This isn't really a book, but everything J.K. Rowling writes is magic.

A quick, feel-good read. Rowling's speech to the Harvard class of 2008 is funny, genuine, and hits you right in the feels. I wish Rowling had given the address when I graduated--the class of 2013 had to settle for Oprah. Tragic! (Joking.)

Read this review and others on my blog, Bookish Bish: http://www.bookishbish.com

J.K. Rowling's inspiring Harvard commencement speech. Good advice for life - with humor and compassion.

june 2019: just a lil boost

august 2015: i didn't know if the £7 i spent on this speech i could read on the internet was worth it but it was my birthday and i thought i would treat myself.

it was worth it. the illustrations are beautiful -- it was such a nice experience to sit and turn the pages, reading these words from one of the most influential people in my life.

sometimes just reading jk rowling's name makes me emotional; reading her experiences, her words, her subtle references to harry potter, and her repeated surprise and humility about her lucky she was to be given these opportunities that then led her to provide opportunities and help for millions more made me a sobbing wreck.

one of my favourite quotes from her has always been, when asked about herself, she replied "someone who has done the best with the talent she had," but "i wish you all very good lives" is up there too, if only because i can pretend she's saying it directly to me.

J.K Rowling is amazing, inspiring, and I'm glad she exists. This isn't actually a book (surprise!), but instead the graduation speech from a Harvard convocation she spoke at. She speaks of failure, of low points, and how imagination is what the world truly needs. It was also very well illustrated (the version I borrowed at least), and I found myself screenshotting pages to use as my iPad wallpaper. The only problem was that it was over in 20 minutes.

An awesome quick little read which inspires me to know, it is okay to fail as long as I pick myself up and try again. This book would make a wonderful gift for any graduate!

<
The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more than any qualification I ever earned.>>

I just love her.