We have all heard of this series and franchise. Growing up, I was raised in a Christian home that did not approve of the Harry Potter. Once us kids became adults, naturally we watched the movies. I had never read the books up until now, what with there being so many books in the world and on my list and what I already own. My husband bought me the box set for Christmas last year and decided that once we had finished Dracula vs Hitler that the Harry Potter series would be the next thing to read together. So here we are.
I probably do not need to talk about the premise of the Sorcerer’s Stone, but then again, just in case there are followers out there who grew up similarly to me, I will just do a little description. Harry Potter is a twelve-year-old who who has spent his life thus far living under the stairs at the home of his Aunt, Uncle, and insufferable cousin. It is made known quickly that he is orphaned. It is made known quickly that his parents were wizards and witches. Harry receives an acceptance letter from Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry, the headmaster being Albus Dumbledore. At Hogwarts, Harry befriends Ron and Hermione, and Neville and Hagrid, but finds quick enemies in Malfoy and dislike of Severus Snape, a professor. When things begin to happen, leave it to the three friends to meddle and figure out what all the hullabaloo is going on.
So I had seen all of the movies beforehand, and I can tell you that the book was a lot better than the movie. That was something noted from my husband right away. The book, like any other situation of book to movie adaptation, had more happening before Harry went to school than was depicted. A good portion of the characters described were not portrayed as accurately physically, but because I had already seen the movies, I would picture the actors as the characters regardless. The mannerisms and characters themselves were adapted well.
When we were reading, the lens that I wanted to keep looking through was that of a kid, because these books are written for that level of reading. That being said, it was very engaging and there was always something happening. There was a great blend where it was fun and lighthearted, but then gets dark and scary or saddening. I thought this was a great beginning to a series, especially when, once again, I had already seen all of the movies. The theme of a sort of Cinderella story in a lot of aspects, Harry goes from being hated for existing and made to clean and not have a decent place to sleep, to having a monetary wealth and as a person being wanted and loved by a multitude of people… no wonder this series has made such a huge impact on people.
This is a book I could come back to, and I can only anticipate the next books to be just as good. I would recommend reading The Sorcerer’s Stone, and, for those who did grow up as I did, look at the things beyond the fact that it is about magic. It is not so much about magic. It is about a kid and the world built around him and story is magic. Cripes, look at Lord of the Rings, or The Chronicles of Narnia. Enough of that.
Have a great week, everyone. The weather is amazing, so it is time to take the books and go outside and read if you have not yet.
9/10
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