Crescent City eager to welcome JKR

Jo will continue her Open Book Tour on Thursday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans in front 1,600 students at 10:00 a.m. The Times-Picayune reported earlier today on the importance of Rowling's visit to the city, which is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, quoting various student essays that were submitted in order to attend Thursday's event: "J.K. Rowling is also an inspiration to everywhere, but especially New Orleans. She is proof that if you try hard enough, you can, like a phoenix, raise from the ashes to a marvelous life." "When Hurricane Katrina was rolling in the Gulf of Mexico I immediately thought of taking my Harry Potter books with me. I knew wherever I was headed or how long I was going to be away from home, being back at Hogwarts with Harry, Hermione, and Ron would bring back comforting memories of my childhood. As always check back throughout the week for the lastest on Jo's book tour.