I love this book, but lost it, so I had to order another one. I have the complete set now, and have to read them at least once a year or so. IT is a great start to the Harry Potter series. Thank you.

I've just recently started reading this series, and I have to admit that I have been very entertained. This book was a bit "young" I noticed in the writing, but understandably so, since the main character is only 11. Since I had seen the movie before I'd read this, I didn't have very many surprises, but all in all, it was worth the read.

Let me start like this.. I was never into Harry Potter. Well, at least not like I am now. I was a fan of the movies but that was about it. Then I was told to read the books, I figured, what the hell. So I started with Half Blood Prince and then Deathly Hollows. Wow. If I read pretty much the last 1/4 of this series and got so sucked into it, I owed it to myself to take the whole trip through this world that cannot be described in words.

I finished The Sorcerer's Stone totally forgetting about the movie so it was like I had never seen it. The SS is the perfect stepping stone to get the series started. It introduces most of the main characters and gives you an idea of how to understand whats going on (which considering the twists and turns of the series, you'll need all the info you can get.)

From beginning to end, you're thrown into Harrys life. You feel everything he feels, his emotions, his thoughts. You feel sorry for him when he's living with his family, and you can't wait to find out what happens the next year at Hogwarts. And that is what makes this an amazing story, your connection with him and the anticipation for what is going to happen to him next. This book is a must buy for any fan of fantasy stories, don't let the fact that it's in the childrens section of a book store throw you off. The road Harry walks will get a lot darker. See this as the calm before the storm.

It feels so long ago that I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the first time. I can't remember exactly how I felt upon completion, but I must have loved it because I devoured the rest of the books--there were only three of them back then--in a matter of days.

What I can remember is how agonizingly long the wait for the other books was, how I reread the first book when I was scared of being the new kid in school, and how I became friends with other fans of the series. I remember feeling stronger after reading about Harry's strength, and, most importantly, I remember how much I grew to love reading.

This all probably sounds terribly sappy, but to the people who call this book unimaginative, contrived, and even claim Harry and his friends are bad role models, I would just like to say that kids don't see any of that. This kid saw the importance of friendship and courage, even in the face of evil, and a place to escape to when she need to be reminded of these things. Adults need to remember that this is a children's book, and no one should read it expecting an existential masterpiece. The books grow as Harry grows, and as JK Rowling grows as an author.

Is this book perfect? No, but for a kid reading it for the first time, it's close enough.

I wore my paperback out so back it was falling apart so I bought the Hard copy to go w/ the rest of my series. Like I had stated in the other Reviews you will feel like your actually a character in the book I really hated seeing it end so soon. I know alot of people were like soon. But to me it was way to soon. I highly recommend this and all Harry Potter Books and Movies.

People have been telling me to read Harry Potter since I was in high school ten years ago. I finally started reading the series this weekend after my running buddy convinced me to, and I have already finished the first three. JK Rowling is really clever and witty. I know her intended audience is kids, but I think they are appropriate for all ages. As I read these books I oscillate between wondering if children can grasp everything she writes about, or whether I need to give children more credit for what they can understand.

As I ponder why I enjoy these books so much, I have come to several conclusions. First, I really enjoy Quidditch. Secondly, Rowling has an amazing ability to write child characters. I remember people from my own life who I identify with characters in Rowlings book. These stories are great not only because the story is interesting, but because they bring back memories from my own childhood. So, for any of you who were like me and did not want to read the series everyone has been talking about, start reading the series.

I love the Harry Potter series, but the first book in the series is a favorite. The characters are rich and fully developed. The substance of Rowling's world is well thought out and detailed. Rowling's writing is wonderful and great for all ages.

I have to admit that I came upon the whole Harry Potter phenomenon pretty late, even though I've been aware of the franchise for about 10 years. I had always observed and respected Rowling's incredible success but I couldn't finish watching the first movie and always put off reading the books. But then last Christmas, magic happened. Well, sorta. My brother bought me the movie version of Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix. The problem was that I had never watched any of the four movies that came before it! And only in the last 2 months or so did I go back and watch the movies in order, and I found I really enjoyed them once I gave them a chance. So when summer vacation started I sat down to read the first book and really liked it.

