It would be difficult to let this day go by without mentioning the phenomenon that is Harry Potter on this the release day of the final edition of the classic epic.

Whether you've read it or not, seen the movies or not; surely you have heard of J.K. Rowling and her latest book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

What's all the hub-bub? It's just a kids book, right?

Well, that's what it started out to be but Rowling's amazing ability to weave a story that grabs your mind and attention has turned into the greatest literary event of all time.

She made reading cool for kids and adults.

She got us talking, arguing, debating - about the story line, the characters, what will happen next, the possible religious or anti-religious under tones.

She created a NEED for her product long before the final copy was printed.

I ordered my copy in February from Amazon. And today as I ran errands and popped into the local book store where one lone copy remained on a huge display dedicated to the Potter release I thought - how stupid. I ordered it six months ago as if it were the last jug of water and I lived in the middle of the 7 years of draught that Joseph dreamed in Biblical times. I could have just waited and bought a copy today.

It's just a book.

It's not even a book that will help grow my business.

Yesterday 12,000 people gathered in the little town of Hudson, OH (a number of people 1/2 that of the actual residents) streets were closed, people walked in costume, businesses opened their doors to Muggles (humans without magical powers) and their Muggle children and went from shop to shop to experience the magical extras of the night.

My teenaged son was appalled at the world wide attention for a fiction book. "John Lennon and his message of peace and harmony and all the good he did never received this much notoriety." He exclaimed. "It's a sin that we are all coming together for a fiction book. Where were all these people when Lennon spread his message of good?"

Of course he was right there in the middle of the other 12,000 (my son, not John Lennon) checking out the situation last night. And he will also read the final installment of this fiction epic - but not until I do.

What is it about this series that has touched the lives of people in all walks of life? Kids, teens, parents, community leaders, business owners, religious leaders.

There are psychological studies on how to help your child deal with Harry's death (if that happens - and if you already have finished the book DO NOT TELL ME PLEASE). There are Christian leaders debating the right and wrong of the books. Asking the question - do they lead readers away from God and toward wizardry?

I have no answers. All I know is that it was with great glee that I discovered my copy had arrived from Amazon today even without paying for extra shipping. I am set up in my favorite spot with my weekend adult beverage savoring slowly every word. Part of me wants to stay up all night reading so that I don't hear the conclusion in the news or in the office before reading it myself. Part of me wants to take my time as this is the final chapter in the lives of characters I have come to love.

What is the business model that Rowling has created? How will she ever pick up the pen and start anew knowing anything she writes will be compared to this literary-altering phenomenon. How hard was it for her to say goodbye to these lives she created and loved? What piece of her business model can we adapt for our own business?

My hat is off to J.K. Rowling and her amazing ability to create excitement, anticipation, joy and community collaboration with the written word.

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Writer, Potter/Rowling Fan