Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

ISBN: 9780590353427
Release Date: 1997
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Series: Harry Potter, #1
Page Count: 312 pages

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

"Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

 But all that is about change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter."

     (Final) REVIEW: (We all know I've read this several times, so bear with me)
WHAT I LIKED:

• Rowling's writing is easy to read, as a children's book, but not childish and simple enough to cause me to lose interest at all. What more is there to say? Its (forgive the pun) magical.
• World-building: I've yet to encounter a world as amazing and elaborate as this (though, the further I get into A Game of Thrones, Rowling may have some competition). I want to live at Hogwarts.
• You most certainly see our characters grow from ignorant little children who like to get into trouble to child-heroes.... who like to get into trouble. :D You cant help but love it. Regardless of their development, I loved every single character, even the Dursleys. Rowling just makes such great mean/evil characters.
• I love Hermione and Ron's friendship. They are friends after a few mishaps, but they aren't always nice to eachother. Setting something up for later on?....hint hint ;)

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

• That even after Harry and Ron were basically bullying her - maybe not directly, but still - and she stuck up for them and took all the blame for something that was kind of their fault. Bullying is not OK! Alright, I know that's not really how it was but it just irked me.
• Minor discrepancies/cop-outs: Ex.1: Ron's rat. It is not on the list of accepted pets. Obviously no one cares, and Rowling had to have noticed. Not a big deal but why couldn't she have just put rat on the list, or acknowledged that he was illegally bringing a rat to school!! Ex.2: Harry just miraculously realizes that Hagrid inadvertently sold Dumbledore out? I feel like this isn't a big deal either, just poorly placed. He kind of realizes it at a random time.... also, he's 11. Maybe wizard 11-year-olds know more than most kids do, but I wish this realization had been sparked by something believable rather than it just happening.

     RATING: ★★★★★ (5 stars)

I knew I would come to a point where I'd have delved pretty deep into HP and start realizing things I don't like. I don't mind those little things though. Obviously, no author or book is perfect. I love this series, and this first installment is one of my favorites of the whole series. I don't think there is much more to say except that if you haven't read this series, please do so, before the secret Harry Potter club members find you. ;)

What do you all think about this book/series?

A.