Harry Potter has led a hard life all of his short 10 years and is on the brink of starting an equally dismal eleventh. His parents died in a car wreck when he was an infant and he was reluctantly taken in by his aunt and uncle Dursley. They treat him like dirt, relegating him to a small crawlspace underneath the stairs in lieu of a real room, that just gives him space enough to lay down and sleep. The Dursley's son, Dudley, is equally vicious to Harry. While Dudley gets every toy and luxury the Dursleys can afford, Harry never gets anything nice. His aunt and uncle think Harry is weird and has strange abilities that they cannot explain. Things change on Harry's eleventh birthday when he recieves a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Even though the Dursleys want Harry to be a normal kid and quit being so strange, Harry soon learns the truth about his parents. Namely, that they were powerful wizards that were murdered by an even more powerful sorcerer named Valdemort. This same Valdemort is the entity that left a scar on Harry's forehead the night he killed his parents. Harry is famous among magic users for being the only person to survive a face to face encounter with Valdemort, a man whose very name inspires fear. Now, Harry must set out on his own journey to become a great wizard, and along the way, make new friends and be accepted as a human being worthy of respect and kindness.

Who doesn't want to escape the crazy existence that is life on Earth in the 21st century, to get away from war and and the paranoia of religion and terrorism? To live in a world where magic allows incredible miracles...but also incredible evils. That's the cool thing about Rowling's story. Things are not all hunky dory in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. There aren't a lot of kid heroes whose parents were murdered in cold blood and then have a scar burned into their flesh. And let's not get into the cruelty that Harry has to endure for almost eleven long years by relatives who should have been turned over to the cops for child cruelty. Some of the things in this book are very dark. This isn't a world of magic where everything is covered in fairy dust and everybody smiles all the time and gets along with each other. It has a strong vein of realism, at least in the spiritual trials the characters face and their relationships with each other. Friendship and the importance of it is one of recurring themes, as illustrated by the bonds that form between Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I was also impressed by Rowling's ability to take a formula, (a magic school) and make it seem fresh and original. This book could have easily turned into a hack job. But the author's imagination sweeps aside any such notions and whisks you away for a couple hours of your life. A great read.

We had this on cassette tape, and just purchased it on CD. Jim Dale is outstanding! Very entertaining on long car rides.

I started reading Harry Potter a few years ago so that I could find out if they were suitable for my kids. Guess, what? I'm a well-educated adult, and I love Harry Potter! I can't believe that I can be so entertained by something that every kid on the block is reading (usually I don't go for children's fantasy).

Sophisticated adults will complain that this is derivative and "light." Yes, it is. It's children's literature, and that's what kids like. But, this is superior children's literature. The writing is exceptional, the characters are deep, the humor is subtle enough for adults to enjoy. It's very well done. I wish that all of the stuff my kids were reading was done this well.

I'm thrilled that, because of Harry Potter, children are reading large novels again. I know several kids who've been inspired to read, and to not be intimidated by big books, because of J.K. Rowling. If you have only seen the movies and haven't read the books, you are really missing out. --FanLit.net

One fine day while I was at work, I went into our café and came across a coworker reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Like a lot of adults I started laughing and said, "Aren't those for kids?"
My former coworker said, "Don't laugh until you've actually read them."
I took her advice and picked up the same book.
And I have to admit, she was right!
The Sorcerer's Stone was, like many of you, my introduction to the Harry Potter Empire.
I loved it, from start to finish, a pleasure to read.
These books are not just for kids, but anyone who has an imagination.
I've since read all the Potter books and I loved every one of them and the movies also.
How many books end up getting made into worthwhile movies?
Not very many, but I'll be darned if Hollywood isn't making every Potter book into a stellar movie.
I give this book and all the Potter books my highest recommendation.

Our family enjoys the annual summer vacation road trip - seeing the countryside; anticipating our arrival at the vacation destination and listening to audio books. My son and daughter are 6 1/2 and 9 - they were thrilled by Jim Dale's reading of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. He does a great job of creating a distinct voice for each of the book's characters and the pacing is spot on. We're looking forward to our next road trip and listening to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets which is also read by Jim Dale.

