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Harry, a History
- The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon
- Narrated by: Renée Raudman
- Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins
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Publisher's Summary
With remembrances from J. K. Rowling's editors, agents, publicists, fans, and Rowling herself, Melissa Anelli takes us on a personal journey through every aspect of the Harry Potter phenomenon - from his very first spell to his lasting impact on the way we live and dream.
Critic Reviews
"Infectious, at times frenetic, excitement." ( Publishers Weekly)
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What listeners say about Harry, a History
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Chris
- 05-29-09
Immersion
This book took me deep into a world of Harry Potter that I didn't know existed. As a reader of Harry Potter who didn't start until after the final book had been written, I missed all of the excitement of speculation and guessing. Learning about the music, websites, interviews, conferences, etc was truly amazing and I'm thrilled this book was written. Thank you Melissa!
16 people found this helpful
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- Nik
- 12-02-11
An Amazing Trip Back!
If you could sum up Harry, a History in three words, what would they be?
So very emotional.
What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?
Reliving the experiences of the HP Phenomenon and learning stuff I did not know to complete the journey.
Which scene was your favorite?
The experience of preparing for the last book and an end of an era.
Any additional comments?
This book is great for those of us whom love HP and are geeks about it.
9 people found this helpful
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Overall
- Emanuel Gagliardi
- 04-11-10
Interesting Historical Insight
If your a Potter fan, this will give you some insight into how the series became such a phenom. Can drag on in some places, but all in all, the historical insight it worth the listen.
6 people found this helpful
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- Heather
- 03-19-09
Relive the magic!
Wow, this is an amazing book. I love Harry Potter and the fandom. Melissa Anelli takes us on a nostalgic journey to those moments most important to Harry Potter fans. We go back to that happy and sad day when we learn the release date of the last Harry Potter book. We find out what it's like to tour with the Wizard Rock band, Harry and the Potters. We get reminded of the shipping wars and the Half Blood Prince interview with J K Rowling. But the book is so much more than that. When being taken back in time, Melissa doesn't just give us the fun stuff. We remember September 11, 2001 and our brave author comes face to face with someone trying so desperately hard to take away our books. You will cry and you will laugh. If you experienced any of this, then this is the book for you. And for the many us who've met her, whether online or in person, we know, she is awesome.
17 people found this helpful
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- Valarie
- 05-06-12
I pretty much hated this book
Harry,A History holds a unique place in my library. It is the first audiobook I did not finish. Generally if I have difficulty getting through a book it's because of the narration. Not so with this book. It was egotistical, poorly written and had very little to do about the actual "phenomenon" and more to do with the author's work as a webmaster. The author continuously tried to create suspenseful situations by dragging out the point of a story or situation. I couldn't handle it any more. I'm a huge Harry Potter fan but my interest in the books was not enough to keep me going with this book. I have no complaints with the narration, I just really disliked the story.
12 people found this helpful
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- S. Kaufman
- 05-17-16
An entertaining walk down memory lane
Normally I'm rather nerdy in the audiobooks I read with most being science or non-fiction history books so this was a different kind of book for me. I really enjoyed the growth of the author and how "she found her people" in the online Harry Potter universe. While the book was fun, and easy, to read what I came away with is what happens when you follow your passion. Most of us become unstoppable which is why I will listen again with my kids so they can see someone who did just that.
1 person found this helpful
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- CoffeeIV
- 03-30-16
Couldn't Finish
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
I thought this was going to be more about how Harry affected individuals and groups around the world. Instead, it was one woman's perspective as a fangirl. If the author's lens had been wider, I might have finished it.
Has Harry, a History turned you off from other books in this genre?
No, I'll just know I should listen to a sample before I buy.
Which character – as performed by Renée Raudman – was your favorite?
N/A
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
I was disappointed.
3 people found this helpful
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- E B
- 04-24-15
Aww yiss
A fascinating look into the world of Harry Potter from both the fan perspective and the author's. I absolutely loved it.
1 person found this helpful
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- Kelli
- 03-21-17
If you love HP you'll like this book
interesting stuff especially for someone who was way out of the loop at the time the HP phenomenon was at its height. where was I? I don't know but I wasn't paying attention at the time. If you love Harry Potter I think you will find this book worth it.
2 people found this helpful
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- Lindsay South
- 09-21-21
Absolutely Intriguing!!!
I loved this book. Hearing about Melissa's real life amidst the release of Harry Potter and the history behind the entire franchise was amazing. I was sad as soon as the audible guy said "We hope you have enjoyed this program." I wanted to learn more about my favorite series!
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- Benner
- 03-23-18
Honestly, I absolutely adore this book
I relisten to the Harry Potter books every year - some books more often that others (*cough" I adore Deathly Hallows cough*). But I go back to this book at least once a year to relive the excitement of the reveal and to feel that growing love for the series that will exist past its creation. Melissa absolutely captures the excitement and the joy of being introduced to the series and continuing through to the "end". (I personally refuse to believe we're at the end)
I love these books and in no small way appreciate Melissa's experience. Overall, I LOVE what these books have meant for me and the world, and how they will continue to influence literary culture.
TL;DR
Keep doing you Jo Rowling.