Rating: 
Summary: The magic behind the magic
Review: I was walking around in a shopping mall two years ago, and I picked up this wonderful little book. It was in KCET, and I had no idea it was supposed to be a "children's" book, so I got it (mostly because the cover art was wonderful and the blurb on the back seemed mildly interesting). It was the greatest literary coincidence I've ever had! As a moderate fan of reading, a book has to really grab me to get me to finish the whole thing. I've read the series four times now, and I'm 18 years old. I was one of the first people in line at the opening weekend of the Potter movie. Sad, I know. Personally, I think Ms. Rowling gets better with every book. She said in a recent interview that she likes to read a book in confidence that the author knows everything. You TRULY get this sensation with Joanne Kathleen Rowling. You know she can tell you what Professor McGonagall had for lunch on a certain day. Sorcerers'/Philosopher's Stone:
This book does a great rendition of introducing us to the life of Harry Potter. I feel like I'm right there with him experiencing all the "newness" that he's going through. The chapter with the Mirror of Erised is especially touching in that Harry is able to see what he has lost at such a young age. Chamber of Secrets:
The next year at Hogwarts is slightly different. Harry is going through a terrible time at school when he is suspected of attacking his fellow students. The underlying plotlines are phenomenal. Prizoner of Azkaban:
Harry's third year is plagued by an animal that is certain to mean Harry's demise, according to his less-than-reliable Divination teacher. This book is great in it's own way because it ends in a slightly different, yet refreshing way. Goblet of Fire:
The latest (and so far longest) installment that broke records when it arrived is also unique in it's own way. The opening chapter begins not with Harry, but with a foe. This book reveals so much about Harry that we finally feel we have a better understanding of Harry's life before the Dursleys. The ending of this book is truly a spine-tingling cliffhanger at it's very best. It leaves us readers on the ends of our seats waiting for the latest installment: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Rich stories, lively characters and a definite distinction between good and evil prompt me to give this an enthusiastic five stars.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter lover
Review: OH MY GOD! these books are like amazing! This first book seem slow for me in the beginning but once I got into it, WOW! It was SOOOOOOO great! reading all 4 is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH FUN! It is SOOOOOO worht it's money! Whoever hears of this book MUST buy it! It is the best!
Rating:
Summary: So we can be children again.....
Review: The success of Harry Potter books is amazing, considering these are books for children after all. Maybe because now more than ever, we adults need to lose ourselves in magical worlds. These are well written books with vivid imagination. J. K. Rowling surely deserves the success coming her way! She has managed to create a magical world lurking within our 'muggle' world; it has its very own game too! Don't we all wish we could be a part of this world in some way! I read something like this in my childhood in Enid Blyton's The Faraway Tree, The Enchanted Forest series (3 books in all). It was a pleasure to come across Harry Potter and relive those childhood days.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter Boxed Set
Review: What can be said of Harry Potter that has not been written elsewhere? The answer is: a great deal!
JK Rowling has thrilled adults as well as children. Why? She has created characters that are a little bit of all of us: Harry introverted yet brave, also an abused child; Hermione, smart yet the only child of two muggle dentists; Ron, the youngest son in a large family; Neville, the klutz, who somehow manages to rise above it all. Fred and George, the twins, twins out there, you know what it's like; Seamus, Dean, Parvati, even Draco. We can't help but be drawn in to the magic. My friend, who is a child psychologist, helps children with the Harry Potter books. I, as a mother of three, love Mrs. Weasly. Open them: find yourself.
Give yourself a chance--it could be just exactly what you need.
Rating:
Summary: A little touch of "Magic"
Review: I cannot possibly say how amazed and impressed I was with the first four Harry Potter novels. I openly admit that I approached them with a negative mindset, because I normally do not like to be drawn in by hype. However, I received countless positive testimonials from trusted (and well-read) friends and family, and decided over my winter holiday from my university to read the first book, and to see the film. I borrowed the book from a friend, and sat down to read it. Despite my skepticism, I found that I was immediately drawn in and literally could not put the book down. As soon as I finished reading it, I proceeded directly to the nearest bookstore and bought the whole set. I read them all in a literary marathon, always burning to know what happened next. I think that this series is one among many quality fantasy series of books, but what sets it apart in my mind are many unique factors. It is both innocent and mature, both fantastical and yet grounded in some identifiable reality. But what really brings the story home for me is the set of characters. I think that almost anyone reading these books can identify with the hopes, dreams, personalities, or challenges of one or more of the characters. Rowling's skillful writing manages to not only make us care about them, but allows us to empathise with the problems and challenges they face. Overall, this series gets five stars from me for being innovative, engaging, fun, insightful, and even educational. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it taught me things about myself along the way. I would openly recommend these books to anyone who needs to add a spark of happiness to their life. If they could convert a cynic like me, they must posess a little touch of "magic."
