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?
All I can say is I saw the author on Oprah (2010) and the book sounded interesting so I purchased it and started to read it to my sons (7 and 12). My 12 year old never really read with out being prompted until we started to read this book before bed. He became impatient and started to read the book on his own and then read every other book as soon as I could get them for him.
These are just really great books that people feel connected to, but I agree with others that having access to others online who were excited about the books probably had a major impact on the depth and longevity of the fandom. People need to feel connected to others and sharing a love for the books and movies connected people.