Dear Joanne Kathleen Rowling,
I love "Harry Potter." Actually, that is probably an understatement. I have read the series dozens of times, seen the movies two dozen, been to Harry Potter World, cried at Harry Potter World, and all around spent three-quarters of my life with this series. My obsession started in middle school and has only grown since then.
I just wanted to say thank you. They say that these are children's books but they are so much more than that. They are deep, meaningful stories that anyone from five to 85 can relate to. It makes you think and wonder and want to learn. I saw this joke once that said "'Harry Potter' is a gateway drug to hard literature," and it is true.
This series formed my obsession for reading and learning and helped me become the student I am today. Because of Hermione Granger I knew that being the "smart girl" wasn't a bad thing. I could be smart and strong and all-around amazing all in one. Hermione is the heroine I always wanted to be (and still do). She showed me that I can have "book smarts" and "street smarts" and still have a perfectly functional social life. It is OK to be the "dorky smart" girl because I had someone like Hermione to look up to.
Harry and the gang have helped me through so much. We fought Voldemort and the bullies simultaneously. We defeated the Dementors and the sad times right alongside each other. When Harry cried, I cried. When he laughed, I was laughing. "Harry Potter" taught me that it is OK to be afraid and that there is bravery in everyone if you just look hard enough. He taught me that friends can be found in the most unlikely of places. He taught me that even when life is against you, you will always have those people around who love you and want to take care of you.
I started reading the books in middle school and have read them a dozen times since. Because of Harry I have made friendships with so many people and have had deep conversations about The Boy who Lived. It has given me something to do any time I was bored or just needed a "Potter" fix.
I couldn't have imagined my childhood without Harry and the gang and I know that into my old age people will ask me if I still love these stories and people after all this time and I will respond, "Always." So from this Ravenclaw to you, thank you!
Always,
A proud Hogwarts alum
P.S. I am still very bitter about Dumbledore.
