Over the last few years, a phenomenon has arisen out of Scotland and has incorporated itself into the lives of children and adults all over the world.
Ever since J K Rowling’s imagination released the world of Harry Potter into our bookstores, book sales have went through the roof. Her fifth book in the Harry Potter series broke records all over the world two years ago, only for the sixth book to break them all over again, a couple of weeks ago.
I initially came across these books about four years ago when, stimulated by the buzz surrounding the fourth book, I picked up the first book, the Philosopher’s Stone, read a couple of pages and bought it. The following week I bought the second and third books, followed by the fourth about a month later.
I found the books extremely appealing, and it’s a small wonder they have been a hit worldwide. Until Harry Potter was born, most children spent their days playing on their computers and watching TV. I have seen more children reading now than five years ago, and this can only be a good thing. Harry Potter inspires an imagination within children, and gardens and parks are now full of children playing out the characters of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort.
at last, there is a children’s book that adults can read without being embarrassed. In Scotland, and Canada, I have spotted many commuters reading their Harry Potters while traveling, something I do myself. Even the punk guy from my university class a couple of years ago was spotted reading one on the train. Not only do these books inspire children, they inspire adults too. If Harry can overcome a Dark Lord, spiteful teachers, grim beasts and curses, then surely we adults can overcome the daily toils of our jobs and lives. They give us an excuse to temporarily get away from our problems, and those of the world around us, and escape into the world of Hogwarts. I almost look forward to going to work so I can read on my journey there.
The books make me laugh, cry, and almost bite my nails in tension. Sometimes it’s hard to find adults books which do the same. In the world of war and terror we now find ourselves living in, we need more books like these to make us temporarily forget, and to make us laugh and cry with our imaginations.
To be totally honest though, it gives me the excuse to be a big kid. Roll on the next book!
Lisa McFadyen is a 25-year-old journalist from Paisley, Scotland and a self confessed hockey nut. She writes regular articles from Scotland. Her website is www.lisamcfadyen.tk
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