Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) by J. K. Rowling Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Book Review: A book needing no introduction...
Summary: 4 Stars
I started reading this book very hesitantly and for the first time in a decade with a solemn promise to self. I would read all of the Potter books. I would. I would make myself, just to understand the series and constant references...
Okay, okay, okay, and I have to admit -- I liked it. No huge surprise -- any international is pretty much likely to be at least entertaining.
I, for the sake of throwing this out there, HATE reviewing smash hits. Be it film or novel, it's very hard for me, because I know all of the fans of such work (and so often there are so many) will scorn any criticisms I have. (I'm dreading the next time I watch Titanic. Seriously.)
Anyway, Potter's got all the elements of a good, especially introductory, novel. It's got the engaging plot, great characters, catchy opener, and enough humor, especially for young audiences.
I also have to admit that I am a huge fan of Rowling's world-building. You go, woman. From the perspective of the last time I read Potter, all that really mattered was whether or not the story and characters were entertaining, and the "bigger picture" of the novel was lass important. Now, I have to give J.K.R. credit for far more than just that. It's truly an ideal setup novel for a series like this. Everything's set up so amazingly well.
Now, and I have to admit a lot of styles kept jumping into my mind as I read this book. Rowling has a style and tone that, at times, reads frighteningly much like Roald Dahl, and I kept getting occasional flashbacks to the "Great Brain" books of John D. Fitzgerald. Not that these similarities are a form of criticism by any means. Mere observation.
And really, having finished, I can't find anything... concrete... to criticize. It's a good book. No doubt there. But is it worthy of the entire microcosm universe it spawned in today's pop-culture world? Of that I'm not one-hundred percent certain.
Book Review: Truly great fun for all ages!
Summary: 5 Stars
Call me a Muggle, but I'm finally getting around to reading the Harry Potter books. We've seen the movies but haven't read the books yet (well, my husband bought and read Deathly Hallows without having read the rest!). I found the storytelling superb and could see why it would grab the attention and imagination of readers of all ages. The story just flies along and takes you with it. The characters are smartly written, even if they're either a little too obviously good guys or bad guys. Except Snape, of course, who I find the most interesting character so far. If you're trying to get your young ones interesting in reading, these books should do the trick. And if you're a grownup, you should read them, too. Outstanding writing and just great fun.Book Review: Great book and service
Summary: 5 Stars
Thank you for gettng this out to us quickly. This completed my son's set and we are both very happy!Book Review: Awesome book
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a very good book. it's just as good as the movie. i really enjoyed this book. and i think other people will too.Book Review: my fave harry potter book
Summary: 4 Stars
This one's just so laid back, it's actually enjoyable. No epic battles, no losing favorite characters to a nefarious Death Eater, no Death Eaters period. Just a middle school nerd trying to fit in and find himself... in a wizarding school. It's fun and frivolous, and you can actually sit back and chuckle, or hem and haw, or whatever it is you do when something lightly amuses you. No crying, no worrying, no nothing. Every once in a while, a book like that is refreshing.
The Sorcerer's Stone is my favorite, because it captures the true magic. Toward the end of the series, Rowling turns Harry Potter Land into another epic fantasy battle, and that kind of story is really turning into a dime a dozen. But this is classic. You get into it. You picture how cool it would've been for your sixth grade science class to have potions, to be able to levitate and all that jazz. You might pretend to be Hermione for a day and wow the teachers. You might find your own Ron to hang out with. I love how laid back it is. It's classic.