Link-Mad/Reflective Chronicle Monday: Post-Potter

Okay, so I didn't post on Friday. Aside from domestic distractions, you might have heard of this little book that was about to be released at the stroke of midnight? The McNally Robinson Harry Party for Grownups wasn't by any means the biggest or the craziest party happening on Friday night in bookstores, but it had its share of big craziness. Read about how it turned out here in the Times ("swilling?!?"), here on the Obsolete Vernacular blog (scroll to the end - "classy" we like), here on NYT ArtsBeat ("stylish" is good too), and here on GalleyCat ("explosive" is even better). I'm sure there are more mentions out there -- would love to see them if you send the links.

At the risk of giving away store secrets, I think it's safe to say we had no idea how big this event would be. The HP for Grownups party two years ago when Book 6 came out was festive, but manageable, and we sold about half our stock on the night and more throughout the week. Whether it's because the bookstore is so much more well-known after two and a half years of business, or whether it's a result of everyone wanting to get in on what feels like a historical moment -- the end of the Harry Potter era, the last hurrah -- the crowd and the sales exceeded all expectations. We had lines for the fortune tellers, the tarot card readers, the costume contest, the sweepstakes entries, and of course the booze. We had a line in front of the veiled book boxes (decorated with chains and a sign reading "Azkaban") that was more like a mob. We had lines outside the door that stretched around the corner and nearly to Spring Street, a long city block away.

I was at times reminded why I don't tend to go to trendy bars or clubs anymore -- the claustrophobia of that many people, even joyful ones, crammed into a space was intense. There were some murmurs about crowd control, and we had the usual worries about theft and running out of things like sweepstakes entries and toilet paper. But I think all of us booksellers were happily amazed at the good will and good behavior of all those stylish 20-somethings. There's something about this party -- acting like a kid, immersing yourself in another world, discussing the battles of good and evil, dressing up in costume, awaiting a moment as portentious and huge as Christmas morning, being surrounded by books -- that brings out the best in everyone. Aside from some mild pushing and shoving that couldn't be helped, everyone was thoughtful of their fellow fans. We heard nothing but appreciative comments about the magicians, mystics, and decorators who put the party together. And when we counted down to midnight (my favorite part, as I'm a bit of a ham with the microphone) and started passing out books, Sarah observed that it was kind of like playing Santa Claus. We felt lucky to be the conduit for all this joy, the link between book and reader.

And I have to admit, I was a little jealous of those fans. I have somehow managed to avoid Harry Potter altogether -- never read any of the books, never saw any of the movies. The media ubiquity of the titles means that I know a few names and salient plot points, but perhaps due to my bookseller bestseller snobbery ("if everyone else is already reading it why should I?"), I've never ventured into the stories, despite my propensity toward good fantasy. And for the first time on Friday night, I wished I had read them, if only to share that sense of community that involvement in an imaginary place can give. I remember it a bit from when the Star Wars movies were re-released, or the Tolkien madness of Lord of the Rings. But this is a contemporary phenomenon, our own generation's set of myths, and there's something to be said for taking part in it, no matter how much is hype. As New York Magazine noted, years from now our grandchildren may ask us where we when the final Harry Potter book was published. I'm glad our bookstore could help to create that memory.

Wednesday I'll be back with the second in the Dream Bookstore Series: the cafe! the sidelines! and more!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Oh, it's a shame you haven't read the books yet. They're so fun and engaging.

Snobs always miss out on the good stuff...
Anonymous said…
My back features in two of those linked photos. I've finally made it.
Anonymous said…
I would love to know your thoughts on the NYT putting spoilers in their review of the last Harry Potter.
Book Nerd said…
David,

I'm anti-spoilers, as a rule - why jeapordize the pleasure of readers? But the Times is hardly the only culprit in that regard. I actually thought Michiko Kakutani's review of this book was admirably subtle in commenting on the book but not giving away salient plot points -- and I usually despise her reviews, so that's something.
Anonymous said…
I agree with this completely, thanks for the post.
Anonymous said…
"Professor Midnight" is "Harry Potter" for grown ups, but it is much more. This swiftly-paced saga spanning the Spanish Inquisition to the dawn of the Aquarian Age uses the real-life modern day practices of witches and wizards around the world as its backdrop. Cleverly crafted into a magickal blend of ancient legend and modern witchcraft, the author has woven a hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable tale. Meet Vincent, a man whose birth was prophesized by the Oracle of Adelphi who arrives on earth 500 years later to a mother who fears and loathes his existence. Turning inward to shield himself against the anguish of a loveless childhood, Vincent hones his powers guided by a coven of hereditary witches sent to protect him. Adopting the alter ego of “Professor Midnight”, a world famous illusionist, to enable his plan to protect the planet he loves from mankind’s wanton destruction or destroy mankind itself, Vincent is summoned by the President of the United States. The President’s Aide mistakes Vincent’s powers for an evil force and sets out to vanquish him, but in doing so the Aide inadvertently summons the very holocaust he sought to avoid. Watch, for the first time, those who helped with the research necessary to bring this book to life, the real-life witches and wizards who have dared to peep out of the "broom closet" to speak about their ancient faith. You will also meet the author who shares the dubious honor with JK Rowling of having had her work banned by the Christian Clergy. Watch the story on You Tube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRZpQPocnNY
AND BUY YOUR COPY OF THIS PAGE-TURNING SUPERNATURAL THRILLER HERE:
http://www.zeus-publications.com/midnight.htm

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