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

[Erika]

Yes! I fall in love with Neville all over again. He’s so adorable in this one.

[maria helena]

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!"

Jim Dale is probably my favourite narrator. All those amazing voices!

[Dev]

@Elize don't worry i'm sure you'll remember what you really NEED to, i mean we all understood the main plot as children after all lol. but when you've read something 10+ times you definitely start to pore over every little thing ;)

[Jackie]

So true, every time I read it I pick up more details that I missed or had forgotten. But each time I come away thinking how magical and amazing this series is.

[Jammin Jenny]

Yes I agree. I had forgotten that the centaurs helped Harry out in the forest. Was that in the movie? I can't remember. I'm planning on doing a movie-thon when I'm done with all the books.

[Kaley]

Ch. 6-11

(view spoiler)[Knowing how the book ends, I just love all the little details being weaved in to clue you in as to what's going on. Also, I've never understood why Hermione just wasn't like "I was in the bathroom and they came to warn me" because it's not like she needed a bigger excuse . . . but I guess they probably wouldn't have become friends if that was the case, so the way it went down was important. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

Chapters 6 - 10...


(view spoiler)[ I love the Weasleys...all of them. Thank goodness for that Mama getting Harry where he needed to be! My favorite part was the Dumbledore trading card and the line, "But in, you know, the Muggle world, people just stay put in photos." And then they finally make it to Hogwarts at the end of Chapter 6.

In Chapter 7, I thought the Sorting Hat Song was cute. I did feel like the ceremony itself was a little underwhelming though. :( I was pulling for Harry and Ron to be in the same house so that was good. You just know that Malfoy is going to get Slytherin before the ceremony even begins. It has to be!

I thought it was great that Hagrid invited Harry over in Chapter 8 and that Harry happened to see the article about the break-in.

In Chapter 9, I was so glad Harry was able to show off on the broomstick!! Yay for Professor McGonagall putting Harry on the Quidditch team! But as the chapter goes on, they are just destined to find trouble, aren't they? LOL!

Harry gets his broomstick!! And oh those Quidditch rules. What a crazy game! Chapter 10 is also where we see some action and even Ron is able to cast a spell that worked. Most importantly, there's a turning point in Harry's and Ron's relationship with Hermione. They finally have a bonding moment!

Still enjoying this first book in the series!! :-D (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

Kaley wrote: "Ch. 6-11

[spoilers removed]"

I thought the same thing! (view spoiler)[Why come up with a lie? Although it did make me like her a little better after that. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

~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..."

Love your thoughts Michelle!

I also got a real kick out of the list for Hogwarts that Harry had. Maybe because my son started school this year and his list was quite different ;)

[Nicole]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Yes I agree. I had forgotten that the centaurs helped Harry out in the forest. Was that in the movie? I can't remember. I'm planning on doing a movie-thon when I'm done with all the books."

That sounds like a great plan! I just might watch the movies as well :)

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

FINISHED!!! So much happened in Chapters 11 - 17! Just when I was ready to (view spoiler)[kick Snape to the curb, he turns out to be OK. I didn't see that coming...or Quarrel for that matter!

I really liked the ending and will definitely move on to book 2. (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Yes I agree. I had forgotten that the centaurs helped Harry out in the forest. Was that in the movie? I can't remember. I'm planning on doing a movie-thon when I'm done with all the books."

I think I might do this too. I liked but didn't love the first 3 movies. The fourth movie always made me mad because of how much important stuff was left out that I was never able to continue on with the rest of the movies and ended up giving up on them.

[maria helena]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Yes I agree. I had forgotten that the centaurs helped Harry out in the forest. Was that in the movie? I can't remember. I'm planning on doing a movie-thon when I'm done with all the books."

Ooh, great idea!

[maria helena]

~Michelle~ wrote: "FINISHED!!! spoiler removed"


Yes! Snape (view spoiler)[is such a greatly constructed character. He is so complex, but I love the journey he takes you on. (hide spoiler)]

[Lauri]

Chapters 1 - 5

I am still as much in love with the whole Wizarding World as I ever was! I was a bit worried that especially this first book wouldn't hold up over time, but I think it does! There is a certain amount of nostalgia involved, but that being said here are my thoughts...

