Rating: 
Summary: Harry Potter Rocks!!
Review: This series is fun, imaginative, and even provocative of thought. It also teaches a good lesson to kids; like the "Lord of the Rings" or other similar series, it sets a clear defining line between good and evil, ascribing certain characteristics into both categories. Bravery, friendship, and loyalty are set against manipulation, greed, and overall evilness. It's a great series for all ages! I love these books!
Rating:
Summary: Just Incredible!!!
Review: I wondered for a long time what the buzz was all about. After seeing a couple of little HP clones in Wal-Mart, I thought, "Hmm, maybe this Harry Potter craze will have a very good effect on all those sloppy, rude little boys one sees. Maybe there is something to it!" Being a middle-aged Muggle didn't stop me from finally purchasing The Sorcerer's Stone. It was instant enchantment! I don't hesitate to say that I went bleary-eyed to work after not being able to put it down! I just finished Chamber of Secrets, and will read the others as soon as I can get them. I've long been a fantasy reader, but never had the patience for the rather ponderous reading of "Lord of the Rings" (though I intend to see the movie). I have a stressful job, and enjoy LIGHT reading when I read a novel rather than non-fiction. I always enjoyed Piers Anthony, and am rather surprised that HP is compared to Tolkein more than to Anthony or even to Madeleine L'Engle. Like Anthony and L'Engle, Rowling creates engaging young characters who have delightful adventures without the story portraying adults as bumbling idiots, as so many current tales do. In fact, Harry does need adult help, and is not ashamed to gratefully accept it! The stories are probably delightful for children, but also for adults who are reading it on a different level. Witty, sophisticated, charming, and just plain FUN. Long live Harry! PS...for the detractors: Reading does NOT always have to be an exercise of the deepest intellect. Fun, light recreational reading is okay, too! (I have a Master's Degree, and consider my intellect at least average, but there is a time for RELAXATION!!) As far as promoting dark magic, I think the book amply demonstrates the bad end that awaits those who dabble in it. I believe the message is that the magic of love is far greater than the magic of hate (and far greater persons than I have expressed it far more eloquently)!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best fantasy series
Review: I'm not going to lie. I love Harry Potter. I think the books are great, teach good morals, and help young kids discover the joy of reading. Some of the reviewers before me said they had problems with Harry Potter being good for our our kids because Harry cheats (that's what they said, although I can't think of a time when he did), breaks rules, lies, etc. Well, so does every other kid on the planet. I would seriously question any book where the main hero was some perfect character that never broke any rules and did exactly what he was told without question. Every person has at one time or another broken a rule, and I don't consider this a necessarily a bad thing. And when he did lie, it usually wasn't without good reason. I think Harry Potter is a wonderful example of a person with a positive outlook, nevermind that he's never met his parents and lives with an abusive family. Many other people in his position would just give up and feel sorry for themselves, but Harry doesn't. He still loves, tries to do the right thing, and is unselfish. I for one would be proud if my child followed Harry Potter's example.
Rating:
Summary: it's witchcraft!
Review: I take issue with some so called experts who pan the Harry Potter books as re-mix of hackneyed themes in popular culture. If the books are mere re-mixes, the books will not be nearly as bewitching as they are. The intensity of imagination and soul contained in these volumes are truly intoxicating. I do not know what it is, but the books have a certain something which make it impossible for one to put them down. I do not believe that I ever read four books (each longer than the previous) faster in my life! The only book which managed to draw me in as much was "The Three Muketeers". What Alexander Dumas managed to do to me for only the first chapter of said book, J.K. Rowling manages to do for the greater part of four books. Also, do not forget the occassional gem such as the following from the second book "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." The *only* thing which is missing from J.K. Rowling is the sheer word-smithing ability of a Shakespeare. Then again, it can be said of Shakespeare that the *only* thing missing from Shakespeare is any sort of compelling plot such as that regularly managed by J.K. Rowling. Also, if J.K. Rowling reads like Shakespeare, the kids wouldn't be able to enjoy them as much as they apparently do. It's a good thing that J.K. Rowling lives in these times. If she had written these books three hundred years ago, she would have been burned at the stake for being a witch! :-)
Rating:
Summary: Anyone of any age will be satifsied!
