Rating: 
Summary: Magical
Review: (Wonder how many others have used that not too imaginative adjective in describing this same thing?)There has been some discussion, most likely among people who have not read them, about what the reason for the popularity of the Harry Potter books could be, discussions which have involved words like "escapism" and other weird analysation. After reading this first book, the answer seemed perfectly obvious to me: they are just simply so very good. Like all of the others in the series, this book seems to have oddly many pages; a hundred will sometimes pass by so fast as to feel like less than fifty. This is simply because the reading can be so enjoyable. The idea of a kid who suddenly finds out he's a wizard and all that related stuff is somewhat intriguing but not terribly ingenious in itself, and it would never have made this book so popular; it may add to it, but what really matters is the skill of the writer. It is hard to say what magic Rowling has used but it sure works. This has to be one of the most readable books I have ever encountered. It is also very imaginative, even though every idea has in a sense been taken from somewhere else (broomsticks, assorted mythological creatures, Bad Wizard etc., and I am pretty sure there must be plenty of books about kids messing around in their school). About this book in particular: It may not be the best in the series but is nevertheless on the same level as the others. The plot is at the same time simple and quite complex (the latter because it lasts for a whole school year, and there is hardly any lack of activity, thus making for a considerable amount of side details). The characters are nice; the heroes are what could be called admirable in many ways, but still not perfect, since many think of rules as being completely irrelevant. In fact, look like the author has the same kind of tendencies, since the people who do follow rules tend to be at least annoying (and just think of the Dursleys). Like The Hobbit, this is a children's book that is excellent reading for adults as well.
Rating: 
Summary: A lot of fun and great writing, too...
Review: *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, the first novel in the series by J.K. Rowling, is an absolute delight for children and adult readers alike. I think I had about as much fun reading the novel as Rowling did writing it because I can't possibly think of a more enjoyable way to pass a cold afternoon indoors. I can't wait to jump into the second book in the series. Harry has been living in the cupboard under the stairs at his aunt and uncle's home for almost eleven years when owls bring Harry a mysterious letter. A letter that Uncle Vern does about everything to stop Harry from receiving. The letter accepts Harry to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The school's groundskeeper, Hagrid, comes to Harry's rescue to take him to his new life at school. Harry goes through all sorts of new experiences as he makes new friends in Ron, Hermione and Neville and new rivals in Draco Malfoy and Professor Snape. We learn about the world of magics along with Harry as he attends various classes including potions, broomstick flying and the sport of quidditch. What a joyous reading experience for the entire family! If you haven't picked up your own copy of *Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*, don't walk.. RUN to the nearest bookstore! Enjoy...
Rating:
Summary: This book was literally spell-binding
Review: *I read this book in two days. It was so good I couldn't put it down. At first, when I received it for my 15th birthday, I was skeptical at reading a book I thought on first glance to be childish, but from the first page to the last I was enthralled with Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, and all of the other magical characters. With excitement, new adventures, or quirky characters on every page it was definetly a page-turner. I highly recommend this book to all ages....not just kids.*
Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a kid--
Review: --to love these books! I was hooked in the first paragraph, and couldn't put them down until I'd finished all three. I only regret that Ms. Rowling didn't write them earlier so I could have experienced the magic as a child. But I am feeling the great anticipation that readers of the 50's must have while waiting for the next Narnia book as I wait for the next Harry Potter adventure. Don't pass these by just because you feel they're "kid's books." Read them, and be enchanted!
Rating: 
Summary: A charming yet controversial title. . .
Review: . . .which, since it's publication, has raised many issues for Christian parents and educators. Having read much on both sides of the debate (some of it seemingly written by persons who never read the book) I decided to read it myself and weigh in. As a Christian parent and homeschooler, I found the book far less dangerous than the (sometimes hysterical) nay-sayers. By the same token, while I thoroughly enjoyed the story, I can't find myself supporting those who suggest that the book (and the series) is the greatest work of genius in children's literature of our day! The issue of "witchcraft", "wizardry", etc. is a key for Christians, based on many teachings from Scripture and from the writings of the Early Church Fathers. By the same token, most Christians have learned to differentiate between actually engaging in the dark arts and fantasy literature. Time and space prevent me from going into detail here, but I would suggest that the interested parent would be well served by reading JRR Tolkien's excellent non-fiction essay "On Fairy Stories". Is "Harry Potter" a modern-day fairy tale? I'm not yet sure -- and this is a judgement I'm not prepared to make until all seven books have come out -- and I've read them all. However, it is quite clear that "Harry Potter" IS fantasy -- and fantasy literature cannot be judged in the same fashion one would judge real-life. In my opinion, "Harry Potter" contained many elements of satire -- satire which I feel sure goes over the head of most children readers. The stereotypes seem deliberate and just a bit over-the-top, which for me, was quite enjoyable. Such satire and social commentary is one of the delights of British children's literature -- and "Harry Potter" exhibits such in spades. Nevertheless, JK Rowling is NOT JRR Tolkien or CS Lewis. Don't go expecting a particularly high level of literary merit or you will be disappointed. My counsel to other Christian homeschoolers? Exercise caution; don't immediately condemn without first yourself reading a volume; and realize that the book IS fantasy. Your children will quickly realize that the book is fantasy as well, and the book could be used as a tool for sharing and reinforcing your own belief systems with your children. Use judgement. Use discernment. And use good common sense.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Classic For All Ages. Highly Recommended!
