Rating: 
Summary: Buy all three now because you won't want to stop reading...
Review: Since I am a semi-adult (actually 28) I knew ahead of time that these books were aimed at younger readers but I could not resist and thank goodness for that! These are some of the best books I have read in a long time. Certainly the most fun books I have read in ages... J.K. Rowling obviously wrote these to entertain a younger audience but I found that the writing and the plot kept me involved as well. I read the whole thing in one day and had to wait for the other two books to arrive. I then polished those off in a few days and can't wait for 4-7! I highly recommend these books - it has been a long time since my imagination has been fed such a good meal!
Rating:
Summary: Completely appropriate for Christian children.
Review: Since I am both an evangelical Christian and a lover of good fantasy, I was a little perplexed when I learned that certain parents objected to the content of _Harry Potter_. While I understand the basis of these fears, I think they are certainly exaggerated. _Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone_ is a wonderful story, funny, with lovable and human characters. Harry, Ron, and Hermione make their mistakes, but they also move beyond that and try to fix them. Moreover, the book has a wonderful message about the nature of evil: we give it power through our fear. That's a message that is applicable to all children, especially Christian children. There are also complaints about the dark nature of the books. Again, that is a fact of life. Parents who have concerns about these matters would probably be better served by reading the book with their children, so they can guide them, rather than by forbidding Rowlings books completely. (My only concern was the portrayal of Slytherins, which is so overwhelmingly negative that is seems a little unfair, and that is a very nit-picky complaint). There is no reason for Christian children to miss the wonderful friendships and exciting story found in this book and its sequels.
Rating:
Summary: Buy all three now because you won't want to stop reading....
Review: Since I am semi-adult (actually 28) I knew ahead of time that these books were aimed at younger readers but I could not resist and thank goodness for that! These are some of the best books I have read in a long time.J.K. Rowling obviously wrote these to entertain a younger audience but I found that the writing and the plot kept me involved as well. I read the whole thing in one day and had to wait for the other two books to arrive. I then polished those off in a few days and can't wait for 4-7! I highly recommend these books - it has been a long time since my imagination has been fed such a good meal!
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read for All Ages
Review: Since I had heard so much about this book I asked my friend if I could borrow her copy for the weekend. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down! It was so interesting, about things from the invisible train platform to quidditch to Fluffy the three-headed dog. I was so intrigued chapter after chapter that I had to keep reading until I finished the book, and I did finish it, that same day! It was by far the best book I had read in my thirteen years. It says that it's for ages 9-12, but I think it is for anyone who enjoys reading about fantasy fiction, that is mixed with a bit of humor and mystery. I highly encourage anyone who has not read it to give it a try and I'm sure you find, also, that you can't simply put it down!
Rating: 
Summary: A strong beginning
Review: Since I have the privilege of having read the next 3 books before writing this, I can say that this is not the best of the 4. It is, however, a wonderful beginning to an enchanting story of such a magical world. Rowling does an excellent job of defining her characters and giving tantalizing insights into the world of HP. These elements alone make it an enjoyable story; a classic rainy afternoon read.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read!
Review: Since I was little (like 11 years) I love to read books. I started to read English books at 12, because in my country we speak Spanish. I recieve Harry Potter as a Birthday present from my parents. First, I thought it was just another book, like all the ones I have. But I start reading, and, I really don't now how to describe it, it was wonderful. I though that it was a book for little children (I'm 13), but even my mother would like to read it. I couldn't leave it, but I have school and homeworks and all thouse things. That's because I read it in two weeks. I think that J. K. Rowling is a really great writer, and I love books about mistery and magic. I can't wait to have all the next three books.This is not only a great book for children, teenagers and adults can read it and fall in love with Harry Potter. Please escuse me if my english was wrong, thanks.
Rating:
Summary: From an audio book listener
Review: Since I'd heard how not-to-be-missed the Harry Potter series is, I bought the unabridged audio cassettes of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to take with me in the car. Well, I chose well! I now count myself among those who are recommending Harry Potter to everyone they meet. The author captured me from the very first chapter and kept me keenly interested until the end. I'm glad there are more books in the series waiting for me. The writing is creative and imaginative. The characters are varied and interesting and the descriptions of them and their shenanigans are simply brilliant. Not only was the content of the book terrific, but the rendering of it by Jim Dale was truly inspired. His animated reading kept my rapt attention throughout. I am amazed at his ability to provide a unique voice to each of the many characters. I could often tell which character was speaking even before the narrative revealed who it was. A listener's enjoyment depends both on keen writing *and* expert reading. We get both here!
