Reese Thomas: From Bookshop Theft to Literary Success

Kerala author Reese Thomas narrates his incredible journey from stealing a Harry Potter book as a teen to becoming an author, and JK Rowling’s heartfelt reaction to his story.

Reese Thomas, a Kerala author, shares his journey from stealing a Harry Potter book in his teens to becoming a published author. His story, which garnered a reaction from JK Rowling, highlights themes of redemption and literary success.

Reese Thomas, an author from Kerala, recently shared an extraordinary tale that has caught the attention of none other than JK Rowling herself. Thomas, who works in the Malayalam film industry, has penned down his journey in his debut book “90’s Kid,” revealing a story from his teenage years that would later become a defining moment in his life.

The Heist for Harry Potter

Back in 2007, when JK Rowling’s final installment of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” hit bookstores, Reese Thomas was a ninth-grade student in Muvattupuzha, a small town in Kerala’s Ernakulam district. Coming from a modest background, Thomas’s parents couldn’t afford to buy the much-anticipated book for him. Instead, they encouraged him to borrow it from the local library.

However, Thomas’s friends at school had a different plan. They challenged him to steal the book from a local bookshop if he was so desperate to read it. Inspired by the daring antics in popular movies like “Dhoom” and “Don,” Thomas accepted the challenge. He successfully stole a copy of the book from New College Book Stall, feeling a rush of adrenaline and a sense of heroism at his feat. His triumph was short-lived, though, as the shop owner soon caught him on a subsequent visit, suspecting him due to the missing book.

A Dark Episode Turned Bright

Thomas avoided the bookshop for years, haunted by the memory of his youthful indiscretion. Seventeen years later, now an accomplished author, he decided to confront his past. With a copy of his newly published book “90’s Kid” and the very same stolen Harry Potter book in hand, Thomas revisited the bookstore in Muvattupuzha. To his surprise, Devadas, the shop owner, had long forgotten the incident. Instead of holding a grudge, Devadas welcomed Thomas warmly and even refused to accept payment for the stolen book.

“He sweetly welcomed me, and we had a heartfelt conversation,” Thomas recounted. Devadas’s generous spirit and Thomas’s willingness to face his past culminated in a touching moment of reconciliation. Instead of demanding the return of the stolen book, Devadas asked Thomas to sign copies of his new book, proudly displaying them in his store.

JK Rowling’s Heartfelt Reaction

The story took an unexpected turn when JK Rowling, the famed author of the Harry Potter series, reacted to Thomas’s tale. Sharing the story on X (formerly Twitter), Rowling, who has over 14 million followers, expressed her delight. “I know I’ll be accused of encouraging book stealing by sharing this, so please don’t steal books, book stealing is bad. Anyway, this is the loveliest thing and made me really happy,” she tweeted.

I know I'll be accused of encouraging book stealing by sharing this, so PLEASE DON'T STEAL BOOKS, BOOK STEALING IS BAD. Anyway, this is the loveliest thing and made me really happy. https://t.co/9b0LBdE5YF

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 9, 2024

Thomas was elated by Rowling’s response. “It is an unexplainable feeling. I did not expect it at all. I was telling my friends how I wish JK Rowling had read my story. And it actually happened,” he told Hindustantimes.com. For Thomas, who had followed the Harry Potter series ardently in his teenage years, Rowling’s acknowledgment was a dream come true.

A Journey of Redemption and Success

Reese Thomas’s story is a powerful narrative of redemption and personal growth. From a teenager who succumbed to the temptation of theft to a published author who faced his past with courage, Thomas’s journey is inspiring. His debut book, “90’s Kid,” not only narrates his experiences but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of literature.

This tale of a Kerala man’s connection with one of the world’s most beloved authors is a reminder that our past does not define us. Instead, it is our actions and growth that shape our future. Thomas’s story, with its blend of humility, courage, and redemption, resonates deeply with readers, reminding us all of the magic that lies within second chances.

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