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.The amazing popularity of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone means that now even Muggles know about the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether or not you’ve read about Harry, this unabridged audiobook brings his world to life. Reader Jim Dale brings an excellent range of voices to the characters, from well-meaning Hermione’s soft, earnest voice to Malfoy’s nasal droning; from Professor McGonagall’s crisp brogue to Hagrid’s broad Somerset accent; and from snarling Mr. Filch to p-p-poor, st-tuttering P-Professor Quirrel. Some of the characterizations are peculiar–why do the centaurs have Welsh accents?–but that’s a small price to pay to hear one of the myriad ways to sing the Hogwarts School song. Harry Potter fans of all ages–Muggle or not–will enjoy curling up with a few chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans (“Alas! Ear wax!”), and this marvelous, magical audiobook. (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) –Sunny Delaney
Our first foray into Potter’s world is truly magical! With this introductory novel was published in 1997, few would have predicted the unprecedented success this series would produce. And everything that made Harry Potter so successful is all first shown, though hardly fully explained, in this book, HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSPHER’S STONE.Â
A magical read – in more ways than one! What a wonderful book! I read it after my 11-year old son suggested it as a change from my usual reading fare of history and biography. It turned out to be much more than just a springtime reading diversion…it became for me a “magical” reading experience in more ways than one. I was quickly captivated by Harry, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Hermoine, and yes, even the nasty Dursleys, Snape, and Draco Mafoy.Â
Three Harry Potter Books in Three Days! An adult friend (age 49)loaned me three Harry Potter books for the summer. Wednesday evening I began the first book and I finished the third today, Saturday morning. I am writing this review before I order the fourth Potter book. Will my friend be surprised to get 4 books back! The author’s imagination is vividly presented in a cast of almost believable characters attending a school we all wish we could attend. Classes like “Defense Against Dark Arts”, “Divination”,…