Touchstones – Harry Potter

In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones.

I first encountered the Harry Potter series in the spring of 2002. Fresh off our first year of graduate school, Mandy and I were crisscrossing Michigan in preparation for our wedding. My mom owned, and shared, the first four books on CD, read incomparably by Jim Dale, and we inhaled them during those long drives across the state.

That began a love affair with those books that included listening to all seven with Jim Dale. I will never forget working at Interlochen Arts Camp when the final book was released – the whole camp was papered with signs reminding students not to spoil the book, the camp bookstore had hundreds of copies available, and students were buried in their books as they walked between classes.

My love affair with the books culminated with a family read-aloud each time one of our kids turned seven, and an additional evening read-aloud happening right now as we practice social distancing from the world at large. (We’re well into the fourth book right now.) Mandy and I have distinct voices for dozens of characters, and it has become a touchstone for both of us and for all of our kids.

For me, the Harry Potter book series is a touchstone because it offers such a compelling, fully realized alternate universe. With deep familiarity comes the ability to dip into that universe easily, with comfort coming from knowing. While I have my quibbles with aspects (Rowling often tends towards fat shaming and male-stereotype emotional expressions), I find that the story rewards repeated readings with discovery of new details and careful plotting.

Add to that the additional artistic expression through eight movies (including wonderful scores from John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat), additional books, plays, and more. I’m not even a Harry Potter super-fan…but I have a deep respect for and connection with this wonderful body of work.

We are all in a psychologically vulnerable state due to the state of the world right now; rereading these books aloud has been one of the things that has buoyed me through these difficult days.


Touchstones is an ongoing series of posts I’ll be writing during the COVID-19 season, reflecting on the works of art that support me in times of upheaval. I encourage you to make a list of your own “touchstones” and if you like, share them with me to publish here.