J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Harry Potter, Book #1
Review brought to you by OBS staff member Annabell Cadiz
Synopsis: Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He’s never worked 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 to 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.”
Review: If you are not a fan of the Harry Potter series or have (shockingly) not heard of the novels, then you are living under a very heavy rock! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first novel in J.K. Rowling’s absolutely wonderful and delicious fantasy epic.
We are first introduced to Harry as a baby. Albus Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Hagrid are dropping him off on the front porch in front of the Dursley’s home. Harry grows up, acting more as a servant in the Dursley’s home than being treated as an actual family member. He has to help cook and clean for them. His bedroom is a small closet underneath the stairs. One day an owl appears with a letter for Harry from the school of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But the Dursleys, having shun Harry’s parents and the world they had belonged too long before Harry was born, are determined to keep Harry from finding out the truth of his magical abilities and heritage. The Dursleys take a trip to a hut on an isolated rock island, dragging a reluctant Harry with them. But their feeble plan comes to a screeching halt when Hagrid, a half giant and game keeper at Hogwarts, shows up in the middle of the night, knocking down the front door. He announces Harry is more than just an ordinary boy and Harry’s life is about to completely change!
Sorcerer’s Stone is a majestic world of magic, humor, and fun filled set of characters. Harry learns his name is already big in the magical world but that doesn’t change Harry’s humility and kind heart. He manages to make two best friends in Ron and Hermonie. Ron is a the best sidekick a guy can ask for. He doesn’t always know what he’s doing and is often scared to act, but he will always stand up for his friends regardless of the odds against him. Hermonie is the insatiable bookworm. Always on the look out for something new to learn, she is the brains of the trio.
Hagrid, surprisingly for a giant, is so sweet and loving. He is just so huggable! Snape is snaky, condescending, and downright nasty. He plays the arrogant know-it-all so well, I really like his character. Dumbledore is one of my most favorite characters! He is so wise and sneaky in a fun way and has fantastic magic!
Some of the best scenes in the novel:
1. When the Dursley’s house starts getting filled up with letters from Hogwarts and the outside of the house fills with owls.
2. The Vanishing Glass — When Dudley falls through the glass and into the cage of the boa constrictor. Harry is able to speak to snakes and upon thinking of the glass disappearing, it does.
3. When Hagrid gives Dudley a pig tail.
4. When Harry gets his wind. It’s a moment you know Harry’s destiny is beginning to get fulfilled. It also shows how Harry and Voldermort are connected beyond the death of Harry’s parents.
5. When Harry, Hermonie, and Ron fight the giant troll in the girl’s bathroom.
6. Harry’s first exchange with Snape.
7. The first time Harry travels to Platform Nine and Three Quarters
8. The first time Harry flies on a broom and does so good he becomes the youngest Seeker to join the Quidditch team.
Sorcerer’s Stone is filled with many memorable scenes! Too many to mention. It is a great beginning to an incredible series. I had fun revisiting how Harry’s destiny began. From the characters to the plot to the descriptions, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is well worth the read!
Favorite Quotes:
“Shouldn’ta lost me temper,’ he said ruefully, but it didn’t work anyway. Meant ter turn him into a pig, but I suppose he was so much like a pig anyway there wasn’t left ter do.”
~Hagrid when he gives Dudley a tail.“It takes much bravery to stand up to our enemies but we need as much bravery to stand up to our friends.” ~Dumbledore
“There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.” ~Narration
