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The Philosopher’s Stone is the first book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. These novels have made Rowling the most successful literary author of all time and have sold in excess of 375 million copies world-wide. The books are read by children and adults alike and have been made into hugely popular films. The seventh book in the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows is due out in June 2007.
Do the Harry Potter books live up to the hype? I have avoided reading them for almost 5 years now but have finally decided to read the series as it now stands and to see what all the fuss is about.
I began reading the Philosopher’s stone and was immediately struck by how good the humour was. You usually need to read Pratchett to be able to sustain constant laughter throughout a novel but J.K. Rowling has managed to infuse the book with a ready wit that will amuse both adults and children.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: The Vanishing Glass
There are characters in this book that will remind us of those people we have known and those that we still know. Everybody knows or knew a spoilt, overweight boy like Dudley or a bossy and interfering (yet kind-hearted) girl like Hermione. A large number of the younger readers will also be able to easily identify with Harry and especially his initial feelings of isolation and not belonging, and then through to his excitement at finally leaving that life behind in favour of one where he belongs and will be happy.
Harry is not alone on being overawed by his first day at Hogwarts and little prepares them for the majesty of the school.
There was a loud ‘Oooooh!”
The narrow path had opened suddenly on to the edge of a great black lake. Perched atop a high mountain on the other side, its windows sparkling in the starry sky, was a vast castle with many turrets and towers.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters
Hogwarts is a truly magical place, not only in terms of teaching wizards and witches, but also in the detail that the author has gone to describe it. It is the place that everybody wishes they could of gone to when they where eleven. Many adventures befall the trio (Harry, Ron & Hermione) at Hogwarts and the stone in the book's title is centre-piece to all that happens. The story builds well towards and exciting conclusion that has the ultimate feel-good factor.
J.K. Rowling should be commended for making reading once again fashionable for the young adult age group that had succumbed to the lures of video games and television. The biggest surprise may well have been the effect that this novel had on the adult population, both male and female. Many a commuting train full of world-wearing workers can be spotted with Harry Potter books that are providing a wonderful sense of escapism. This book should be highly recommended to anybody between the ages of 8 and 80.
Is all the hype about the Harry Potter books justified? In a word, yes, the books are a joy to read and possibly the most rewarding young adult’s book since [Professor Tolkien’s] The Hobbit.
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