When Novels Shape Popular Culture

I think it's worth taking a moment to fully appreciate the current environment. I'm referring, of course, to Game of Thrones.

Yes, it's publicity for a paid service, yes it's about the tv show now, but at it's heart the current Game of Thrones buzz is a reminder of how powerful books can be. I'd argue that this is only the second time in my lifetime that a book series has reshaped popular culture to this degree. The first was during the Harry Potter releases. I was working at Borders during book six's release and remember the lines, parties, insanity, and the general excitement. Potter got people talking across the world, talking about books, reading books, and excited about books. Game of Thrones has taken a slightly different tack, but I feel it's impacted society a similar way. For the past three seasons, The Washington Post publishes an article recapping the show after every episode, and they just ran a full major special illustrating every single onscreen GoT death so far. The Post!

Yes, we've had other books reach heights of success...Twilight, 50 Shades, and many others, but I don't think any have become quite as culturally significant as this since Potter. Whether you're a GoT fan or not, it's exciting to see watch novels excite a populace worldwide....