It took me a while to decide to read the Harry Potter series. It wasn't because I'd heard it was profane or dangerous or ungodly or anything like that, although I had heard all those things. It was just because I'm not into fantasy and I really thought I wouldn't like it. Holly kept telling me I should give the books a try. And finally, David Moffitt said I should try listening to the audiobooks. He just happened to have all of them. 

About two chapters into book one, I was hooked. 

I listened on my drives back and forth to Nashville. I listened as I walked. I laughed out loud when Hagrid gave mean cousin Dudley a tail. I cried when Harry looked into the Mirror of Erised and saw his parents for the first time. I adored Hermione from the first moment she was introduced. I loved the whole Weasley family, and I suspected Snape had secrets he was hiding. 

I listened straight through all seven books and watched the movies as I finished each book. I was there for opening night of Deathly Hallows Part II. And now, I am listening through the books again. 

Here is why:

Because the story is about good and evil, and in the end, somehow against all the odds, good triumphs.

Because the characters grow and yet they never do things that are not consistent with their character.

Because with few exceptions, the best characters have flaws and the worst characters have some redeeming moments.

Because things happen in book one that come back in book seven to resolve a plot point. The story is that well plotted.

Because there are no loose ends that don't get resolved and yet the resolution of each doesn't seem forced.

Because even the secondary characters like Alastor Moody, Gilderoy Lockhart, Luna Lovegood, and Dobby are so vivid and wonderful.

Because even the villains, including Bellatrix Lestrange and Dolores Umbridge are fascinating.

Because friendships are precious although not always easy, and friends are never discarded.

Because the least likely characters do heroic things. 

Because the stories are funny and scary and emotionally compelling all at the same time.

Because the second time through is even better than the first. 

Because now I know words like hippogryph, quidditch, horcrux, polyjuice potion, and blast-ended scroot. 

Because elves and giants and werewolves and goblins have feelings too.

Because in the end, Harry shows such courage and nobility and self sacrifice.

I love Harry Potter. There. I put it in writing.