It’s difficult to believe that twenty years ago today, a small boy crept into the hearts of millions of children (and adults) all over the world. Even if you’ve never understood the Harry Potter craze, there is no denying that he and his creator, J.K. Rowling changed how many view children’s literature, and even more importantly how it engaged young readers, even reluctant ones. While it wasn’t released here in America until September 1st, 1998, once it made it’s debut, it was an instant hit. I was still working as a children’s librarian at the time and hadn’t heard of of the book until kids started coming in to the library imploring me to read it. From the very first chapter I was instantly captivated, as well as convinced that this book would become a classic. So thank you J.K. Rowling for creating such a richly drawn, magical world with characters that children and adults can relate to!
…A breeze ruffled the neat hedges of Privet Drive, which lay silent and tidy under the inky sky, the very last place you would expect astonishing things to happen. Harry Potter rolled over inside his blankets without waking up. One small hand closed on the letter beside him and he slept on, not knowing he was special, not knowing he was famous, not knowing he would be woken in a few hours’ time by Mrs. Dursley’s scream as she opened the front door to put out the milk bottles, nor that he would spend the next few weeks being prodded and pinched by his cousin Dudley…He couldn’t know that at this very moment, people meeting in secret all over the country were holding up their glasses and saying in hushed voices: ‘To Harry Potter–the boy who lived!’
beetleypete said:
This series made Rowling one of the richest women in Britain, so well done to her for ‘catching the mood’. I have never read any of the books, nor seen the films, but I am in a tiny minority.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
They’re not for everyone Pete, but I’ve got to say I will never forget the children’s excitement at the release of each new book. It was truly wonderful!
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beetleypete said:
I know plenty of adults who felt the same way, Kim. Just not my thing.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
My husband felt the same way Pete, although I have to give him kudos for helping out with my Harry Potter nights at the library!😊
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littlebookynook said:
I love this series so, so much. I think it is amazing how it got people of all ages back into reading and into the fantasy genre. There will always be a special place in my heart for HP 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well said!😊
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jowensauthor said:
Hard to believe it’s been 20 years already!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Time does fly!
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ignitedmoth said:
It’s incredible to think it’s been so long already. I heard about it on the news this morning before work and was like, “You’ve gotta be kidding me!” lol
Lovely post! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know it! It’s put me in the mood for a re-read!😊
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Dr. Rex said:
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Harry Potter!! Happy 20th … 😘
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Panic At The Bookstore said:
THE FEELS ARE TOO MUCH!! -Avi
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right?!😊
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Idontwearahat. said:
I can’t believe I’m a few years older than Harry Potter! Makes me feel old. I have collected every book in the series as they were released. The books are now very well thumbed through. It’s difficult to believe there are people who haven’t, and are not interested, in reading the books, but my partner is in that small minority.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If it makes you feel any better, I was 32 when the first book was published!😁 My husband also was never interested in the books, although he did see the movies with me.
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vinnieh said:
Oh man, can remember when all this was happening. I loved being a kid then.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great Vinnie!
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vinnieh said:
It wasn’t until later that I read the books, but even at a young age I can remember seeing almost everyone have a copy. I think I was six when I first read it and it was glorious.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Wow!Six was pretty young Vinnie! Did you read the entire series then, or did you wait until you were older?
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vinnieh said:
I think I got each book on each Christmas. They were a real treat.
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Jay said:
I haven’t read them or even seen the movies. My youngest sister was into them, so I happily put that into the pile along with Spice Girls and other things that she liked but I was too old\cool for. Now my little 5 year old nephews are starting to get into it, which is cool.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
And the magic lives on!😊
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Gronda Morin said:
Dear Kim,
I just can’t believe that it has been 20 years. I became hooked on these stories when I started reading them to my grandson.
PS. Universal doesn’t do the series justice but I’ve been there.
Hugs, Gronda
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long does it Gronda? I haven’t been to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but it’s on my bucket list.😊
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theorangutanlibrarian said:
Woohoo such an exciting day in history!!!
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Natasha said:
There was a clip on Pottermore where they collected readers’ favorite quotes from the series – I was sniffling by the end of it. I’ve probably read the series back to front somewhere between 10 – 15 times already, and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life. It is the best books I have ever read, and it never ceases to make me laugh or cry. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I read those as well and got a bit teary.
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UnderwoodTales said:
It took me a while to understand what it was about until I actually watched the movies and it was Katie bar the door. I was in love. I am reading the books now and collecting whatever I can and have space for. It is a true phenomenon and I love RavenClaw house as if it were a real dorm. I too am on Pottermore!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so glad you love the series!
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UnderwoodTales said:
I have to contain my wallet. Seriously I want to scoop up all things Potter I can find.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know what you mean. I have the British editions, the e-books for my Kindle, and I’m collecting the new illustrated books by Jim Kay!
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UnderwoodTales said:
Haha, we can’t help it can we?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sigh. No. No we can’t.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
*cough* I have yet to read this series *cough* I did however watch every movie (except the recent Fantastic Beast one). I have the whole collection (7 books) and hope to go through them soon enough–at least the first book before 2018. I’ve been staying away from it so that I’d slowly forget some of the key elements of the movies and be in a position to really enjoy the books for what they are. I’m also sort of intimidated by the size of the last 4 books.. Boy, oh boy.
Anyways, pretty crazy that it has been 20 years now. Definitely a classic in literature.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Wait. What? You haven’t tried these yet Lashaan? Okay. I’m issuing you and Trang an official challenge. You have to try the first book before the end of the year. If you don’t like them, well that’s not going to happen!
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Oh, no, Trang is a diehard fan. She’s read them in French too I believe. I was just absent from the reading world during high school, so I never really attempted to read the whole series. 😛
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay Trang! You’re not off the hook though Mr.! LOL!😁
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Hahahhaha *runs away*
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You can run but you can’t hide! MOWAHAHA!😈
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Michelle Morrison said:
I am a fan of the Harry Potter books and movies. Ms. Rowling has quite an imagination. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
She does indeed Michelle!💁🏻
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columntribe said:
Love Harry Potter? How many of these points do you identify with? Please check this out: https://columntribe.wordpress.com/2017/07/30/some-facts-about-harry-potter-lovers/
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gracexreynoldsx said:
I love Harry Potter – I can’t believe it’s been 20 years!!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s great to meet another fan!😊
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zozieposie said:
I love the series- even have a fb club /themed instagram and going to blog about it I think
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That is so awesome!😊
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D. Wallace Peach said:
I can’t believe it’s been that long. I nearly fell off my chair. It seems like yesterday. I love it that these books created a whole new generation of readers in an age where technology seems to be leaving books in the dust. Lovely quote too. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you. Time does fly!😊
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