Ah, to be a college student… Where it’s OK to pretend you’re flying around on a broomstick, chasing a “snitch” (while presumably not under the influence).

The CBS Early Show this morning reported that students at 65 colleges are actively playing Quidditch, a fictional game from the Harry Potter series created by J.K. Rowling.

The folks over at Gawker have a great headline: “Nerd Alert: This is What Happens When Kids Are Encouraged To Read.” They then go on to say, “If Harry Potter is the only thing that can save publishing, then maybe the industry deserves to die.”

While I guess I’m a nerd in that I worship the Lord of the Rings series, I have to agree that the whole Harry Potter phenomenon is a bit out of control.

Granted, I love that the Potter series has inspired young readers to shut down the TV and pick up a book. But to see grown adults completely flipping out over it is beyond me.

I didn’t get into the books when they first came out, mainly because I was in college and was too busy. Yet because so many friends had absolutely fawned over them, I thought I must have really missed out and so picked them up about a year ago.

While somewhat entertaining, I wasn’t floored. Was it because my expectations were so high? Possibly. But what I really think it came down to is that they’re kids books, people!!

(That being said, however, I would still love to play a game of Quidditch…)