Open Letter to J.K. Rowling
Dear Jo,
From the moment I read the first book, it was more than just a story. The books was an virtually escape from the pressures of reality. The "Harry Potter" series was an entire metaphysical world that I could jump into whenever the real world became troublesome and a little overwhelming. Unfortunately, it became a regular occurrence. From the troubles at school to the social pressures of life, the books became my safe haven and was the only time I felt in control of my own life. I defended the Stone, I found the Chamber, I freed the Prisoner, I was chosen by the Goblet, I fought alongside the Order, I learned from the Price, and I mastered the Deathly Hallows.
The best thing was these characters weren't perfect. Harry is a narcissist with a hero complex, Ron is insecure and jealous, and Hermione is intelligent and overconfident. The existential flaws that I discovered in each character made them so real. As a result, all three-dimensional characters were emotionally complex, which I felt more connected to than people in real life. Throughout the seven books, these characters experienced trials and tribulations that every person has experienced. From Harry nervously asking Cho to the Yule Ball to Ron and Hermione's love triangle with Victor Krum, these proved to be powerful moments that us all a valuable lesson — they were kids, too, who just happened to have magical powers. Also, the visual imagery of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade was described with such vivid penmanship and sensual artistic strokes that I could close my eyes and literally picture it.
Another incredible aspect of these books was the community it created around reading. Since I am an introvert, I suffered from establishing conversations with others. For the first time, I was able to connect with complete strangers and form personable relationships. My friends and I shared a common interest that was essentially bigger than us, which only strengthened our bond through middle school and high school. The dynamic friendships you created helped me establish friends that will last a lifetime. I learned that the loneliest people are the kindest (Luna), the saddest people smile the brightest (Hagrid), and the most fearful people will fight the hardest (Neville). You taught us to embrace friendships regardless of their outward appearance or social status.
I am beyond grateful that the books became an essential component of my life. I had to wait eagerly (and patiently, might I add) for each book and movie to be released. I was able to theorize and compare literary plots with Potterheads who were waiting in anticipation like myself. What is the three-headed dog, Fluffy, guarding on the restricted floor? Who opened the Chamber of Secrets? Who is Tom Riddle? Who does the escaped prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius Black, intend to kill Harry Potter? Who put Harry's name into the Goblet of Fire? Whose prophecy does Voldemort seek at the Department of Mysteries? Who is the half-blood prince? Who is R.A.B? What are the Deathly Hallows?
Lastly, thank you for being the ultimate role model. Before you became a world-renowned and bestselling author, you were faced with challenges that could have prevented millions of fans from ever discovering your magical work. Instead, you overcame those obstacles and gave Potterheads around the world a purposeful story to believe in that changed our lives. The main lesson you taught us (there is so many to choose from) was when you are so close to the end, you have to remember the beginning.
"The stories we love the best do live in us forever. So, whether you come back by page or of by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." - J.K. Rowling
