For Jo

Dear Jo,

You will never know me or how much your books have impacted my life. You will never know that I discovered your books at age 12, yearned to escape into the magical world, found the first and only real friends in my Catholic school by discussing your works, escaped the torment of bullies who saw nothing but my disability, religion, and sexual orientation by journeying with the trio through the perils of their quest, fought depression and suicidal tendencies by knowing that I had friends made on sites devoted to Harry Potter, bonded deeply with my best friend through all-night discussions of the nuances of your writing, and rekindled a love for literature long lost in my former English major by re-reading your novels.

Though you will never know me or my story, I know yours. I've found such inspiration in learning more of you and the obstacles you overcome at seemingly insurmountable odds.

You are as much of a hero as Harry.

Thank you. Thank you so much for your contributions not only to literature but to a generation.

~Kat