Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling (1998)

The story begins with Hagrid bringing the infant Harry to Privit Drive, where he links up with Professors Dumbledore and McGonnagal. Harry's parents were just killed by Voldermort, the most powerful dark wizard in history. Harry not only somehow survived Voldermort's attack, but the magical rebound destroyed Voldermort in the process. Dumbledore gives the orphan child to Petunia Dursley, Harry's aunt, to protect him until Harry becomes old enough to go to school.

In a very Brother's Grimm story line, Harry is treated less than kindly by his guardians and comes out of the experience humble but otherwise well adjusted. On his 11th birthday, Hagrid returns and explains to Harry that he is a wizard and is accepted to Hogwards School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

At Hogwarts, Harry is awed by the wondrous workings of magic and quickly makes friends for life: Ronald and Hermione. Just as quickly, he meets the boy who will be a major nuisance for the rest of the series: Draco.

Harry has mixed success academically, but has especial trouble with Professor Snape. Snape has a loathing for Harry that goes back to when Harry's father was in school. To balance out his so-so book smarts and the irrational hatred of a professor, Harry learns that he is a natural at broom flying and makes school history by becoming a member of the Quidich team as a fist year student.

The real plot, however, centers around the Sorcerer's Stone, which is an enchanted chemical that can prolong life indefinitely or even raise the dead. Harry is certain that Voldermort, is after it. Harry and co race to discover its secret hiding place before Voldermort's minion does.

Rowling has created a rich world of magic that is believable. She blends an exciting mystery with fantastic fantasy. She was able to create a book that appeals to adults while still appropriate for younger children- no small feat at all.

Rowling fills her world with ghosts, animated paintings, moving stairs, shape changers, mythical beasts, interesting people and amazing spells. So much detail is given that she can easily hide important clues in plain sight. As a reader, it is easy to miss a clue because the mind is distracted with what the ghosts or paintings are doing.

Rowling provides many unique and interesting characters. No two are even close to being alike (excpet for the Weasly twins, but they are effectively one mind sharing two bodies). Only with the three main characters can the reader really identify with: Harry, Ron and Hermione. We get to see what is in Harry's mind because the story is told from his perspective. He is so close to the other two that we practically know what they are thinking.

I think what really sets this book apart from others of this genre is that she was able to bring traditional mythology to the modern world without being a revisionist. It is a pleasure to recognize the creatures from Bulfinch, Brothers's Grimm and other historical sources by how they look and act. Too many times when I read modern fantasy, if the writer did not give me the name of the monster, then I would never have reconginzed its origins.

John Holland-author of Necklace of Terrersylvanous

This book along with the rest of the Harry Potter books are awesome!

I had been in a slump in reading books. Didn't read any for a few years. That is until I had seen the first movie.

After seeing the movie I ran out and bought all the books that were available.

The imagination J.K. Rowling has is incredible. I love all the magic and mystic in it.

A Must Read!

Wow! What a great book. I have never read a book like this. This book makes me wish I was a Hogwart's student. Going off to school sounds like going on a field trip for more than one day. Wonderful characters you will never meet in any other book other than the harry potter books.

POWERFUL, TALENTED & CREATIVE WRITER!!!!!!
This is a well written and magical journey that has sparked unforgettable visions of my childhood. Like a kid in the candy store, I couldn't wait for more.

This is a great book for all ages. Adults and children alike can find something to love about these books from the magic and spells, to the friendships and struggles of being an eleven-year-old. I would recommend this to everyone!

i love the book and story. i dislike that it has no dust cover to it.
it also is a first print so it is worthless to a collector but a great buy for that book worm.

This book was exactly like described, brand new condition and is exactly what I was looking for. The seller was great! He sent the item quickly and it was packed to be damage-proof from nearly anything. Amazing!

Thanks so much, I will treasure the book, as I am an avid Harry Potter fan, even in my 50's ;-)

I recommend this seller and the Harry Potter series to everyone!

This book is very good because it is so original. Who would think of a school for wizards? I never would that's for sure. This book is a great opening to a great series. I first read this book after the movie came out and it is 500x better than the movie. Must Buy!!

I have loved this book since the first time I read it! JK Rowling does a wonderful job bringing you into the story. I decided to buy this copy specifically because I have all the books, most in hardcover, but my copy of this was paperback and I wanted it in hardcover.

It was hardcover and in excellent condition. My daughter needed this book to complete her Harry Potter collection.

When I discovered Harry Potter as an adult, I discovered an abused, disliked child, just like myself. I discovered someone special. I shared this book with my son, and we've continued to share the books and love them.

Great story, fun and easy to follow. lovable characters. You can't help but want to find out what happens to Harry Potter next.

I love to read all types of fiction; a few years ago I borrowed and read the Harry Potter series and enjoyed them so much I purchased the DVD’s. I have watched the movies several times and wanted to “re-touch” the complete story line so I chose to purchase the books.
I thank you for your prompt response and I am enjoying the books

Love Harry Potter. Have read all of them up to this one! The book was fun to read and makes one feel they are there.

I really enjoyed this book. I no longer a child, but it helps me to rekindle the child within me. I had to give a copy of the book to my 8-year-old nephew.

J.K. Rowling is such a gifted writer!!...I think she deserves every penny of the billions she has. This book is funny, witty and leaves you on the edge of each chapter--wondering what will happen next. I find this book great to read to my child, since it is about three reading grade levels above where she is. It makes her want to read even though the writing is above her. There is nothing like this type of motivation to help a child stretch their reading skills. At the same time,I love it because it gives me time with her and the ability to share the joy of reading with her. This book forms a great experience between us. It is not only great literature, but something to do every night to ground us and feel together. It is simply wonderful.

I bought this book because I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I have read all the books that are out, but I had to get them from the library. I am going to re-read them all till the 7th book comes out. I love Harry Potter books. This was an excellent buy. Thanks!

I ordered this book because I lost my orginal copy and I saving this series. The service was prompt and the book was in excellent condition. Good job. No complaints

I bought this book for my brother who loves Harry Potter and is trying to collect all the books. I also like the story and may have to borrow it and read it myself.

Someone once told me that when reading "Junk in is junk out" and referred to the multi-award winning Harry Potter series as junk. So I decided to see what this junk was all about. For a book written for children it grabbed hold of me and kept me glued to the pages. This book gives you a firm base story in getting to know the characters and their daily lives. Dislikes none. I'm looking forward to sharing these books with my grandchildren for many years to come.

Great book - if you've seen the movie you've been spoiled and need the book now.

Not as fantastic as the later books, but great way to get into Harry Potter if you've been avoiding it.

This book makes you want to go get Harry and bring him to your home to include him in your family even if he is a wizard. His upbringing with the Dursley's made me mourn for the loss of his childhood and obviously his freedom. At Hogwarts where he realized there was definite connection to his parents he also met people (Ron and Hermione for starters)who thought he was a great person and liked him for him. Having Hagrid as a personal mentor was also great. The storyline is good and keeps you on your toes. I did not guess the badguy until the book revealed who it was.

My son love to read all of the Harry Potter books, Sometime he read them to me while I am on my computer. This is a great book one of our most liked.

A more than marvelous magical tale to be enjoyed by children and adults is Harry Potter and the Sorcer's Stone. The book is brilliant! Well, I guess J.K. Rowling would be the one that is brilliant.

As the reader, it is impossible not to get caught up into the appeal and enchantment of life at Hogwarts. Who wouldn't want to study there? The characters in the book vividly come to life in the imagination of the reader. The stories are better to the utmost degree than the movies, and the movies were pretty good too.

If you have yet to get caught up into cult classic series then do so soon--it's wonderful.