I was a huge Potterhead back in the day (well…I still am, just not as obsessed). I know the books are great and all, I know how addictive her writing style is, that she can create such vivid and engaging characters and places, and the stories keep you hungry for more…but IMO that still does not completely explain the insane hype that generated. I don’t think there has ever been this level of mania and craze for a book – a children’s/YA book for that matter. So I am wondering, what are some of the factor that led to the hype? I’ve heard things like the rise in Internet (and internet fandom), JKR’s rags-to-riches story, etc all contributed. So for those who have been there, what was the mania like at that point, and what factors (aside from the quality of the books themselves) that lead to it?
I worked at Barnes and Noble before the 4th book came out and it was such a fun time. We did readings and the kids were just out of their minds over Harry Potter, even correcting us when we mispronounced words or names. E.g. it’s how I learned how to say Hermione. “It’s HER-MY-OH-KNEE!” out of the mouth of babes.