Monday, June 30, 2014

A Book



June 30, 1997
That’s the date that Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was first published in the UK.
A book that, indeed, seemed magical 
taking on a life of its own and providing the inspiration for
Movies
Fan clubs
A line of (apparently) defective wands
Websites
Apparel
The unprecedented sale of vomit and booger flavored candy
Video games
Action figures like Ron Weasley with detachable broomstick
Books about the books of the series and their profound meaning for feminists, Christians, Muggles, etc. (The U.S. Library of Congress currently lists over 100).
And an entire theme park!

Now that’s a LOT of inspiration…
And a lot of Galleon.
The estimated worth of the Harry Potter Franchise as of January 1, 2014 is well over 24 Billion dollars (yes, that’s BILLION with a B).

And then there’s something simple and free 
In King’s Cross Station of London, I waited in line for 20 minutes just so I could do this:



Yep, pose with half a shopping cart…

Just like the kids from Japan,
those students from Norway,
that family from Brazil 
and all the other folks who laughed in different languages.
But laugh we did,
understanding one another perfectly…
Humble Muggles of the world
enjoying our moment
of magic.

Never underestimate the power of a book.

PROMPT: How will your book change the world?
Oh, yes it will.
Never doubt that for an instant.


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