Rowling, J.K ; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's (Sorcerer's) Stone (Harry Potter #1) - Informal Buddy Read; Start date November 10, 2014 - REVISIT - July 5, 2017 - REVISIT - 12 May 2018 - REVISIT Sept 1, 2020

[Deanna]

Finished! Chapter 11 - end

Chapter 14- (view spoiler)[I much prefer the book to the movie at this point with Harry and Hermione sneaking the dragon up to Charlie's friends. I had forgotten that in the book Neville not Ron got detention with them. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16- (view spoiler)[I love Snape's logic puzzle and was disappointed that it wasn't in the movie. I've always wished there was a picture on that page so the reader can work the puzzle as well. Does the illustrated edition have one? (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Cheryl wrote: "I just finished my re-read of the book. (There are so few books that I have read more than once!) I believe that I enjoyed the re-read even more than the first time through!

What has really struck..."

I found this blooper list interesting. I was a little surprised by all the small errors that were corrected in later editions.

[Caroline]

Kirsten wrote: "Just finished reading this book. I too had a lot of the movie visuals in my head. I even found a few sequences that I preferred the movie version (shocker I know) [spoilers removed]

I was also ver..."

I read the part about Levi-O-sa and I was looking in every page for this also !!

[Emelie]

Caroline wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Just finished reading this book. I too had a lot of the movie visuals in my head. I even found a few sequences that I preferred the movie version (shocker I know) [spoilers removed]..."

Same!

[SandyL]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Harry just got his invisible cloak and is roaming the halls at Christmastime I love the wizard chess where the pieces are telling Harry what to do."

Wouldn't it be great to have a chess board and pieces like that? I don't know how to play, so having the pieces telling me what to do would be amazing!

[Emelie]

I just love how Jordan reference his games. He's really funny!

I'm near the end of the book now. I just really appreciate how... realistic all the characters are. The children and how they behave, the adults, all the different emotions and actions that just comes across believable.

And all the little clues in this first book already hinting at stuff that's gonna happen later on! It's really delightful catching those now, rereading it all.

Detention thoughts:
(view spoiler)[It's always struck me as weird that the Forbidden Forest is, well, forbidden, but that it seems to be quite a normal detention to get. And not only for the older kids, but for small first years! And that it's apparently okay for kids to walk off alone at late evening/night but only as detention - Merlin forbid they would go in the forest alone (though, Hagrid did teach them to shoot up a warning flare so, I can still see the point of it being even more dangerous with no adults near at all). I can see the potential of kids learning stuff, about creatures and magical stuff, but still. Weird. (hide spoiler)]

[Emelie]

SandyL wrote: "Jammin Jenny wrote: "Harry just got his invisible cloak and is roaming the halls at Christmastime I love the wizard chess where the pieces are telling Harry what to do."

Wouldn't it be great to ha..."

I thought the same! Hah! I would actually enjoy playing chess if I had pieces like that, that actually lived and would spicen up the game, lol.

[SandyL]

Devann wrote: "i honestly don't see why his name would need to 'be down' in the first place. i mean ...they aren't exactly turning anyone away are they? even people with very weak magic like neville are accepted ..."

My impression is that the school invited the students, not that the students were applying. So somehow the kids came to the attention of Hogwarts, whether it was through their families or some other way, and then they got the invite if the school wanted them.

[Emelie]

SandyL wrote: "Devann wrote: "i honestly don't see why his name would need to 'be down' in the first place. i mean ...they aren't exactly turning anyone away are they? even people with very weak magic like nevill..."

I was puzzled about that 'be down' comment too. But after thinking about it, I guess that Hagrid meant that Harry's name was down for certain for being magical and that he would recieve a letter. They probably need to keep track on to whom - and when - to send the letters, so when they come across a magical kid, they note them down.

[Colleen]

I wish I was reading this with all of you, but obviously the book is still popular since there's a line for the hold - I want it on audio because I've heard it's good, otherwise I'm sure I could find a dog-eared copy around the house somewhere. I really want to know my house! Although the one I'm in (slytherin) doesn't seem all that bad. :)

[Jackie]

Kristel wrote: "My feelings on chapters 1-4

I was very put off how indifferent the wizards were to the Statute of Secrecy in the first chapter. Isn't it constantly emphasized how important it is to keep it? Harry..."

