The Harry Potter series changed my life. In terms of reading, I had never really devoted myself to a series or ever felt invested in a series enough to follow it closely. But Harry Potter changed all of that. I didn't start the series until the first six books were out, but once I had started the first book, there was no stopping me.
Within a week I had devoured the first five, and by the second week, I was ready to start the movies. My parents were a little afraid of the ferocity of my devotion. So by the time the last book was released, I was ready. I had reread the first six books and knew exactly which characters I wanted to live. I had hoarded enough Barnes and Noble gift cards. I knew the store hours of the nearest bookstore the day of the book's release.
And so Harry Potter unleashed the little monster within me that demanded I start following series --- stalking excerpts and sneak peeks, knowing the next book's release date, and committing to marathon rereads before reading the new book.
Ashley L. is a Teen Board Member.
