This is Jim Dale

For those Harry Potter fans out there, the only way to enjoy the book series is to purchase the audio books (here's a link to purchase the cd's for book 6 from Amazon). Personally, I've actually only read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, but I've enjoyed listening to all six audio books several times. What makes them so special is the narrator, Jim Dale. Mr. Dale not only reads the text, he actually does the voice for each character and his portrayals have improved with each book. His voice characterizations for Dumbledore, Hagrid and Snape are especially on target. What's best is that the audio books have been made available the same day the corresponding book was released, so that you can get started right away. You won't be able to keep up with those actually reading the book, but you'll enjoy it more. Don't let them spoil the end for you.

03/27/2007: It's just been announced that Jim Dale will return for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and it will be released on July 21, 2007.