(view spoiler)[ The Dursleys are the most arrogant, narrow minded, downright mean people ever. Could you imagine treating a little boy the way they treated Harry? Dudley could do with a swift kick in the butt! Too bad the Hogwarts crew couldn't have stepped in earlier! Harry had to endure until he was 11 years old!

I enjoyed the scene at the zoo with the boa constrictor immensely! I wish the had done something to Dudley and his evil friend, Piers! I also liked when the Hogwarts letters keep arriving & multiplying! The part where Hagrid finally catches up to Harry in the midst of the storm is just priceless! Hagrid is one of my favorite characters!

I remember being disappointed when seeing the movie for the very first time. Only Ron and Hagrid looked the way I had imagined. Now I will watch any of the movies whenever they're on TV. The phrase 'Harry Potter Weekend' never fails to make me smile... Goblet of fire is my favorite book and movie, although that's where it starts to get dark...

I very much love it whenever it's time to visit Diagon Alley! So mysterious & just a bit dangerous... (hide spoiler)]

[Elize]

Devann wrote: "@Elize don't worry i'm sure you'll remember what you really NEED to, i mean we all understood the main plot as children after all lol. but when you've read something 10+ times you definitely start ..."

Very true! I'll be interested to see it all come together over the series.

[Elize]

Kaley wrote: "Ch. 6-11

[spoilers removed]"

See I was completely surprised by the ending and I have never read it before or seen the movie. So when I re-read it I will be frantically looking for clues :P

[Suzanne]

The first time I read it, I was completely surprised as well!

[Louise]

This is my first re-read of HP having watched the films several times. There are differences and things that had been left out in the film.

Chapters 1-4
(view spoiler)[I forgot the build up to visiting Diagonal alley, although the scenes with the letters are superb, Dursely's about to have a coronary. I can't imagine Hagrid with a pink umbrella, very surreal. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

Louise wrote: "This is my first re-read of HP having watched the films several times. There are differences and things that had been left out in the film.

Chapters 1-4
[spoilers removed]"


Now that I've read the first book, I'm going to have to watch the movie and see what I can notice. I've only seen the movie once and it was forever ago!

[JanEyre9]

Finally got an audio copy of the book, I am already a huge fan of Jim Dale and I'm only 1 chapter in :) I always forget how much I love Hagrid, he's one of the best characters.

[Kaley]

Elize wrote: "Kaley wrote: "Ch. 6-11

[spoilers removed]"

See I was completely surprised by the ending and I have never read it before or seen the movie. So when I re-read it I will be frantically looking for c..."

Yes I was too when I first read it! It’s very clever.

[Kaley]

Ch 15

(view spoiler)[ Hermione: do you think the others are hurt?
Harry: I don’t care if Malfoy is.

That 11-year-old sass is REAL 😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Kaley]

Ch 16-the end

(view spoiler)[ I always love Snape’s potions/logic puzzle! I would never be able to figure it out but I always love just how smart Hermione is! (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

Ch 1-3

I forgot how much I cannot stand the Dursley's! Dudley's oafish bullying, Vernon's bullheaded blindness, and Petunia's heartless repression of Harry just drive me mad. (view spoiler)[Even knowing that eventually Dudley at least comes around, sort of, and Harry will be very happy doesn't stop me from loathing them (hide spoiler)] I can't imaging 11 years of being treated like I barely mattered and living in a dang cupboard.

On the flip side I love our first introduction to Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Hagrid. It's such a great glimpse into these amazing characters.

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

Kaley wrote: "Ch 16-the end

[spoilers removed]"

I recently finished my first ever read of Book 1 and (view spoiler)[the logic puzzle will always stand out as one of my favorite moments!! Go Hermione! (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle's Empty Nest]

JanEyre9 wrote: "Ch 1-3

I forgot how much I cannot stand the Dursley's! Dudley's oafish bullying, Vernon's bullheaded blindness, and Petunia's heartless repression of Harry just drive me mad. [spoilers removed] I ..."

