Let's face it, we all have that one book series that is near and dear to our hearts; a book series that we can't seem to let go of. You can read this series over and over again and NEVER get tired of it. Got your series in your head? Good, because I definitely have mine. Our generation has seen many great book series, but there is one that stands out above all the rest to me: the Harry Potter series.
When I was a child, my parents read the first "Harry Potter" book to me, and I was hooked. These books introduced me to the world of literature and provided me with a love of reading. I FELL IN LOVE with all of the characters and the exciting story of a boy who learned he was a wizard and battled the evil Lord Voldemort throughout his life. I grew up going to bookstores at midnight to be one of the first to pick up the newest addition to the series every time a new one was released, proudly quoting spells, speaking in a British accent, and breaking out into a rowdy chorus of "Weasley is Our King" on a regular basis. I was an obsessed collector of wands, books, and movie memorabilia, and Harry Potter was my favorite topic of conversation. He was basically another member of my family. However, I wasn't the only one! My friends and I were like a Harry Potter fan club during our elementary school days. Scratch that, this went on through high school.
Eventually, the sad day came... The end of the series. I survived the end of the last book (barely), only because a desperate thought rang through my mind: "You still have the last movie!" Then, that day also came and went, full of tears and heart break. My childhood had officially ended. The Harry Potter era was over... UNTIL NOW!
This past year, J.K. Rowing announced that there would be a new addition to the Harry Potter universe: A play called "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." Harry Potter fans around the world were treated to a spectacular surprise when J.K. Rowling announced that there would indeed be a new member of the Harry Potter family. However, this member would be different and wouldn't come in the form of a novel. It would be, simply, a play. When I heard this news, I was excited, of course, but I was a little disappointed that the only way to be a part of this event was to cross the sea to England.
Is it worth it? YES.
Is it possible for me? Probably not.
True, the play will eventually come to the U.S., but who knows how long that will take?
THEN. The news that has caused Harry Potter fans around the world to raise their wands in triumph was released. An eighth book about Harry Potter will be published! Now, what does this mean? Is it a novel?
The answer is no, it's not a novel. BUT, it is the script of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in book form. Now, instead of having to wait for the play to come to America, fans can buy the script and read about the next story from the mind of Rowling, a story that will extend past the "19 Years Later" epilogue. This new story will include the Potter and Weasley children, but will focus on the main three: Harry, Ron, and Hermione as adults!
Harry Potter fans, though I would've like this story to come out in Rowling's usual novel form, I have a couple of reasons why this new book is sure to rock your world.
1. You will be able to relive your childhood.
It's just a fact, Harry Potter was a key factor in the childhoods of many people in this generation. I know that many can probably identify with my story about how Harry Potter affected my life and my love of reading. The opportunity to read about Harry, Ron, and Hermione again will bring back all of those old Hogwarts memories. And this time, Harry's kids will be involved!
2. It will revive the Harry Potter series.
Not that the Potter story has fallen by the wayside, but it has been a couple of years since the last movie has come out. True, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will be coming out soon, but it will lack the characters and story that we all know and love. With the release of "Harry Potter and the Lost Child," the world will be reawakened to the Harry Potter story, and this could push the younger generation toward discovering this awesome series!
3. The story continues!
At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel if J.K. Rowling continued her story through the eyes of Harry's children... I was afraid that she would overdo it and ruin the original storyline instead of leaving it with it's already satisfactory ending. But now that this book is becoming a reality, I couldn't be more excited! It's been too long since I read about Harry's adventures. Harry Potter fanatics can now delve back into the Wizarding World, ready for the next journey.
This book will be released on July 31 -- Harry's birthday, which is pretty awesome timing. If you wish to know more about the book and it's release, click here.
Harry Potter fans: Pull out those old books and prepare! The next story about your favorite wizard boy will FINALLY be coming to you before you know it!
