My son is 8 and recently we've been watching the Harry Potter films and tonight he chose Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as his bedtime story. I've not read the HP books to him yet unless you count in utero but one chapter in and he's hooked.
What struck me on reading that first chapter is how comforting her writing style is, how she immediately transports you into the world she has created and how the words flow beautifully. I read to my son most nights and we have been through many books over the years but in the last couple of years they have got longer and more intricate. Ive found many hard going. Ive stumbled over the words, mis-read so many things and had to go back. I was thinking it was me until I picked up JKR's book tonight and the words flowed smoothly like silk. Ds did not interrupt me to ask anything even once. There was no confusion, no doubts, no misunderstandings, no messing with Lego, no rearranging his selection of cuddlies, no getting up to just this that or the other, he was totally transfixed. Now I know he's seen the film so knows the story but the film doesn't do much justice to that first chapter.
Reading tonight I felt like my son and I were cocooned in a literary hug from JKR and my love for her grew significantly tonight and I already think she's awesome. The weather was rather wild outside and that made it more atmospheric but even so, it was such a lovely bedtime story time. Magical 🧙🏻♀️
I have her soon to be released Strike book on pre- order and can't wait for that to arrive. I'm not sure that will be a hug in book form but if the previous Strike books are anything to go by then it will be fantastic. I'll get to read HP to my son and then read Strike to myself. What blissful evenings these will be. I'm generally sworn off men but Cormoran gets me a bit flustered I must say.
Then there's her fight for our rights. The domestic abuse victim support. Ovaries of steel and a true role model.
If anyone would like to join me in an appreciation thread and a toast to the stunningly awesome JK Rowling then please do 🥂