the end of an era.

there is so much i could say about Harry Potter and the incredible world that JK Rowling created. i am a huge fan of the books (and movies) and believe they are wonderful stories that any child/adolescent/adult would be lucky to read and glean from. i get really frustrated when parents make fear-based decisions to keep the books from their kids. i totally understand waiting until they are at an age where they can grasp the complexity and subject matter, but to ban them indefinitely is just so sad to me. the plots include incredibly valuable morals and life lessons, not to mention the fact that Rowling really nailed the awkwardness & uncertainty of adolescence. i read these books as an adult, but i can imagine they would be quite comforting to anyone going through the growing-up process themselves.

i originally clicked on this link because, hello, Harry Potter-themed candy. but i love this 20-something's short homage to the stories that have shaped her for the better:

Over the last ten years, Harry Potter has taught me about life and growing up. Dumbledore lectured me on the significance of morality and empathy, as well as the importance of humanity. Harry Potter showed me the power and strength of sticking to your beliefs, especially in the face of adversity. Ron and Hermione taught me the sincere virtue in forgiveness. The characters showed me that every decision comes with consequence, good or bad. Perhaps this sounds silly but, after dozens of book readings and re-readings, I've noticed that I have unconsciously taken these lessons and subtly applied them to my own life.

As the release of the last movie approaches, it marks the end of an era for me. There will be no more Harry Potter books or movies. No midnight release dates to look forward to. The last movie, in some ways, marks the end of my childhood. After July 15th, I will slowly become an adult in my own eyes—the last ties to my childhood will have been cut.

JK Rowling, if you only knew the profound and positive effect you've had on my life. Like Harry with his lightning bolt scar, you, too, have left a permanent mark on me.

cheers for the Boy Who lived... now, Accio July 15. stat.