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ is one of my favorite of the first book when Hagrid makes his appearance and figures out that Harry hasn't been told anything about his parents. Also, putting the pig's tail on Dudley is hilarious (and so fitting!) (hide spoiler)]

[Emily]

Jackie wrote: "Kristel wrote: "My feelings on chapters 1-4
Me too, he is one of my favorite characters

[Caroline]

I just finish the book! Now jumping to #2! I feel like a teenager again, wanting to start the next one right away (well.. OKK I admit I still do it all the time LOL), so I'm going to bed to start it RIGHT NOW :) !!! I love the fact that it's been so long since I read it last, I am amaze with all the small details I didn't remembered. :)

[Snowtulip]

Kirsten wrote: "Just finished reading this book. I too had a lot of the movie visuals in my head. I even found a few sequences that I preferred the movie version (shocker I know) [spoilers removed]

I was also ver..."

I think I'll probably have a few more movies moments that I like better than the book when I watch the movies again this weekend!

[Kirsten]

Snowtulip wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Just finished reading this book. I too had a lot of the movie visuals in my head. I even found a few sequences that I preferred the movie version (shocker I know) [spoilers removed]..."

No doubt you will as I haven't seen the movie for at least a couple years so am likely forgetting some.

[Nicole]

Jackie wrote: "Chapter 4 (view spoiler)"

I just read that part and loved it! One feels vindicated on Harry's behalf.

[Emily]

At times I pause while reading this, I just can't get over the imagination and attention to detail in each sentence.

[Suzanne]

Remembering back to the first time I read this, I think when I started loving this book was when I saw Diagon Alley. But it was cemented when I read about the candy on the train - just so cool!!

[Jammin Jenny]

I loved my re-read in terms of what i forgot like the day of the Dursley's before Harry arrived in their lives. The rest of the story this book was pretty much in the movie which I've seen a lot of times. I do need to remember to read the books more often though so thanks for this challenge Mods!

[Paula]

Deanna wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "I just finished my re-read of the book. (There are so few books that I have read more than once!) I believe that I enjoyed the re-read even more than the first time through!

What ha..."
There's at least one thing missing in the HPPS section of that list.
In the early editions of the first book says that Marcus Flint, Slytherin's quidditch captain is in 6th year, JK said in an interview back in 2000, that he had repeated a year and that was why he was still captain in book 3
But the new editions changed it and say that Marcus Flint is in 5th year in book 1.
What I think is most interesting is that, even my book which is an spanish edition from 1998 has that "error" with the others that are mentioned in that list :P

[Paula]

Emelie wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Devann wrote: "i honestly don't see why his name would need to 'be down' in the first place. i mean ...they aren't exactly turning anyone away are they? even people with very weak ma..."

There's a book in Hogwarts that keeps track of every wizard and witch, it's called the Book of Admittance, and there's a magical quill, the Quill of Acceptance that writes down the name of every magical child as soon as he or she shows any sign of magic.
That's why Hagrid says that.

You can read more about them in Pottermore:
The Quill of Acceptance and the Book of Admittance

[Vicki]

Chapters 1-2

I read this book almost four years ago to this very day. I remember reading it and wondering why I hadn't tried to read it sooner. It's because I never cared for things that I didn't believe could really happen. But I was so surprised by my pure pleasure reading this book, and I'm being reminded why. It's light-hearted, the names of words/places is just so fun to read. I feel like I'm in some kind of magical place.

Owls (view spoiler)[This is one of my first favorite visuals, and the first time I read it I was so curious as to why all these owls were out in the daytime flying all over. And then the shooting stars all over Britain sounds so lovely. Then all the people wearing cloaks. It all makes for really ambivalent feelings because on the one hand I see beauty in nature, but also a bit of unusual behavior in nature (owls) that makes me wonder what the heck. But then all the cloak-bearing people? I guess not much is unusual today, but definitely in their world. (hide spoiler)]

Dursleys (view spoiler)[ are such an odd, mean family. Dudley is, even at such a young age, just awful. (hide spoiler)]

I thought it was funny and odd that Dumbledore was able to detect who (view spoiler)[ the cat was sitting on a brick. (hide spoiler)]

The mysterious (view spoiler)[ You-Know-Who. I love how the author introduces all of his characters with some kind of mystery/curiosity for the reader. (hide spoiler)]

Muggles (view spoiler)[another fun name! So many years have already gone by that Harry has been living with the Dursleys. I have the same sad and angry feelings for the way his aunt and uncle treat him. Today he'd be taken away by CPS. (hide spoiler)]

