MASSTOWN, N.S. — Nicole Turple was hooked the day her Grade 4 teacher read ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ in class.
Nearly 20 years later, she proudly displayed her copy of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book in her Masstown home. It is a collector’s item, one of only about 500 books to display a few typos and the author’s name as ‘Joanne Rowling’ on the inside front page.
“I love it – anything Harry Potter brings a smile to my face,” said Turple, now 28.
Turple said she enjoys reading about how Harry is different from his family because of his wizardry skills. Having a superpower can be a pretty isolating experience, as Turple learned.
Turple lives with cystic fibrosis, helping her to empathize with her favourite story book character.
That’s why J.K. Rowling’s books have been a constant companion during her frequent hospital admissions, which can go on for weeks at a time.
“I always bring the books in with me and it helps pass the time,” said Turple. “When you have medical issues it’s harder to fit in, so I connected with it that way.”
Back home, she has a shelf lined with all the Harry Potter books, as well as souvenir mugs and a set of his special glasses, which Turple tried on. She even has a wizard’s magic wand, as used by the character.
The shelf also contains Harry Potter-themed trinkets and DVDs, among other memorabilia.
Turple has the entire book series in three cover versions: Canadian/United States, the British/European style and the special children’s edition.
Indeed, her Harry Potter collection counts as her most prized possession.
“I absolutely never lend any of my Harry Potter stuff out to anyone,” said Turple. “No books, no movies.”
However, she is always looking for more Harry Potter-themed items online, while family and friends buy them as gifts for her.
She remembered how the books came out around Christmas time when she was a child – an extra new present for her.
As an adult fan, her advice to other would-be Harry Potter fans is simple.
“Just give it a try,” said Turple. “Once you get into it, you wish it never ended.”
Young Masstown woman is a die-hard fan of Harry Potter
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