I loved this book and read it in two days and began the next immediately. One thing that troubles me -- about many amazon reviews -- is that they are NOT reviews. Person after person summarizes the story (which is, basically, summarized in the official editorial paragraph. WHY OH WHY does everyone do this! WHy not just say what you liked/disliked and why?

Rowling uses EXQUISITE VOCABULARY (hurrah! KIDS WILL LEARN NEW AND INTERESTING WORDS), STRONG PLOT AND SUSPENSE, AND ENGAGING CHARACTERS. I also very much appreciate that some of her positive characters are not all goody-two shoes and have imperfections and character flaws (Hagrid's drinking and keeping beasties, students who "swore" when angry or shocked).

I saw the films first and felt they were well cast. The books are better than I was prepared for them to be.

OH! How I love to be very pleasantly surprised!!!

what else can i say that no one else has?- this is a GREAT book like all her others!!!

FANTASTIC SERIES. My husband and I bouthght it before we had kids and LOVED IT.. We can't get enough. Adults should give it a try.

Jim Dale's reading of the book was excellent and I do have to say that I have not listened to an audio book that I have enjoyed more. Dale's changing of his voices to mimic the character was very interesting yet not over done. I could envision each character due to his inflections and changes in speech patterns. During the entire eight hours of the reading of this audio book, not once was I bored by the reading of it. I can only hope he will read the next book in this series.

Alas, I have been very late in reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone but I can guarantee that I'll be much quicker in getting the next book. I truly enjoyed this book even if it was originally written for children - this book is enjoyable no matter what your age and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of fantasy.

I enjoyed the book so much that I wanted to be able to listen to it in the car on long drives. It is a lot of fun, though sometimes the narrator is a bit "over the top" with his accents and emoting. He takes a little getting used to.

I love the Harry Potter series, but I was unsure of the audiobooks. Jim Dale really brings J.K. Rowling's books to life. He doesn't read--he performs. I would recommend them to anyone!

The first time I picked up this book, the first in the Harry Potter series, it was with great hesitation. Firstly, it had been a few years since I had done much reading for pleasure, so I was out of practice. Secondly, and more importantly, I had heard a great deal of hype about the series in the media, which automatically made me feel that the books were probably overrated--and I didn't want to be disappointed. In the end, around the same time the film version of this book was released, two of my close friends convinced me to give the series a try, and lent me the first book, which I read shortly thereafter.

Within a week, I had purchased and read the rest of the series (at the time, books 1-4), and was itching with anticipation for book 5. I have since purchased and read the entire series, and just recently decided to reread them all in one go.

So what makes Harry Potter so magical? For me, it was the bare simplicity of the central premise of the series that drew me in instantly. Who hasn't dreamed of having some magical powers to spice up life a bit? Not that magical powers are unique to Harry Potter; far from it, in fact. But it's much harder to really relate to grand tales of epic battles in faraway, long ago kingdoms like Tolkein's Middle Earth or so many others that have followed. What Harry Potter touches is that little daydreaming part inside of us that believes that maybe magic could be real... that it might exist right alongside us in our own "real" world.

Book 1 (The Sorcerer's Stone) will always have a special place in my heart, as it really was the book that brought me back to reading (as stated above). It is imaginative, fun, and has splashes of humor throughout. It introduces many lovable characters who will be with us throughout the series, and does a brilliant job of setting up our journey. It has a comparatively light feel (the later books get progressively darker, without question), but still keeps the reader engaged with elements of mystery and rivalry to generate conflict. And, unlike some of the later books, it is a quick read.

There are, I admit, a few times when one must employ the willing suspension of disbelief (lest the grown witches and wizards of the story seem horribly inept), but otherwise, it is a charming story and a great introduction to the journey ahead. I give it 5 stars, even though it is not my favorite in the series, mostly because this one drew me in so effectively and made me want to read the rest.

What is there to say about this book. All of the books in the series were very good. Unfortunately, I loaned this one to a "friend". Had to replace it as I have them all in hardback.

