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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)

J.K. Rowling

Why we're reading this: Its Harry Potter. Is there more to explain?
[close] Its Harry Potter. Is there more to explain?

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Aug 27, 2011 Anna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy

The book that started my reading obsession and my dream to become a published writer. This book is just magical.

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Feb 23, 2011 Celia rated it it was amazing

Wow! Couldn't believe the nay sayers I saw critiquing the Harry Potter series. All I can say is glad I don't know them. I am no kid, not for a long time. These books brought back the wonder of childhood. JK Rowling is an incredibly creative and fun writer. And though the stories do get darker, the lessons of friendship, love and good conquering evil shine through. These were the books that actually got kids reading again! Personally, I love them and the people that talk them down were obviously ...more

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Jun 03, 2014 Esther rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Well, so I just came back from a wonderful trip down Nostalgia lane. It was lovely.
Personally, I think illustrated books are tricky: either you like the illustrator's style or you don't. If you were attracted to a book's illustrations, you can still be disappointed by its content. And on the other hand, you might not like the illustrations, but like the work itself. In the former situation, I tend to reluctantly finish reading the book, all the while paying more attention to the illustrations th Well, so I just came back from a wonderful trip down Nostalgia lane. It was lovely.
Personally, I think illustrated books are tricky: either you like the illustrator's style or you don't. If you were attracted to a book's illustrations, you can still be disappointed by its content. And on the other hand, you might not like the illustrations, but like the work itself. In the former situation, I tend to reluctantly finish reading the book, all the while paying more attention to the illustrations than I am to the words next to them. In the latter situation, I always feel as though the illustrations block me from losing myself in the story.
I will admit that at times illustrations - just like stories - can grow on you, but I've never grown to adore something I previously hated. I learned to accept it and appreciate it for it's own sake, but some hint of the intuitive dislike will somehow always linger a little.
It was for this reason that I was hesitant to read this illustrated version of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". I love this book in its original form, so would I risk "ruining" my image of certain characters and locations if the illustrator had a completely different take on things? Unlike movie adaptations of books, where I can seperate one medium from the other - film and books are two different media with their own aesthetics, "language" and charms -, illustrated books are too connected to their original form.
Were my hesitations just? Nope, they weren't. I love this book to pieces.
In my opinion, Jim Kay's style fits the story like a glove. As I already mentioned, this is a highly personal thing. Someone else might hate it, but for me, it was a perfect match.
The illustrated version is magical, beautiful and for me, it was a perfect excuse to start rereading the series.

As for the book's exterior qualities: splendid. The paper is thick, glossy and has a very luxurious feel to it. The hardcover version has a bound bookmark (and I am a complete sucker for these things) and the colours of the actual cover and the dust jacket are "OCDish-people-approvedly" coordinated. ...more

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Mar 31, 2012 Laurel Rogers rated it it was ok

Shelves: did-not-like

I hate most of this series, and don't get it since most people do. You never know. ...more

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Jul 16, 2011 Krista rated it really liked it

The beginning to a wonderful series

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Jul 04, 2017 Sean rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction, childrens

Wonderful book! Worthy of all the praise & accolades. A great beginning to a great series. I loved it! Complex young characters w/ complicated problems handled in an equally mature and youthful way. Great book for young adults & full fledged adults! 👍🏻

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