Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
This topic is about
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Buddy Reads: Current & Upcoming
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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
Page 150: Professor Flitwick (my team's mascot?) makes an appearance.
Cathy M. wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Harry Potter is one of the series that actually got me reading again."I am so glad you said this! I have used this argument so many times. Harry Potter may not be ..."
I'm not sure I have seen all of the movies at this point. I have watched pieces of them from time to time, but pretty sure I have not seen all there is to see.
I also have not read the Twilight series. I did break down and read the Hunger Games books.
I do agree that there is a part of us that wants to be children forever and sometimes we can find a book (or a series of books) that allows us that privilege.
Kate S wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Harry Potter is one of the series that actually got me reading again."I am so glad you said this! I have used this argument so many times. Harry P..."
I also never read any of the Twilight series. I did cave in and read Hunger Games as well, but didn't really care for them.
About wanting to be children forever in regards to Harry Potter...for me they've taken on a more prominent role in my life. I first read the books as a child when they were coming out. I grew up with them.
Whenever I'm having a stressful period in my life, I often go back to these books. Personally, the HP books are associated with my carefree childhood. Ice cream trucks, field trips and swimming pools. Basically, Harry Potter represents happy memories and content feelings. As worry-free as you can get. I'm smiling thinking about it! : )
Kate S wrote: "I had also forgotten that this book made the Slytherian house sound evil from the get-go."That's what I was thinking! Reading as an adult I almost feel sorry for the Slytherin kids...they never really had a chance...other houses were always going to hate them!
Ashley wrote: "Kate S wrote: "I had also forgotten that this book made the Slytherian house sound evil from the get-go."That's what I was thinking! Reading as an adult I almost feel sorry for the Slytherin kids..."
It's interesting that you mentioned about feeling bad for the Slytherin's. I've always thought the Sorting Hat wasn't kind to them in it's song in Harry's first year. The hat mentions them as cunning and using all means to achieve their end which aren't the most positive aspects of a Slytherin. I don't think ambition is a bad characteristic, the Sorting Hat could have it instead. Ambition is a kinder word. Or dedicated. Resourceful. Being associated with words with such negative connotations, Slytherins are bound to be marginalized.
Sarah wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Kate S wrote: "I had also forgotten that this book made the Slytherian house sound evil from the get-go."That's what I was thinking! Reading as an adult I almost feel sorry for the..."
I agree, read that a little earlier and noticed that! I thought wow, not very complimentary to Slytherin, whereas Gryffindor are brave and daring, Hufflepuff are just, loyal and patient, and Ravenclaw are wise. They were set apart in that negative light to start so as soon as you hear someone is Slytherin or Slytherin is mentioned, you think of them as evil/the enemy.
Oh goodness! I had a totally different experience with HP. I was a teen when I started reading them and anxiously awaited as each new piece of the story was released. I am hoping to re-read the entire series this year.
It was love at first chapter for me then and still now while I’m re-reading.
I find that I am reading it much slower this time around which is nice. The first time around I blew through the books on release day so as not to get spoiled.
Slytherin’s did get a bit of a bad rep right off the back. It feels representative of that automatic judgment we have of jocks or “trouble” kids when we’re in school.
Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a children's book than I remember the other ones being.
(view spoiler)
Kate S wrote: "Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a children's book than I remember t..."
I agree that the first book seems more aimed to children. Reading it this time, I noticed that immediately. The first chapter especially, while fascinating, has simple writing and easy to understand ideas.
Not just the series but the first book becomes more complicated, darker and more serious in tone.
Sarah wrote: " Ambition is a kinder word. Or dedicated. Resourceful. "Oooh I like resourceful! Now imagine the Slytherins applying for jobs...I'm resourceful, dedicated and ambitious...I will always get the job done.
They sound good to hire!
Ashley wrote: "Sarah wrote: " Ambition is a kinder word. Or dedicated. Resourceful. "Oooh I like resourceful! Now imagine the Slytherins applying for jobs...I'm resourceful, dedicated and ambitious...I will alw..."
Exactly! Now imagine hearing those words in the Sorting Hat song. If you knew absolutely nothing about the house except what you heard in the Song, Slytherin sounds like a respectable, average house.
Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a children's book th..."
You are absolutely right about this. There were certainly some darker moments late in this book.
I have finished it now and am just about to crack Book #2. Thank you all for chatting about this one. Hope to see you on the next thread.
Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a chil..."
I absolutely will be! I am working on Chamber of Secrets now. I've read the books so many times that while discussing the plot and all that is interesting, I am more interested in delving into the little tiny details that others might not think about. Like, for example, what is the exchange rate for British pounds to wizard galleons? Or like we were discussing before, how Slytherins are portrayed in the wizarding world.