Rating: 
Summary: Taking the middle road on the Potter Series
Review: Since I'm a Fantasy fan of the Tolkien-eque variety, I thought that I would give the much-debated Harry Potter a try. It's a children's book, but I felt the need for something a little lighter than usual, and this delivered on that count. Though it's not a great piece of literature by any means, The Sorcerer's Stone is certainly a great way for young readers to cut their teeth on fantasy writings. First, some good points: *Humanity: Harry and the characters he interacts with in the world of Hogwarts have very believable and realistic emotions, faults, and personal discoveries. This is probaby the best coming-of-age story in Fantasy that I've ever encountered. *Mystery: A reader can be easily drawn into the unknowns of the plot as they unfold. The whereabouts of Voldermort, the reasons for his leaving, and the secrets of the castle are all well written. However, the book does have some problems. The most glaring of which is the dialog, which is sometimes forced. Hegrid's glaring accent, in particular, is written in such a way as to confuse anyone under 10 yrs. old who wouldn't know what the author was trying to do. The effect here and elsewhere with both dialect and speech just doesn't work at times. Another very serious flaw in the beginning of the book is the very stereotypical portrail of Harry's abusive Aunt and Uncle. The Dursley's are very uncompromising, ignorant of the world outside their lives, and hateful of anyone they consider "different". Perhaps it's not so much the portrail of witchcraft, but the portrail of these characters in the books that have upset religious right-wingers so much about this series. Plus, making these characters antagonists in the plot doesn't really add anything of great worth to the text other than to garner more sympathy for Harry. But, since we feel it anyway by this time, it's not necessary (and in fact hinders the story overall). So, other than a few minor language issues and some very mean-spirited stereotyping at the beginning, this is a good read for kids and I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The Harry Potter Stories
Review: Since so many have already read the collection of Harry Potter books, my review is not of the stories but of the age appropriateness of the readers. People often confuse stories about children and childlike adventures with stories made for children. Such is the case with these stories. The tales of J.K. Rowling are quite creative and entertaining. As a newly assigned sixth grade reading teacher, I have only recently begun the journey into the world of Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogsworth. I was wondering what all the hoop-la was about concerning the books. They are wonderfully filled with Harry's acceptance of his being a wizard, the truth surrounding the death of his parents and his many battles with You-Know-Who. Additionally, Harry finds a sense of himself and where he belongs through his matriculation at Hogsworth. But as I have continued my journey with reading the remaining wonderfully imaginative books, it is not the subject matter that parents should be concerned about but the appropriate age level. I do not believe that the average nine - twelve year old has the mind set to understand the nature of the stories. As a mother of twin ten year old daughters and an eight year old daughter, I know that certain subject matters are more than their pysche can comprehend. The understanding of how the Dursley(s) treat Harry, the bewitching of Ginny Weasley, Tom Riddle being able to preserve himself in a diary, or the reasoning of why Moony and Padfoot wanted to set things straight by killing Wormtail for betraying Prongs is all too abstract for a young child. Yet interestingly enough, the majority of the student population at my school has already read all four of the books, which I find wonderful. (I'm glad that they are reading.) However, they do not have real clarity of what they are reading. I think a changing to a fourteen and above age level would do these books great justice. They would be able to analyze and reason with the issues presented and not be afraid of the subject matter. This would also eliminate so much of the criticism around them. Personally, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series of books.
Rating:
Summary: An Enchanting Story
Review: Sitting comfortably in an oversized chair with my seven year old son reading Harry Potter will forever be one of my most treasured experiences. Recent concerns that this book may cause an uprise in the practice of witchcraft amongst children are ridiculous in my opinion. I seriously doubt that one book could undermine or alter a child's chosen beliefs and values formed by years of proper parenting and mentoring. This happens to be an exceptionally written fantasy which contains captivating characters that entertain both young and old alike. After a slow and somewhat still beginning describing Harry's circumstances and character inrtoductions the reader is magically transported to the enchanting world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From there the excitement begins. Anyone seeking a fantasy story should read this superb book.
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