Dudley (view spoiler)[talk about a spoiled rotten little brat that I'd not want to be around! I mean who buys their child MORE ice cream because they had a temper tantrum because it wasn't enough? Ugh, BAD idea! I'm so sad for Harry that every year Dudley gets to go to fun places with friends and they leave Harry at home with Mrs. Figg. So wrong! (hide spoiler)]

[Paula]

Last comment for today ;)

I just read chapter 4, and I got pretty emotional when Hagrid talked about Lily and James😭

Also, the more I read this book, the more I notice how neglected was Harry as a child, it makes me really sad to think about him saying his firts words or taking his first steps and no one caring about him.

[Nicole]

Up to chapter 7 and it is great to see Harry making friends and starting to belong to something. Hermione is a hoot with her hoity-toity comments.

[Emelie]

Paula wrote: "Emelie wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Devann wrote: "i honestly don't see why his name would need to 'be down' in the first place. i mean ...they aren't exactly turning anyone away are they? even people wi..."

Ah, I actually didn't know that! That explains a lot - thanks for the info!

[Ashley]

Paula wrote: "You can read more about them in Pottermore:
The Quill of Acceptance and the Book of Admittance."

I haven't seen this before - I love it!!

[Emelie]

I've just finished the book. The end always leaves me so emotional. (view spoiler)[I just love how they all get rewarded for their capabilities - Ron and his smarts and Percy being proud of him, Hermione and her logic and brain and instead of being ridiculed as always get celebrated, Harry and his courage; but most of all, Neville! Neville is the one winning it for Gryffindor, because brave, poor, sweet, little Neville was so brave as to stand up for himself, his thoughts to challenge his friends. Ah, so emotional! (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Emelie wrote: "I've just finished the book. The end always leaves me so emotional. [spoilers removed]"

This was the start of my forever love for Neville. :D

[Nicole]

I'm about to start chapter 8 where Harry meets Snape for the first time and I can't wait for Snape's little riddle. The genius that is JKR!

[M]

Nicole wrote: "I'm about to start chapter 8 where Harry meets Snape for the first time and I can't wait for Snape's little riddle. The genius that is JKR!"

I loved this part! After I realized what JKR had done I started to learn all the meanings of flowers.

[Jessica]

Deanna wrote: "Finished! Chapter 11 - end

Chapter 14- [spoilers removed]"

I know, I like the book more than the movie. especially that part.

[Jessica]

Nicole wrote: "I'm about to start chapter 8 where Harry meets Snape for the first time and I can't wait for Snape's little riddle. The genius that is JKR!"

One of my favorite parts.

[Silje]

Ashlee wrote: "Just finishing, and oh how much I forgot about. I can't wait to continue the magical Hogwarts journey.
[spoilers removed]"

I was listening to the points part with a big smile on my face!

[Emily]

Jessica wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Finished! Chapter 11 - end

Chapter 14- [spoilers removed]"

I know, I like the book more than the movie. especially that part."

Me too, although I would say on the first movie the attention to detail is spot on.

[Jessica]

@Emily
Yeah, the first movie is pretty accurate.

[Emily]

Chapter 12 makes me cry still

[Deanna]

Silje wrote: "Ashlee wrote: "Just finishing, and oh how much I forgot about. I can't wait to continue the magical Hogwarts journey.
[spoilers removed]"

I was listening to the points part with a big smile on my..."

Definitely. This part always makes me smile as well.

[Jackie]

I finished. This was my first time listening to the audiobook. I listened to the Jim Dale version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now on to Chamber of Secrets!

[Snowtulip]

Jackie wrote: "I finished. This was my first time listening to the audiobook. I listened to the Jim Dale version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now on to Chamber of Secrets!"

I'm really hoping I can do audio for Chamber of Secrets, the waiting list is shorter, so fingers crossed!

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

First-Time reader here!!!

Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 5...

(view spoiler)[I read where many people, mostly those doing a re-read I think, have said they felt as though the first book started slowly. Maybe it's just because this is my first time reading HP, but I didn't think it was slow at all. I thought everything was laid out nicely and went at a good pace.

As everyone has said, I really, really dislike the Dursley's. They are absolutely terrible to Harry! Not even giving him a birthday gift worth two cents!!

I also agree that Chapter 4 started to have a different feel to it. I was so excited for Harry and Hagrid to meet! I think I'm really going to like Hagrid.