I'll look for your updates! Donna is a first time reader and has only seen the movies up to movie 2. She is also currently Chamber of Secrets. I am watching for her updates as well. I'm so excited (and jealous) for her and look forward to following her journey : )
Sarah wrote: "what is the exchange rate for British pounds to wizard galleons"Haha I wonder what it is now! A galleon used to be worth about 5 GBP
Ashley wrote: "Sarah wrote: "what is the exchange rate for British pounds to wizard galleons"Haha I wonder what it is now! A galleon used to be worth about 5 GBP"
Did you find that exchange rate on Pottermore?
Finished last night - I agree, definitely geared more towards children. I thought it was the first 2 or 3 but I could be wrong (it's been a while). I think what drew me to the books was knowing that it would eventually get darker and not so elementary, so going in with the right mindset definitely made me enjoy it more!
(view spoiler)
So the 1st year is down and I'll be heading into the 2nd year with the gang later this we!k.
Cathy M. wrote: "Finished last night - I agree, definitely geared more towards children. I thought it was the first 2 or 3 but I could be wrong (it's been a while). I think what drew me to the books was knowing t..."
(view spoiler)
Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Finished last night - I agree, definitely geared more towards children. I thought it was the first 2 or 3 but I could be wrong (it's been a while). I think what drew me to the bo..."
When I was reading that last scene I kept thinking about their 1st meeting and thought it didn't make sense but I didn't think of that! Makes more sense now, thanks Sarah :)
Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: When I was reading that last scene I kept thinking about...[spoilers removed]"
Series Spoiler (sort of/more like guessing details)(view spoiler)
I started the audiobook read by Stephen Fry today. He does a wonderful reading. I'm up to chapter 4.The last time I read the books, I binge read them all in one week. It was my most memorable week in all my holidays in school.
The first chapter is still one of my favourite starts in a book.
(view spoiler)
(Team Tonks)
Cathy M. wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: When I was reading that last scene I kept thinking about...[spoilers removed]"
Series Spoiler (sort of/more like guessing details)[spoilers removed]"
Series spoiler as well! (Good description!)
(view spoiler)
Tina wrote: "I started the audiobook read by Stephen Fry today. He does a wonderful reading. I'm up to chapter 4.The last time I read the books, I binge read them all in one week. It was my most memorable wee..."
I love Stephen Fry! I might just have to re-listen to this.
Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: When I was reading that last scene I kept thinking about...[spoilers removed]"
Series Spoiler (sort of/more like guessing details)[spoilers removed..."
Can't remember that far ahead but I should be there soon :)
megan wrote: "Tina wrote: "I started the audiobook read by Stephen Fry today. He does a wonderful reading. I'm up to chapter 4.The last time I read the books, I binge read them all in one week. It was my most ..."
I'd recommend it! He does it quite wonderfully!
I think what this I miss most in the movies is (view spoiler) Up to the sorting ceremony. Always a good scene
Tina wrote: "I think one this I miss most in the movies is [spoilers removed]"Oh, gosh. Is Peeves not in the first movie at all? I can't remember. I just watched the second movie yesterday. So that's on my mind, now.
Hello ladies! Just starting the book today and can't wait. I've read all the books before a couple years ago for the first time when my daughter started getting into them. We listened to the audiobooks as a family so I probably missed a lot since the boys were younger. I've decided to read the actual books this time and hope to see if I missed anything and can't wait to compare it to the movies.
I'm so sorry that I didn't post sooner. I was on vacation, finished it, but didn't have access to a computer at that time and totally forgot to add it.I loved this book as much the second time around as I did the first time. I had so much fun reading the characters' names, places, etc. because they were so nonsensical and just plain ol' fun!
Hermione is still my favorite character. She's just such a role model in so many ways for young girls. I love the way she(view spoiler)
Hagrid is another favorite character. I just love how he (view spoiler)
And I can't leave out Voldemort because I love it when I hate an (view spoiler)
Vicki wrote: "And I can't leave out Voldemort because I love it when I hate an (view spoiler)."I always have so much respect for authors who create characters we hate!!
Especially when the author kills them off 😈
Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: When I was reading that last scene I kept thinking about...[spoilers removed]"
Series Spoiler (sort of/more like guessing details)[spoilers removed..."
Series spoiler
(view spoiler)
There's something so satisfying about reading Uncle Vernon's glee at no post on Sundays - on a Sunday. 😁
Ah, the stalactite/stalagmite joke. I'm convinced this is a nod to Enid Blyton*, and it always makes me smile and brings back fond memories of childhood reading. * I forget which series, but there was a conversation between Enid Blyton characters about how to tell stalactites and stalagmites apart (stalactites hold tight to the roof (of the cave) and stalagmites might one day reach the roof). The Famous Five were always exploring caves, after all.
