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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) Review
Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he beings to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny. User Submitted Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) ReviewsAugust 27, 2008 What is a sorcerer's stone? This first of the Harry Potter series is easily the best. It introduces all the characters with which we will become familiar through succeeding years, and provides a plot that will delight children while fascinating adult readers like myself who grew up on fantasy. One problem, not of the author's making. What on earth is a sorcerer's stone? The original title of this book, and the title used in most markets, refers to a philosopher's stone. Most educated readers will recognise this reference to an age-old quest for longer life, but the reference has gone by the time the American reader reaches the bookshelf. Do American publishers really think they have to talk down to their audience? Or did some nitwit in the publishing industry really have no clue? Either way, this is a monumental stuff-up which treats the American reader as an uneducated dummy rather than going with the author's original intent. Publishers, give your readers a little more credit. The relatively low score I give this book is a result of your error rather than the author's. August 22, 2008 Impossible to not enjoy. I went into this novel with some apprehension considering its massive hype. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable it truly was. Sure, there are plenty of people that bash it, and while I will agree that it is not the most "important" novel to come out of the last twenty years, it is truly good fun. I am currently re-reading all of the Harry Potter novels because I never did get around to reading the seventh one and I am astounded at how much fun they are to read a second time. I have a really hard time looking at these novels critically, however, mainly because I don't think about the subtext or the writing style as I read it. I'm too absorbed in the world. I don't think this is a negative thing, if anything it is the opposite. This book is one hundred percent a guilty pleasure. It is on par with most people's obsessions with reality TV or my personal obssesion with the TV show Friends. I know that it is not the best thing ever produced, but I love it regardless. Rowling has written such delightful characters that I have honestly come to love, that I barely care what happens in the series as long as I get to keep reading about them. Try it reading it when you've have a horrible day and see if you can keep a smile from showing up in the corners of your mouth. August 14, 2008 A Late Bloomer.... I've just recently started reading this series, and I have to admit that I have been very entertained. This book was a bit "young" I noticed in the writing, but understandably so, since the main character is only 11. Since I had seen the movie before I'd read this, I didn't have very many surprises, but all in all, it was worth the read. August 14, 2008 Excellent! I love this book, but lost it, so I had to order another one. I have the complete set now, and have to read them at least once a year or so. IT is a great start to the Harry Potter series. Thank you. August 13, 2008 First step in a long, exciting journey... Let me start like this.. I was never into Harry Potter. Well, at least not like I am now. I was a fan of the movies but that was about it. Then I was told to read the books, I figured, what the hell. So I started with Half Blood Prince and then Deathly Hollows. Wow. If I read pretty much the last 1/4 of this series and got so sucked into it, I owed it to myself to take the whole trip through this world that cannot be described in words. I finished The Sorcerer's Stone totally forgetting about the movie so it was like I had never seen it. The SS is the perfect stepping stone to get the series started. It introduces most of the main characters and gives you an idea of how to understand whats going on (which considering the twists and turns of the series, you'll need all the info you can get.) From beginning to end, you're thrown into Harrys life. You feel everything he feels, his emotions, his thoughts. You feel sorry for him when he's living with his family, and you can't wait to find out what happens the next year at Hogwarts. And that is what makes this an amazing story, your connection with him and the anticipation for what is going to happen to him next. This book is a must buy for any fan of fantasy stories, don't let the fact that it's in the childrens section of a book store throw you off. The road Harry walks will get a lot darker. See this as the calm before the storm. August 4, 2008 Great start to an even better series It feels so long ago that I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the first time. I can't remember exactly how I felt upon completion, but I must have loved it because I devoured the rest of the books--there were only three of them back then--in a matter of days. What I can remember is how agonizingly long the wait for the other books was, how I reread the first book when I was scared of being the new kid in school, and how I became friends with other fans of the series. I remember feeling stronger after reading about Harry's strength, and, most importantly, I remember how much I grew to love reading. This all probably sounds terribly sappy, but to the people who call this book unimaginative, contrived, and even claim Harry and his friends are bad role models, I would just like to say that kids don't see any of that. This kid saw the importance of friendship and courage, even in the face of evil, and a place to escape to when she need to be reminded of these things. Adults need to remember that this is a children's book, and no one should read it expecting an existential masterpiece. The books grow as Harry grows, and as JK Rowling grows as an author. Is this book perfect? No, but for a kid reading it for the first time, it's close enough. July 27, 2008 Replacement I wore my paperback out so back it was falling apart so I bought the Hard copy to go w/ the rest of my series. Like I had stated in the other Reviews you will feel like your actually a character in the book I really hated seeing it end so soon. I know alot of people were like soon. But to me it was way to soon. I highly recommend this and all Harry Potter Books and Movies. July 22, 2008 An amazing novel People have been telling me to read Harry Potter since I was in high school ten years ago. I finally started reading the series this weekend after my running buddy convinced me to, and I have already finished the first three. JK Rowling is really clever and witty. I know her intended audience is kids, but I think they are appropriate for all ages. As I read these books I oscillate between wondering if children can grasp everything she writes about, or whether I need to give children more credit for what they can understand. As I ponder why I enjoy these books so much, I have come to several conclusions. First, I really enjoy Quidditch. Secondly, Rowling has an amazing ability to write child characters. I remember people from my own life who I identify with characters in Rowlings book. These stories are great not only because the story is interesting, but because they bring back memories from my own childhood. So, for any of you who were like me and did not want to read the series everyone has been talking about, start reading the series. July 20, 2008 My all-time favorite! I'm an 11 year old girl, and I began reading the Harry Potter series when I was about nine. By far, this was my favorite one. I think I've read it about... seven times now. Definately worth it!!! July 18, 2008 Bedtime favorite for kids and adults I love the Harry Potter series, but the first book in the series is a favorite. The characters are rich and fully developed. The substance of Rowling's world is well thought out and detailed. Rowling's writing is wonderful and great for all ages. For more Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) reviews click here.
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