depression that can feel consuming, and in the movies, they proved just how scary those thoughts can look. For those who don't know, the way to get rid of a dementor is to think of a happy thought. It seems simple enough, but to kids reading the book and even adults, the simple power of a happy thought can go a long way.
The Harry Potter series captivated an entire generation of people, and 20 years later it's still going strong. To those who think they're too old to read Harry Potter and that it's just for kids, I'll put it simply- no one is too old for a little magic. As I sit here finishing the most recent book in the series, I am reminded yet again of why I love it so much, and why no matter what, Harry Potter will always be one of my favorite book series- always.
