This book considers the places and times where and when the author grew up and lived (such as the Forest of Dean in the West Country of England and the 1960s and 70s) and how that context and what was also going on in the world at that time may have directly influenced Rowling's sensibilities, humanitarianism, and work. This strategy in the book continues as important moments in Rowling's life are described parallel to world events until, remarkably, they intersect around September 11th, 2001, when the first Harry Potter film is released that fall to a public much in need of a bit of fantasy. Family, teachers, and friends and their influence on the writer are also considered throughout. Harry's story is told from the first time Rowling met him on the delayed train through the 2nd film and the fifth novel. Controversies Rowling has faced in terms of literary criticism, lawsuits, and book burnings are also addressed fully and fairly.

The appendices are many and add much--they include a timeline of Rowling's life and achievements, awards each novel has won, a listing of J. K. Rowling's reading, charitable organizations that are important to her, and addresses for the author both in the U.S. and U.K.. The bibliography is extensive, including all of Rowling's works (British and American publications; articles, too), biographical sources, reading and education guides, responses from young people, criticism and reviews, related articles, and websites. There is a helpful index as well.

The biography is easy to read and informative and attempts to place Rowling's work in context with world events, literature, and popular culture. The book would have benefited from more careful editing, but the fresh contexts and updated information provided in the biography will cause most readers to overlook this. I highly recommend the book to Harry Potter fans, readers, students, educators, and those interested in writers' biographies.

Kirk donates from the proceeds of the book to J. K. Rowling's preferred charity, Comic Relief, which suggests that she shares in Rowling's humanitarian interests. Perhaps the fact that she is a writer of books rather than a journalist adds to the book's fresh approach and deeper, more valuable insights.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:

I Love This Book!  Jul 11, 2003

Most of the books about J. K. Rowling are either too young for me or are just gossip about her. This book tells me about her life and her writing and about Harry Potter in a way I like. It's for older kids and adults. It's the most up-to-date book about J. K. Rowling on Amazon. There is a lot of information in the back, too, like addresses where to write to her and addresses for the charities she's involved with. It has pictures in it, too. I got this book as a gift, since my dad knew I would already get Order of the Phoenix. I love this book! I love J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter! I recommend this book to everyone who loves J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter like I do!

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

A Harry Potter Fan  Jun 18, 2003

My mom and I both read this book while we were waiting for Harry Potter #5 to come out. It has some things in it I've never heard of before about Ms. Rowling. My mom said she thought the Forest of Dean near where Ms. Rowling grew up sounded like a magical place and maybe that's where some of her ideas came from. We loved the names of the mushrooms they have there! We liked this book a lot and recommend it to any Harry Potter fans out there who would like to know more about the author. It's also the most up-to-date biography we know of--it even mentions her new baby!

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Highly Informative; an excellent work  Apr 12, 2003

It's great to finally find a decent biography about J. K. Rowling. Only a brief glance at the bibliography will reveal just how hard Kirk worked on this book. It's hard to believe that this is the first time such a conscientious effort was made. But the result is remarkable. This book is, in my opinion, the most informative and complete source for Rowling's life written to date.

That said, this book is certainly not without its flaws. Kirk tends to repeat herself, mentioning the fact that Rowling wrote her notes in longhand at least four times. Moreover, at times, the writing style seems slightly less sophisticated for the targeted audience. I place more blame for this on the editor than on the author, however. But these are really just nitpicks. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as an addition to your Harry Potter library.

7 of 8 found the following review helpful:

When You Are Done Reading ORDER OF THE PHOENIX.....  Jul 12, 2003

......read this book about the great writer, J. K. Rowling! I like how she played guitar and drew pictures, besides doing her writing. The author of this biography says that J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter are like the Beatles. From what my parents say about them, I think so, too. Then I heard on the webcast interview from London that J. K. Rowling's favorite group is the Beatles--so, it's like this author knew that already! You'll love this book if you like Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling. I love the names of the fungi in the Forest of Dean. If you grew up there, maybe you'd have J. K. Rowling's imagination, too! She read lots of books, too, which figures, doesn't it? This book tells more about the books she read than any other book I've seen about her. Over the summer, I'm going to write a letter to J. K. Rowling using her addresses in the back of this book. This book is packed with information! Buy it and read it!

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