RTW: In What Universe?

This week's Road Trip Wednesday question is: If you could live within the universe of one book, which would you choose?


Because ultimately I'm going to be so cliche in my answer, first I'm going to tell you which ones I considered. I thought about the universe of HEX HALL by Rachel Hawkins, but only if I get to be a witch and go to the school where Sophie goes (so I guess I'd have to be a misbehaving witch.) It just seems like fun. I also considered one (or several) of the many universes in the HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy by Philip Pullman. I want to befriend a giant armored polar bear! And meet strange creatures who don't walk but travel using wheels make of giant seeds! And have a daemon! And then I considered and almost chose the universe from the ABHORSEN trilogy by Garth Nix. It's creepy cool, with the wall that separates normal society from magical society. And all the different types of magic, and the eerie dead things that come up out into the living world and have to be banished back. Of all the things I've ever read, this trilogy has inspired me the most, so it only makes sense I'd want to live there, even if it's a little bit wild and seems to be pretty much in constant danger.

But then.

Then I spotted the seven Harry Potter books on my top shelf, sitting there all innocently, and I'm sorry, but who doesn't want to go to Hogwarts? Especially now that it's all safe and whatnot. Quidditch matches and spells gone awry and fun classes like transfiguration and charms. Delicious magical candy. Quirky teachers. Hagrid's various magical/semi-dangerous pets. Everything about Hogwarts--and all other wizard-related places--is awesome. It is magical and fun and the first time I read HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, I developed this little corner of my heart where I could pretend it totally does exist.

I'm going to keep pretending until proven wrong ;)


So what about you? If you could live in any book universe--contemp or magical or dystopian or other--which would you choose? Visit YA Highway to share your answer!