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]

I find that everytime i read or watch HP i discover something new.
And i totally agree, Neville is fantastic right from the beginning

[Ingrid]

I agree about finding something new every time.

(view spoiler)[I forgot about the school song and Peeves. I don't remember but was the school song part in the movie? I love how Neville has developed through the story. He has a long way to go but I can see how his character develops until the last book. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Ingrid wrote: "I agree about finding something new every time.

[spoilers removed]"

The school song was in a deleted scene on the DVD. It was not included in the regular movie.

[Jenny]

Hey all, is anyone still here on this thread? I wanted to reread these books for the TT challenge, but I had just read them in January. But, now it has been six months, so if there are any more buddies to read with, I will visit them again. I listened last time, this time I will read.
Team Remus Lupin.

[Jen]

Jenny wrote: "Hey all, is anyone still here on this thread? I wanted to reread these books for the TT challenge, but I had just read them in January. But, now it has been six months, so if there are any more bud..."

I still check the threads for all seven books. So chat away! I'm not always the best at replying, but I will see whatever you choose to share. :-)

[Jenny]

Thanks Jen!

[Sarah]

I still check the threads too! I love discussing all the books :)

[Karolyn]

I'm going to start re-reading the series as soon as I finish my current book (hopefully in the next day or so). I haven't read them since they came out, and TT is a great excuse to revisit them!

[Jenny]

I started (re-started) this morning. I decided to give myself a challenge while reading this series again. I am using my brand new treadmill while reading. Since this series is on KU- at least for now, that makes it easy, no book to hold onto. Harry Potter and a long overdue exercise regimen. We'll see if it works. Every morning at least, and hopefully some evenings as well.

So. A quarter of the way in, Harry just bought all of his stuff for school, and the wonder is back in full force for me. I realize that I have not "read" these books for years. I listen to them at work now and then, but even Jim Dale's brilliant narration isn't as good as just being alone with Rowling and my imagination.

I was lucky enough to see Equus in London years ago, with Harry and Mr. Dursley from the movies in the lead roles. As a result of that, for some reason, I cannot see anyone else in my mind as Harry and Vernon. But, just with the bit I have read this morning, my brain has filled in the images that were originally there for the professors we meet at the beginning, Dudley and Petunia and Hagrid. It's kind of cool.

I actually didn't start reading this series until Goblet came out. A friend told me that a character in that book had horses that only drink single malt scotch. I was sold. Then I became that person who stood in line at midnight, and stayed up to finish the new books. Thank goodness.

I wouldn't mind if someone here bugs me about the treadmill thing. Positive (or nagging) reinforcement would be appreciated. My two furry roommates don't care as long as I feed them.

[Sarah]

Jenny wrote: "I started (re-started) this morning. I decided to give myself a challenge while reading this series again. I am using my brand new treadmill while reading. Since this series is on KU- at least for ..."


"Harry Potter and a Long Overdue Exercise Regimen". Book 7.5!

I'm a fan of reddit. There was a guy who basically got into sick amazing shape simply by walking on the treadmill and reading at the same time. He figured, might as well get busy while reading. Seriously, the guy is freaking gorgeous! (If you want the link, I've got it :P)

[Jenny]

Gorgeous enough to tape his picture to the treadmill? Not a bad idea, but I will find one of Idris Elba and Chris Evans. Or Aaron Rodgers. Or Benedict Cumberbatch. Nothing like having diverse taste in men I will never meet!

[Sarah]

Jenny wrote: "Gorgeous enough to tape his picture to the treadmill? Not a bad idea, but I will find one of Idris Elba and Chris Evans. Or Aaron Rodgers. Or Benedict Cumberbatch. Nothing like having diverse taste..."

Here's the guys reply to someone else's post....
(view spoiler)[I'll second this recommendation. Four years ago, I had an epiphany that I could read on my elliptical machine at home. At the time I was mostly concerned with reading my university textbooks - I called this 'educising,' because I'm clever like that. This was the catalyst that pushed me away my then-sedentary lifestyle and got me into fitness, which eventually lead to my [complete physical transformation](https://i.imgur.com/LnJY1ep.jpg). That change took a lot more than the educise to accomplish, but it all started from that simple attempt at multi-tasking.

Personally, when I'm reading a heavy hardcover, I do it on an elliptical with the book on the display panel; when I'm reading something lighter, I hold the book in hand and read it on a treadmill.

Anyway, I got more reading time out of it, and a sexier body out of it. I'd call it a win all around.