Writing a review on the first Harry Potter book seems superfluous, as it must surely be one of the most reviewed books in the history of literature.

I will therefore refrain (more or less) from summarizing the story, and instead compare my first reading to my recent re-reading of the book.

In my first reading, I met a boy called Harry, who was the quintessential "uncool kid." He grew up at his aunt and uncle's because his parents were supposedly killed in a car crash when he was a baby. That was at least what Aunt and Uncle Dursley told him. Harry was the uncool kid both at home and at school, hence constantly jumping from the frying pan into the fire. At home, "the Dursleys often spoke about Harry (...) as though he wasn't there--or rather, as though he was something very nasty that couldn't understand them, like a slug." Their spoiled son, Dudley, also did his best to bully Harry around. And at school, "Harry had no one. Everybody knew that Dudley's gang hated that odd Harry Potter in his baggy old clothes and broken glasses, and nobody liked to disagree with Dudley's gang."

Hence, when Hogwarts' half-giant gamekeeper told Harry that he was a wizard, he could hardly believe it. And when Harry stepped through the Leaky Cauldron onto Diagon Alley, everything was new and exciting. He had not had the slightest clue that such a world existed; accordingly he saw everything through the eyes of an amazed and hungry learner.

And since I as the reader always walked by Harry's side, I, too, had this "sense of awe." Together with Harry, I marveled at Gringotts Bank and its goblins, the power of the magic wands, the magic broomsticks, Platform 9 ¾ and the steaming Hogwarts Express, the gigantic school castle, the meeting hall with its enchanted ceiling, the moving staircases, the "living" paintings, the ghosts, the owl post, and numerous other things.

Harry became like a two-year old toddler again who is excited about discovering the world, and as the reader I was a toddler with him. This is Fantasy at its best. The fact that J.K. Rowling made Harry an "outsider" to the world of magic is of great importance to the experience of the reader. Otherwise I would not have been nearly as astonished about the details of Mrs Rowling's world as I was. It also prevented the technological aspects of the Harry-Potter magic from totally disenchanting her world.

Now to my re-reading of the "Philosopher's Stone" (I still like the original British title better than the "Sorcerer's Stone").

I read the story again shortly after I finished the seventh book. Knowing where the story and characters are headed, many scenes now took on new significance. It was fascinating to read a particular passage and think: "Ah! Now I know why she put that in there." I have to complement J.K. Rowling on having planned the seven books so well.

Furthermore, reading the first book from the retrospective view of the whole series also makes a difference for the moral custodians among us. If you only read the first book, you might come away thinking that Harry Potter tries to justify the means by the end a little too much. Harry's magic is at first set into motion when he is "upset and angry", the toffee-nosed know-it-all Hermione turns likable by lying on Harry's behalf, and one of Harry's chief character traits is that of a rule breaker.

Aside from the point that novels--including juvenile ones--don't have to portray their main characters as saints, the series has, in fact, turned out to be of great moral depth. Given Harry's final moral choices at the end of Book VII, Book I can now be seen as the beginning of a "Bildungsroman." That is, a Coming Of Age Story in which Harry goes through all the stages of childhood and adolescence, to finally arrive at moral, social, and psychological maturity.

If that is not an ideal way of making teenagers aware of their own journey to maturity, I don't know what is.

- Jacob Schriftman, Author of The Crack Beneath the Worlds and Other Books

Well, This book and the whole Harry Potter Series is excelent, I love them. I'm currently thinking if I want to get the last Audio Books before the movies. I love the movies but books will always be better (although the first three movies I think are almost as good as the books). I did not give this 5 stars because I've heard the Audio Books by Stephen Fry (not sure if the spelling is right ;-P ). I have to say, in my humble opinion, Fry's voice is more grown up as a narrator and his character voices are excellent. His voice sounds over all more respectfull and apropiate. Jim Dale has done his version for the american audience which doesn't mean it's bad, but I like things in their original state. If a movie is made in the US, England, Mexico, or Spain, I usualy prefer it as it came out first. But that is my opinion. Listen to a sample of the Audio Book by each of the readers before you buy.

