A Good Book Can Change, But It Cannot Be Changed

You know that you have done something incredible when it is talked about for years. Obviously, this happens a lot with literature, the classics are the classics for a reason right? And what I think is best about those kinds of books is that people are constantly analyzing, finding new meanings, and fantasizing alternate endings so that the book is always relevant. A good book is not static, it changes.

To me, there is no better example of this type of writing than the entire Harry Potter series. Yes, I may be very biased as I literally grew up with Harry Potter. We hit milestones at the same time. I was in that generation that started reading the books around age 9-11 when they came out and I continued to grow with them until the final book was released July 21, 2007; almost exactly one month after I graduated from high school. I left high school at 18 as Harry left Hogwarts.

To me, it feels like I was reading those books just yesterday for the first time, so I'm always surprised when I'm reminded of how "old" they really are. The first Harry Potter book was published in 1997! And not until 1998 in the US. And yet, if you were to go on Buzzfeed right now, in 2015, I would almost be willing to bet money that there is an article on the main page that SOMEHOW relates to the Harry Potter franchise. And that shows the complexity, the fluidity, and the impact that those seven books had on millions of people starting over twenty five years ago. That is truly an accomplishment.

I consider myself a very committed fan to Harry Potter and the queen J.K. Rowling, but even I will admit that sometimes I am surprised or amazed reading what other people have interpreted from the books. It helps that living in a society basically driven by the internet, we are privy to pretty much everyone and their mother's opinions about anything whenever we want, but I also think it speaks to the strength of the story and the intellect it took to piece that together. Fans keep finding new interpretations or things hidden within the main story, because J.K. Rowling wrote with so much detail and awareness that it would probably be impossible to catch everything on a first read. That type of attention to detail, the level of dedication to her story, is astonishing to me. You have to be so intelligent in order to create something like that. Honestly when I start thinking about it, it blows my mind. That is why, forever and always my answer to the generic "If you had to sit down and have dinner with ANYONE living or dead who would it be?" will be J.K. Rowling.

The point is, to create something relevant and interesting is difficult. To create something that has the power to last and still be relevant, is rare. Every time I see a different post about Harry Potter show up on the internet, I get excited. And it reminds me that it doesn't matter that the book came out 18 years ago (ohmygod I just died a little because that made me realize how old i am!!!!), because everyone will read it differently and find a new way to change the story that has become so well known by people all over the world. And the best part is that no matter what new theory pops up, in the end we still all love the same story.

Such an intelligent woman. 

Ready to Review

 I have a lot of thoughts and opinions about things that very few people actually care about. And it drives me slightly crazy that I can't share my (probably too intense) feelings on the last book I read or movie I saw because no one shares my passion. Basically, no one else is enough of a cool loser nerd like me. So if I can't talk to anyone and without any other option than to keep everything bottled inside my head, I have decided to write to myself. Because then at least it is out there. I've done my part. And maybe I'll find some awesome people along the way who enjoy the thrill of being swallowed by blankets in a big chair with a captivating book and a cup of tea, as much as I do. Maybe. I won't get my hopes up.

My reviews are in no way professional or profound. Usually when I write reviews on books for the library (Did I mention how cool I am?) they are three sentences that basically say "I couldn't put it down!" in a variety of ways. I'm not a critical literary genius or professional broadway theatergoer (I WISH!), I am simply a late 20 - something who still has no idea what to do with their life, and retreats into books to escape a very uninteresting reality. I'm average at best, bordering on invisible, no one worth writing home about, but I entertain myself and I guess that's good enough for now. Yeah I guess I will have to work on the real life stuff at some point, but for now I'm happy continuing to hid behind anything that doesn't involve actually going out into the world and talking to people.

Sad, but true story.

An anonymous person from the internet.