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Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone: Summary and book reviews of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. (Joanne) Rowling, plus links to an excerpt from Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone and a biography of J.K. (Joanne) Rowling.

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
1st Published in UK as Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. (Joanne) Rowling
Hardcover: Sep 1998,
309 pages.
Paperback: Sep 1999,
312 pages.

Publication information
First book/First Novel


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BOOK SUMMARY

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 closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

But all 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.

Media Reviews

  USA Today
You don't have to be a wizard or a kid to appreciate the spell cast by Harry Potter.

  Newsweek
The true hero of this summer's reading season is likely to be Harry Potter.

  Newsweek
The true hero of this summer's reading season is likely to be Harry Potter.

  USA Today
You don't have to be a wizard or a kid to appreciate the spell cast by Harry Potter.

  The New York Times Book Review - Michael Winerip
A wonderful first novel....Harry is destined for greatness. Much like Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling has a gift for keeping the emotions, fears and triumphs of her characters on a human scale, even while the supernatural is popping out all over.

  The New York Times Book Review - Michael Winerip
A wonderful first novel....Harry is destined for greatness. Much like Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling has a gift for keeping the emotions, fears and triumphs of her characters on a human scale, even while the supernatural is popping out all over.

  Publisher's Weekly
Readers are in for a delightful romp with this award-winning debut from a British author who dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by tomy
HarryPotter1
I have never read such a wondrous and time consuming book. A true legend Potter will be, for years and years to come.

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by kelly
2 thumbs up!
This book has inspired me to read more at school and at home. I love the Harry Potter series and I'm in the middle of reading the second one! I think J.K Rowling is a great author with a creative imagination! Two thumbs up! :)

Rated 4 of 5 of 5 by kasy
Harry Potter
This book is filled with mystery and adventure, and very enjoyable for all ages!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by painted caves 23
da da da
It was full of action and intense suspense. I loved how J.K. Rowling displayed the characters. She makes every feel like they are special. My favorite part is the end when the characters head below the trapped door. They defeat their challenges as...   Read More

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by englandlover99
AMAZINGLY AWESOME!!
I am a very big reader and this book was AWESOME! I loved it very much, now my brother is reading it. he's only half way through, and he thinks that it's brilliant already! I absolutely LOVED this book and would reccomend it to everyone!

Rated 5 of 5 of 5 by Kennedy
Wizardly Awesome
Being in the fifth grade: I loved it. From the first page to the last, the book kept me reading. There was suspense, action, adventure with danger thrown in there. A must read book for all to enjoy....

...277 More Reader Reviews

Readalikes Full readalike results are for members only

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These are 2 of the 8 readalike suggestions for Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. Members have full access to all readalikes. If you are a member, please login. To find out more about membership, click here.


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