Great book and seller. Fast shipper and the book was in better than new condition. Thanks

No surprise on the book being excellent, but Jim Dale's performance in reading the story is captivating. He adds voices, emotion, and excitement which make this far more enjoyable than watching the movie.

To be honest, I never thougth I would read a Harry Potter book. I thought it was for children until a respected colleague brought her copy to work one day. I laughed at first until I realized she was serious. To appease her I took it home and started reading.

Quickly I became so wrapped up in the story, I couldn't put it down until I finished. I immediately found the other books and devoured them just as ferociously.

Trust me when I say they are so much better than the movies. No disrespect to the directors and writers, but there is no possible way to give the books full disclosure on the screen. Pick this book up today and you'll find out what I did. This ain't just for the kiddies, it's for everyone who enjoys reading.

I came to the party a little late on these books but when I started reading them, I couldn't stop. These books got me back into reading. By far my favorite series.

This is the first book in the series- but listen to Jim Dale's narration when the character of Hagrid is introduced for example. Read the book, by all means, but this series as read by Mr. Dale compliments the printed page. Perfect!

I am very happy with the product itself - the book is in perfect condition even after shipping. However, it took a lot longer to get here than any purchase I've ever done through the Amazon Marketplace. My guess is that when you do the Free SuperSaver Shipping, they take their own precious time getting your order ready.

I absolutely love the Harry Potter series of books! Great end to a wonderful story about courage! I must admit that as the adult that I am, I was quite embarrassed to carry around my Harry Potter book on the NYC subway system way back when it began but one cannot put the book down once you start reading! I now have a proud collection of the UK Edition Books 1-7 Large Print 1st Prints, 2 school books Quidditch Through The Ages and Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them 1st prints, 1 US Edition Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire 1st Print, 2 US Edition Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 1st prints, 2 US Edition Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1st print, 1 Deathly Hallows 1st print misprint, and 1 letter from J K Rowling office with Personal Assistant's signature addressed to me acknowledging my letter to Ms Rowling and a J K Rowling signed bookplate (not a copy)! WOW!! What's even worse is that I do not intend on selling any of them either. I want my grandchildren to enjoy them and keep them as collector's items. It was alot of fun gathering all these treasures.

(I recently made fifteen and I'm frank, just to make it clear.) What is happening? I read some of this book, and to tell the truth, I don't want to push myself to finish reading it--despite my Harry Potter crazed friends urging me to. First of all, I don't get what people find so intriguing about the Harry Potter series. On television, the graphics and visual eye-candy really impress, however, Rowling's imagery and prose in the books are nothing to really talk about. There is better--even for children. Yet not only children but also full-grown adults flock to buy Harry Potter like immature, simple-minded lunatics! I don't understand how this could have happened. It's a dreadfully sad situation. Don't get me wrong, I am pleased that Rowling is out of her financially deprived state and now doing what I'd imagine is a lot more than just well off, but this nonsense needs to end. People dressing like characters from the story, trading cards, games, action figures--the list goes on and on. And for what? A series of books that are not only simply written, have an overused, amateur storyline, are utterly, sickly predictable but Satanic in nature. And it's supposed to be for children. I'm not even a devout Christian as of yet, and I can perceive that something is gravely wrong with Harry Potter's phenomenal success. I personally believe that Rowling has put a spell on these books, which targets naive or imperceptive individuals (selectively children who are to young to know better) and somehow leads them to believe that Harry Potter is oh-so-great and perfectly normal. It is not. It is not normal that a book divulging into the subjects of witchcraft and immoral circumstances can be such a hit and with negligible controversy. There are books that do not even touch these premises and are perfectly reasonable that have stirred heated controversy. Rowling takes her touchy subject and glazes it over with charming characters and their `apparently' moral deeds. So it's almost like it doesn't matter anymore. To hell with it that this book is actually talking about `nice' witches and derisively calling normal humans `muggles', which is ironic considering that all of its non-wiccan readers would be in the `muggles' category. I don't care if there are `nice' witches, witchcraft is witchcraft, black magic is black magic, therefore immoral cannot be moral. Witchcraft is not a decent practice. I am glad that I have not been dragged into the sadly demonic and rampant abyss that is Harry Potter.

