Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K Rowling - Reviewed by Carter Harris-Fowell

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone is a fiction novel by New York Times bestselling author J.K Rowling.

The novel tells the story of Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and that he possesses unique powers of his own. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and embarks on a journey of a lifetime.

At Hogwarts, he finds the home and family he never had. Harry makes friends that he will never forget. This is where Harry is happy, ironically, he is amazed by what Hogwarts is like, the style of learning and the teachers. He encounters trolls, goblins, three headed dogs, cloaked figures standing above bleeding unicorns, violent life-sized chess boards and much more.

Harry attends various classes such as, transfiguration, herbology, potions, defence against the dark arts, levitation and flying. Harry becomes one of the youngest Quditch players in a century. Harry is overwhelmed with the attention that he receives from everyone at the school and across the wizarding world. It seems that wherever Harry goes people know him better than he knows himself.

Harry’s character evolves through the novel especially when he has to confront some of the worst fates imaginable. Harry has the drive to continue to prove himself in spite of some of his past circumstances. 

The novel inspires and ignites the imagination of young readers. This novel is pure fantasy and very far starched from reality.  In my opinion it is really hard to believe; that is what makes the story so amazing. The novel is an action packed work of fiction with a lot of heart.  There are also calm neutral parts of the novel that gives it a sense of humanity and readers can really connect with the characters and be transported by their stories.

Harry Potter is a good book but it can at times be very complicated in telling the boy’s story. In my opinion it lacks important explanation and context setting that could make the story stronger.  These elements are further revealed in subsequent novels in the series. It is an easy read for young people that like fiction.