Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

This novel was the begginning of what is, until today, the most read and sold books and movies collections. Indeed, for a whole decade, the entire world has been reading J.K. Rowling's novels. For myself, as I was 12 years old when the first Harry Potter movie was released, I started reading the novels. Being the same age the characters were in the collection, I identified myself to Harry Potter and hs friends. Accordingly, during my adolescence, I was growing each year with the characters and Ithink this is an important reason why I so much loved these books. Still, i cannot ignore J.K. Rowling's impressing talent in litterature.

I love the Harry Potter series and have read the set many times. It's great for all ages!

I really liked it. I had forgotten how much I liked the book until I sat down and read it again. While the book seems to start off slowly, it has a purpose and once I was in the middle of the book, the action seemed to get quicker and that more intense and I really didn't want to put it down, but my body wouldn't allow for me to do so. I really like how Rowling allows to go into a world that is one of pure fantasy, but also one that entirely enjoyable.

A really fun book, with good story telling, but a bit cheesy at some points. The second time I read it I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first time. Overall, this book is perfect for the intended age demographic (10-12), but the whole, unicorn, magic wand, flying broomsticks stuff can be a little cringe-worthy in the in later years (But is still worth the time to read!).

So, I will admit at 33, the idea of reading Harry Potter was just a ship that had long ago sailed. However, a friend of mine encouraged me to read it. And I loved it! The writing is so clever. The only thing I would recommend is making a list as you go of the characters and who they are...a few times I had to backtrack because I had forgotton who they are. Get a little forgetful in my old age! :) I look forward to passing this on to my children as they grow up and get to experience the magical creation of Harry Potter.

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.

I've lost count to the number of times I've read J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. I love it so much.

I've also enjoyed the movies but it's funny how you pick up little changes. Like when Harry gets onto Platform 9 3/4 it's not Ron Weasley who first befriends him, it's actually his twin brother Fred & George.

For those who have not read the series it's a wonderful journey. It's like visiting an old friend who you can always turn to; to make you laugh when you are down. Hope you enjoy the MAGIC that is HARRY POTTER.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I'm not a child. But for a child who can read chapter books, it would really capture their imagination. The characters and settings are so original. The situations are easy for a child to understand with minimal adult help. I wish I was a child when I first read it!!

I read this a few times before proceeding tot he others. IT was absolutely amazing. The wizarding world is a very vast thing to portray and J.K. Rowling did a beautiful job of doing that. The characters are lovable, and the plot line addicting. It leaved you hungry for more! You have to read this original piece.

This book had everything! magic dragon's and more. The characters in this book were well described. The only one i didn't understand was Quirrell, But that was good to end the story. This book was about a kid that was almost killed goes to a school of magic.

The book was well laid out and ended great! It had all the main points and activities. This was a good beginning to the harry potter series. I need to read the rest of the series to see what happens next. I think you should read the whole series!

It was great!

The first book in the famous Harry Potter series. Harry, being raised by his aunt and uncle, soon learns that he is a wizard, and a famous one. He was the only wizard who has survived a killing spell, making him seen as powerful and mysterous to the wizard world. He then attends Hogwarts (a wizard school) and learns that there is more to being a hero than just magic. Harry befriends Rob and Hermione, and together, they discover that someone is trying to steal the "Philosopher's Stone", which will keep the owner immortal.

This book burst into the literary world several years ago and has been a hit ever since. There are parts that will scare you, excite you, amaze you, and leave you clambering for more. Perfect for all ages.

I started reading Harry Potter 5 years ago, and absolutely loved it. Since I first finished the series, I have read EACH of the books over 10 times. So, I know what I'm talking about. Now, onto the Review.

I found this book captivating, inspiring, and hard to put down. The first chapter, is just a bit hard to get past, but I assure you it's like that in any book you will ever read. Wether it be Stephen King, or George R. R. Martin.

After you get past the first chapter the book gets good. But, not until Harry goes to Diagon Alley. Then it gets way more interesting.

J.K Rowling has great word choice, and she really makes the picture pop. Even if your one of those people, who cannot picture the "BIG" picture and read, by saying this, you can't see anything until you've seen the movies, then you say "OH! Thats what that looks like!"

No matter what age you are, no matter what genre your into. I insist you pick up this book, and start reading. RIGHT NOW!

This is a guaranteed book that you will never be able to put down until you finish it.

To be honest, I never connected to the Harry Potter books like most around me. I was never caught up in the hype and excitement of each consequential launch, nor did I delve into the books as soon as I took them home. For me, my introduction to the series was through the movies, and only by viewing the films was I able to finally see what everyone had been talking about. By time the first film finished, I knew automatically that I would be getting whatever books were out on the way home, and that I would finally have the opportunity to see what everyone had been talking about.

Now what can I say about the book that countless millions before me haven't said better and more succinctly.

In just 223 pages, J.K.Rowling manages to not only set up the beginning of a grand saga, but does it in such a way that you manage to connect with the characters; but she also describes things in such detail, that your imagination easily visualises what is being said.

The history of this world, the circumstance of being thrust into a role you know nothing about, and the pure excitement, fear, and anxiety of delving into unexplored territory, completely comes alive in the pages of the novel. The characters seem real, the humour is never forced, and the emotions felt by those in the story resonate with the reader.

This is truly some exceptional storytelling, and by the end you'll find yourself looking forward to the next chapter.

Buy this book, you won't regret it.

The Harry Potter series was, and is, a huge part of my life. So many memories focus around reading (and re-reading) these novels. I recommend them to everyone I meet at work, even though by now its hard to find people who have not read them.
I honestly liked the books as they continued on (and got larger, of course) but reading this book as a child opened up my mind to a whole new world. I have probably read these novels more than any other books I own, and still I long to read them again and again.
Harry Potter's world is something I never grow tired of, or grow too old for.

I was having a hard time transitioning my 5 year old from picture books to word-only books during storytime. Then came Harry! I think that because the images are so strong and the pace is fast, this is a great way to get kids listening to longer stories. Oh yeah, and Mom gets to read something fun as well!

It didn't keep my interest and it's a very typical book about a poor little orphan boy who discovers he's a wizard. It was boring and there are so many books like it. I would not reccomend it if you are looking for a different sort of book.

before readind the book, i've waited to see the movie. as you know, the book is always 1000 times better than the movie and this time, i was not disapointed. this book is absolutly wonderful. this is the first , so i can wait to finish all of them. Start this book and you'll have lots of fun reading hours.

I saw the movie of this book first, and a friend got me absolutely hooked on the series. I couldn't put this one down!

I was completely adverse to trying out the new "Harry Potter" craze until I received this book for my birthday and decided to give it a try. From the very first paragraph I was completely hooked; on the style of writing, the world of magic and the series of Harry Potter. I've since re-read this book at least 20 times and I love it more each time.