J. K. Rowling: A Biography

Greenwood Biographies

by Connie Ann Kirk

The unprecedented popularity of the Harry Potter books took the publishing world by storm and captured the imaginations of readers around the world. This unofficial biographical study of J. K. Rowling invites fans and critics alike to take a close look at the person behind the phenomenon, the facts of her life as a writer, and the extraordinary success of an ordinary woman.^L This detailed book explores both the critical acclaim and the controversies surrounding Rowling's books and the characters, who seem to have found a life of their own. Chapters take the reader from Rowling's early childhood in England through her school years, friendships, and early influences, tracing her family life, her travels and personal relationships, and the development of her career as a writer.



The Harry Potter books are carefully considered against the backdrop of the fantasy genre and are also situated within the broader framework of popular culture. A bibliography provides reviews, critical articles, biographical sources, and related Web site information. A timeline highlights the events of Rowling's life and career. Other appendices cite the many awards her books have received around the world. Also included are lists of her special literary and humanitarian interests.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Harry Potter, Biography Memoir

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Connie Ann Kirk is an American author. Her books cover a range of subjects including concise literary biographies for students, bio-critical literary studies, and references. She has also written a fiction picture book for children. Her articles, both in print and online, address topics in literature, poetry, popular culture, history, education, art, television, science, sports, and film.

Reviews

[Emma McLuckie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting to read that our role models make mistakes and have struggles too. I also liked how the timeline went from being born to present. I liked learning where and how one of my favorite authors grew up. It is a little slow in the middle, however. I wish it had told us about the publishing process in more detail. Also, it kind of gets a bit boring, but otherwise, I enjoyed it.

[Kenley · Rating 2 out of 5]

for english class i have to read a biography; i'm learning a lot about J.K., but i really don't like the way it's written.

[Caroline Santiago · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book but I wish the info was more recent.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! It was really interesting, it gives you a different point of view in Harry Potter and also of a different time. Since it's from 2002 you can read about what the Potter phenomenon was like when it was truly happening. I also loved reading about her life and what Harry meant to her when her life was crambling.
I totally recommend!

[Rhuddem Gwelin · Rating 3 out of 5]

How very frustrating that this biography covers Rowling's life only up to the release of the fifth book. Another problem, it's poorly written with many repetitions and a wooden style that more lists a series of facts than exhibits any feeling for the subject. But as a long-time fan of Rowling and a Harry Potter fanatic, I enjoyed it.

[Amaranta · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Ah!
Me pasó como con Magic beyond words. "No lo va a lograr" pienso, aunque sé que lo logró.
Y de nuevo, como con cada libro leído en inglés, siento al necesidad de escribir la review en inglés pero no puedo porque no sé. Jajaja.
Es una buena biografía, al ser "potterhead" me sé su vida al derecho y al revés, en algunas partes me mataba que encontraran tantas conexiones. No creo que Jotaká haya pensado taaaaanto, en todo. El libro fue escrito en el 2002 o 2003 entonces, apenas dice algo sobre la orden del fénix.
Si quieren pasar un rato agradable, la recomiendo.

[Brent D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book showed that there was a different side to the multi-millionaire author. Who would've known. Connie Ann Kirk is referenced in my book.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

THis is the best biography for the Harry Potter author that I have seen. It provided lots of information about Jo's life while keeping the story interesting.

[Sammi Fredenburg]

Very good, thorough bio of Rowling, rags to riches story, it took a long time to read as the print was very small (8 or 9 point.)

[Judy Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything with Harry Potter referenced in it is a great book in my eyes<3

[Cheyenne Mayer]

The book was overall fairly informational, but in such a way that it was mostly pretty boring to read about. I'm doing a "Greatest Person" project and this really came in handy when learning about Jk Rowling.