Rating: 
Summary: Delightful! (from a former skeptic)
Review: I was skeptical about the phenomenon of these books, but I finally decided to give this first one a try. I used to love this genre as a kid, but oftentimes as an adult I find books like these to be overly whimsical or "silly" to the detriment of my ability to immerse myself in the story.To my delight, this book delivered! Had I read it as a kid I would surely rank it with some of my other favorites from that time in my life. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Rating:
Summary: Not just for kids
Review: I was skeptical about these books at first, thinking they were for young children (I'm 16), but once I started reading this book I was hooked. Harry Potter, the main character, lives a Cinderala like life. When just a year old his parents were killed by an evil worlock and he was sent to live with his Muggle (non magical) Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. The Muggles treat him horably (he lives in the cubord, gets old socks for birthday presents, and does not know about how his parents died, or that he has magical powers). Life is terrible. This all changes however when he recieves a letter telling him that he has been excepted into Hogwarts Accadamy (a school for wizards). This is the best thing that has ever happend to Harry, and with the help of the school's gamekeep he gets his school supplies and goes to Hogwarts. School life for Harry is full of adventure, with rivalry between houses, teachers who seem to hate him, friends to make, and a mystery to solve. I thought this was a wonderful book, and it's not just for kids. I'd suggest this book to anyone who likes magic and mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: I'm a Harry Potter believer!
Review: I was skeptical at first to read this. My mother raved but I doubted. I got halfway through the book, and couldn't put it down! The images of Hogwarts, the people, Quiddich (sp?) and all aspects to Harry's life were SO vivid. When I finished, I wanted to cry, because I didn't want to leave Hogwarts! I'm 18, and an advocite of a peaceful world, and giving good messages to children. I've spent a lot of time researching violence in kids, ect and let me say right now this book does nothing to spread evil and violence. Read the right way, The Sorcerer's Stone is filled with great messages of friendship, doing what's right, and not letting the Uncle Vernon's and Aunt Petunia's of the world get you down. Spread the gospel of Harry Potter through-out the world!
Rating: 
Summary: It Got Me!
Review: I was skeptical at first. Tried to resist the pressure I was feeling from people around me who had read the book. I didn't want to read it, I thought, like many times, people are just exaggerating it because it's a best seller. And plus, it IS a children's book why would I read it? Well, I am sorry that I waited so long now. I finished the book in one day! From the first chapter, the book got to me so much I couldn't put it down until I finished it. It is a children's fantasy book, but it's also definitely more. I think it's a great way to teach children and (even the big children like us) not to judge a book by its cover. I will not spoil it more for those of you who have still not read it. If you are one of those people, PLEASE read it! It's a story I would definitely read as a bad time story to children.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: I was so impressed with this book! My only complaint is that I'll never get to read it again for the first time. My mother introduced me to this book on friday night, it's now monday morning and I have read the second book already! I'm getting ready to start the third book right now. These books leave you with a sense of magic that other childrens books fail to capture. A must read!!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: I was thoroughly convinced that the Harry Potter books were for kids only. How wrong I was! It's simply gorgeous storytelling that keeps the reader entranced from beginning to end. It reminded me a bit of Clive Barker's "The Thief of Always" in its energy and intensity, and also of anything by Neil Gaiman. I am certainly hooked now!
Rating:
Summary: Update the reading age level
Review: I was told about these wonderful books by my 24 year old daughter. She loved them and gave them to me to read. I am 43 years old and I enjoyed so much I have the fourth on order already. I have not enjoyed a group of books so much since I read my daughters books by Judy Blume.
Rating:
Summary: THe best book I've ever read!
Review: I was totally wrapped in this book! I loved how the magic spilled out at the seems, the book wa fun to read, I got it and I could not put it down I highly recomend this book to all readers!
Rating:
Summary: very engaging for any aged person
Review: I was trying to limit myself to reading only a chapter a week, as a personal reward. However, I ended up ditching that after the second chapter, and finished the rest in a day. Now I eagerly search for the sequels and can't wait for the movie. Harry Potter is a normal boy--if you ignore the fact that he has magical powers. He keeps the reader interested with his mischievious shinanigans and expectation of future greatness. But Harry is a regular boy in that he gets into occassional scrapes and his hair never looks combed. Also, a great point is that he gets into believable scrapes--no annoyingly forced or concocted humilation scenes. This is an enjoyable light read. It reminds the older audience of their awkward mishaps of youth and the young of their awkward mishaps and the perplexing unfairness of adults.
The plotline is actually amazingly grim--the boy is orphaned and lives with a completely abusive family (he also sleeps in a pantry). He has no friends, is scrawny and thin for his age (maybe from the cupboard), and destined to be kicked around forever. Of course, this changes with his unexpected acceptance to Hogwarts school for young wizards. Even then he is blasted with high expectations from surviving a deadly encounter he doesn't even remember as a baby and must try to be his own person in a strange new world. Luckily, he manages to hold his own. more than that, even. This a believable book in an unbelievable setting. It's tale of magic, dragons, wizards, and another world transport the reader to a state of wonderful fantasy. It's easily understood by beginning readers and enjoyable for matured ones. The British flavor is refreshing and interesting, too, to us Americans. This does very well as a stand-alone book, but it is obvious that more is promised in the coming years at Hogwarts and the development of Harry's power.
Did I fail to mention the interesting, yet flat supporting characters? Perhaps they will develop, too. Anyway, read this book. It's definitely worth your while.
Rating:
Summary: We've been made to understand.
Review: I was unable to figure out what all the fuss concerning Harry Potter was about. As a fan of fantasy and someone who works with children, I made a promise to read the first book in the series and discover myself what the fuss is about. I have finally fulfilled that promise to myself and have been made to understand. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE is not a great piece of literature, nor will it change your life or make you a wonderful person. However, it is a great story filled with wonderful characters, a fantastical setting, and exciting adventures. The plot is rather simple. Young Harry is an orphan raised by his wicked aunt and uncled and forced to live in a closet under the stairs. However, just before his 11th birthday Harry receives a letter. Harry learns that he is a wizard and in the fall is to begin classes at Hogwarts, the world's greatest and most famous school of magic. In September, Harry makes the journey to the school and a variety of exciting things happen: learning to fly on a broom, delivering an illegal dragon to safety, and protecting the famous Sorcerer's Stone. The world in which Harry enters is one full of fantasy. That's part of the book's appeal. However, the biggest part of the appeal are the characters. Rowling has created a cast of characters that every child can relate with: a lonely boy who's family hates him; a chubby kid who's clumsy and always breaking things; a bookworm; a boy from a poor family. These types of characters are nothing new. However, Rowling writes in such a way that children are able to identify with the characters more quickly than in other stories. The fascinating elements of the story speed the identification and makes it stronger. At times the story doesn't seem to live up to it's potential. However, I believe this is because Rowling has a masterplan worked out and this is only the first of what will eventually be at least seven books. Also, the themes of bravery, family, and friendship make the book that much more rewarding. A delightful rewarding book that children are sure to enjoy as well as many adults.
| 
