Rating: 
Summary: Good book but too much magic.
Review: Don't get me wrong... I enjoyed the first Potter and I intend to read the others. And, these books will be useful if they get teenagers (and, as it appears, many adults) to read more, which seems to be happening. I ranked it a "3" because it is a good story with a neat twist in the end, but I feel the "magic" clutters a good story. In fact, I felt like a student at Hogwarts myselt with the overkill on the magic references. If fact, I think I learned enough to turn my desk blotter into a pink pig. That is what bothered me.I think this book strikes a chord with anyone who feels a left out yet dreams of finally finding purpose and meaning in life. With the venue of the book being magic, one might think that it takes magic to succeed. But, as we see in the end, love and concern for others is the strongest "magic". I look forward to catching up with the rest of the world by finishing the other three books. Maybe when I finish them all I will be able to turn my 1991 Astro into a Jaguar.
Rating:
Summary: Smart But Gratuitous
Review: Don't get me wrong: Rowling knows how to weave an imaginative story, but imaginative does not always mean clever, and clever goes hand-in-hand with delicious restraint. Her tale of Harry Potter (all four of her tales, to be sure)must be commended for the ability to grip the attention of child-readers and inspire such a literary phenomenon. If kids are devouring these books like video games, all praise to Rowling and her publisher. Personally, I think her characters are wooden, her descriptive powers are mediocre, her plot is amateurish and her gratuitous use of magic lessens the effect of the book. TOO MUCH magic makes the magic run-of-the mill, and when magic is run-of-the mill in any child's fantasy tale, the Wonder Factor plunges. All in all, a great book for kids aged 12 or so, but pretty amateurish for the adult fan of the genre.I see nothing that makes a book classic here, but realize a great many folks would disagree. Rowling DOES have great potential, though, and I'm glad to see she's reaping the rewards of getting kids to read! I'll read her subsequent books and see what she's up to.
Rating: 
Summary: Only a MUGGLE wouldn't like it!
Review: Don't think this book is just for kids--I'm 35 and LOVE it! I've read it many times already and each time enjoy it more than the last. The story of a mistreated orphan boy who discovers his place in the wizarding world is exciting, humorous, touching, and extremelly well written. It makes you want to read more! I think the first chapter starts a little slowly, but as soon as you meet the almost-11-year-old Harry, you fall in love with him and won't be able to put the book down. But the best part about this book is that it's one everyone in your family can enjoy and share--my 65-year-old father and 12-year-old nephew and I finally have a common interest to talk about! Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: For All Ages
Review: Don't think your adulthood precludes you from enjoying this fine novel. You will come across some magnificent social commentary here.
Rating:
Summary: Silly people and great books!
Review: Due to the overwhelming thought that there are serious social problems in the book my mother incouraged me to read it, to sensor for my 8 yr old sister. Being a college student I was slightly disgruntled to read a child's book. Oh, I was WRONG! I am a very advid fantasy reader and this was a great book! I feel that Harry Potter is a character for all ages. My little sister loves the book while I see all the under tones and meanings. It's really been neat to fine a way to relate to someone 10 years my junior. Also a fine point was that it is such a quick read, it's nice to have a book that you can just fly through and have such a high sense of fullfillment in the end. Great book! I'm getting ready to order the sequel for my sister's birthday (but she won't get it until I've finished)! Thank goodness for crazy parents that can think up some really ridiculous stuff up so their children can't read a book. Condoning witchcraft indeed! HAHAHA To all of you that think this book was doing just that-get an imagination!
Rating:
Summary: So THIS is what my formal education gets me.
Review: During the last six weeks of school, my English teacher, in all her cruel humor, decided to assign a huge project. The rules were that we had to create a totally unique presentation about absolutely ANY fictional book. So I decided to make my teacher regret her creativity. I told her I would read the first Harry Potter book, the phrase "children's literature" running like a theater marquee through my head the entire time. The weekend before the project was due (yes, I procrastinate) I actually bought the book and started reading. I figured I could skim over each chapter and get away with a "C". However, when I opened the book I saw the comparison of J.K Rowling to Roald Dahl (my favorite writer EVER) and I was hooked. I did not sleep that night; I finished the book instead. And I didn't regret it. I'm so glad my vengeful spirit led me to such a wonderful book. The Harry Potter series has given me a thrill comparable to when I read "James and the Giant Peach" for the first time. J.K. Rowling has managed to write books suitable for absolutely every age, and I applaud her for it. She has avoided the cliches of usual juvenile trash literature and she doesn't "talk down" to the little readers. Much as I despised the thought of another project, I'm rather glad my teacher gave us that assignment. I know what to get my younger cousins for Christmas, I have a lot of new vocabulary words, and I actually got an "A" on an English assignment. Thanks, J.K. Rowling!
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter and the Scorcer's Stone
Review: Durrie Schuette Colorado USA .........Great...........Magical..............Fun! If you read this book, you'll know what I mean.Its weird, but I read the book, loved it, my mom read it, loved it, and my dad read it and loved it. [He even ordered me the next two books. I can't wait!] Now only my little brother,has to learn to read a little bit better and I bet you he'll love it. Its a book I once read a few years ago, lost intrest from not knowing what it ment. But when my mom said she needed the book for her book club, I picked it up again and read through all my play time. This book is a book you will never want to put down. At school Harry Potter books are a real fad. And no wonder! Its about a boy. His parents are dead, so he has to live with his horibble aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. The Dursleys have a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery spoiled son, Dudley. Harry doesn't know it, but he is a wizard. He finds the answer on his eleveth birthday. So he goes to this school called Hogwarts and learns wizardy. My favorite characters are the Weasley twins. They are halarious! My favorite part was when it is Christmas and the Weasley twins march into Harry and Rons bedroom and when Percey comes in they say"P for perfect! Mom must think that you forget your name. But we don't. We know we are Gred and Forge."
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter- an Evil Influence? I think NOT!
Review: Enjoyed by children and adults alike, Harry Potter andtheSorcerer's Stone was an amazing tale which I have read over tentimes. A fan of the entire Potter series, I have read them over and over, yet never tire of them. Some critics say that they involve "terrifying witchcraft" and "plague our children's minds". One thing that I find intresting is that almost none of these extreme critics have even read the book! Where do they come from saying all of this? They have no idea how wonderful and enjoyable these books are! If you're a critic and are still reading this, I recommend that you read the series and THEN tell us what you think.
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Summary: Cassette versions of Harry Potter
Review: Enough has been said about the story itself. What about the genius (Jim Dale) who gives us the recorded versions of these books? Even if you have read the book(s), you are missing something if you don't LISTEN to this(these) recording(s)!
Rating:
Summary: this is the coolest book i've ever read!!!!!!!!
Review: enough said!!!!
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