I don’t remember the age at which I first picked up my Harry Potter book, but I remember the impact it had on me and my life. It introduced me to a world of reading that inspires and strengthens me. It taught me the value of morals, the worth of friendship, and, above all, courage in times of adversity.

I believe that Harry Potter inspired people to work hard and strive towards living a life of dignity and courage.

I owe J.K. Rowling my childhood. So, while each book is unique and entertaining, it is best to start at the beginning.

If you want to fully enjoy the magical world of Hogwarts, read all the books in the order. This post will review the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. This book forms the core of all the others, helping readers establish the main characters and creating enough suspense and curiosity to keep them wondering what will happen next.

FYI- This book is called Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in the UK.

The Bigger Picture

Harry Potter’s story begins on a seemingly ordinary night on the silent street of Surrey in England. Three people, an older man, a stern-faced woman, and a vast bearded person, discuss a series of events. These events include a tragedy and murder and the reason why they must leave a sleeping baby on the doorstep of an ordinary home.

This sleeping baby is Harry Potter, whose parents died in a car crash, leaving him with only a lightning bolt-shaped scar on his forehead as a reminder. This would also mean he would be raised in his aunt’s and her husband’s home for his childhood. However, Harry’s life turns completely when he discovers his identity as a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Over the following chapters, Harry realizes the actual cause of his parent’s death.

He finds out how his parent’s killer, Lord Voldemort, had mercilessly killed them. In the process, he had also taken away Harry’s childhood. From here, Harry journeys to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to fulfill his true destiny of becoming a wizard. Here, he forges strong bonds of friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger, also students at Hogwarts.

But, everything is not what it seems at Hogwarts because Lord Voldemort wants to capture the Philosopher’s Stone hidden in the castle, which can grant eternal life to its possessor. What follows is a tale of how Harry and his gang of friends try to thwart Voldemort’s very plan in his attempt to reach his goal.

Analysis of The Story

What sets Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone apart is how the author introduces you to a magical world. With a strong eye for detail, Rowling has etched out a world that is easy to imagine and relate to, even for children. However, the authors’ most significant success has been in creating characters that have today achieved cult status in the literary world.

The bonds of friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermoine leave an inedible mark on the reader’s mind. Further, every character in the book creates a niche space for themselves in the reader’s mind. Whether Harry is attending his first class, bonding with his friends, or coming face to face with Lord Voldemort, every incident is captured with immense thoughtfulness and flair.

Another significant aspect of JK Rowling’s writing is the use of humor in various chapters and incidents across the book.

Final Verdict

Rowling possesses both an ear and an eye for the unexpected, working her brand of magic with turns of phrase and flashes of humor that are subtle and sly. This book is funny, moving, and impressive, and thanks to the immaculate writing of J.K. Rowling, the readers too enter a world as magical as the one that Harry Potter lives in.

Designated for teenagers but written for anyone who loves a good story, this book is worth a read.

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