Leaky Review: “Dear Mr. Potter”

This week, Leaky was lucky enough to review the upcoming book: Dear Mr. Potter: Letters of Love, Loss, and Magic. Here is our first look at the book, which is available to pre-order and will be on sale at LeakyCon 2011 this July in Orlando, Florida.

It can be difficult, sometimes, to visualize just how widespread the connection of the Harry Potter series has been– and continues to be– across the world. However, while reading Dear Mr. Potter, the image Harry Potter fans from across all ages, sexes, nationalities, and backgrounds each connecting with the not only the series, but each other, becomes clearer than ever.

Dear Mr. Potter shares the oftentimes emotional stories from fans who have been touched by the story of Harry Potter. This 223 page book contains hundreds of letters, memories, and photos from our shared experience as fans of these books. The collection of letters comes from fans across the world, as well as actress Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood), HP Alliance’s Andrew Slack, authors John Green and Melissa Anelli, wizard rocker Paul DeGeorge, and Mugglenet’s Andrew Sims. Each letter, however, comes from the same place.

One particularly touching realization which occurred to me while reading this book was that many who submitted letters to this project, first read the series at the same time I read the books. We were connected then, before any of us even knew it. We grew up together. We learned and changed and grew as one– as Harry Potter fans. This history is explored and shared throughout the book and makes it that much more special.

Letters also speak of what is to come. Many letters share how the story of Harry Potter changed lives in such a way that J. K. Rowling’s story inspired them to find and follow new paths in life. Together, Dear Mr. Potter truly showcases how J. K. Rowling’s story touched as all. It made this community possible by giving us the seed and nourishment from which we could grow. I would highly recommend this book both as a way to further connect with one and other and to look back at the impact Harry Potter has had on all of our lives these past twelve years.

Proceeds from Dear Mr. Potter benefit the HP Alliance. More information about the book can be found via this link.