The #1 Fantasy read for Children and Adults
The Best Type of Escapism for all Readers
My hope with this blog is that by the end of reading it, you will be off to buy this book! A high goal? Challenge accepted.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first book by J. K. Rowling in the seven-book series. With over 500 million copies sold worldwide and translated into at least 70 languages, J. K. Rowling is one of the most successful literary authors. These books have been made into films that are also highly popular.
Who is J. K. Rowling?
J. K. Rowling is a British author who is best known for her popular and much-loved seven-book Harry Potter books. Jo trained as a teacher and began teaching in various schools, but continued writing every spare moment she had.
The Casual Vacancy (2012) was her first novel for adults. Other well-known books by this author are Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Ickabog.
The Harry Potter series was published from 1997 to 2007 and by 2008, Forbes had named J. K. Rowling the world’s highest-paid author.
“But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. Because there are some things you can’t go through in life and become friends, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”
HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHERS STONE
Harry Potter is an ordinary boy who lives in a cupboard under the stairs at his aunt and uncle’s house.
That is until an owl turns up followed closely by Hagrid, letting him know he was a wizard. Harry then goes to school, Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, and discovers his true heritage, the real reason behind his parents’ mysterious death, who is trying to kill him.
“It was a dream, I dreamed a giant called Hagrid came to tell me I was going to a school for wizards. When I open my eyes, I’ll be at home in my cupboard.”
This story is full of fun, adventure and love! The trope of found family is strong in this book and I for one, am here for it. Harry, whose parents have died and receives less than a little love from the Dursleys, finds his true family when he meets everyone at Hogwarts. There is no dull moment in this book. Whether it’s a battle with a troll, facing a three-headed dog, or harry facing Voldermort, the action never stops.
“Now, you two – this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you’ve – you’ve blown up a toilet or – “
“Blown up a toilet? We’ve never blown up a toilet.”
“Great idea though, thanks, Mum.”
The humour in this book is epic. When I first read this book, I remember the humour aspect surprising me as I was not expecting this at all. I expected a very serious adventure vibe but the humour was a welcome surprise. It helped balance the story and went nicely alongside the adventures Harry and his friends went through.
Another aspect of this book that is simply amazing is the characters. They are so relatable, whether it’s their upbeat personalities or the less-than-perfect actions, all of this presents real and believable characters.
Even Hedwig, Harry’s pet owl, was so loveable and felt like a friend you always wanted around. One of my personal favorites is Molly Weasley, someone who has to keep it all together and take care of people around her. She is very brave and fights to protect the people she loves.
She is often cooking and running a household which is also very relatable as these are things we do in our everyday lives.
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These books have been made into movies and they are so popular. Personally, the books are better but I know many people who adore the films and have not read the books.
I think the long length of the books, getting longer as the series goes on, allows for a good amount of content for the movies.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movies, don’t get me wrong, as an avid book reader, I just enjoyed the books more.
My opinions / reviews / rating
I remember when I read this for the first time when I was a teenager. I was hooked! I am not even exaggerating. Many sleepless nights were spent reading the Harry Potter books in my teenage years and I was one happy reader.
“Now if you two don’t mind, I’m going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed – or worse, expelled.”
The writing style just flows and is so easy to read and follow. Although in book one, we are introduced to so many characters, they are so unique that you don’t confuse them at all. Rather, they are all memorable in their own ways.
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
Conclusion
If I still have not convinced you to read this book, I have nothing more to say. I first read this as a teenager and over the years, I have reread this many times. Each time, this book receives 5 stars from me, without a shadow of a doubt.
Each book in this series is simply fantastic and I recommend this to everyone who asks for a good book to read. The following is my favourite quote from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, said by Albus Dumbledore,