Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J K Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry". Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig ... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin Snelson

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A magical book for all ages - Rated
I first read this enchanting novel nearly a decade ago, and throughout this time 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' has consistently lived up to its reputation as a magical, exciting work of fiction for readers of all ages. The character of Harry Potter is developed on a scale appropriate for the younger reader, although the twist-and-turn-full plot will leave any aged reader waiting for the next chapter, and indeed the next book. Recommended.

Learning Languages - Rated
I am reading the Danish, French, & Polish & with the French & Polish audio versions; J.K. Rowlings has made learning other languages a little easier. A very good story from this book to the last in the series.

ALL RIGHT - Rated
Everyone knows about Harry Potter now; whether it is through movies, the news, (about JK Rowling going to court to stop a fan publishing an encyclopaedia about her world of witches, wizards and magic), or something else, it doesn't really matter - what matters is that all of this stuff started with this one book.
This is the first, and probably the best, book in the series. It is about Harry's home life with his horrible relatives, his time in Diagon Alley looking for what he needs and his first year at Hogwarts with Ron, Hermione and others.
This book has two names: the original and initial name (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone) and the American name (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).
This is a great story and one of my favourite books too.

JUST BRILLIANT! - Rated
I actually am a massive harry potter fan and read this book years ago - i accidentally come across this been reviewed and reading the other review about reading cs lewis, lord of the rings etc what a load of rubbish - I have read most of the books that author suggested and they do not compare in one little bit to harry potter - it IS a childrens book but is also fantastic for adults to read and i think people forget that when they decide to slag off harry potter - leave him alone hes fab - its nice to have some magic in the world take us away from boring everyday life!

Potter mad - Rated
looking at some of the reviews on here, i think a lot of people are trying to rebel against the now norm of loving the harry potter series. Yes, the first book is quite young, but you gotta take it for what it is, a childs book! i HAVE read most of the other books people are recommending instead of Potter and enjoyed them in their turn and it is possible to love Potter as well as Frodo (for instance)!