Book-pimping and reflections on years of fandom...
Alrighty, folks. So, the book I've been carrying around most with me these past few weeks (along with church scriptures, because I'm such a dork anyway) has been a thick memoir titled "Harry, A History" by Melissa Anelli. It's a wonderfully written account of the Harry Potter phenomenon, and the fans who got the front row seat to the bulk of it.
If you have yet to read it, I highly recommend it. :)
Anyhow - reading this memoir has caused me to reflect on my own history of being a part of the Harry Potter fandom. It's been... eight years? Nine, perhaps? To think that it may have been an entire decade since I've become caught up in this storm of beautifully written books is amazing. I can still remember picking up my first Harry Potter book, rather reluctantly I might add, and becoming completely and utterly absorbed in the story of this young boy, one who in some ways I could relate to.
I first read Prisoner of Azkaban, not knowing that there was a first and second before it. Even so, I loved book 3 so much, that it became the first book I ever purchased for myself with my own money.
The summer that proceeded after this discovery brought forth the 1st, 2nd, and 4th books as belated birthday presents. And subsequent summers afterward either found me re-reading these books or attending book premiere parties. I'll never forget going to the premiere of Order of the Phoenix and taking several pictures of all the kids who turned up in their amazing costumes. I'll always remember dressing up as Luna Lovegood for both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, and I'll always cherish the wonderful friendship I made with a fellow party-goer who I went on to work with and spend copious amount of time with, sharing our love for literature and other popular fandoms, such as the League of Super Heroes. ;)
Most importantly though, I can never forget what a reprieve and escape Harry Potter became for me during some of the toughest transitions in my life. Those books saw me through four different school, two moves, and even my first year of college. They became an inspiration for me to write, to let the ideas that were mulling over in my own mind to spill onto paper through the use of pen and rejuvenated creativity. Those books were like hope - hope for a better tomorrow, hope for making my own adventures in life, hope for my own creative spirit that I had left stifled for so long.
My love for these books were so apparent to those around me, that this year for my 20th birthday, my mother sent me the boxed set of the Harry Potter series in paperback. *laughs* Though I could chalk it up to her not knowing what exactly to get for a 20-something daughter who's interests changed with each shift in the weather, but I like to think that she understands that those books mean something more to me than a silly obsession or a fad. I like to think that she knows me well enough to know the impact they had on my younger self, and helped shape me into who I am today.
But enough reminiscing - I guess I just want to ask all those Harry Potter fans on my friends list: what are your thoughts on this past decade of Harry Potter fandom? How have the books shaped you and your life? What are you fondest memories of your life with these books a part of them?
♥
If you have yet to read it, I highly recommend it. :)
Anyhow - reading this memoir has caused me to reflect on my own history of being a part of the Harry Potter fandom. It's been... eight years? Nine, perhaps? To think that it may have been an entire decade since I've become caught up in this storm of beautifully written books is amazing. I can still remember picking up my first Harry Potter book, rather reluctantly I might add, and becoming completely and utterly absorbed in the story of this young boy, one who in some ways I could relate to.
I first read Prisoner of Azkaban, not knowing that there was a first and second before it. Even so, I loved book 3 so much, that it became the first book I ever purchased for myself with my own money.
The summer that proceeded after this discovery brought forth the 1st, 2nd, and 4th books as belated birthday presents. And subsequent summers afterward either found me re-reading these books or attending book premiere parties. I'll never forget going to the premiere of Order of the Phoenix and taking several pictures of all the kids who turned up in their amazing costumes. I'll always remember dressing up as Luna Lovegood for both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows, and I'll always cherish the wonderful friendship I made with a fellow party-goer who I went on to work with and spend copious amount of time with, sharing our love for literature and other popular fandoms, such as the League of Super Heroes. ;)
Most importantly though, I can never forget what a reprieve and escape Harry Potter became for me during some of the toughest transitions in my life. Those books saw me through four different school, two moves, and even my first year of college. They became an inspiration for me to write, to let the ideas that were mulling over in my own mind to spill onto paper through the use of pen and rejuvenated creativity. Those books were like hope - hope for a better tomorrow, hope for making my own adventures in life, hope for my own creative spirit that I had left stifled for so long.
My love for these books were so apparent to those around me, that this year for my 20th birthday, my mother sent me the boxed set of the Harry Potter series in paperback. *laughs* Though I could chalk it up to her not knowing what exactly to get for a 20-something daughter who's interests changed with each shift in the weather, but I like to think that she understands that those books mean something more to me than a silly obsession or a fad. I like to think that she knows me well enough to know the impact they had on my younger self, and helped shape me into who I am today.
But enough reminiscing - I guess I just want to ask all those Harry Potter fans on my friends list: what are your thoughts on this past decade of Harry Potter fandom? How have the books shaped you and your life? What are you fondest memories of your life with these books a part of them?
♥