Rating: 
Summary: When you use cliches, you should try to make them seem new
Review: I must give Rowling credit: she has done wonderfull for herself with her first book. I must say I'm jealous. But I can't understand all the hype. I enjoyed the book (finished it in one day), but it wasn't the best book I've ever read. I can't agree with those who say it's horrible (especially those who say it makes children want to join the occult- it's a children's book for crying out loud!) but I also can't agree with those that say it's as good as the Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis (Nothing is as good as they are.)The story isn't exactly new. You can find a witch/wizard school in books like Jill Murphy's _Worst Witch_ series. The ending was dissapointing, not suprising. The worst thing was the logic puzzle. Showing the readers the poem was a waste of time if they can't see the bottles. The book is filled with cliches and the author doesn't attempt to make something new about them. So, while I did enjoy most of the book, I can't possibly give it 5 stars like almost everyone else has.
Rating: 
Summary: Brings back memories
Review: I must say that I didn't want to read this book. I'm sixteen years old and a huge fan of Stephen King, and the thought of reading a children's book--whether Mr. King recommended it or not, which he did--was just dreadful. However, knowing that in a month the movie would be coming out, (and my girlfriend wanting to go to it very badly), I decided to read it so I'd know what was going on so I might enjoy the film... However, as I started reading, I found myself much more interested than I expected. This book was like The Lord of the Rings and all the other childhood fairy tales I've read throughout my life, all thrown together into one. The characters are well developed, the ideas clever, and the plot--although a lot like other fantasy books--interesting enough. At 310 pages, it's a quick read, (I read it in 3 days), and moves along at a great pace. In my opinion, the last two chapters were by far the scariest, more action-packed and really made me want to keep reading...in the end, I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, expecting to rate it a 2 at best. My final thought: If you think this is a book for kids, think again. It's a great story that's truly worth reading...I'll be borrowing the second book tomorrow so I can see what happens next. Thanx for reading.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful book!
Review: I must say, when everyone else first picked up this book a few years ago, I gawked at it. I thought it couldn't be as wonderful as people said, I mean it was a children's book. When I finally did pick up this book, I literally could have used it as a fan! I loved this book, and the characters were extremelly engrossing! Harry, Hermoine, and Ron, they all had very seperate personalities. As soon as I finished this book, I immedently started the second and then the third and finally the fourth. They all are completly wonderful, and mus be read in sequence to make sense. In a world where childrens' books are often too childish for adults and teens, and adult books are snubbed by teens and completely not understandable by most children, Harry Potter is a rare find! I wonder who these books were written for, becouse we all love them! Buy it, you'll love it, I promise you!
Rating:
Summary: An Opinion
Review: I must start by saying that of the four books in this series published to date, The Sorcerer's Stone is the weakest. It is, however, an excellent start for an excellent author. Without the three succeeding books, it would not warrant five stars, but every story must have its beginning. So, before you open the cover of this one, I suggest you purchase the next three, as once you start, you won't want to stop... I'm already hoping the fifth book will be out soon.
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Summary: Teacher Rates this book as a top ReadAloud
Review: I needed a special book for the final ReadAloud of the school year. Our Media specialist gave me Harry Potter. Not knowing what to expect, I opened it and began reading...well, it was hard to put down. My class gladly gave up other lessons and recess for "just a few more pages, p-p-please!" We even read in between events on field day. The book has everything a teacher is looking for in a good ReadAloud.
Rating:
Summary: My Thoughts on Harry Potter and The Sorceror's Stone
Review: I needed to read a book for an english class so I read the first two Harry Potter books. The first book eases you into life of Harry Potter. A kid who gets treated badly by the only family he has-his uncles, aunt, and cousin. I really enjoyed this book because unlike many other books I have read, I actually finished this one. The author J.K. Rowling is brilliant because she creates a 4 or 5 books series that will keep readers waiting to see what happens next. Although I read the 2nd Book first, the first book was good as well. So far, the two books have morals lessons in them that kids, as well as adults can learn. I am not going to discuss those lesoons because you'll have to read the book and find out for yourself. I gave this book five stars because I read it in a day and a half. That is the fastest I have ever read a book, and it's beacause the book is easy reading for someone who is bored out of their mind with nothing else to do. So buy this book and buy the other four or five books too, cuz they will help you pass time quickly when you ride on the BART train.
Rating:
Summary: A good start, and the best since Roald Dahl exited the scene
Review: I never actively set out to read the Harry Potter books - always felt that they sounded like Roald Dahl's children's books (which I really enjoyed!). That changed when someone gave me the first 3 books. So, I figured I had nothing to loose. As things go, my first impression that Harry Potter was written in the same vein as Roald Dahl was true. That is good because that makes the book quite enjoyable to read! However, I did feel at times that J.K. Dowling took the 'simple' route out and didn't really show any signs of wonderful little eccentric plot twists until the end of the book. Maybe this is because I am an adult. I am sure for kids and young teenager and the young at heart, this book is magic in itself. I will let slip that having progressed beyond this book in the series, it is defintely worth hanging in there - and you have to read this book to get going... You will enjoy it!
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Summary: Potty over Harry Potter!
Review: I never bought into the Harry Potter hype'n'hoopla, so I must admit I was really sceptical when I bought a copy of "Philosopher's Stone" (the original English title) at the airport to kill time waiting for my delayed flight to take off. I'm happy to admit, it was the best delayed flight I've ever been on. Rowling takes the reader on a magical trip through a magical land of witches and magic, good and evil, narrated in a lovely style that is ideal for kids but doesn't insult adults' intelligence, either. The plot is engrossing, but not complicated: few, well-fleshed-out characters; crisp, humorous dialogue and a gentle, non-preachy style keep the reader entertained throughout. Harry comes across as a perfectly normal, believeable character that every child will identify with easily. The concepts of good and evil are gently drummed in without being sanctimonius about it, though the evil foster family is fairly stereotyped. Never mind, at least it's not a wicked stepmother and cruel stepsisters. A good read, whatever your age. Go for it!
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Summary: Grown ups will like it too!
Review: I never imagined as a then 23 year old woman that I would enjoy Harry Potter. I thought the book was just a fad, and I've never been one to follow fads. But then, one day, I saw the Harry Potter movie when I was coherced into going by my sister-in-laws, and I actually thought it was great! And so, I went and got the book to see if the book measured up to the movie. I was blown away. The plot is intricate and the characters are loveable, once you get to know them. It seems that there is at least one character in the world of Harry Potter you can relate to. Hermione who is the geek and not very popular child who comes from a classic suburban lifestyle, Ron who is the friendly but poor kid who comes from a very loving family, and then there is Harry who is your typical child from a completely disfunctional family (even if he is an orphan). All three kids are alienated to one degree or another from their fellow children and I think all people, children and grown-ups alike can relate to not fitting in at one time or the other. I would recommend getting these books and reading them all. They get better as the books go on, but the first one still holds a special place in my heart because it is the start of the entire series and contains, in my opinion, the most magic and innocence of youth (which is a fun read). If you get these books I do not think you'll ever be disappointed.
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Summary: Harry Potter - Book 1 Audio CD
Review: I never knew I could become so enthralled with an audio book. Jim Dale makes every character come alive. I've read the book, but the autio CD was even better. It makes commute time a joy. I don't want to leave my car when I arrive. I can't wait to enjoy all 4 of the Harry Potter books on CD.
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