Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone depicts the story of a young child originally raised by his abusive aunt Petunia and his uncle Vernon. As 11 year old Harry concludes that he will be doomed to a life of mistreatment, neglect, bore, and lack of maternal love, a mysterious letter is delivered specifically to the resident living in the cupboard under the stairs. This acceptance letter towards a school of witchcraft and wizardry leaves Harry to remain skeptical and unconvinced. As a close mentor, professor, friend and headmaster, Albus Dumbledore opens a new world of magic, wonder and even terror. In this new world currently hidden in our “muggle” world, Harry learns the truth about the love of his birth parents and even their famous world known death. Hysterical at first, Harry Potter wanted nothing more than to blend within the fabric of any educational institution to which he was placed, magical or not. However, during his new semester, Harry Potter gradually learns of the evil immortal mass murderer Lord Voldemort and soon realizes that escaping from his past is futile and thus, nothing is left to do but to confront the most evil character known in the world of magic and stop his reign of terror.
This novel, suitable for all ages, supports many underlying themes that any reader can learn or relate to. Aside from the obvious good vs. evil theme, Harry Potter outlines the basis of all relationship encounters he has come across in his first school year. As an active reader, I recommend this novel to all age groups, as it gave me, and most likely all other readers, a chance to escape our normal functioning world to a place where anything can happen with a shake of a wand or mutter of a dark spell.