In case you’ve been living underneath a trapdoor guarded by a 3-headed dog, or you know, are just new to my blog, you should know that before August I HAD NEVER READ A HARRY POTTER BOOK.
Well, this has now been remedied and I can gladly say that I really enjoyed the first installment and look forward to reading more!
I knew that the first book of the series was going to feel a bit younger than my usual fare, and though I am glad I have these expectations, I think I would have been fine just expecting what I normally get from reading YA. Yes, it does feel younger, but there is so much richness in the story itself that helps you look over the more simplistic writing style. And simplistic writing generally does not bother me as long as I can get into the story. I was also told that the story doesn’t really pick up until book 3, but what I was hoping to see in this book was potential for the epicness everyone talks about when they talk about Harry Potter, and I did see that.
The World-Building
I think J.K. Rowling did a very good job of establishing how the world of wizardry works within the world we work, and everything unfolded very naturally as Harry is learning along with us. I really loved reading about Diagon Alley and the different shops there specifically for wizard things.
The Characters
I know how much everyone loves the characters of Harry Potter, (particularly Harry, Ron and Hermione) and while I didn’t connect with them on some amazing deep level, again, I definitely saw the potential of connecting with them more and more as the series goes on and they face new challenges and grow older. I mean, they’re 11 in this first book. It’s been a long time since I was 11. But I liked them and I look forward to experiencing this journey with them. And I could definitely relate to Hermione the perfectionist, though she’s even more anal than I was in school! 
Hogwarts
Hogwarts itself is a pretty awesome setting, and I know everything in the books won’t take place there, but I’m looking forward to spending more time there! More Quidditch matches, please; what an interesting sport!
The Story
In addition to an interesting world and likable characters, the story also kept me engaged. And I have to say, I was just surprised as Harry at the end when he realized what exactly was going on! I was always excited to pick up the book and dig deeper into the storyline.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone met all my expectations and did not disappoint me! It definitely felt like a beginning and it did not have quite the awe of a 5 star book, but I was extremely satisfied with my first time reading it and feel it deserves a solid 4.5 stars!
Tell me your favorite thing about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone! Or share your experience with reading the book for the first time. Or if you haven’t read Harry Potter yet either, did I pique your interest?
Don’t feel bad about not reading HP. I haven’t either, hahah. I mean, I’ve read up to HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but I haven’t read anything past that. xD I feel pretty pathetic, but that just motivates me to read it more. I’m glad that you enjoyed the first installment! I did too. I loved the world-building like you did because it Rowling created such an elaborate world parallel to our own. It’s amazing.
Well, at least you’ve started! And books 5-7 are pretty thick! I’m a little intimidated by them! But if they’re really awesome I’m sure I’ll be happy to read all the pages!
Excellent review! 😀 I did love the wonder and magic of the first book as we are introduced to the wizarding world. So glad you are reading the books, I am starting a re-read of the series at the moment. Hope you enjoy the rest 🙂
Thanks; I’m looking forward to reading more!
I’d say that books 1-3 are more middle grade, and the more mature (and darker) stuff comes from books 4-7. But like you said – the first few books are still enjoyable because of the simplicity; you get to see the characters grow up each year and get a more complex story with each book.
Yeah, I’m really looking forward to watching them grow up over the years!
So glad you liked it. The characters, like real children, get more and more interesting and complex as they get older, so I think you begin to connect, especially by book 3.
That’s what I keep hearing, so I’m really looking forward to book 3 and all that follows now!
I just finished my reread and it’s just as good the 6th or 7th time
It seems a lot of people have read the books over and over again! It’s amazing they have that kind of timelessness about them.
Oh very much so. I’ll be reading them for life
I read the first four books in four days, so I really didn’t see each book as it’s own separate story at the time. But reading your review is making me want to reread each book and really savor the story to understand how the characters develop. I think the films have taken over how I see the characters so it would be interesting to revisit the book. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the first one Amy, really looking forward to your reviews of the rest!
It’s amazing when I see pictures from the movies and see how much those kids grow up over the years. I mean, it makes complete sense, because it’s like 7ish years, so that really makes me anticipate watching them grow in the book.
Really happy that you enjoyed this one so much. It really is a magical series and one of the few I can gladly revisit again and again. I look forward to reading your thoughts on the rest of the series!
I’m glad I enjoyed it too; I would really hate to be the black sheep for Harry Potter!
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. I agree the world building is epic and the further you read into the series, the more you really appreciate what JK has done.
And yes book 3 is the one that made me a fan for life. The first two I really enjoyed but book 3 got a lot darker and I loved that.
Sounds intriguing; can’t wait!
The best thing about the first book is the fact that it introduced this amazing world almost perfectly. It draws you in and you never want to leave.
I agree!
CONGRATS ON FINALLY READING HARRY POTTER THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE! YAY *throws confetti*. I’m glad you really did enjoy it even though it was meant for a younger audience. It’s awesome that anyone can enjoy Harry Potter at any age!
I agree! I think a great story transcends age, no matter what the writing style or characters’ ages!
Harry Potter! *dances* I love Harry Potter! These books basically are my childhood, when I was little I would save up all my money and then -when I had enough- I’d go to the book store with my mom to buy the Harry Potter books. Little me, paying for the books myself, and then read and reread and read them some more.
I’m super glad you liked it! These books are timeless, I hope you enjoy the others as well!
What a great story! And based on all the enthusiasm I hear, I imagine I will enjoy the others!