Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling. The first novel in the Harry Potter series and Rowling's debut novel, it follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday, when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry makes close friends and a few enemies during his first year at the school, and with the help of his friends, he faces an attempted comeback by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents, but failed to kill Harry when he was just 15 months old.
The book was first published in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997 by Bloomsbury. It was published in the United States the following year by Scholastic Corporation under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It won most of the …
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling. The first novel in the Harry Potter series and Rowling's debut novel, it follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage on his eleventh birthday, when he receives a letter of acceptance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry makes close friends and a few enemies during his first year at the school, and with the help of his friends, he faces an attempted comeback by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents, but failed to kill Harry when he was just 15 months old.
The book was first published in the United Kingdom on 26 June 1997 by Bloomsbury. It was published in the United States the following year by Scholastic Corporation under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It won most of the British book awards that were judged by children and other awards in the US. The book reached the top of the New York Times list of best-selling fiction in August 1999 and stayed near the top of that list for much of 1999 and 2000. It has been translated into at least 73 other languages, and has been made into a feature-length film of the same name, as have all six of its sequels. The novel has sold in excess of 120 million copies, making it the second best-selling novel of all time.Most reviews were very favourable, commenting on Rowling's imagination, humour, simple, direct style and clever plot construction, although a few complained that the final chapters seemed rushed. The writing has been compared to that of Jane Austen, one of Rowling's favourite authors; Roald Dahl, whose works dominated children's stories before the appearance of Harry Potter; and the Ancient Greek story-teller Homer. While some commentators thought the book looked backwards to Victorian and Edwardian boarding school stories, others thought it placed the genre firmly in the modern world by featuring contemporary ethical and social issues, as well as overcoming obstacles like bullies.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, along with the rest of the Harry Potter series, has been attacked by some religious groups and banned in some countries because of accusations that the novels promote witchcraft under the guise of a heroic, moral story. Other religious commentators have written that the book exemplifies important viewpoints, including the power of self-sacrifice and the ways in which people's decisions shape their personalities. The series has been used as a source of object lessons in educational techniques, sociological analysis and marketing.
Overall, the Harry Potter series remains enjoyable in this day in age, but I cannot endorse buying the books new and pipe lining money to someone who uses her billions to advance an anti-trans agenda
I was skeptical of the whole Harry Potter crazy when it first came out. A friend finally convinced me to give it a try, with the promise that if i didn't like the first book they would never bring it up again. It didn't take long for me to be hooked.
Review of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Of course, this is a children's book, but it is something I grew up with. I had read this once before, but don't really remember it. Having read it after seeing the movie a billion times, I have found an even greater appreciation for Harry Potter. I found I was able to make better connections in reading vs watching the movie. The nuances of the plot stuck out more to me.
Review of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Although a great book of his time, reading it now it just seems like another one of the "cool boy with magic" trend. Its sometimes hard to forget that this book was basically what started it all. It has a hint of anime with the school setting by the way.
You might or might not like this, but is a must read for everyone.
Review of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Read this with my son and we both enjoyed it. He enjoyed it a bit more than I did. I, honestly, didn't think I'd get into it but I did and found myself quite involved. Rowling has a great gift at writing a scene. I felt like I was in the stands watching Harry play Quidditch.
Review of "Harry Potter à l'école des Sorciers" on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
Reading this with my son. It’s great to get his perspective throughout the book. This is my second time reading and reminded at how well this is put together. Plenty of mystery and unexplained events and characters that keep you wishing for more. Fun read.