Last Harry Potter Book Release

Though I am a fan of Harry Potter books, I was never one of those avid readers who waited in line at the bookstore. I'm not exactly fond of crowds that way.

But since I was invited to two (yes two) Harry Potter reading parties on Saturday, I decided that perhaps it would be a good idea to pick up my pre-ordered book around midnight. There were probably 1000 people crammed in the bookstore, up the stairs, along every single aisle. Many of them were chatting. Many were just standing or sitting in silence. Most were taking advantage of the bookshelves and reading.

There were so many people, I felt like I was in the middle of San Francisco's Castro Street during Halloween. Well, it was a little more tame than the Castro block party, but just a little bit. We found sanctuary near the cafe, where I observed kids and adults in costumes ranging from the more subtle gray slacks and white button down shirt with a small home-made prefect badge to complete store bought witch costumes complete with pointy hats to mostly adults sporting giant black or sparkling or velvet capes.

Right before midnight, they announced they were soon handing out books, and the entire place rumbled with cheers. So great. But a long wait. We didn't get our books until 2 am, and we were definitely not the last ones in line. But in the end, I'm glad I participated. Such an event will never happen again!