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

Mar 31, 2017 Chandler rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star, middle-grade, books-i-own, books-for-boys, hall-of-fame, audiobook, banned-books, urban-fantasy, 301-499pgs, audible-plus

Firstly, before I begin with my review of this book, let me say that this review is somewhat personal for me, and redundant for you. Ever since I started reviewing books on Goodreads, I thought that this novel, and the corresponding series, would always be on my list of books never to review for two reasons: Because this review would be of little use to anyone, and because I had such a personal connection to the book itself, I was worried I could never look at it with a critical eye.

On the firs Firstly, before I begin with my review of this book, let me say that this review is somewhat personal for me, and redundant for you. Ever since I started reviewing books on Goodreads, I thought that this novel, and the corresponding series, would always be on my list of books never to review for two reasons: Because this review would be of little use to anyone, and because I had such a personal connection to the book itself, I was worried I could never look at it with a critical eye.

On the first point, what is there to say that hasn’t already been said about this book? Similar to my feelings with To Kill A Mockingbird, this novel represents such a huge part of a social phenomenon for a generation of readers from all around the world that at the end of the day, one has to ask, what’s the point? My review, outside of close friends and family, probably won’t be read by anyone because the novels are so loved by almost everyone. It would be a waste of time for me to even think of reviewing a novel so beloved around the world.

Secondly, I have such a personal connection to this series. My journey with this series began with The Chamber of Secrets when I was about 8 years old (yes you read that right). I can remember holding the book in my hands, not knowing that it was the 2nd book in the series, but loving it all the same because I felt I was ready to progress from reading The Hardy Boys, to something more mature. But at that time, my mother disagreed, especially when she read the portion about the Dursley's at the beginning, and decided to let me age a bit. By the time the first film came out, my parents decided it was time to try again, and my father and I began to read the books together. After that, I was hooked. I began to read the series in earnest, and even went to the Midnight Premiere for the Order of the Phoenix. Now, even years later, I like to read at least one Harry Potter book a year, usually in the form of an audiobook read by Jim Dale (the best narrator ever!).

So, in the end, I ask you to take my review of this book as only my opinion, and little more. In fact, I think you should read them for yourself, because, if you haven’t then...what the heck is wrong with you? Seriously, what?

At any rate, for being a first novel in the series, this book is very good, even if it is a tad short. While this isn't really a negative, after reading the other, longer books, so many times, I have now begun to notice that certain elements that would, with later sequels, have more time devoted to them, now seem to move in the blink of an eye. This isn’t a negative, just something that I noticed. On the other hand, there are so many things planted here that seem to just be throw away lines that actually have greater influence than one may realize. One example of this is how it seemed that Snape could read minds on a few occasions. Normally, we would just dismiss this as a feeling, but we soon later learn that this is actually the case, with Snape teaching Harry Occlumency in later books.

Of course I adored how Rowling managed to work in all the explanations of the world of magic, and how one could tell that there was far more brimming beneath the surface than she was revealing. One hint of this would be the lessons and subjects that they study in History of Magic, with Professor Binns. Am I the only one who would like that class? I am? Okay. From a writing standpoint, these may have been just throw away events that Rowling made up off the top of her head, but they show that this world existed long before Harry, and it really helps to make the reader feel like he is entering another society that is so much bigger than him. This element of magic explanation and world building are, by far, her biggest strength in the series as a whole. It is just detailed enough for you to know that it’s an expansive world, but not enough to cause to Tolkin-esk levels of boredom.

There are some things that can be seen as negatives though (Sees multiple people getting out torches and pitchforks) Hear me out! While these things are not terrible, nor will they stop me from reading, they are none the less, things that make me see some weakness in the narrative.

Firstly, the game of Quidditch is just there to make Harry look good, lets be honest. It is one of those games where the points you gain throughout the whole match mean nothing, so long as the seeker gets the snitch. On the plus side, from a narrative standpoint, it was nice to separate the scenes of the students studying and working with the relative action that was a new match.

Another negative that often comes up is an obvious one: If you had a security system made to guard an object, and three 11 year old wizards can get through it, then it must not be a good security system, is it? However, I still liked how creative it was, and it was interesting how each of the teachers tried to show their own ideas at protecting the stone, so I guess it is a minor gripe of a mature reader.

In the end, despite what ever problems I have seen with this first book, I think they are very small, indeed. I love this first book, and cannot wait to relive the experience to come. I give this first book a five out of five. It is utterly fantastic, and if you haven’t read it then WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE? GET READING ALREADY!!! ...more

Like · see review

Nov 14, 2014 Barrett Lafortune rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, fantasy, young-adult, favorites

The Harry Potter series were my favourite books in highschool. I remember eagerly anticipating each new release (I started reading HP right after book 3 came out). After rereading The Philosopher's Stone for the first time in several years, it is still one of my favourite books of all time.

While there are many things to love about The Philosopher's stone, one aspect I had forgotten was how good writing is. J.K. Rowling is both witty and insightful and the Harry Potter series is full of fantastic ...more

Like · see review