by Pixie Clearwater

Created on: July 26, 2009

The 30th of June 1997 was like any other day. Another book released into the dog eat dog world of publishing, hoping that the critics would not be too harsh and that a few people might just enjoy the book. But this wasn't just another book, this was Harry Potter and this was to become a global phenomenon. But why? Why wasn't this just another book? Why do people love Harry Potter?

This is a question I found myself asking when I queued eagerly among other Harry Potter fans to see the new Harry Potter film the day it had been released. Then filing out of the cinema with a questioning stare, asking whether the film was actually based on Harry Potter and the half blood prince. Even worse, it appeared that many people leaving the cinema had never even read the books, in fact they were not even aware that it was a book. But to a large extent Harry Potter is bigger than a book or glamorous film. It's an unparalleled achievement by an amazingly talented author.

So why do people love Harry Potter? At its purest it is an unbelievably good story. The almost simple plot of the first book branches into a beautifully crafted tale stretching over seven books. Each chapter serves a purpose, you don't feel short changed at any corner and every character brings a refreshing new dimension. Ask any Harry Potter fan, which their favourite book is and it is more than likely that you will receive seven different answers. This is paramount to the success of J.K. Rowling's creation, that every book has its own merits and charm. From Harry's every day schooling and the problems of teenage life to the more dramatic confrontations with Lord Voldemort, every action provides pure entertainment and makes you eager to get the page turned. And I will be the first one to admit that I read the epilogue of the last book before I started reading it, I just could not resist. This is detriment to Rowling's abilities.

Harry Potter is a mystery at its heart. You are often left shocked, even upset at some of the choices that Rowling makes but yet they fit elegantly into the overall jigsaw. But there are plenty of light hearted moments along the way, romantic elements and comedic incidents. Which create the perfect balance and quench the desire of the majority of book worms.

Harry Potter is more than a bookit's a whole world, connected through a variety of small connections that ultimately make the larger picture shown in the final book. Harry Potter makes fans care, care about what happens to Harry and his friends. And to me this is the key. Harry Potter becomes a friend. He is the boy who lived after all.

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