I LOVED the list that Harry had to buy for Hogwart's! I don't know exactly why, but that made me giggle a little. I thought the book names and authors were very clever.

I thought it was sweet that everyone knew who Harry was when, bless his heart, he didn't even know who he was! At least he's not big-headed about it. LOL!

The cost of items and the exchange rate didn't phase me at all as it has some people who commented earlier. I'm a math nerd, but I just breezed right on by it. Maybe if I ever re-read HP, those types of things may stand out more. Who knows??

Speaking of re-reading...I am enjoying this book so far, but I don't honestly foresee me doing a re-read of it. I rarely re-read anything. There are just so many books out there waiting for me to find them!! Hats off to those of you who have read the series multiple times!

That's it for now...back to my book and the Platform Nine and Three-Quarters! (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Snowtulip wrote: "Jackie wrote: "I finished. This was my first time listening to the audiobook. I listened to the Jim Dale version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now on to Chamber of Secrets!"

I'm really hoping I can ..."

This was my fourth reading of Sorcerer's Stone and I had heard so much about the audio versions that I really wanted to listen to it. It was really good! I hope you get your copy soon.

[Michelle]

Jackie wrote: "I finished. This was my first time listening to the audiobook. I listened to the Jim Dale version and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Now on to Chamber of Secrets!"

I just love the audios! I am doing audios for this read-through as well.

[Lauri]

I just started again -- I've read this book probably 5 times now. The 1st time aloud to my son back in the '90s! There's always something new to discover, even as you revisit old friends and places. It is truly magical!

[Shannon]

~Michelle~ wrote: "First-Time reader here!!!

Thoughts on Chapters 1 - 5...

I read where many people, mostly those doing a re-read I think, have said they felt as though the first book started slowly. Maybe it's jus..."

Woohoo! These kind of posts make me happy.

[Emily]

Just finished, this is such a great book. I am in awe of her imagination. This time around I think Hagrid is my favorite.

[Elize]

This was the first time I have read HP! I also haven't seen any of the movies at all or had any spoilers. My husband has been encouraging me to read them for so long and now we are reading them together. He had them when he was younger but wasn't much of a reader till recently so hadn't fully read them - just watched the movies.

So the book... I have been reading through all of your comments and thoughts and have been so amazed at how some of you, who would have read and seen them many times, know so many details! I have no idea who is important to remember or not and how things will be relevant in future books but I can see that it is such a rich world and as I read them all I will become engrossed and potentially become a fan.

I came to this very skeptical as I thought reading them as an adult (especially the first book as you can tell it is for a younger audience), would mean that I miss all the nostalgia and memories. But I was so impressed! And, without spoiling anything, JK has successfully succeeded in surprising me with an ending. Which NEVER happens. I was very impressed and keen to read more! (then watch the movies and inevitably complain about the differences)

[Suzanne]

I know I commented about various aspects above, but now that I've finished, I wanted to summarize some of my thoughts with this read.

First of all, I identify so much with Hermione - I was a big reader/studier and I totally make study lists and everything. She is braver than I was, and I'd love to thing she is bossier, but yeah I love her. I really liked how she stuck up for Neville several times when everyone else was laughing at him.

I love Fred and George - we didn't see them much, but they are just such great characters.

I love the world - Diagon Alley really catches my imagination. And I think what really hooked me the first time I read the book was the food cart on the train with all of the magical treats.

I agree with some of the ideas expressed about the whole good vs. evil characterization of the houses, but yeah - I love this book/series!

[Emily]

Suzanne wrote: "I know I commented about various aspects above, but now that I've finished, I wanted to summarize some of my thoughts with this read.

First of all, I identify so much with Hermione - I was a big ..."

I would love to have a Diagon Alley here.

[Nicole]

Finished the book last night and was feeling all warm and fuzzy at the end. The movie has definitely affected the way I envision certain things in the book. I understand why so many people go back and read it time and time again. You miss things and this reread reminded me of the help of the centaurs, the mentioning of previous relationships/friendships. It's like puzzle pieces that will culminate in the bigger picture.

On to the next one :)

[maria helena]

Chapter 7

Harry’s worry about the sorting hat not placing him in any of the houses is such a simple, but great, representation of the horror of not getting picked for teams/not fitting in/not belonging. I love how situations that most people can relate to are incorporated in the story.

And Neville. I had forgotten how much I like him.