In July of 2007, it was a bittersweet time for many readers.
With the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it was the end of an era that had seen children's literature transform from a novelty of publishing, to serious business for bookstores and publishers alike.
Now, nearly five years later, J. K. Rowling is finally stepping back out into the literaryspotlight.
Her career began with the prophetic words of "Every child in our world will know his name", but now J. K. Rowling, author of the phenomenally successful Harry Potterseries, faces a new test as she releases her first novel since the fateful conclusion of the series that made her a household name. However, will it sink or swim in the shadow of 'the Boy Who Lived'?
When news of the as of yet untitled book's existence broke, it only took minutes for it to spread over the internet like wildfire, a far cry from the near silence that encompassed the release of the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in June of 1997 (the American version, re-christened 'Sorcerer's Stone', appeared in summer of 1998.) Back then, children's literature — outside of R.L. Stine and classics like the books of Ronald Dahl — was nothing more than a side market to the more successful writers for adults like King, Grisham, and Steele. Rowling, against all odds, broke the mold, and proved how powerful children's literature can be.
In many ways, the question "where were you when you met the boy wizard?" took on a power similar to "where were you when President Kennedy was shot?" By the release of the third book in the series, Harry Potter had established himself as a phenomenon the likes of which the world had not seen.
For me, the story of the respected boy wizard came to me in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Shortly after the attacks, I had gone to college three hours away from my parents for the first time in my life, and failed so hard that I had only lasted a month before breaking down, defeated by stress and anxiety.
My mom, a librarian, had the first four books, and after seeing an ad for the first film, I followed her advice, and grabbed the first book off the shelf.
By the next night, I had finished it, and for a moment, all of my troubles seemed less challenging in the face of the trials Harry had encountered. From that point on, Harry Potter was a part of my life.
Now, as J. K. Rowling prepares to release her first post-Harry Potter book, the question is will it live up to the story that took her from obscurity, and made her the first billionaire writer.
LBCC student, Sarah McClanahan, who in the last few years had discovered the series, spoke of how she felt about the news of a new book from Rowling:
"I am looking forward to reading more of her writing," said Sarah. "I know that she wrote amazing children's Literature that was more than just another 'Happily Ever After' ending. She really went the mile to make sure that it was raw and real, like life."
When asked what she felt the new book might be about, she echoed the opinion of writer Ian Rankin.
"I actually feel like she could write a really great Murder Mystery." She went on to say.
The excitement was not lost on others, such as Student Randy Chilcote:
"I think it's going to be really interesting." He said. "Her later Harry Potter books got really dark...and it will be interesting to see what she does with a book for adults."
Whatever she writes, it is bound to be a success for booksellers, who had lamented the end of the series along with the fans in 2007.
Always tight-lipped about her plots, J. K. Rowling has proven herself once more to be a master marketer. Even her announcement, as lacking in detail as it is possible to be, already has fans salivating at the prospect of a new work.
"Although I've enjoyed writing it just as much, my next novel will be very different from the Harry Potter Series." She wrote in a handwritten note posted to her soon to be updated new website, jkrowling.com.
I wish I could say what I think her new book is going to be about, but from the woman who gave us 'Horcruxes' and 'Hallows', I think it is safe to say it is anyone's guess.
I just know that when it hits shelves, I will be in line to get it the moment it goes on sale.
At a glance
First novel published (Britain, 1997, America 1998)
Has sold over 450 million copies
Film adaptation has earned 7.7billion dollars
Her novels translated into 67 languages
For more information, including inside information on the Harry Potter series, her other literary project, Pottermore.com, is set to open to the public sometime this April, along with the official release of the Harry Potter eBooks.
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