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michael_chavez's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joanna1905's review against another edition
5.0
IT WAS AMAZING! Obviously.
I have so much nostalgia connected to this book and every time I read it I get this warm fuzzy feeling.
One thing I have noticed as I have gotten older is how abusive the Dursley's are to Harry - when I was younger they always just seemed really mean. But not only are they emotionally abusive, they allow Dudley to physically abuse him and they don't feed him nearly as much as they should. It blows my mind if they were so worried about Harry showing signs of magic why didn't they love him and treat him as a son - then he would have no reason to feel different.
I love how from the moment they meet Hagrid has Harry's back - we often talk about Harry not having any family but that is BS. Hagrid always treated Harry as a son (as did the Weasley's).
I love the way Harry and Ron's friendship forms out of a mutual fascination with each other - To Ron, Harry is a legend but to Harry, Ron is the best friend he never had. As much as I grow to love Hermione, she is a bit annoying early on.
I always forget how much sassier Harry and Ron are in the books compared to the movies, and it is so bloody funny every time.
Five Stars every time!
I have so much nostalgia connected to this book and every time I read it I get this warm fuzzy feeling.
One thing I have noticed as I have gotten older is how abusive the Dursley's are to Harry - when I was younger they always just seemed really mean. But not only are they emotionally abusive, they allow Dudley to physically abuse him and they don't feed him nearly as much as they should. It blows my mind if they were so worried about Harry showing signs of magic why didn't they love him and treat him as a son - then he would have no reason to feel different.
I love how from the moment they meet Hagrid has Harry's back - we often talk about Harry not having any family but that is BS. Hagrid always treated Harry as a son (as did the Weasley's).
I love the way Harry and Ron's friendship forms out of a mutual fascination with each other - To Ron, Harry is a legend but to Harry, Ron is the best friend he never had. As much as I grow to love Hermione, she is a bit annoying early on.
I always forget how much sassier Harry and Ron are in the books compared to the movies, and it is so bloody funny every time.
Five Stars every time!
mavisbird's review against another edition
4.0
Just reread this book and it is still as good as the first time I read it. Even with knowing the story it still leaves you in suspense. It is a great read for all ages.
baifield's review against another edition
3.0
listened on the drive to and from Richmond, it starts out very nice and descriptive, but I lost interest in the second half. it picked back up a bit, but i’m still going to listen to the whole series!
jeanreadstherealgoodbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
meganharty's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
stands the test of time!
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Reading with my son... a magical experience.
As a librarian, of course I've read them. As a reader, a lover of children's books. But nothing compares to reading a book like this with an actual primary-aged child. In this case, my 7 year old son.
We watched the film first, to check he would be keen, and I've never seen him so happy to see a library copy come! We ordered the Jim Kay illustrated edition (best decision ever) which contains some of the most exquisite pictures of Harry, his friends, his world, that only add to the story - several times I caught my son after lights out flicking through them with a torch.
We also read along in the car with Stephen Fry's recording, taking out big hefty hardback on school runs so we could keep moving through the story... that's how much my son adored this.
He wouldn't stop asking questions and pondering about Hogwarts and Harry. It really is the most perfect story for Key Stage 2 (and beyond!). A totally evil family, a young hero with a past and unwittingly the centre of a secret world, the best school ever invented with feasts, dorms, wands and flying lessons.
I still, as an adult find the denouement a little convenient, but I was caught up in watching my son's reactions to this first instalment, I could practically see his imagination expanding as he listened and read with me.
Such a beautiful world brought to life, and as it has done with so many around the world, it has hooked my son, already a reader, on a new literary adventure.
We have already got a reservation on the second book and audiobook so we can read together wherever we are!
As a librarian, of course I've read them. As a reader, a lover of children's books. But nothing compares to reading a book like this with an actual primary-aged child. In this case, my 7 year old son.
We watched the film first, to check he would be keen, and I've never seen him so happy to see a library copy come! We ordered the Jim Kay illustrated edition (best decision ever) which contains some of the most exquisite pictures of Harry, his friends, his world, that only add to the story - several times I caught my son after lights out flicking through them with a torch.
We also read along in the car with Stephen Fry's recording, taking out big hefty hardback on school runs so we could keep moving through the story... that's how much my son adored this.
He wouldn't stop asking questions and pondering about Hogwarts and Harry. It really is the most perfect story for Key Stage 2 (and beyond!). A totally evil family, a young hero with a past and unwittingly the centre of a secret world, the best school ever invented with feasts, dorms, wands and flying lessons.
I still, as an adult find the denouement a little convenient, but I was caught up in watching my son's reactions to this first instalment, I could practically see his imagination expanding as he listened and read with me.
Such a beautiful world brought to life, and as it has done with so many around the world, it has hooked my son, already a reader, on a new literary adventure.
We have already got a reservation on the second book and audiobook so we can read together wherever we are!
realfemshady's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
midici's review against another edition
5.0
It's been quite a while since I've re-read these. I forgot how sracastic Harry was, how clever Ron could be, and how it took literally half of the first book before they became friends with Hermoine. I'm enjoying diving back in.