Giving A Book A Second Chance
You are probably wondering "Kali, didn't you just do a book review?"
Why, yes, yes I did. But for some reason this past weekend a book was calling my name. To be more precise, Harry Potter was calling to me.
All I could think about this past weekend was wanting to read or watch Harry Potter, but I only own the fourth book(nobody likes starting in a middle of a series) and have the first two movies in VHS. So, I decided to give in and buy the first book in eBook format(reasons like this are why I love my Kindle).
Now this isn't my first time reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. When I was first introduced to Harry Potter I was 9 years old. This puts me in third grade... the time when I feel children really start to get into stories.
My mom had purchased the novel for me in hopes I would keep busy with it one weekend. I was excited even though I had never heard of the story.
I remember cozying up in my bed ready to be brought into a world of magic. After 30 pages of reading I found myself bored and confused. I had no clue what the word Muggle meant or what was going on with the flying owls. So with that, I closed the book and didn't look at it again until the age of 19.
By this time, my copy of the book was long gone, but one of the girls living down the hall from my dorm seemed to have a plethora of Harry Potter memorabilia, including all seven books. I just finished my college mid terms and had about a week of down time. The last movie of the franchise was coming to an end and so I decided to give the books another try since I liked the movie so much.
After the week, I had finished all seven books while having giant bags under my eyes from the lack of sleep. So to say the least I liked the series.
I realized it had been 10 years since the last time I read them. So to keep the tradition going I decided to start again this past weekend.
Overview of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Kept in a cupboard, under the stairwell by his family, for most of his life, Harry Potter soon finds out he is a famous wizard after an owl delivers him a letter. Being accepted into one of the most prestigious schools of magic, Hogwarts, Harry finds himself meeting new friends, learning the ways of magic, all while trying to stay safe from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who was unable to kill Harry as a baby.
The Cons of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
· Writing Style 'Tells' Rather than 'Shows'
J.K. Rowling gets straight to the point when it comes to this story. With that though, the author missed the number one rule in storytelling. Show not tell. The descriptions of the characters are very basic and paragraph-like when it comes to their outer appearance leaving nothing to the imagination.
· Harry's Acceptance with Magic
Even though Harry has grown up in the muggle world nothing seems to faze him when it comes to magic. His character seems okay with everything and very trusting of those around him. I feel his character would be more relatable if he was uncertain and apprehensive in the beginning than he let on.
· More of a Backstory
Even though the series as a whole goes into Harry's back story I think this novel would have hit home more if Lord Voldemort was spoken about with more intensity.
This would have made the readers connect more with the main character and see why Lord Voldemort was so dangerous in the first place.
The Pros of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
· Unique Story
Out of any story I've ever read, this is the most unique when it comes to the storyline, concept, and ideas. It keeps the reader interested throughout the book to see what cool magically elements will happen next.
· Character Qualities
Each character has unique and bold qualities about them. This helps keep not only the story interesting because of the array of personalities, but makes them more believable as characters. You can connect with almost any character in one form or another.
· Easy to Read
This story is easy to follow along with and simple to read. Besides the magical spells which even the students have a hard time saying them, this book is for any age.
· Each Chapter Moves the Story Forward
The best thing about this book is each chapter is important to the story. The author made sure to stay on point and only added ideas/concepts which are relevant. Nobody likes to read whole chapters which give nothing to the story.
Overall Review Summary
Rereading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone made me realize why I had the urge to read/watch it again. Apparently, I just needed a little magic in my life.
Out of 5 stars I give it a 5. A first for Kali Kuzma Author and Storyteller!
It's honestly a unique and exciting story someone from of any age can enjoy. I'm currently on the second book and hope to have it done in the next few days. I don't know if I will read all of them at the pace I did the first book but I know each one will bring the awesome element of magic.
Since it has been so long from the last time I read them I am interested to see how I relate to the characters again now that I'm older. Will I relate more with the teachers or the students? We shall see.
If you are interested other magical reads check out my children's picture book Princess Gabriella and the Never-Ending Kiss. You can purchase it on Amazon, in eBook, format for only $9.99! Or get a physical copy at Blurb.com for $32.99!
If you love YA novels and are interested in finding out about more I suggest taking a look at my review for Midnight Sun, A Witch in Time, or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue!