Rating:
Summary: Great set!
Review: I purchased each of the Harry Potter books separately when they were released. I have purchased these as a keepsake for my daughter as a collectible item. An attractive box encases this great series of books. Anxiously awaiting books 5,6 and 7.
Rating:
Summary: Can't Wait For #5
Review: Incredible books! I certainly understand why Harry Potter inspires children to read. I'm 39, and I don't think I've ever enjoyed any books more than the Harry Potter series. They are so much fun to read. They are well-written and the characterization is great. It's hard to put them down when you start reading. I can't imagine why a few individuals feel these books are harmful to children. These books teach friendship, loyalty, and family. I can't wait for Book #5.
Rating:
Summary: Harry Potter rules!
Review: I purchased these for my daughter who is a senior in High School and is in college and she rarely does "pleasure reading"...until she met Harry Potter through the pages of these books....
couldn't put them down and basically placed her busy life on hold until the last page was read!
These are a "must" for anyone...even those who do not usually read!
Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Christmas Gift!
Review: My son and daughter-in-law telephoned me before Christmas to get my Christmas wish list. I told them I would like to receive the Harry Potter Boxed Set. My daughter-in-law replied, "I would like those for Christmas too." So for Christmas I bought her and my sister both the Harry Potter Boxed sets. I also received the set of books from my son and daughter-in-law. I am 53, my sister is 48 and my daughter-in-law is 24 and we all love our Harry Potter books!! My son has even expressed a desire to read these books. I read the first three in one week and I am trying to savor the last one.
Rating:
Summary: get enchanted
Review: As the Harry Potter-hype started a few years ago, I only got to read the books a few weeks ago. Even after Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling started to appear in most conversations within my circle of friends, I still wasn't convinced to read about the adventures of this little wizard who gets all this media attention. During one of my frequent visits to my beloved book stores in town, I overheard a young girl discussing with her mother about which of the HP books they liked the best. The mother sounded like a even bigger fan than her 12-year old daughter. So on the way out, I picked up the British paperback version of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". I took the book with me on my daily train ride to work, and straight from the first chapter, I was hooked to the writing style and the unique atmosphere Ms. Rowling has created in her stories. I regretted that my train ride ended so fast every morning ever since.
I finished the first book in 3 days, (which is no time record at all), and picked up the 3 sequels in the same week. I always loved reading, but have never encountered such a page-turner yet! The magic of Ms. Rowling is that she can keep a 9-year old and a 24-year old reading with interest. Haven't seen much writers who can enchant such a broad group of different ages and cultures in the same time.
The comparison between the Harry Potter series and The Lord of the Rings seemed unavoidable. Tolkien's fantasy masterpiece is also a great reading experience, but to be honest, I enjoyed the Harry Potter books more because of its original reflections towards our own daily life, the humour, the detailed description of everything (from interior decorations at Hogwarts to the magical candy store in Hogsmead), the action and of course all the adorable and less adorable characters in the story. There is the perfect combination of the hero and his sidekicks. The magical threesome (Harry, Ron & Hermione) has concentrated courage, intellect, strong will, loyalty, humour and optimism. They face challenges from dark wizards, nasty professors and dangerous creatures that only exsist in the magical world. They mostly turn out to be the final winner, and the black-white characterisation was quiet obvious. But isn't that a part of the charm of good story telling meant for kids (and sometimes adults as well)?
One advice, if you can, read the books in its original language. I've seen the Dutch and the Chinese translations, which contains several pretty remarkable mistakes. This is due to the fact that the translations must be done in a hurry in order to get the books on the shelves asap. Such a shame that quality must compensate in this case! So wake up the 9-year old inside you and take a ride on this magical roller-coaster. You'll get enchanted and longing for more...
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