Right?! They were awful!!

I think Hagrid is going to be one of my favorite characters!

[Erika]

I forgot how much I love the Dursley’s answer to the letters arriving. Magical letters are appearing and they really think just hiding Harry will stop them? He was already under the stairs! Haha

[JanEyre9]

Erika wrote: "I forgot how much I love the Dursley’s answer to the letters arriving. Magical letters are appearing and they really think just hiding Harry will stop them? He was already under the stairs! Haha"

Right?!? Shows how full of himself Vernon Dursley is that he thinks he can outsmart magic!

[JanEyre9]

Ch 4-5

(view spoiler)[ Oh my heart. I love Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley! The thrill of seeing Gringotts and realizing he isn't poor, meeting all of those people in The Leaky Cauldron, getting Hedwig, seeing brooms and potions ingredients and getting a wand!! It's so, well, magical :) Of course we also meet Draco for the first time in all his prejudicial glory. I'm trying to do this re-read without any bias but I still instantly dislike him. My heart goes out to Harry when he realizes how little he knows about this world and Hogwarts. He finally has something that is his and is special and gets him away from the Dursleys and connects him to his parents and it's all so confusing. I can't wait for him to get to Hogwarts :) (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

~Michelle~ wrote: "Kaley wrote: "Ch 16-the end

[spoilers removed]"

I recently finished my first ever read of Book 1 and [spoilers removed]"

Hermione is the best!!

[Erika]

I’ve always loved Hermoine too.

[Louise]

Chapters 5 - 9
(view spoiler)[ I love Harry's visit to Diagonal Alley and some of the characters he meets and his fear whilst waiting to be sorted. Makes you nervous for him. I loved the little bit about the dream Harry has but doesn't remember when he wakes up. Hermione does come across as very annoying in this book which is a shame (hide spoiler)]

[Louise]

Finished this, this morning and it's still worthy of 5-stars. Favourite quote has to be "..fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself..."

[Jackie]

Louise wrote: "Finished this, this morning and it's still worthy of 5-stars. Favourite quote has to be "..fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself...""

I like that quote also.

[Colleen]

I'm at chapter 7 and loving the audio. My kids have a copy of the print, but hearing how well done the audio is made me go for it - and I must agree. I listened to it during my 10 mile run yesterday (gasp) in the heat (training for my first half marathon next month) and I'm glad to see HP is wonderful company.

I think the author has such a way with words, creativity and storytelling - I can't believe she got ANY rejection letters, much less all the ones I've heard about. She's amazing. Does anyone know any more fun facts about her? I heard she's a huge supporter of MS research, due to her mother's illness?

(view spoiler)[ I suppose Hogwarts knew somewhat of the terrible treatment by the Dursleys' but must have determined this was necessary for his learning and personality development? Dudley sounds like a real twerp, but likely the result of his upbringing. (People!Muggles!) (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

I LOVE when Harry meets the Weasleys for the first time!! Knowing how important that family is to Harry's life, it's awesome revisiting those first few moments.

[Natesha]

I cannot wait to start this!

[Donna]

First time reader of HP here. I have watched a few of the movies but I have wanted to read the books for a long time. I have just never got around to it. I will be back shortly with my thoughts on the 1st few chapters.

[Donna]

Chapters 1-3 (view spoiler)[


Vernon Dursley & Petunia Dursley - I didn't really care for these two. They are selfish, self-absorbed, stuck up, snobby, cruel and a couple of bullies. It is no wonder that they raised their son to be the same way.

Albus Dumbledore - This character is interesting in that he is strange in both appearance and actions. He doesn't seem to care that his type is unwelcome in this area... or maybe he just doesn't care.

Professor McGonagall I love the fact that she can turn into a cat. Yeah, I love shifters of any kind!! The reader doesn't get much of a glimpse into her character other than maybe curiosity and a bit stiff in posture.

Hagrid I envision Hagrid as a huge teddy bear of a man. He looks huge but his heart is even bigger.