Review: . ******************************************************** I wish I read these books as a child. Even though I'm not a child, I still enjoyed reading this book to my niece and plan on buying the complete series. Harry Potter is an orphan who survived an attack by the strongest wizard of his time. This wizard, who killed his family, could not kill Harry. The forces of good rejoiced, but fearing to spoil him, left him to be raised by his mean aunt and uncle. It is not hard to imagine that Harry is, or will become, himself a wizard. He seems destined to meet and beat this bad guy some day. These are the sorts of books that will be handed down from generation to generation. Start a new family tradtion. Buy this book for your children and for yourself and for your grandchildren.... Senior ********************************************************
Rating:
Summary: Harry Poter and The Sorceress Stone
Review: ... This book is amazing! I never read anything like it in the world! It's amazing in many ways like the thrill lurking around the corners at mid-night when Harry and his friends go spy on Professor Snape.. This book makes you want to start reading it and never stop. You also meat a lot of new characters with funny names and unique styles like Hagrid(the giant) and Hermione(the nerd). Theirs this famous wizard called Harry Potter that doesn't know that's he's a wizard or that he's famous because his parents were killed and he went to live with his uncle and aunt that are human and don't like him. His uncle and aunt know that he's a wizard, but doesn't tell Harry that. He lives with them all his life until on his 12th birthday he discovers that he is a wizard and goes to Hogwart witchcraft and wizardry. .... The book fascinated me in the way that you start reading it and you don't want to stop. I got more and more interested in the book at the time Harry was going to go to buy his new school materials. I was so interested in the book that when the book ended I felt sad. I didn't want it to end because it was so interesting, so I said to my self that I would defiantly start reading the sequels. It also seems like you're in the book with the actual characters. When Harry needs to serve his dentition in the forbidden forest to the time he sat down at the table to eat the mouth-watering dinner. The author described very well all the characters and each of their unique talents, names and styles. For example: Ronald is a good friend, strong but skinny and helps many people with there problems. The names are also very funny, like Hogwart. I recommend this book for this for every one even for adults and especially for the people who hate to read because it will make them like to read more than any thing in the this world. It's an outstanding book. If I were to give it a one through 10 I'd give it a ten plus a ten-point bonus.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter
Review: ... i started reading it and by the first paragraph, BOOM!, i was all hooked up, Miss Rowling's way of narrating a story, it's really very good, great characters, great and strong story deveolpment, well everything it's great, except that the books are a bit childish, but WHO CARES?!, they are for children, or for EVERYONE!...
Rating:
Summary: Over 3,000 reviews aren't enough ...
Review: ... to say that this is one of the most excellent books I've read in my whole life, definitely not only for children between 9-12 years old, but for anyone who can vividly imagine all the places described by Rowling, her characters, their different personalities, the different situations they face, in a word, everything. I'm sure I don't have to tell you what the story is about, so I'm only saying that when reading about magic users, fantasy worlds, intrigue and suspense and/or great adventures, this is simply a wonderful book. You just can't put it down, it took me only two days to finish it, and just as I closed it, grabbed the second one to keep on with Harry's adventures. You'll just love the way Harry, Hermione, and Ron develop their friendship, how they solve their problems, their worries within the school, their teachers and homework, how they help Neville to become a more confident wizard, and their everlasting enemity with Draco Malfoy, that without including the marevelous situations that happen around Proffesors Snape, Dumbledore, and Gungodall, the story is just richly developed. If you have kids, this is a most read for them, if you're a teenager, this is a most read for you, if you're an adult, this is a most read for you, ok this is a most read for everyone. Please don't miss it. ---------------------------------------------------------- I'm only going to include a note for the Amazon Customer Service department: even though I got a truly excellent service from them; guys you were wrong, you do have a Hardcover edition of this book, and that was exactly what I got, please verify the information you have availabe.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Mr Potter...
Review: ... you might also want to read the _White Mountains_ trilogy by John Christopher: another series of books about a young man trying to find his place in an unfriendly world.
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