Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By J.K. Rowling
By J.K. Rowling
Blurb from Goodreads: "Harry Potter has never been the star of a Quidditch team, scoring points while riding a broom far above the ground. He knows no spells, has never helped to hatch a dragon, and has never worn a cloak of invisibility. All he knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley--a great big swollen spoiled bully. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years. But all of that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to an incredible place that Harry--and anyone who reads about him--will find unforgettable. For it's there that he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter."
Sigh. I love this book.
So, I decided to pick up Harry Potter with a different purpose this time. I didn't read it to escape (though how can you not). I read it for the writing. Rowling is a master. She breaks the rules with such grace you can't help but adore it.
First thing- She doesn't open with her main character. Harry Potter opens with the Dursleys and doesn't even mention Harry until the end of the first chapter.
Second- She uses dialogue tags -- a lot. Everybody "said" something, but it is done so well you don't even notice.
Third- Descriptions -- they're everywhere! Now this is where Rowling really shows her mastery. Her descriptions pull you right in the midst of this magical world, but in a way that you don't even realize it.
It took me years to decide to read this book. I actually read from Goblet of Fire through the end and then went back and read the first ones.
It is one of my all time favorite books and I read it about once a month.
If for some crazy reason you have never read this book, do yourself a favor. Sit down and savor it. Let it inspire you like it inspires me.
5 comments:
Her writing gets light years better over the course of the books. She breaks a lot of rules in the beginning because she didn't know she was breaking the rules.
It's a great series and matures with every book.
This is such a great series and one that I'm overdue to reread.
You've inspired me to re-read it.
can you believe this is the only HP book I've read? AND it was before the first movie--but only just.
I loved it, and I disliked the movie b/c my imaginings based on her writing were so much better. It IS a wonderful book~ :o)
Just got one of my good friends to start reading Harry Potter (two of them actually), and though they are fully grown adults (one hesitant to read non-fiction, the weirdo) they LOVE them. Rowling pulls you in and just will. not. let. go. Right from the start.
You are making me want to reread them all!! (for learning purposes. Duh. ;) )
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