Although I have read the books many times, as a sewing crafter I spend hours at my sewing machine and thoroughly enjoy listening to books. The narrator of this series is fantastic!! You can take an excellent book and totally changed or corrupt the characters with a bad narrator, but that is not at all the case in this series. So if you've got too much to do to sit and read, take the time to listen. You will truly enjoy it!! Kathy

I saw all the movies first so I was kind of worried the movies weren't going to be like the books but they are!!!! I loved it a must read for everybody!!!!

I started reading this book very hesitantly and for the first time in a decade with a solemn promise to self. I would read all of the Potter books. I would. I would make myself, just to understand the series and constant references...

Okay, okay, okay, and I have to admit -- I liked it. No huge surprise -- any international is pretty much likely to be at least entertaining.

I, for the sake of throwing this out there, HATE reviewing smash hits. Be it film or novel, it's very hard for me, because I know all of the fangs of such work (and so often there are so many) will scorn any criticisms I have. (I'm dreading the next time I watch Titanic. Seriously.)

Anyway, Potter's got all the elements of a good, especially introductory, novel. It's got the engaging plot, great characters, catchy opener, and enough humor, especially for young audiences.

I also have to admit that I am a huge fan of Rowling's world-building. You go, woman. From the perspective of the last time I read Potter, all that really mattered was whether or not the story and characters were entertaining, and the "bigger picture" of the novel was lass important. Now, I have to give J.K.R. credit for far more than just that. It's truly an ideal setup novel for a series like this. Everything's set up so amazingly well.

Now, and I have to admit a lot of styles kept jumping into my mind as I read this book. Rowling has a style and tone that, at times, reads frighteningly much like Roald Dahl, and I kept getting occasional flashbacks to the "Great Brain" books of John D. Fitzgerald. Not that these similarities are a form of criticism by any means. Mere observation.

And really, having finished, I can't find anything... concrete... to criticize. It's a good book. No doubt there. But is it worthy of the entire microcosm universe it spawned in today's pop-culture world? Of that I'm not one-hundred percent certain.

Call me a Muggle, but I'm finally getting around to reading the Harry Potter books. We've seen the movies but haven't read the books yet (well, my husband bought and read Deathly Hallows without having read the rest!). I found the storytelling superb and could see why it would grab the attention and imagination of readers of all ages. The story just flies along and takes you with it. The characters are smartly written, even if they're either a little too obviously good guys or bad guys. Except Snape, of course, who I find the most interesting character so far. If you're trying to get your young ones interesting in reading, these books should do the trick. And if you're a grownup, you should read them, too. Outstanding writing and just great fun.

Thank you for gettng this out to us quickly. This completed my son's set and we are both very happy!

This was a very good book. it's just as good as the movie. i really enjoyed this book. and i think other people will too.

This one's just so laid back, it's actually enjoyable. No epic battles, no losing favorite characters to a nefarious Death Eater, no Death Eaters period. Just a middle school nerd trying to fit in and find himself... in a wizarding school. It's fun and frivolous, and you can actually sit back and chuckle, or hem and haw, or whatever it is you do when something lightly amuses you. No crying, no worrying, no nothing. Every once in a while, a book like that is refreshing.
The Sorcerer's Stone is my favorite, because it captures the true magic. Toward the end of the series, Rowling turns Harry Potter Land into another epic fantasy battle, and that kind of story is really turning into a dime a dozen. But this is classic. You get into it. You picture how cool it would've been for your sixth grade science class to have potions, to be able to levitate and all that jazz. You might pretend to be Hermione for a day and wow the teachers. You might find your own Ron to hang out with. I love how laid back it is. It's classic.

Harry Potter books are written by an actual practicing witch to indoctrinate our youth. These books contain accurate depictions of ritual magic and satanic doctrines. Those who say it's "just fiction" need a reality check! Fiction is the best way to promote occult belief systems! (Just ask Walt Disney. His job as a 33rd degree Freemason was to condition American children to embrace occult themes in entertainment.)

