Rating: 
Summary: I Guess I Have to Review This One Too
Review: I have to review along with everyone else, even though I know my review will be swallowed up among the thousands of other reviews of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The book and all of the hype around it is just too fascinating.First of all, I think that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (and all of the other Harry Potter's) is marvelous. J.K. Rowling is a very good writer. She creates some complete characters alongside some comical stock characters. She uses some brilliant word play, and the atmosphere created in the book is extraordinary. It, at least, is incomparible to any other children's novel. She is very good at incorporating pieces of Greek mythology into the novel. The plot is vastly entertaining. There has been a lot of backlash against the popularity of the Harry Potter novels. But, this really happens to anything that becomes popular. Sure, there are better fantasy novels, and there are much better fantasy novels written for children. I don't think that there is a better place to start reading children's fantasy (or children's lit. for that matter). I also think that any fan of children's fantasy would have to enjoy this whether or not they think there are better books out there.... Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a great book, and I think all of the controversy and hype just make it better and more appealing. I think everyone (including adults) should read this novel. It is well worth the time and money. Then, I think fans should definately move on to some of the other great childrens/adult fantasy classics like Lloyd Alexander's perfect Prydain Chronicles, C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Smith of Wooton Major, and Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea Trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: The Magic of Childhood Reborn
Review: I have to say that after hearing all the rave reviews for this book, I was still wary of it. But I finally gave in and bought it, and I have to say, it is a simply wonderful book. Harry Potter and his friends with their adventures are lively and entertaining to the last page!
Rating:
Summary: This is a must read for all ages!!
Review: I have to say that I am 25, and i thoroughly evjoyed all of the Harry Potter books. I am a frequent Grisham and King fan, so this is a change. And when my friend said read Harry Potter, I was skeptical, "those books are for kids", I said. But I gave in and wow. I read the first two books in October and November in the evenings and couldn't wait to read the next two. So for Christmas my wife, who also reads them, got me Books 3 and 4. Today is January 9 and I have already finished both. 15 days I read about 1200 pages. I read the last 400 pages of Goblet of Fire non-stop in 6 hours. I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait til book 5 is out. I am so used to having a book waiting I haven't read that now I have to wait. I am going to read all 4 over again they are that good. I reccommend this book to anyone, and will definitely be reading the rest of her books.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Delightful!
Review: I have to say that this is the most wonderful book I have ever read! I couldn't possibly put it down because it had me entranced. The author of this book is an absolute genius! I can't wait for more adventures of Harry Potter!
Rating:
Summary: Sorcerer' Stone
Review: I have to see what Harry Potter was all about,I did and I love it. It's not just for 9-12, it's for everybody that can read. I got my 14yrs. daughter off the computer, and reading it too. she can not put it down. thanks J.K. IT GREAT
Rating: 
Summary: Try Madeline L'Engle!
Review: I have to start out my review by saying that my children loved HARRY POTTER. Our nine year old son was ravenous for more reading after I read the first three chapters aloud to his sisters and him. I am always happy when a book inspires this! I have been reading aloud to our children on a regular basis for many years, and I have read a lot of good books. Therefore, HARRY POTTER would have received a higher rating from me if I had not previously read a wonderfully written trilogy by Madeline L'Engle from the same genre of fiction, called the TIME TRILOGY. These include A WRINKLE IN TIME, A WIND IN THE DOOR and A SWIFTLY TILTING PLANET. Our two older children were on the edge of their seats begging for "just one more chapter" every time we completed one. In my opinion, L'Engle is simply a better writer than Rowlings. She gives the reader the gift of being able to enter into the world of a loving family and becoming, for a time, a part of it. We grow close to each character and feel as though we are saying good-bye to close friends as we end the trilogy. I did not find myself identifying with anyone in Rowlings book in this way. In short, as I read through the first book with our three younger children, I found myself daydreaming about completing the book so we could start A WRINKLE IN TIME. I am interested to note the effect of L'Engle's books on these three. HARRY POTTER versus A WRINKLE IN TIME is akin to dime store chocolate versus Godiva. I like one, but I LOVE the other!
Rating: 
Summary: 4 stars for the AUDIO version, 5 stars for the book!
Review: I have to take away at least one star for Jim Dale's reading of this story. His inflections were strange and poorly timed. On more than one occasion there was a passage that he read flat or pensive that ended in "she exclaimed"! Oh well, as long as you can make the mental adjustments for how the text OUGHT to read, you'll do fine. I spend 2-3 hours in my car daily, so this was a great way to be a part of the Potter craze.
Rating:
Summary: Simplicity
Review: I have tried to avoid the Harry Potter novels for a very long time. Well, my friend finally offered to read one of my favorite series if I would read the Harry Potter series. So, I reluctantly agreed to begin reading. As I was thrown into the world of muggles and wizards, I realized this was like nothing I had been reading. The book was simple, not like others that engross the reader with symbolism and figurative language. But in its simplicity, I found the classic tale of a person struggling to know who he is. Harry Potter is a young boy who lives with his mother's sister's family. They treat him cruelly and lie to him about his parents' death, who were actually killed by a dark wizard named Voldemort. He then learns of his miraculous salvation from Voldemort and his popularity among the witches and wizards. This event begins his search for the truth about himself and his family. Rowling uses this boy's story to convey a larger message to everyone, even adults and teenagers. On boarding the train for Hogwarts, we find that Harry is beginning a new life. Many times we begin new lives by something being revealedd to us just like Harry. Growth seems to be her main message that clearly is shown through how Harry, a timid, lowly boy is transformed into a brave, cunning person who is seen with much integrity. Though slow and boring in some parts of the novel, Rowling's use of imagery creates a suspenseful tale that had me reading chapter after chapter. Its simplicity allows for an easy read, but it also lets the reader, young or old, relate Harry's life with their own.
Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a kid to love Harry Potter
Review: I haven't been a child for quite some time (I'm 33), but I know I'm not the only adult who's read and loved this book. J.K. Rowling is the heir apparent to Roald Dahl, who had the same gift for imaginative stories and vivid characters that Rowling has. Also like Dahl, Rowling does not write down to her young audience, which is why I and so many other grownups can read it without cringing. I literally laughed out loud many times while reading this. Friends have teased me about my love for Harry Potter (yes, I own all three books and am anxiously awaiting the fourth), but I have converted each and every one of them. J.K. Rowling deserves every bit of success she's received--she's created a character right up there with Dorothy and Charlie!
Rating:
Summary: Who says it's just a "children's" story? :-)
Review: I haven't been classified as a teen for about 10 years now, and am just amazed by how much I have enojoyed this series! Once I start reading one, just *have* to finish the thing. Bravo to an author who has found herself a wonderful world visit, and thanks so much for sharing it!
| 
