Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
by J.K. Rowling
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Book Summary Information
Author: J.K. RowlingBrand: Books
Illustrator: Mary GrandPré
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-10
ISBN: 0590353403
Number of pages: 309
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780590353403
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Book Review: An incredible introduction to an amazing series.
Summary: 5 Stars
Harry Potter has always been a series I could enjoy, in the past week alone I have re-read all 5 books and watched the 3 movies over again while waiting for the sixth book.
I first read The Sorcerer's Stone in 1997, shortly after it was released, I had just turned 11 myself (I'm 18 now.) so, as you can imagine, I was able to enjoy the books with a mindset of the main characters. It was one of the few books I enjoyed at that age, and even at this age it remains one of the few I enjoy. I have an odd taste in books, I heavily enjoy fantasy literature, but not such that is set in the past, such as the medieval times. Due to the fact that a great number of "true" literature about fantasy themes is based in such times, I have a hard time finding books I like to read. Science-Fiction I typically find a bit stretched- and I cannot stand children's books. (In short, the above paragraph basically means I enjoy mainly books about fantasy, but those in modern times, that aren't Science-Fiction, and that aren't based solely around a children's mindset. So basically nothing, really. Picky, I am.)
So why did I enjoy Harry Potter so much? That's just the thing. It's good old fantasy- magic, dragons and the like. But it's based in modern times, times we can relate to, in a way. It's not phony in the sense that you won't read something and mutter "This is just plain stupid." due to a lack of cohesion. Everything melds perfectly. All my life I have been a big fan of RPGs (Role-Playing Games.) for gaming systems. (Nothing like D&D, however.) So the fact that these wizards and witches had to train in school to obtain their powers really struck me as a good point. They don't have all their strength yet, and each excels at something else.
Now, before this turns into an autobiography of my likes/dislikes, let's talk about the book and why I enjoy it. (Yes yes, me me me. But hey, I've been wanting to write this review for years now.)
First off, as you undoubtedly know, with the 5,000+ reviews on this book, Harry Potter is a newfound wizard. A poor, abused boy living with his Aunt and Uncle for 10 long years is suddenly informed that he is a wizard. He can't believe it himself- magic and whatnot was always regarded as nonsense (And got Harry into quite a bit of trouble at the mere mention of anything working out of the ordinary.) as in the real world. Awestruck, Harry sets out to Diagon Alley (Here's how dense I am, just last week did I realize this was simply "Diagonally" split into two with an "e" tossed in. I laughed at my own ignorance.) to purchase supplies for his new school. He's treated to the fact that his parents left behind a small fortune for him, so he'd always be able to get what he needed, but not so much as that he could simply waste it all before finishing school.
Shortly thereafter, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts, a school for wizards and witches alike, Harry realizes he's incredibly famous in this world, and for something he can't even remember, being attacked --but surviving-- as a mere infant. But Harry's fame and survival of a curse that he was the only to ever live does not mean he's invincible. Harry is still just an 11-year old child with powers he cannot yet comprehend fully. Only by the protection of his friends and teachers can he hope to strive and overcome the many challenges that face him.
This is by no means a children's only book, as you may have already read. Don't be stubborn if that's your only reason, in fact- I don't really think there is a good reason to not read this book, no matter what your tastes, you may enjoy it immensely. Sure, the book is "made" to capture the eyes of children, but it is written assuming that the reader is intelligent, has a wide vocabular and enjoys the sense of fantasy and adventure. Nothing is "toned down," in any of the books, there is no censor here. If someone gets cut, they bleed, if they fall from a great height, they break bones, and in some cases, if they're taken beyond their limits, they will die.
If you're going to start anywhere with the books, you definitely need to begin with this, the first. All the books are fairly directly related and you will not understand a later book very well if you haven't read previous installments.
However, I still don't believe I have explained enough, as I said, I've been waiting to write this review for nearly 8 years, so I think I'll add a bit more. What exactly made an 11-year old boy read a 309-page book a single afternoon that long ago?
Well, aside from what I've already written, the book also has a great emphasis on many other things. Acceptance of death, which is not exclusive to the first book. Nextly, reliance on friends. A bit of a cliche department in most cases, but Harry's friends feel more real than a lot of other authors may describe a person. They don't always have the right solution, they don't always get along, but they are always there for Harry, and he for them. You will yield a great deal of respect for the trio the further you read.
There is also the aura of deception the book presents, one thing isn't always what you may think, and not everyone is as they may appear, which for children will re-enforce the theory of not judging a book by it's cover, and for adults, provide the element of surprise and cunning of writing prowess by Rowling. The sense of desire also comes into play, when Harry finds a certain mirror... But then also comes the heavy sense of reality, presented by Dumbledore, who speaks wisely that one should not always rely on wild dreams to become something great, and that desire is not always of the possible outcome. For some things, the reader will come to realize, there simply isn't a magical solution-- even in the world of magic.
Perhaps you thought I was done? Not a chance!
Now I shall explain the entire series, no- not the series itself, but a general outline of the Harry Potter line. The world is not stationary in these books, it's constantly evolving and presenting new challenges or threats. Likewise with the characters, Harry won't be a naive child forever, nor will he always enjoy his stays at Hogwarts. He and his friends, as mentioned before, won't always get along, but some bonds just can't be broken. Harry and his pals make new enemies and friends, and mayhaps lose some as well. Not everything is always as it seems. Relationships will develop and change, flowing like real time, in what seems like something the reader will never want to end, especially as they near the ends of the books, which while often satisfying, is never too enjoyable due to the fact that you know you'll be hungry for more.
There's a lot of secrets in Harry's world, his own life begins to become shrouded in them, and he finds himself maturing and experience things he may not have wanted to so quickly, but again- he can't change everything with magic, and sometimes you simply have to accept reality. The books themselves often reflect upon their own world through Harry's eyes. To quote the fifth book... "It was impossible to think there were still people in the world laughing, eating, and worrying about nothing more than homework..."
As you may imagine, the series continues to get more intense, and the fifth book in particular has an absolutely incredible finale that will make you realize just how invincible Harry is not.
Here's waiting for the sixth book, this eager fan won't be happy until he has read all seven. Regardless of who you are or what you enjoy, don't strive off the phobia of popularity, these books are so extraordinarily popular for a reason, give in, just pick one up from the library and read. I can guarantee at the least, that you'll have nothing to lose, except perhaps a few hours lost in the wonderful world of Hogwarts.
Summary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
What did Harry Potter know about magic? He was stuck with the decidedly un-magical Dursleys, who hated him. He slept in a closet and ate their leftovers. But an owl messenger changes all that, with an invitation to attend the Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches, where it turns out Harry is already famous.. . . Full color.Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.
A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) --Karin Snelson
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