A decade. That’s how long our little community, The Dark is Rising Worldwide Readathon, has been in existence. For many of us, our experience with Will Stanton and the Old Ones goes back farther than that. For Susan Cooper, it has been 50 years since The Dark is Rising was published
For me, I first discovered The Dark is Rising in my small junior high school library. Always an imaginative child, I was instantly captured by Will’s story and continued to read in short order the rest of the series, getting whisked away into the battle of the Light and the Dark with the Drew, Merriman, Bran and the others. Then in my early 20s, I recalled the series and purchased the exact set I had read in my earlier years. I was taken back and rediscovered the magic over again. Almost another decade passed and I heard about Susan Cooper being honored with the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement award and realized that it coincided with The Dark is Rising’s 40th anniversary.
Light, Dark. Fear, Hope. These are universal and timeless subjects. They are ever relevant and are a part of each of us. Our days are filled and often centered around these themes and they are eternally connected. For it is rare for one to face the Dark and not feel Fear. Conversely, even the smallest ray of Light gives cause to Hope. These are personal reactions and yet also global. They affect everyone regardless of gender, social status, location, or circumstance. The wealthiest in the world still have fears. The most unfortunate, desolate or war-ravaged can still feel hope.
Fortunately, in spite of the darkness of Midwinter, we have the hope of longer days and the light of the Christmas season to help us through. We also have the support of this amazing community of readers and the eternal story that Susan has gifted us with.
On that note, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who have clicked “Join” or “Follow” over the last ten years and told friends about our community whether by word of mouth or social media. What started as a group of 100 has steadily grown beyond my wildest dreams. Over the last few weeks, our Facebook group has grown to over 1100 members and our Twitter account has passed over 1200 followers!
And, so, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! Or, if none of those suit your beliefs, a simple “Thank You” and Happy Reading! May the sentiments in the The Dark is Rising and the warmth of being part of such a special worldwide community give you whatever you need this season. You have all made this journey for me a wonderful, special endeavor.
Take care, stay safe, and blessings to all of you.
Danny
Founder, The Dark is Rising Worldwide Readathon
