On the front of today’s Perspective section, writer Joel Garreau posits that J.K. Rowling and her fictional creation, Harry Potter, have inherited the cultural post once held by poet and singer-song writer Bob Dylan.

Dylan captured the restless spirit of a generation divorced from the conventions of their elders. He came of age during a time of great social, political and cultural upheaval and put to song the feelings of a generation torn apart by the Vietnam War.

As Garreau argues, Harry Potter speaks to today’s younger generation, evoking a passion that has made the series of books and movies incredibly popular. “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” which was released at 12:01 a.m., a week ago Saturday, has smashed previous marks for books sales and set a record with an initial U.S. print run of 10.8 million copies.

As we rushed to digest the book, like 6.9 million other readers who bought the sixth Potter book during the fist 24 hours of its release, we did not feel the same goosebumps or inspiration that Dylan can still evoke in people of a certain age. We admit, we devoured the book, taking in its rich characters, story arc and, ultimately, its sadness. But Dylan?

Perhaps that’s the point. Harry Potter’s magic fits the time, like Dylan’s did during the 1960s and 70s. And magic is exactly the right word – not the dark and menacing specter of the supernatural and the evil, but the magic that moves people deep down, that prompts them to examine their own lives and play a song or read a book over and over.

Kids and adults alike lined up by the thousands for their chance to embrace Harry. Weary and teary-eyed readers plowed through the tale of good and evil, first love and loss, rushing to its end only, for many, to pick it up and begin again. For millions, Rowling has become the new sage, carrying a message of courage, friendship, love, loss and determination during difficult times. Maybe that sounds a little like Dylan after all.