The Appeal of Harry Potter

In recent years, no one has captured our attention like Harry Potter. Author JK Rowling has created a wonderful world of witches and wizards that appeal to the young and old alike. Not only do her books keep the reader riveted to the page, the successful interpretation of her works onto the movie screen has brought her magical world alive for all.

With the theatrical release of "The Order of the Phoenix," and the book release of "The Deathly Hallows," fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting to dive into Harry's new adventures.

Surprisingly, while the books had been well received in the literary community, it wasn't until the movies were released that Harry Potter began drawing the recognition the series has today.

"I was hesitant at first, because I didn't think I'd be interested, as I generally don't care for magical or fantasy stuff. I think I saw the movie first when a friend brought it over one day," said Alyssa Ricci, a fan of the series.

"My wife and I wanted to go on a date and Harry Potter, The Prisoner of Azkaban, was the only decent movie showing," added Brent Burkhart, another fan. "After watching the movie, we were hooked."

"I was working at the hospital and they were donating some items to the lost and found. The first Harry Potter book was there so I asked to read it," said Karen Rix, another fan of the series.

Once emerged into the magical land of Hogwarts, its fun for fans to express their passion.

"We're attending the premiere of movie five in a group of four, and at least a couple of us are dressing up for it," said Maureen Menzies-Toth, a devoted fan. "Afterwards, we'll be meeting to discuss it."

In fact, no other series in modern times has inspired the fan discussions that the Harry Potter series has. There are numerous websites and discussion boards for Harry Potter on the Internet. Two of the most popular include www.mugglenet.com and www.jkrowling.com, the author's official website. What inspires the discussion? Perhaps it's the fact that Rowling not only makes her characters real, she makes them human.

"In the books, Hermione is my favorite character by a long shot. Tied for second and third are the Weasley twins," said Ricci, who prefers a well written female lead. Rix likes the foreboding Snape. "I find Snape very complicated and mysterious." Menzies-Toth adds: "How can you not love Snape? He's the most intriguing character of the series hands down." With a chuckle, Burkhart adds, "Harry is my favorite."

Fans are anxiously driving past the local bookstores while counting the days on their calendars until July 21^st. "I'll attend the event at the bookstore for the midnight release of the book," said Rix. Ricci adds: "I have no release plans, but I'll probably cheat and read the end of the book first before I get into it."

"What's the cause of all this fuss? What's the most appealing quality of the series? For Rix, it's the ability to lose herself in a different world. "It makes me feel like a kid again." For Ricci, it comes down to Rowling's character development. "I love her characters and that it seems to be more about the journey." Menzies-Toth elaborates: "All of the characters are sharply drown and she (Rowling) plays them against each other like an orchestra conductor."

The familiar themes of the "the journey," and "coming of age," in troubled times, coupled with the fantasy that Rowling has created, allows us all to escape to another world for a little while. That's the appeal.