Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling and is the subject of the soon to be released and much hyped film, with an all-star cast, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”. This was also the title of the American release of the book. I have no idea why the title was changed; it rather insults the intelligence of our American counterparts to suggest that they would not understand the word Philosopher, and I can only wonder if great writers such as Kant, Plato and Socrates are perhaps known as “sorcerers” in the good ol’ US of A!
Harry Potter is a fairly ordinary boy, who was orphaned as a baby (he has always been told his parents died in a car accident) and has been brought up by his Aunt and Uncle, Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Unbeknown to Harry, the Dursleys know a little more about Harry’s history, and what REALLY happened to his parents, than they are letting on. If Harry had known this, he would have had an explanation for his appalling
treatment throughout his childhood - being forced to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, never having any presents on his birthday and having to wear his fat cousin Dudley’s hand-me-downs.
The first that Harry hears of anything being different is on his eleventh birthday when he receives a strange letter. The Dursleys do everything they can to hide the contents of the letter from Harry, but despite their best efforts, Harry eventually finds out that he is special: he is a wizard. Not only is Harry a wizard, but a place has been reserved for him, from birth, at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. More excitement is to come for Harry when he discovers that he is in fact famous throughout the wizarding world. The Dursleys are simply “Muggles” - the word used by witches and wizards to describe non-magic people, and being disapproving of any thing like this, they have not told Harry the truth about his background, or about the way his parents died.
Much to the Dursley’s horror and displeasure, Harry is soon being whisked off by the Hogwarts gamekeeper, Hagrid, to buy a magic wand, cauldron, robes, and all sorts of delightful text books for his first year at Hogwarts, Even more of a treat is in store when Hagrid buys Harry a pet owl: Hedwig. The day comes when he leaves the Dursleys and takes the Hogwarts Express from Platform Nine-and-three-quarters to Hogwarts.
We are transported with him to a world of magic and mystery, where friendly ghosts haunt the school, post is delivered by owls, magic spells and enchantments are an every day occurrence, centaurs and unicorns roam freely in the grounds, and the students study subjects such as Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. Harry learns to play ‘Quidditch’ - a game as popular as football in wizarding circles and quickly becomes the star player for his house, Griffyndor.
With his two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Grainger, Harry gets involved in all sorts of scrapes and adventures, and ultimately, good triumphs over evil, and the scene is set for many more stories in the Harry Potter series.
This book will delight children and adults alike. It is aimed at 9-11 year olds, but has found popularity with older children and adults who are young at heart! It is not written in a babyish or patronising way, and younger children may have to ask for clarification on certain words, but this can only enhance their learning experience. The subject matter would also be suitable for even younger children as a story to be read to them by their parents.
Reading the book from an adult’s point of view, I can only say that not since having read Enid Blyton’s “Mallory Towers” books at a young age have I ever become so totally immersed in a book and actually wanted to be part of the story. The descriptive writing and imagery used is fantastic and you can really imagine yourself to be there at Hogwarts with Harry and his friends. I didn’t want to put the book down, and quickly made my way through the remaining books (currently only three more, but there are others promised!) as soon as I had finished this one.
One word of warning for any potential readers, you may find the initial chapters (while Harry is still at home with the Dursleys) a little slow and perhaps quite simply written, but do not be put off by this. Once the story moves to Hogwarts the writing style becomes more complex and flows much better, drawing you in and making the book an “un-put-down-able” read!
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Great op! I agree with all your points and you have described the story line without giving away all its secrets and explained what you liked, disliked, what the characters are like, an explanation of the word "Muggles" and explained who it is suitable for. I have read all 4 books now and I found the 4th book's first chapters dragged but I read the fourth book first (which did not help!)
ms004902 22.09.2003 04:04
perhaps it was just me but I thought the first paragraphs were the most intriguing. SCALAY.
Just when it seems that there cannot possibly be another twist to the Harry Potter tale, ... more
Stephen Fry dons his haughtiest and naughtiest tones to bring Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to vibrant life on audio. Harry Potter has spent the first 1...
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Just when it seems that there cannot possibly be another twist to the Harry Potter tale, ... more
Stephen Fry dons his haughtiest and naughtiest tones to bring Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to vibrant life on audio. Harry Potter has spent the first 1...
Postage & Packaging: £2.75 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Great writing style, fun ideas, easy to get into the story Disadvantages: Very two-dimensional characters at first, main plot starts too late, finishes too soon
Advantages: Great book that gets children reading, fires the imagination Disadvantages: Plot is dark for younger children, may be difficult to get into at first
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