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Summary: A masterpiece for all ages
Review: After hearing so many recommendations on a Georgette Heyer listserv I belong to, I tried out HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE. I was quickly drawn into Harry's world, and I just had to read the others in the series.J. K. Rowling has created a very detailed world that people of all ages will find enchanting. Harry quickly earns our sympathy when we meet his horrible family, the Dursleys. We share Harry's joy when he escapes their clutches to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he is appreciated for the first time he can remember. Hurrah for Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling!
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Summary: The Most Plesant Surprise I've Ever Recieved in Reading
Review: After I finally gave in and decided to read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the book I had heard so much about, I was pleasantly surprised to discover what all the hype was about. It's just not what I was expecting at all, and that's what made it so interesting, I think, for me. "Harry Potter" is just so different from anything else out there that it's madly entertaining. I would have read it all in one night if I hadn't been so tired. It's an absolute must read for anyone of any age who has a sense of adventure and wants to find it in the form of a book that is fast, fun, and modern.
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Summary: I Loved It!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: After i read this one i had to read them all!!! i have read this book now probably at least 5 times. And i am not a person to read a book more than once unless i really like it!! I am so excited about the new movie and cannot wait for the 6th book to come out i hope it gets here soon!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A fun, creative journey into imagination and fantasy
Review: After listening to friends and family of all ages raving about this series, I finally started to read it. I must say, as a 23-year-old reader, I was impressed, amused, and amazed. True, on the surface it would seem these books are written for grade-school children, but in reality Rowling appeals to all audiences with her intelligent and amusing storytelling abilities. When I told a friend I was reading this series, she told disgustedly me to "try reading something for adults." Too bad she'll never enjoy this book as much as I had. The truth is that there is something in this book for every reader. It is a well-written book, with excellent character development, and story that is as gripping as it is fun to read. The dialogue and narration is witty and intelligent, but still enough fun for children to enjoy as well. Everyone, young or old, should forget what they think they know about childrens' books, and read this series.
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Summary: Absolutly one of the most compelling children's novels ever!
Review: After many good reviews I decided to read this book as soon as I got the chance to buy it.As soon as I started I couldn't stop reading it.It was wonderful and there was practically nothing that bored me.The ending was very original and unpredictable.I recomend this book if you have children, or even if you don't read it anyways.That's how wonderful this book is. Once agian marvelous!
Rating:
Summary: A great series. Here's another one.
Review: After my kids got through with the Harry Potter series, I turned them on to the Homer Hickam series that began with the #1 NY Times best-seller October Sky. Strongly urge all parents to let their kids - say from 5th grade up read this series. You will not regret it. And the kids will love it!!!
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Summary: Adults love Harry Potter too!
Review: After my ten year old daughter read a small bit of the first book out loud, and after an adult friend of mine told me she'd read them, I decided to listen to the first audio book. Not only is the book a terrific mystery/adventure (take this from someone who's been reading science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and adventure for 30 years), but Jim Dale does an absolutely unbelievable job of bringing it to life. Read the book, listen to the audio book, but don't miss this book!
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Summary: Why these books are so good
Review: After noticing the fuss about these books, I bought the first three. I thought it would be impossible for them to live up to their reputation, but they actually do! Rowling begins with a popular plot-device: a character who is the underdog. Repressed by his callous Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, the orphan Harry Potter has been able to do little to help himself against their abuse. We instantly feel for him, as the object of such abuse, but our sympathy is due to his situation, not to his character. Many authors would leave it there, never giving us positive reasons to like the main character. However, Rowling does, with such instances such as Harry struggling against his Uncle Vernon (he tries to get the letters) & his kindness to Hermine. Another area where Rowling's surpasses expectations is the fact that although Harry is talented, he doesn't really go beyond his own abilities to beat Lord Voldemort. This makes the end of the book much more satisfying than many others with the same initial set-up. Another area for rejoicing is that Rowlings doesn't shy away from complexity, either in her choice of words or her characters' reactions to situations. Combine the character with delightful language, a richly imagined new world, an engaging story and characters who have layers to them, situations in which we see true moral behavior -- the struggle to do what is right -- and Rowling's creations clearly demonstrate their reason for their popularity. How wonderful to encounter an author who does everything right!
Rating:
Summary: Witchcraft and Wizardry...
Review: After purchasing this book for a family member, I became aware that a number of people were condemning the Harry Potter series because of its alleged intentions to introduce children to the occult. Being religious myself, I was concerned and so I decided to read the book. The source of these occultic concerns was immediately evident. Harry Potter is a wizard, and is attending a school for Witchcraft and Wizardry. This could have been gleaned from the brief description on the inside of the book jacket. I believe this is where most of the people who hold these concerns get their information, because had they taken the time to read the story they would be talking about the magic of the story, not the 'occultic' magic of Harry Potter. What I found in reading the book was a very intricate and impressive metaphor for the world of good and evil, with strong religious overtones. It may not be conventional to use Witches and Wizards to portray the good, but there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach -- it simply forces the reader to analyze this nicely composed metaphor more closely. To those who so quickly condemn these books at the first mention of the word 'Witchcraft' -- take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and allow yourself to be stimulated by a rare gem of a book, in which good prevails.
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Summary: Any book that makes my son WANT to read deserves 5 stars!
Review: After reading a review in NEWSWEEK we bought this book for my 12-year-old son. He INSISTED on reading it aloud on our way home from Austin to Houston, Texas (3 hours) in the car during a very loud rainstorm. This is the type of book that inspires young readers and that is enough for me!!!
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