**Edit:** Because it's kind of relevant to this comment, I'll also add my [collection of nerdy tank tops](http://i.imgur.com/skVen5k.jpg), one of which commemorates my propensity for reading at the gym. Also included: my reading material at the time of the picture (I keep one fiction and one non-fiction on the go).

And in case you're even more interested, his username is poindexter1985. He has more posts/comments about his physical transformation. (hide spoiler)]

I would say gorgeous enough to tape to your treadmill! :p

[Jenny]

Just looked at the link. You are right. Very nice....

[Karolyn]

That's a workout program I could get behind! I've never been able to read on the treadmill... but I do sometimes listen to audiobooks on my runs.

I wish I could remember what the characters looked and sounded like in my head the first time I read the books. Now I can only picture the actors from the movie series.

[Jenny]

Alright. Day two of Potter and exercise!
I just finished the first quidditch match. Brings back memories of reading really interesting short books and snorting over vanilla and dragon sex.

I do have a question regarding the book vs the movie, and why screenwriters change what they do. This has never stopped bugging me. In the book, Fluffy, who is basically Cerberus, was acquired by Hagrid off a Greek guy in a pub. In the movie, Hagrid said he got it from an Irish guy in a pub. Why? Cerberus isn't an Irish mytjological character! What a stupid thing to change!

[Sarah]

Karolyn- if it's too difficult for you to read because of all the jostling around on the treadmill, if you're using a Kindle or similar eReader, you can always make the font bigger. Or think about doing a large print book from the library!

[Sarah]

Jenny- are you doing the treadmill or you walking walking? and I followed every single quidditch match word for word... You guys sure were having fun!

Now I'm going to have to look up that ethnicity change! Greek to Irish, what do you know! I never picked that one up.

[Jenny]

Sarah, I am using the treadmill. I live in Phoenix, and right now, even early mornings are hot. Plus, Phoenix is basically a grid. Very boring for walking around. I could drive somewhere to get to a lovely walking path, but that seems like a waste of time to me. But, so far so good. I have heard several times over that if one can stick to a new behavior for three weeks, it has a chance of sticking. I plan to give that a go. Three weeks sounds about right to get through all of the Potter books again. We'll see.

[Sarah]

I don't do well in the heat myself. I really wish I can get into an exercise regimen, but with this heat, it really wouldn't be a good idea. However, I'm afraid I'm using the heat as a bit of an excuse. But still, heat and me don't mix.

I have heard of the 3-week thing as well! I guess it makes sense, right? I will be your personal cheerleader and root you on! : )

[Jenny]

Thank you so much! I will probably finish this book tonight, or in the morning at the latest, so if you will, follow me to the buddy read for Chamber of Secrets next!

[Sarah]

I have every single Harry Potter buddy read on instant email. I love discussing the books. I still have to read Half Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows, Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts. It'll be a first-time read for both Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts for me! And the reveal hasn't been ruined for me for Cursed Child! So excited!

[Jenny]

I haven't read Beasts yet. I should maybe get that book too.
I made the suggestion on some thread that GR should send us all to London or New York to see The Cursed Child. Shockingly, I have not received a ticket yet. I know, it is a disappointment.

[Sarah]

Jenny wrote: "I haven't read Beasts yet. I should maybe get that book too.
I made the suggestion on some thread that GR should send us all to London or New York to see The Cursed Child. Shockingly, I have not re..."

Sending us to Cursed Child would be such great advertisement! They would have fans for life.

I'm not far from NYC, in CT actually...if only the tickets were a bit cheaper! And I would love to go back to London, it's been 10 years since I was there.

[Jenny]

I was there about ten years ago as well. I really want to go back, and extend the trip to do a tour of Scottish distilleries. I have been to Edinburgh a couple times , but not the surrounding country. Next trip.

[Erika]

Yessss! I would love to see Cursed Child but the price is too much for my budget right now. What an excellent suggestion?

[Jenny]

Finished. I do love this book. Every time I read these, there are parts that stand out to me. This time it was the forbidden forest scene. Creepy. The poor unicorn, the uncertainty of what is happening, the centaurs' fascination with Mars being so bright in the sky. Hagrid being unaware of what that could mean. So much fun.

On to the next one...

[Karolyn]

I finally got my digital copy from the library yesterday and read 13 chapters (and stayed up way to late!!). It's my first time re-reading since the books came out, and I'm enjoying how young and excited the characters are to be at Hogwarts! I'd forgotten (view spoiler)[ how annoying Hermonie is in the beginning and that it took awhile for Harry and Ron to like her! (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

I wish I could read these for the first time again! But, each time I read them I enjoy it and find something new. I am probably going to finish the third one today, but I will check in with this post and the next if you want to chat about the books, Karolyn.

