Product Description:
***Featuring a Foreword by J.K. Rowling***

The Harry Potter Books Were Just the Beginning of the Story. . .

During the brief span of just one decade, hundreds of millions of perfectly ordinary people made history: they became the only ones who would remember what it was like when the Harry Potter saga was still unfinished. What it was like to seek out friends, families, online forums, fan fiction, and podcasts to get a fix between novels. When the death of a character was a hotter bet than the World Series. When the unfolding story of a boy wizard changed the way books are read for all time.

And as webmistress of The Leaky Cauldron, one of the most popular Harry Potter sites on the Internet, Melissa Anelli had a front row seat to it all. Whether it was helping Scholastic stop leaks and track down counterfeiters, hosting live PotterCasts at bookstores across the country, touring with the wizard rock band Harry and the Potters, or traveling to Edinburgh to interview J. K. Rowling personally, Melissa was at the center of the Harry Potter tornado, and nothing about her life would ever be the same.

The Harry Potter books are a triumph of the imagination that did far more than break sales records for all time. They restored the world’s sense of wonder, and took on a magical life of their own. Now the series has ended, but the story is not over. With remembrances from J. K. Rowling’s editors, agents, publicists, fans, and Rowling herself, Melissa Anelli takes us on a personal journey through every aspect of the Harry Potter phenomenon—from his very first spell to his lasting impact on the way we live and dream.

Definitely an interesting look at the Harry Potter "phenomenon." I especially enjoyed the info on the internet and fans. It was also great to feel that excitement of book release dates again. However, I had little to no interest in the chapter about wizard bands. The writing itself is at times confusing and it sometimes screams that this is the author's first book. I would have thought editors could have helped with that issue.

A wonderful look at the Harry Potter fandom from the inside and from the front row! At times a funny and at times a moving history of one fan's journey with Harry. Melissa Anelli is given us her account of the Harry Potter experience and having been herself making Potter history it is a unique glimpse into the Harry Potter fandom. A must read for all Harry Potter fans around the globe!

Let me first say that I have long considered myself a HUGE Harry Potter fan but did come to the dance a bit later. I learned so much about the early days of the history of the books and fandom from this book. It is a MUST READ for anyone who considers themselves a fan of the HP world. The bonus was the insight into Melissa's life. As someone who frequents Leaky, I've often gotten the feeling that Melissa was "a friend of a friend." Now, it's hard to remember that she's not an old friend from school. Great book -- lots of fun and lots of good information, too boot!

I bought this book for my grandaughter who loves Harry Potter and has read every book and seen every movie. She loved the book. Told me she never saw this and is glad to have it to add to her collection.

This was such fun to read and I am so full of admiration for J. K. Rowling.
i am glad I bought this book!