Review: My husband purchased the boxed set of these books a week and a half ago and I am now on the fourth book! These books have become a source of "just getting away" into the world of Harry Potter and his life. Truly amazing and well written! When my daughter is old enough to read - I will most definitely support her in reading these books! And in reply to Joe Ffitch from Philadelphia, PA - these books in NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM spout information of the "Wicca" religion. There is no such validity in that statement at all! Thank you so much J.K. Rowling for opening the world into reading again with these fine books!
Rating: 
Summary: Imagination All the Way
Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling is a magnificent children's story full of old and new aspects of the fantasy world. Although the book is mainly written at a middle school level, it is enjoyed by all ages because of the story's excitement and quickness. The book takes you to a new world where young wizards learn the art of Wizardry. The main character, Harry Potter, developes from somewhat weak and under priveleged to heroic and brave. He goes to the wizard school, and over his stay, discovers that someone or something is trying to steal the stone, which is known for giving a person immortality. Harry shows his bravery on the way to the climax of the story. Soon friendships develope and conflicts occure, but overall the stoy is cute and appealing to its audience. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone is a story about friendship and courage. It shows that a quality friendship is one which includes honor, trust, and strength. This honor is shown through three characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione. These three develope a strong bond while they endure conflicts and challenges together, as they work like a team. The main themes throughout the book are teamwork, courage, kindness, and honor. These themes can be found in the game of Quitditch. The game is a new invention the author made that still uses things that people are fammilar with such as a witch's flying broomstick. The game has a twist of the new and old as does the whole book. Rowling uses fantasy characters we are fammiliar with and adds a little of her own seasoning to the story. It's a great way to keep children fammilar with traditional characters from fantasy, and yet not boring them with the old by adding new an creative ideas. The previously mentioned themes can also be found near the climax. Ron sacrifices himself in a game of chess to allow Harry to continue. This is a perfect example of courage and true fiendship. Th book is a wonderful read for all persons who have imagination and enjoy adventure, because this book is full of excitement. J.K. Rowling's story was enjoyed by me an can be enjoyed by many others. It was very fun to read and never boring. Simply, it is appropriate for all ages in my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Is 5 Stars Enough?
Review: Ok, I''l admit it, I was a little skeptical of the "Harry Potter" craze that's been sweeping the world effecting young and old alike. What storyline could possibly be so engrossing that young children would sacrifice Playstaion time to read and adults would flock to bookstores wearing capes, witches hats, and wielding brooms to get the new edition at midnight? Fortunately, the Hogwarts express stops whenever you're ready to get on and I decided to walk through platform 9 3/4 and give it a whirl this last September. I'm an actor an had a lot of downtime in my last show. I went to the library and checked out the first book. Between scenes I picked up the book and read...and read...and read! I nearly missed many entraces as I became evermore fascinated with J.K. Rowling's characters and their magical world. I cleared through the entire series in 2 weeks of downtime during the run. It reads fast, but is delightful for adults and I can only imagine the countless hours of sleep children must miss with their flashlights in hands and bedsheets above their heads. Fantastic, wonderful, amazing...You'll love it and wish you would've started sooner.
Rating:
Summary: Imagination Runs Wild with: Harry P.. and the Goblet Of Fire
Review: I have already purchased and read to my daughter these three books of the series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. She enjoys them all. Once a kid gets into this realm of imagination, she does not want to stop. (...)The whole series is bringing back to children the love of reading. With so many leisure and recreation media available, it is good to see that most children are going crazy over this book. All of them are interested in reading about Hogwarts, wizards and this little boy. It is all about Quidditch, a ball game played on broomsticks and the train stop where kids board for Hogwarts.(...) As for me, I will be happy that the series has helped my daughter fall in love with books at an early age. (...)
Rating: 
Summary: What's the buzz?
Review: I dont' understand what all the hype is about! Quite frankly, they're good stories, but it seemed to me like they were completely predictable. There is no depth to them at all. The good thing about Harry Potter is that he gets kids reading, but they are no comparison whatsoever to the Chronicles of Narnia, or the Lord of the Rings. My final word on Harry Potter is that its a great series for kids, but GROW UP and read a real book, for a change. Your brain cells will thank you! I would give it two or three stars, but it's way too overrated.
Rating:
Summary: Also good for non-English speaker
Review: I am a Chinese adult. English is my third language. When I picked up Harry Potter from the shelf of "Children section", I felt a bit shameful. However, after reading the first 2 books, I think it is worthy.
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