Now, I usually don't watch the movie before the book. I really hate doing that but my kids wanted to watch it so I ended up watching it with them years ago. One of the scenes that I loved in the movie was the letter scene. I loved watching his nasty aunt and uncle getting swamped with his letters. Reading it in the book was a bit different. I loved that they actually left their home just to keep Harry from getting that letter. The island was a nice touch.

(hide spoiler)]

[Colleen]

Donna wrote: "Chapters 1-3 Vernon Dursley & Petunia Dursley - I didn't really care for these two. They are selfish, self-absorbed, stuck up, snobby, cruel and a couple of bullies. It is no wonder that they raise..."

I agree - I totally want to read all the books and watch all the movies now. I'm almost finished - a few chapters to go and I have to say I just flew threw it.

But (view spoiler)[ is Snapes really one of the bad guys? I can't remember from the bits of the movies I have seen. For some reason, I don't think he is. And I am getting frustrated that no one is listening to HP & his friends. They're pretty smart but keep getting caught. And tricked by Malfoy. Hagrid gets tricked too....! (hide spoiler)]

[Erika]

@colleen right? I find the HP books are so immersive they go by quite fast

[Sassafrass]

I'm so glad you are enjoying the books, Donna. They seem to get better with each one!

[Colleen]

Sassafrass wrote: "I'm so glad you are enjoying the books, Donna. They seem to get better with each one!"

Can't wait to read the next ones - this is a series I plan on finishing. And I don't do that too often, lol, I tend to start ones and then just jump around.

(view spoiler)[ ...and it wasn't PROFESSOR Snape after all, I knew it. :)(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Colleen]

Finished! Really enjoyed this. Now I suppose I need to move on to the Chamber of Secrets (especially for the points :)) ....it really was fast to get through. I hope to get my 8-year old into these this summer with his older sister and get away from the video games. This is so much better!

Hopefully Harry can really get to Dudley before he goes back to Hogwarts! And Draco learns to leave well enough alone! Really looking forward to Harry, Ron & Hermoine's friendship growing and getting a lot deeper. Childhood friends are so precious!

[Sarah]

Ok so jumping into this buddy read, hopefully for Tower Teams. I am a reserve player waiting to be placed.

I grew up with HP with an unnatural obsession of the universe multiple times in my life. HP has had such an impact on me! It's been a few years since I've read SS, so I am more than willing to for this buddy read. Even longer for the rest o the series!

After finishing chapter 1, a note on Rowling's style. I don't seem to remember her writing to be so child-like. Not that HER writing is child-like, but that the writing is so simple because it is aimed at children. I don't remember getting this sense with the other books, especially the later ones. Her writing seems to have matured. I keep forgetting this is her debut!

Another thought on chapter 1-how did Vernon Dursley find out about the Potters? I have a hard time imagining Petunia Dursley admitting/confessing having magical relatives to him, but how else would he find out? Curious, curious.

[Sarah]

Over the 20 years this book has been out, I've debated and discussed this book many times. So I'm afraid not many new thoughts or questions are coming to me. But when they are, I'll post!

I just finished chapter 4. When Hagrid (view spoiler)[uses magic in front of the Dursley's, including the pig tail on Dudley, shouldn't Harry have been cited (with owl and everything) for both underage magic and using magic in front of muggles? As we see in Chamber, this is exactly what happens with Dobby, so shouldn't it happen here? (hide spoiler)]

[Sassafrass]

Hi Sarah. I'm not sure that it counts in front of his family because they already know about the wizarding world. I think it's pertaining to the people who don't know/think it exists.

And, Harry was the one who didn't know he was a wizard and so he didn't know what the rules were. So they probably are giving him a pass.

[Sarah]

Hi Sassafrass, thanks for the comment!

Harry was (view spoiler)[ again cited for Expecto Patronuming dementor butt in OotP in front of Dudley (hide spoiler)] so that complicates things even more so. I would love to question Rowling on how her world works!

[Sassafrass]

Sarah wrote: "Hi Sassafrass, thanks for the comment!

Harry was [spoilers removed] so that complicates things even more so. I would love to question Rowling on how her world works!"


I'm thinking that it's because he didn't know he was a wizard in the beginning of the first book? That's all I can think of. *shrug*