The Enchanting Journey of Reading Harry Potter for the First Time

Harry Potter, the magical series that has captured the hearts of readers of all ages, holds a special place in the hearts of many. This essay explores a unique personal experience of how it felt to read The Harry Potter Series for the first time. The journey of discovering the wizarding world is both enchanting and enlightening, as readers like myself find ourselves immersed in a realm of pure imagination.

My First Encounter with Harry Potter

I was a 50-year-old woman enrolled in an intensive Import/Export Law course in a port city, far from my home. During a lunch break, I stumbled upon a reduced price book section in a local book shop. Amongst the discarded books, I found a Bloomsbury soft copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. As I picked it up, curiosity got the better of me, and I began to read it, little did I know it would set me on a magical journey.

Raptured by the enchanting plot and the characters, I finished the entire book in one sitting, halfway through the workday. I couldn’t wait to return home, and as I boarded the bus for the 2-hour ride home, I finished the book, with a deep sense of uniqueness and wonder. The experience was beyond words; it was simply ‘enchanting’ to the core

A Reflective Reader

My children, nieces, and nephews were never interested in Harry Potter, and I had no idea at the time who J.K. Rowling was. I didn’t understand the phenomena of the Harry Potter series, but I could sense the authenticity and the narrative depth. J.K. Rowling’s portrayal of the comic aspects and the relatable growth from a child to a young adult was a pleasure to read.

Her talent as a writer is undeniable. Her other works, such as The Casual Vacancy and the Cormoran Strike series, under the pen name Robert Galbraith, are equally worthy of attention. J.K. Rowling’s ability to capture the nuances of human emotion, the complexities of moral choices, and the challenges of growing up in a morally complex world, is a testament to her writing skills.

Personal Views and Experiences

Reflecting on my experience reading Harry Potter, it is a fascinating journey that unfolds differently for everyone. For me, my first foray into the series began not at the age of 9 or 10, as for some, but as a 50-year-old woman. At the time, my parents were unsure if I would like it, but by reading the first book, I found myself eagerly asking for the rest of the series. Each book brought its own unique charm, but my personal favorites include book 5, the conversations between Professor McGonagall and Professor Umbridge, which were particularly hilarious, especially Professor McGonagall's witty comebacks.

Two of my favorite characters, aside from the trio, are the Weasley twins. Their imaginative sense of humor and charm made them easily relatable and lovable. It was from the 6th book that I truly fell in love with the series, as the hunt for Horcruxes began. If I had to choose my favorite books, I would select Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and finally Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. These books are a personal reflection of my growth and connection to the magic of Harry Potter.

In conclusion, the experience of reading Harry Potter for the first time, whether as a child or an adult, is an experience that is both transformative and memorable. It is a journey that is unique to each reader, and the magic of the series lies in the personal connections it fosters. So, if you haven’t read Harry Potter yet, or if you have read it, share your journey and experiences with us.

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