The Existential Adulteration of Harry Potter

by Daniel Velasco

What happens when the most famous fictional wizard in history becomes aware of his own existence?

Harry is about to embark on an adventure that will take him from the pages of history to Hollywood, California, where he will encounter life, loss, love, and everything in between. During this time, he will question his existence and the meaning of his past and present lives, so much that he will confront the very being who gave him life, and make a final stand for what he truly believes in.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2014

About the author

Dr. Daniel Velasco earned his B.A. in both English and French from UCLA, and his M.Ed. from National University. He spent the first part of his career in the field of international/cross-cultural education as an instructor, administrator, student counselor, and academic director at a variety of post-secondary institutions. His role as an international student counselor prompted him to diversify his education, and he soon earned an M.A. in psychology from Antioch University, and started a private practice specializing in positive psychology. He continued on to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where he earned a Ph.D. in International Psychology.

Dr. Velasco currently resides in Japan, where he is a mental health counselor, associate professor, researcher, and public speaker. He regularly lectures on intercultural communication, teaching strategies, positive psychology, and counseling strategies with a focus on adaptation and acculturation.

He is an active member of the Japanese Psychological Association (JPA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the International Council of Psychologists (ICP), the International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ), The Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research (SIETAR), The International Society for Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, The Global Organisation for Humanitarian Work Psychology (GOHWP), the Japan Association for Language Teaching (JALT), and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anybody interested in Harry Potter, existentialism, or speculative fiction, this is an intriguing read.

The novel asks the question: what would happen if Harry Potter were freed from the confines of determined existence in the pages of the popular fantasy tale, and emerged as a “normal” guy into the real world? That could have been a gimmicky concept, but it works. Velasco knows his stuff, philosophically, as what ensues is a thought-provoking journey from conditioned existence to authentic personhood---even in a life many might consider banal or less “magical.”

I found myself relating quite a bit to the story and overall concept, given the many ways in which modern life can come to feel meaningless and “pre-determined” in a manner not unlike a Harry Potter trapped in the pages of Rowling’s famous novels (or: trapped in a dead-end job, bad relationship, debilitating medical condition, or other seemingly hopeless situation). Pretty cool that this manages to deal with that heavy subject in an approachable manner and a light tone. Also, as a former resident of Los Angeles, where much of the story is set, I appreciated Velasco’s entertaining, satirical depiction of Angeleno city life. Good stuff!

[David Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this book is being classified solely as a work of fiction, and its true function is being glossed over by Harry Potter fans who are upset at the deviation of their beloved hero.

This book was written by a psychologist for use as a psychological intervention. I am both a psychologist and a Harry Potter fan, and I enjoyed the book from both perspectives. As a fan, it is a unique read, not without its faults, but it served its purpose as entertainment. As a professional, I use this in my practice, and it is a creative psychological intervention, particularly for young adults.

I normally don't write reviews, but felt compelled to support an independent writer (and fellow psychologist) whose purpose for writing this book seems to have been lost. I highly recommend it, but like any book, it is important to understand what you're reading before you begin reading it.

[Dean Moriarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an entertaining, easy read. I can see Harry Potter purists not liking it, though. If you are looking for more Harry Potter adventures in Hogswart, you will be disappointed, so I would recommend reading it with a new approach.

I'm not sure if this is the author's first book, but overall, it was a good effort to take an old character into new territory. Kudos to the author for making the Kindle edition so cheap!

[Mark Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the next great American novel, but creative, interesting, and enjoyable. Recommended.

[Nicole Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very surprised when I read this that I really enjoyed it! It was a very interesting take on life outside of Hogwarts but in a very different muggle world!