I prefer Hagrid's answer, even if it's less informative. 😂
Sarah wrote: "Ah, the stalactite/stalagmite joke. I'm convinced this is a nod to Enid Blyton*, and it always makes me smile and brings back fond memories of childhood reading. ..."I don't remember the joke, but I've always known the difference between stalactites and stalagmites because stalaCtites grow down from the Ceiling, while stalaGmites grow up from the Ground. :-)
Jen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Ah, the stalactite/stalagmite joke. I'm convinced this is a nod to Enid Blyton*, and it always makes me smile and brings back fond memories of childhood reading. ..."I don't remembe..."
(view spoiler)
Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a children's book th..."
I only started this series about 6 or 8 years ago. I think because I read through them I remember mainly the more grown up later books. I have loved reading this and seeing how innocent young Harry is. Reading this is like seeing everything through Harry's wide eyed wonder.
I also remember his aunt and uncle as just being cruel but now I think of how many have similar traits...thinking they are better than many around them when in reality they are hypocrites.
Jen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Ah, the stalactite/stalagmite joke. I'm convinced this is a nod to Enid Blyton*, and it always makes me smile and brings back fond memories of childhood reading. ..."I don't remembe..."
That's how I remember as well! Picked it up from a book when I was a kid from who knows where.
That joke Always kind of stuck out at me because it seems a bit out of character for Hagrid.
Ellen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Through Chapter 12.I have to say I love the imagination that went into Quidditch in these books. I also like Wizard chess. I certainly see this book as more of a chil..."
I always find it fascinating to see how age plays a part in what stands out to people
When I was a kid the jokes and funny parts, such as Peeves, always made me laugh and I would remember it days later. Now, a lot of the quotes and comments we hear from Dumbledore, I will often think about and reflect on them many days later.
However, I will always remember the magic from the books. I don't mean the literal spells and incantations, but the wonder and awe Harry has at this new world. I've always felt that magic myself. Wishing this was all real and I was a part of it. I always feel so nostalgic reading the series, especially the first two books.
Ashley wrote: "JanEyre9 wrote: "I felt the same way about the Snape voice. For me, Snape is Alan Rickman. Forever, Any other voice sounds weird. I also didn't love the narrator's voice for Hermione. A bit too whi..."Jim Dale. For the most part I really like his voices but there are 2 or 3 that I don't enjoy.
JanEyre9 wrote: "Ending opinion question - does it bother you that [spoilers removed]"I've never thought of that! Just shows that there is always something new to think about.
(view spoiler)
I just finished this! It's still amazing. JK Rowling has a lot of world building to do in the first book, and she sets it up well. She brings in a great plot, likeable characters, well developed villains, great twists, and more. I also personally agree with her that Draco would make a horrible boyfriend. He's kind of narcissistic, always thinking he's the best; he has no compassion, and he gets insanely jealous easily? No thank you.
JanEyre9 wrote: "Ending opinion question - does it bother you that [spoilers removed]"I can see that. BUT (view spoiler)
Just finished it! I love Harry Potter books! JK Rowlings really know how to bring the story to life. I know seeing the movies help but she doesn't clog up the story with too much backstory and unnecessary detail. (view spoiler)
JanEyre9 wrote: "Ending opinion question - does it bother you that [spoilers removed]"I never thought of it that way. I can see your husband's point.
I finished my first re-read of this book! I loved how I saw things differently and had time to think and reflect more as I wasn't as focused on the plot.
I loved reading about platform 9 and 3/4s. One of my earlier childhood memories is of travelling into King's Cross to visit my Great Grandmother. The station was so huge and so busy and high and I was so tiny. It was exciting too, I couldn't wait to visit my Great Grandmother. I felt I could feel the buzz and excitement and nerves felt by those going off to Hogwart's because I had also experienced the same there.
I never realised it but Neville is great.
I love the Weasley family. They just make me think of Christmas.
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I am so glad you said this! I have used this argument so many times. Harry Potter may not be *great literatu..."
I remember not being all that impressed with the movies (was in my 20s by that point). Until I watched HP & the Half-Blood Prince on a plane coming home. So once I finished the Twilight books, decided to pick these ones up. So glad I did! As you said, they might not be considered "great literature" but boy did they have an impact! I flew thru the series in about 2 weeks (which was totally unlike me), and absolutely loved them! They are really special and magical and shows that all of us are just children at heart :)