[Erika]

I’ve been reading this so slowly and it’s kind of great. I’m at the first day of learning Quidditch and I forgot how amazing it was that Harry just had it.

[Bee]

Up to chapter 5
I've been planning to read this for years and for months too since the challenge started and just got the chance to grab it since I'm doing a lot of traveling.
What I hate about watching a movie and then reading its book or vise virsa is that a lot of the book's true assence is gone and a lot of bu****ap is added to make it simply sell.
But so far, what I'm reading is matching the movie I watch every year and it's nice change. The dialogue and discription is both in synic, with of course a little added bonus on the side.

[Sarah]

Abir wrote: "Up to chapter 5
I've been planning to read this for years and for months too since the challenge started and just got the chance to grab it since I'm doing a lot of traveling.
What I hate about wat..."

Have you never read the books then? As far as the movies go, there's not very much in the movies that are completely made up. There's probably one scene I can think of that didn't belong in a movie. It isn't until the later books where a lot had to be condensed because of their length. You are absolutely right about the movies losing the books' essence. I think book seven probably suffers the most here.

[Bee]

Actually this is my first time reading them. So yes, I thought I would find a huge difference between the book and the movie. And was preparing for the impact but then was delightly surprised that I didn't find any.

[Sarah]

Well, if you continue to post your thoughts to these threads, I'll follow them. I always love seeing first time readers thoughts. :)

[Bee]

Well, here it goes then. First of all, the reason I held on these series is because I thought they would be long and heavy and simply just too much, but I struck surprised with how a light, funny reading it had been. It was simply relaxing and exciting at the same time.
If you know what I mean.

[Jenny]

It is thrilling that you are liking the books. They are a wonder.

[Ashlee]

Abir wrote: "Well, here it goes then. First of all, the reason I held on these series is because I thought they would be long and heavy and simply just too much, but I struck surprised with how a light, funny r..."

You have found the magic of Harry Potter. It is truly a relaxing and enjoyable read from ages 10-100.

[Ashlee]

I love the friendship that Harry, Ron, and Hermione have. J.K. Rowling made a great connection between this friendship and the friendship that Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs had in the past.

(view spoiler)[With forgetting so much of this book over the years, I completely forgot that Harry had that slight hope of moving out of the Dursley's and in with his godfather, Sirius. I'm glad, though, that Harry was able to find someone in his 'family' that actually cares for his well-being. He now knows that he will always have the help of Sirius within his reach. (hide spoiler)]

[Lexi]

I just started last night, trying to make it by 7 today (EST). My mother read the first three books aloud to my twin and I when they first came out. I will always have a special place for the first three for that reason. (view spoiler)[ I love how the start just drops you into the world and the amazing world building. I also always had issues with how they left Harry in an abusive home that would otherwise need child services called. There really is no way around that a unrelated Muggle family could likely be much, much better. (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

Lexi wrote: "I just started last night, trying to make it by 7 today (EST). My mother read the first three books aloud to my twin and I when they first came out. I will always have a special place for the first..."

That's a wonderful memory Lexi! My husband and I are reading the first book to my 6 year old daughter now and she loves it! I hope it holds a special place in her heart also :)

[Lexi]

JanEyre9 wrote: "Lexi wrote: "I just started last night, trying to make it by 7 today (EST). My mother read the first three books aloud to my twin and I when they first came out. I will always have a special place ..."

That is lovely. I think it was the summer between 2-3 grade for me. I got to read some of the 4th book out loud when I use to nanny. The visuals make them great books to read out loud. I finished rereading the first one just now and even with the ending, it is such a light and wonder-full book.

[Aiswrya]

HRenee wrote: "Haven't read this series in years. Looking forward to experiencing the magic all over again."

Me too!

[[deleted user]]

YAY! I just did a HP movie marathon last weekend that made me want to read the books AGAIN...and now I have the perfect excuse to! I just put the e-book on hold from my library since my physical copies are buried in my closet in the trunk they came in! :P

[Aiswrya]

Finished chapters 1 through 6 :)


My favorite scenes - Harry stepping on Uncle Vernon's face lol and Dudley little piggy tail!

[〰️Beth〰️]

I haven’t started but will tomorrow

[Aiswrya]

I didn’t think anyone else was reading it LOL I finished mine today

[〰️Beth〰️]

Got side tracked but I am over halfway done.

[[deleted user]]

I am! Almost done :)

[〰️Beth〰️]

Amazing going back and seeing the things changed for the movie.