The phenomenon of Potterhead Politics is a intriguing example of how a fanbase has become a vehicle for engaging with real-world social and political issues. Inspired by the Harry Potter series, the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA) demonstrate how fans channel their passion for the series into civic action, tackling issues ranging from climate change to LGBTQ+ rights. However, … [Read more...] about Potterhead Politics: Pushing Past the Pages
JK Rowling
New Harry Potter Book Amid Controversy: ‘From the Wizarding Archive’
Harry Potter fans have a lot to look forward to this fall with the release of a new addition to the Wizarding World. J.K. Rowling’s beloved series began in the 1990s, has sold millions of copies and inspired eight movies (plus a spinoff series). The captivating story follows Harry Potter as he fights the evil Lord Voldemort. Although the series has been praised for … [Read more...] about New Harry Potter Book Amid Controversy: ‘From the Wizarding Archive’
JK Rowling Blesses Readers with Four New Harry Potter Books
If you're still pining for the excitement of Harry's childhood journey through magic and adventure, there's good news. Author JK Rowling has announced four new books in the Harry Potter world, ones that will delve into the history of magic associated with Hogwarts and the wizarding world. While fans may know Voldemort's origin story or how the houses were formed, this … [Read more...] about JK Rowling Blesses Readers with Four New Harry Potter Books
Amazon Unveils This Year In Books
Amazon Charts, launched earlier this year, is a fun way to get a lot of data on how other readers are responding to books. For much the same reason that avid book lovers enjoy the interaction found on sites like Goodreads, Amazon Charts can tell you which books are the most read, which genres are really on the rise, and more. Now, a new category on Amazon Charts called Year … [Read more...] about Amazon Unveils This Year In Books
Pottermore Goes Physical with Art
The beloved fan site Pottermore announced this week that it's bringing the eye-catching art behind the appeal of the fantastical web experience to physical works of art. More than forty pieces are already available for purchase through the site's shop, including images from Creature Chaos and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. “These products have been carefully … [Read more...] about Pottermore Goes Physical with Art
How eBooks Can Save Banned Books
It's Banned Books Week, a popular celebration for rebel readers put on by the American Library Association. For thirty-five years, the ALA has encouraged readers to explore the list of books that have been banned or challenged in schools, libraries, and even retail sales in order to exercise their right to read. Unfortunately, in this climate of political angsts and … [Read more...] about How eBooks Can Save Banned Books
Take a Trip to Hogwarts…Almost
If you're one of the many lifelong fans who still feels a pang of regret that you never received your owl post letter of invitation to Hogwarts, there's some bright news from Pottermore. The fan-driven wizarding world of Harry Potter is now offering a new "immersive" digital experience that lets users travel around the icon school and grounds. “We’ve seen many interpretations … [Read more...] about Take a Trip to Hogwarts…Almost
JK Rowling Pleads with Public Not to Buy Stolen Story
In further proof that you just can't do anything nice anymore, a recent burglary has led to iconic author JK Rowling begging the public on Twitter to steer clear of her work. The piece in question is an 800-word short story, nay, practically a blog post-length work of flash fiction, that she sat down to write specifically for a charity auction. The story, which is a prequel set … [Read more...] about JK Rowling Pleads with Public Not to Buy Stolen Story
Barnes and Noble Launches 2017 Summer Reading Program
Say what you want about Barnes and Noble's fifty-fifty ration of books to coffee mugs/pens/calendars/candles, but the company keeps one really great program going. Its summer reading program offers kids a free book in exchange for reading eight books over the summer, which on the surface might seem counterintuitive from a reluctant reader standpoint (yay, the reward for doing a … [Read more...] about Barnes and Noble Launches 2017 Summer Reading Program
Goodreads Choice Awards Winners Announced
Some book awards are determined by panels of expert judges who seem to be fairly out of touch with the interests of the typical reader. Still others are the domain of the "inner sanctum" club where publishers and powers that be proclaim which books are worthy. For my part--and that of many avid book fans--those awards pale in comparison to being chosen by a vast sea of actual … [Read more...] about Goodreads Choice Awards Winners Announced