Etc.

February 11, 2008

When college kids want some light reading: Harry Potter

Harvard University has announced that J.K. Rowling, author of the best-selling Harry Potter books, will be its June commencement speaker. She might seem a curious choice, given the world and national political and business leaders who often deliver the address, but then again her seven-volume series isn't just children's fare. Adults and young adults also are big fans. In fact, in a survey of 1,000 college students by market research consultant Anderson Analytics of Stamford , Conn., they selected the Potter series as their favorite book "brand." The students' complete list of favorites, by category, from the survey:

Literature: "Harry Potter"

Website: Facebook

Magazine: Cosmopolitan

Clothing: Old Navy

Fast-food chain: Taco Bell

TV show: "Grey's Anatomy"

Candy: Snickers

Soft drink: Coca-Cola

Cellphone service: Verizon

Pro sports team: New York Yankees

MP3 player: iPod

Musician/band: Linkin Park

Celebrity: Johnny Depp