Book #2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Inside front cover:
Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.
Nostalgia:
As most of you already know, I am a Harry Potter fanatic. What most of you don't know, was how much it was bothering me that I hadn't read a page of Harry Potter since my freshman year of college...three years! I couldn't resist picking up the series once more. Of course, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is not my favorite installment of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, nor is it very good writing. However, at the time I first purchased and read this book, I was in the second grade, and the juvenile writing and fantastic setting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry amazed and enchanted me. It still does. I can get past the mediocre writing; I just love the story. Reading Harry Potter brings me back to my childhood and adolescent years. I followed the series from the time I was nine years old, until I was 17. Can you believe it? Eight years. Eight years. Harry Potter truly was my childhood and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is where it began.
I remember reclining on the couch as a nine-year-old, smiling widely as I read the first page and a half of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I remember reading it over and over to myself and then finally, when I wasn't able to contain my excitement any longer, I began reading it aloud to my mom. She wasn't too thrilled; she was trying to watch CSI. When I really got not reaction from her, I got up, frustrated that she didn't understand me and that she couldn't even hear a good book when it was read to her. I went to find my father. Luckily, he at least pretended to enjoy my over-exuberant narration of the first chapter and then somehow managed to get me into bed. Upon later thought, I couldn't understand why my parents weren't sucked in from the very first sentence, just like I was. After reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as an adult, I now understand. Even though the concept is fantastic and the idea enchanting, the writing is lack luster. However, that might just be what I love most about the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling. Her writing grew not only with her experience, but with her readers and her characters.
If you haven't already read this book, or if you've tried but given up because the writing is too child-like, I beg you to try. Be a kid; let the magic embrace you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Kelly <3