In a World Where Anything Goes: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers (Philosophers) Stone (#1 Harry Potter) by J.K. Rowling

Rating: 9/10

Summary: Harry Potter lives in with his aunt and uncle, The Dursley’s, who despise him and treat him as a servant instead of family. When Harry turns 11, his life changes drastically, he finds out he is a wizard and will be attending the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this world, Harry is a Hero, as he was the only person (or baby at the time) to survive an attack from Voldemort. While discovering a world of magic, Harry and his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, work together to solve the mystery of the three headed dog guarding one of the corridors.

My thoughts: A very good beginning to the story, a little choppy at times, but what can you expect for an authors first book. The world she has created is very nicely developed and quite realistic. The characters are relatable and very different from one to the other. You are quick to hate certain characters and can just as easily fall in love with others. The idea of having each book encompass an entire year at Hogwarts allows the time for the characters to grow, and slowly research the clues they find in order to solve the mystery. As a group of 11 year olds, I liked that things didn’t progress too quickly and that the book did not focus on romance but on friendship and trust.

There were certain aspects of the world that I truly enjoyed. Pictures that move, portraits that talk, staircases that decide to move to new locations, candles that float… and the addition of creatures such as a three headed dog, unicorns, and a centaur. These aspects really built the world and make you wish it was real.

I really loved the series, as it was not only created for kids but for adults as well.

Quote p.186: “The Gryffindor first years followed Percy through the chattering crowds, out of the Great Hall, and up the marble staircase. Harry’s legs were like lead again, but only because he was so tired and full of food. He was too sleepy even to be surprised that the people in the portraits along the corridors whispered and pointed as they passed, or that twice Percy led them through doorways hidden behind sliding panels and hanging tapestries. They climbed more staircases, yawning and dragging their feet, and Harry was just wondering how much farther they had to go when they came to a sudden halt.

A bundle of walking sticks was floating in midair ahead of them, and as Percy took a step toward them they started throwing themselves at him.”