Lots of reviewers who don't know anything about the occult will assure you that this book is not occult doctrine. That's like a blind person telling you there are no misspellings! Here are the facts; look them up on your own and verify. (Of over 5000 reviews, I can't find ONE that states these facts.)

The cover illustration employs overtly satanic symbols include the lightning bolt on his forehead--a Biblical symbol of Satan (who like lightning fell from heaven). There is also the unicorn--a Biblical symbol of the Antichrist (as all witches know). This book promotes drug use--brews with mind-altering fumes using wormwood which in real life contains a hypnotic drug. The series also features demonic possession, necromancy, and divination. Death is described as a great adventure for the occult practicioner--the actual satanic doctrine on death.

Occult numerology runs throughout the book, including the intentional use of 11, 13 and 33 and numbers that break down into those numbers. These are not accidental. The owner of the sorcerer's stone is 666 years old in this book. So the quest is associated with the Biblical number of the Beast. What more do you need?? Non-magical people are described as boring with pointless lives. The glory goes to witchcraft--the gateway into hardcore satanism (according to former high ranking satanists and witches like John Todd and William Schnoebelen.) We need to realize that life is all about a spiritual war and start using better discernment in order not to be manipulated by doctrines of evil. Harry Potter is only one of many that has been revealed. Learn more at cuttingedge.org.

I have been waiting until my daughter is old enough to read any of the Harry Potter books. I had always heard the magical age is 8. I guess that is about right because she (and I) absolutely loved the first book. We read a chapter each night and finished it in under 3 weeks. I wasn't sure that she would like it, given that she has never shown any interest in anything remotely related to wizardry, but she did! After we finished the book, we watched the movie. Harry Potter was a fun experience for both of us, and now I no longer feel like one of the last people on the planet who hasn't read this book.

Our first copy was left out and the "nargel" cocker spaniel chewed it up. Anyone who is interested in an in-depth view of Harry Potter should consider collecting the audio CDs. So much more story than the movies. Thumbs up to Amazon on pricing and speed of delivery.

The book that started it all. I remember my mom giving me this book when i was seven and I didn't want to read it at all. Then she started reading it to me and i was enchanted by it. Not only the storyline is fantastic, but the way its written just mesmerizes me.
A few years have past from then but I still read this book and its sequels over and over again and its become my favorite series off all time.
also, it opened up the world of reading for me and if it weren't for this book, I would probably be stuck playing videogames all day instead of reading beautiful pieces of literacy.
Thank you JK Rowling.

this was a great book it was just a little childish but i enjoyed it.

... I want to resist reviewing the book, as so many have, and just say something about the audio experience.
... Jim Dale is one of the best voice actors I've ever listened to and he brought the books to life an a way that reading could never do. I like reading, but it's really incredible to have someone put a different voice to every character, displaying the emotions and tone of the interactions.
... They are a really phenomenal experience, and I've listened to them over again and again.

The series is WONDERFUL! I'm now ordering it in hardbacks so I can read them all over again, and they'll hold up better than paperbacks in the long run. I received my books in less time than stated (made me very happy), but the box was not only open on the top, the bottom was open,and one of the end pieces was sticking out. It's a wonder the books were still inside and hadn't fallen out somewhere. Maybe a little more tape on the box next time??

This is the beginning to a great series that will take the world(literally) by storm. As 11 years old, the young Harry finds out he is a wizard starting a chain of events that will threaten not only Harry's life but the entire wizard and muggle world.
This is a good book that most definitely needs to be on your shelf.

Best book I have ever read. I can not stop reading this book. This book is very addicting. Every body who likes Fiction books should read this book. So buy this book NOW!!!!!! Please.

Strange Surprises


M-magic? I- I'm a wizard? HUH?

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is about a boy who thinks he lives with three demons and it turns out he's a wizard! J.K. Rowling has done an outstanding job making this story. When Harry goes to Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry, he has a lot to learn. After all, fighting a three headed dog, a troll, and the most feared wizard of all is hard work!

