On his broom, he swept through spells, potions, Muggles, youthful frolics and evil sorcery. The resulting six novels and multiple films propelled the character into literary immortality - arguably the most famous orphan since Oliver Twist.
This weekend, the epic swoops to its climax at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 21, when the closely guarded seventh novel, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Books, 784 pages, $34.99 hardbound) Rowling's long-planned series finale, is officially released. Shipping boxes will be pried open, and coveted copies will flood into the hands of thousands of teary-eyed fans.
 "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" |
• Bay Book Company, Strawflower Village, 726-3488.
Perhaps the most elaborate release festivities belong to Bay Book, which plans a party starting at 11 p.m. Friday, July 20.
Just like 2005, when "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" hit the stores, manager Jeff Broyles says he expects customers in costume to throng in for free refreshments, a raffle with prizes of Harry Potter pins and decals, copies of the book, copies of the audio book read by actor Jim Dale (a master of voices) and the company of kindred souls.
"There was such a deluge of people last time," he said. "It was all we could do to keep up with the books and the customers."
Devotees can also buy limited copies of a deluxe edition at $65.
Well versed in literature after 10 years as Bay Book's manager, Broyles says Rowling hit on a winning formula. She "blends real-world mystery, fantasy and flat-out adventure with seamless narrative that ignites public imagination," he said. "It's worthwhile reading pleasure and history people want to get their hands on."
That's not easy, given the dragonish secrecy surrounding the book. "We've had to sign affidavits saying we wouldn't allow people to see the books, even the boxes they came in," Broyles said. Scholastic was "very hush-hush. They didn't want anyone to spoil anyone's reading pleasure."
• Coastside Books, 432 B Main St., Half Moon Bay, 726-5889.
Coastside Books, too, will open its doors at midnight, but will defer partying for the most important thing: catering to "people who just want to get their hands on it," said manager Sara O'Sullivan.
Like all the bookstores, Coastside Books is making lists for copies in advance. When you make a reservation, you are automatically entered into a raffle for bookstore gift certificates. Four of those will be raffled off, said O'Sullivan, at a value of $10 each.
She hailed the Harry Potter phenomenon for getting young people reading. "Anything when people get adults and children excited and talking about literature" is good, she said. "It's a big part of why it's so successful."
The Coastside is only reflecting the Pottermania big picture, she added. "Half Moon Bay or San Francisco, it's a big thing," she said. "Especially since this is the last book."
• Ink Spell Books, 500 Purissima St., Half Moon Bay. 726-7571.
Early birds who shun the witching hour can get in on Harry Potter partying beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday at Ink Spell.
That's when fans can enjoy a pajama party, a trivia contest, make and decorate wooden wands or make potions of tasty treats for kids or bath salts for grown-ups. There's also a continental breakfast with hot chocolate, fruit and pastries.
It "will probably go on all day," said co-owner Heather Plunkett. "As long as there's still stuff to make."
When fans reserve copies at Ink Spell, they are entered into the Independent Muggles for Harry Potter sweepstakes put on by the American Booksellers Association. The prize? A trip for four to London.
It's all in keeping with Harry Potter, say Ink Spell owners Plunkett and Cindi Whittemore.
"This crosses all boundaries - young, old, fantasy, drama," said Whittemore. "Every level - grandfather, grandmother, male, female - if you're going to love a book, there's something in there for you."
• Moon News. 315 Main St., Half Moon Bay. 726-8610.
"I'm cooking up food ideas," said owner Mark Sipowicz.
He's building a British menu for an informal breakfast party Saturday, when the store opens its doors at 7:30 a.m.
So far, he and cashier Kirk Damer have conjured up porridge, crumpets, hob nobs (a British cookie), wands made of black licorice an chocolate, and berry trifle (sponge cake with whipped cream, berries and meringue).
"If (the foods) don't already have funny names, we'll think up funny names," said Damer. "Like, Sirius Black coffee."
Sipowicz says he was primed for this event by the release of "The Half-Blood Prince" which drew some 50 patrons to the store. "This is sort of like (the Internet,) which is as central to this business as Harry Potter is," he said. "This is the largest event I've ordered a book for."
• Ocean Books, 416 Main St., Half Moon Bay. 726-2665.
As a used bookstore, Ocean Books won't have new copies of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" to sell.
But owner Madeleine Saussotte says she tries to keep many copies of the Potter books on her shelves.
"We're selling used copies if she (Rowling) ever comes around for a signing," Saussotte said.
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