![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
I'm embarking on a re-read of all seven books. Yay!!
The first time I read this, I didn't actually *read* it. I listened to the book on tape driving to work for just over a week. I loved it and gobbled up the three books following it in rapid succession. I was then left to wait for the remaining four on tenterhooks like everyone else.
Actually reading the book was just as entertaining as listening to book the first time. Possibly more. The characters were charming, the plot sped along and the world was richly and thoroughly imagined. There was a sense of repetition in some of the events, moments in the earlier parts of the novel that are mimicked in the closing lead up to Harry's battle with Quirrell and Voldemort that could have been more subtly done.
There isn't much to say. I loved the way that the characters are all flawed. Hermione with her know-it-all-ness was a particular favorite. I also discovered a deep affection for Neville Longbottom who is given much more to do here versus what we see in the films. Similarly, the Weasley twins are pretty damn awesome. In retrospect, it's amazing how much the characters grow and change over the course of the series if not in the book. This is our starting point, the introduction to this world and these characters. My love for the series is a culmination of many books, and The Sorcerer's Stone is an enchanting way to start.
Still a clever novel with exceptional world building, I find myself eager to dig back into the remaining novels. Knowing what's to come next makes the relative innocence of the characters at this stage poignant. One surprise was how completely foul the Dursley's really are. I never *reallY* thought about it, but they're horribly abusive. I know this portion of the story, this early in the series, is largely a Cinderella tale, but the shenanigans of Cinderella's wicked in-laws and step people wasn't as personal as Harry's unfortunate life with the Dursley's. They're as bad, if not worse, than Snape.
It's obviously an easy read, perfectly suited to the age range for which it's intended. Enjoyable nontheless. As if you didn't already know.
The first time I read this, I didn't actually *read* it. I listened to the book on tape driving to work for just over a week. I loved it and gobbled up the three books following it in rapid succession. I was then left to wait for the remaining four on tenterhooks like everyone else.
Actually reading the book was just as entertaining as listening to book the first time. Possibly more. The characters were charming, the plot sped along and the world was richly and thoroughly imagined. There was a sense of repetition in some of the events, moments in the earlier parts of the novel that are mimicked in the closing lead up to Harry's battle with Quirrell and Voldemort that could have been more subtly done.
There isn't much to say. I loved the way that the characters are all flawed. Hermione with her know-it-all-ness was a particular favorite. I also discovered a deep affection for Neville Longbottom who is given much more to do here versus what we see in the films. Similarly, the Weasley twins are pretty damn awesome. In retrospect, it's amazing how much the characters grow and change over the course of the series if not in the book. This is our starting point, the introduction to this world and these characters. My love for the series is a culmination of many books, and The Sorcerer's Stone is an enchanting way to start.
Still a clever novel with exceptional world building, I find myself eager to dig back into the remaining novels. Knowing what's to come next makes the relative innocence of the characters at this stage poignant. One surprise was how completely foul the Dursley's really are. I never *reallY* thought about it, but they're horribly abusive. I know this portion of the story, this early in the series, is largely a Cinderella tale, but the shenanigans of Cinderella's wicked in-laws and step people wasn't as personal as Harry's unfortunate life with the Dursley's. They're as bad, if not worse, than Snape.
It's obviously an easy read, perfectly suited to the age range for which it's intended. Enjoyable nontheless. As if you didn't already know.