My favorite part is when a boy named Nevile beats up Draco Malfoy, the school bully.

I think the author's purpose was to tell us that unexpected things happen in life. I believe this because of the surprise of Harry's magic.

I recommend this book to fantasy lovers. You know who you are, so read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone today!
by Jacob

Of the entire Harry Potter series, this is still my favorite one. Rowling created an entire new world, which is so vivid. I didn't start reading the Potter books until I was in college. So this is for children and adults. If you're looking for a book to read to your kids, this is it!

I ordered this for my granddaughter and it arrived in great shape. I would order from this person again.
Thanks!

If you are reading this review you might as well just stop now and buy Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you won't regret it. If you still need more encouragement, please proceed. You must be warned, though, this book tends to be addictive. So much so that one might have to continue and read the rest of the books in the series. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a story about a young orphan wizard, Harry Potter, and his trials and experiences through the first year of his new school. It is masterfully written and portrays well the thoughts and emotions of a young adolescence. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J. K. Rowling, is a fabulous tale of friendship and loyalty, courage, and love that people ages five to one hundred can enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a wonderful example of the power of friendship and loyalty. In the beginning of the book Harry starts off as a sort of a social outcast. He has almost no friends mainly because his cousin, Dudley, does not allow it. Yet with the revelation that he has been accepted to Hogwarts Harry has a chance to start again in finding friends. Almost immediately after Harry heads to Hogwarts he meets Ron Weasly, a tall, skinny first year with flaming red hair. They hit it off right from the beginning and throughout the course of the book their friendship grows. This duo becomes a trio when they become friends with Hermione Granger, a bookish know it all also in her first year of school. These three have many adventures together. Through these adventures they become very close. Hermione and Ron stick with Harry throughout all his troubles. Once when Harry was playing Quidditch, the wizard sport of choice, someone jinxed his broom making it try to buck him off while he was at least one hundred feet in the air. Hermione and Ron see this and go to Harry's rescue. They find the perpetrator and set fire to his robes. This was just enough for Harry to break free. Another example of loyalty and friendship is when Hagrid, the gamekeeper and one of Harry, Ron, and Hermione's friends, gets himself in a pickle. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are there to help him out. They put their reputation on the line to save his. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone contains many great examples of friendship and loyalty.

Courage is present throughout the whole of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, says of courage, "There are two kinds of courage. It it takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." These two kinds of courage are found multiple times. Harry definitely does not lack courage. He faces many challenges in his first year of school. He puts his life on line when he goes to save the school from the Dark Lord Voldemort. Since his name is strikes fear in the wizarding world he will now be referred to as You-Know-Who. You-Know-Who is the most feared wizard of his time. He was the one who killed Harry's parents. Harry, when younger, was able, through help from his mother, to strip You-Know-Who of his powers. You-Know-Who wants to rise to power again and needs something from the school to do so. Harry, Hermione, and Ron go to stop You-Know-Who knowing full well that three first year wizards have little chance of stopping one of the most powerful wizards of all time. Eventually it ends up Harry facing You-Know-Who alone. Harry does not shrink from this responsibility and fights nobly and ends up defeating him. Neville Longbottom, a round faced first year, is an example of the courage of standing up to friends. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione are sneaking out after hours, Neville catches wind that they are doing this and, knowing that it is wrong, tries to stop them. This took a great deal of courage on Neville's part because he had always been timid. He knew what the others were doing was wrong, though, so he stood up to them. Both physical and moral courage are found many times in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Love is the main theme of the Harry Potter series including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It is through love that Harry is able to stand up to You-Know-Who. Through love Harry is able to make friends. Love is the reason his friends stick with him through thick and thin. Harry's mother sacrificed herself to save Harry. The love that she showed protected Harry from You-Know-Who's first attack and it protects him throughout his life. This is because one marked with hatred, greed, and unrighteous ambition can not harm "a person marked by something so good." This something is love. Love, according to Dumbledore, is the most powerful magic of all.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a wonderful book. It teaches great lessons of love, courage, friendship, and loyalty. It is fun to read and can be enjoyed by those off almost all ages. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the start of a wonderful adventure.