SPELL-BOUND (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J. K. Rowling)

Member Name: jingles

Product:	Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J. K. Rowling
Date:	07/11/01 (144 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Amazing literary works of art

Disadvantages: Ive finished the 4th book and book 5 isnt published yet

Ok lm sure you are all well and truly fed up of hearing about this little chap Potter, but lve only recently discovered him, and lm still reeling at how outstanding the books are!

Joanne Rowling (the K stands for Kathleen which is after her grandmother, was inserted into her name to make is sound more manly on the instructions of her publishers!) has to date written and published 4 books in the Potter series with a further 3 in the pipeline. The film based on the first book (know not as the Philosopher’s Stone but the Sorcerer’s Stone) is due for general release in the UK on 16th November 2001, although advance previews are being held the weekend before. Everyone seems to be talking about Harry Potter; the papers have articles daily about the hero of the book – but why?

JK Rowling has created a world of fantasy and magic. I would equate her to such children’s authors as Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. She is a children’s author, but adults adore her. I don’t think l would be going to far when saying l think she’s a literary genius!

I ordered by HP books 1 to 3 from my book club at a special offer price and bought book 4 in Tesco’s for £3.49 (half price!). I read all 4 books in a matter of days; l simply could not put the books down – now lm suffering Harry withdrawal symptoms! Oh well, lve got movie tickets for this weekend!

The Philosopher’s Stone – Book 1

I’m not going to go in-depth into the storyline and plots, as l know out there people exist who as yet have not had the pleasure of reading these master-pieces!

Harry Potter as the title suggests is our hero. He was orphaned as a 1 year old baby and sent to live with his cruel and unimaginative Aunt, Uncle and Cousin – aka the Dursleys. Harry is banished to the cupboard under the stairs to live.

When Harry turns 11 strange things begin to occur – and to cut a l
ong story short, he finds out he has been offered a place at Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry. Needless to say that these revelations shock the poor boy!

Harry learns about his background and his parents – Lily and James Potter. Again he hears unfathomable stories!

After an amazing experience at King’s Cross Railway Station and his introduction to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, Harry boards the Hogwart’s Express, bound for his new school life. Here Harry meets his new friends Ronald Weasley and Herimone Granger – who will stand by his side throughout his adventures.

Life at Hogwart’s for Harry and friends is far from dull. Harry experiences the Sorting Hat, Quidditch, broomstick flying and much much more.

Rowling uses language to such an extent that you yourself can be found in Hogwart’s and experience the emotive rollercoaster too.

I’m not going into the plot any further as it simply would not be fair on those still to discover the delights of life at Hogwarts!

The Main Characters

Harry Potter

The hero, who until the age of 11 was unaware of his wizardry parentage. He is known throughout the magical word as the boy who defeated “ You Know Who!”

Ronald Weasley

A wizard from a large family who although are not well –off, always seem to manage. He has a pet rat called Scabbers and is Harry Potter’s best friend.

Herimone Granger

Until she received her Hogwarts letter, she lived with her dentist parents, oblivious to magic. She is muggle born – that is from non-magic parents. She is an extremely intelligent witch and another close friend of Harry Potter.

Albus Dumbledore

The world-renowned headmaster of Hogwarts. One of the world’s greatest wizards and Harry Potter’s mentor.

Minerva McGonagall

The Deputy headmistress of Hog
warts and Head of the Gryffindor House (which Harry & Co. belong to). She teaches transfiguration. A strict witch but she has her pupil’s best interests at heart.

Hagrid

A huge man, who was at one point expelled as a pupil of Hogwarts. Now due to the mercy of Prof. Dumbledore he works as a gamekeeper at the school. He is also a close friend of Harry Potter.

Draco Malfoy

A dreadful bully in the same year as Harry Potter. He is Potter’s archenemy with in the school alongside his two sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle.

Lord Voldemort

The encapsulation of evil. The Dark Lord – also known as he who should not be named or you know who.

Professor Quirrell

A nervous, turban wearing Defense Against Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.


Final Thoughts

I loved the Philosopher’s Stone. It has to be my personal favourite so far – others may well argue with me on this point, but l loved being introduced to Hogwarts, Harry and friends and the delights of witchcraft and wizardry. The books are supposedly for kids, but l defy any adult to read them and not to enjoy them. When l was a girl l loved Enid Blyton’s St Claire’s series, with the adventures of the twins, to such an extent that l daydreamt about attending boarding school and living their lives! Now lm no longer a girl, (l haven’t had a sex change! I’m a woman!) but l still want to attend Hogwarts, to be sorted, play Quidditch or to go to Hogsmeade! Its such a pity real life can’t be like books!

ENJOY

Heather

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