Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

Title:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author:  J. K. Rowling
Format:  PB
Pages:  308
Genre:  Juvenile Fantasy
Publisher:  Scholastic, 1999
ISBN-13:  978-0590353427
Series:  Harry Potter, Book 1

Favorite Quote:  "Me!" said Hermoine.  "Books!  And cleverness!  There are more important things -- friendship and bravery and -- oh Harry -- be careful!"

Synopsis (Amazon):  Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

Review:  It's hard, after hearing so many rave reviews of this series, not to be just a little disappointed with this first novel.  It's good enough children's fantasy.  It's just not as good as the critics and fans would have you believe.  As a huge fan of SFF, I've been told numerous times that I simply must read these books, usually in a tone of voice that showed complete disbelief that I hadn't done so already.

I have already seen the movie based on this book.  I think that took away from my enjoyment of the novel, since I already knew what was going to happen.  But, it was nice to know that the story had been changed very little in the movie's making.  

However, I did enjoy the book.  The characters are lovable.  My favorite, the red-headed Ron, best friend to Harry Potter, is warm and humorous.  It was a fast read and had plenty of humor and action.  And, considering it was written for ages 9-12, it's really a very endearing, well-told tale.  Any parent with a child in the appropriate age group should certainly look to this series for reading material.  I'm already reading the next book.   

Rating:  4 / 5