by Alexis Whaley

Created on: August 04, 2009

The Harry Potter series has had a huge effect on society, particularly in the United States. The biggest effect has been in spreading the love of reading and books to millions of children and adults.

Certainly many people enjoyed reading before the Potter books were published. But the Potter books drew people to reading in a way rarely seen, and never before seen with children's books. The way that children and adults love these books has been stunning and record-breaking. We have seen midnight releases for popular movies, but the Harry Potter midnight release parties at bookstores have never before happened, with parents allowing their children to stay up. Children then read the book without stopping for the whole weekend, and then read the books over and over again. These books turned an entire generation (and perhaps more than one) into absolute book lovers.

The books have brought new customers into bookstores and libraries, especially to ask for other books to read. More people have discovered other great fantasy books that may have just languished on the shelves. More authors have been discovered by more people.

There is a new value being ascribed to books than before. Parents willingly paid hardcover prices because they were so happy to encourage their children to read. This was unheard of before. As a former bookseller, it was unusual to sell more than ten copies of most middle grade novels in hardcover, unless the book won an award. The vast majority of sales occurred in paperback, with customers waiting for it to come out. Suddenly it has become worth it to buy the hardcover when before the price was a barrier. This shows that many people have discovered a deeper love for books.

Other people have discovered the library, drawn there to borrow the book because they were unable to buy it. Libraries and bookstores created book clubs, Potter-themed activities, and recommended book lists for fantasy books, building community around the books.

Another profound effect is that developing a love for books can lead into a love of writing. More children have had a positive experience with reading, and this will serve to encourage them to try their own hand at fiction writing. Some may feel drawn to write additional stories about the Potter characters, others to invent their own imaginative worlds.

And Rowling is a good role model. She stayed true to her story, completed the books even though she did not need more money, but because she wanted to finish them. She kept her integrity, displayed productivity and commitment, and respect for her fans. She plans to continue writing new books because she loves writing, not just to make money. She did not become a strange celebrity with eccentric behavior, as some of the pop stars that first appealed to children and teens have. She loves writing, loves her fans, and has shown that finding something that you love to do is more important than money.

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