J.K. Rowling Interview

J.K. Rowling gave a rare interview Tuesday in which is said that her mother's death at age 45 of MS largely influenced the Harry Potter books.

"They open with the death of Harry's parents. There is Voldemort's obsession with conquering death and his quest for immortality at any price, the goal for anyone with magic.

"I so understand why Voldemort wants to conquer death. We're all frightened of it."

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Part of the reason the Harry Potter books are so great is that they aren't afraid to tell children that bad things happen and innocent people die. Kids need to know that bad things can be overcome even if the actions of the wicked are irreversable. The Harry Potter books give children that hope.