Horror for Newbies
A Goodreads user asked this question about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1):
I have watched all the Harry Potter films loads of times and I love them but is it worth it reading the books if I know what is going to happen?
LUIZ FELIPE That's an old question, so I'll give a general answer for those with similar doubts: probably not. Harry Potter isn't very good as literature, because…moreThat's an old question, so I'll give a general answer for those with similar doubts: probably not. Harry Potter isn't very good as literature, because JK was never good at worldbuilding, although she always insisted on it, and was never good at planning things ahead for consistent writing, although she keeps lying about that, and her writing is overall very shallow. I've read all of the books (except for Chamber of Secrets) when I was a kid, and saw all of the movies, and I'd say that the adaptations do a better job as movies than the originals do as books: there's some decent acting, cinematography and score to make up for how bad the writing can get, and most of what was left out either makes no difference, because the movies cover everything that's actually important for the story, or results in a better paced story. Unless you're a parent trying to get your young kid interested in reading, or you're younger than 15, just stick to the movies if you're really interested in knowing about the story, and look for something better to read, instead. (less)
flag
More questions about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone…
Image for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
Rate this book
Clear rating
1 of 5 stars2 of 5 stars3 of 5 stars4 of 5 stars5 of 5 stars

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more