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The story begins with Hagrid bringing the infant Harry to Privit Drive, where he links up with Professors Dumbledore and McGonnagal. Harry's parents were just killed by Voldermort, the most powerful dark wizard in history. Harry not only somehow survived Voldermort's attack, but the magical rebound destroyed Voldermort in the process. Dumbledore gives the orphan child to Petunia Dursley, Harry's aunt, to protect him until Harry becomes old enough to go to school. In a very Brother's Grimm story line, Harry is treated less than kindly by his guardians and comes out of the experience humble but otherwise well adjusted. On his 11th birthday, Hagrid returns and explains to Harry that he is a wizard and is accepted to Hogwards School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. At Hogwarts, Harry is awed by the wondrous workings of magic and quickly makes friends for life: Ronald and Hermione. Just as quickly, he meets the boy who will be a major nuisance for the rest of the series: Draco. Harry has mixed success academically, but has especial trouble with Professor Snape. Snape has a loathing for Harry that goes back to when Harry's father was in school. To balance out his so-so book smarts and the irrational hatred of a professor, Harry learns that he is a natural at broom flying and makes school history by becoming a member of the Quidich team as a fist year student. The real plot, however, centers around the Sorcerer's Stone, which is an enchanted chemical that can prolong life indefinitely or even raise the dead. Harry is certain that Voldermort, is after it. Harry and co race to discover its secret hiding place before Voldermort's minion does. Rowling has created a rich world of magic that is believable. She blends an exciting mystery with fantastic fantasy. She was able to create a book that appeals to adults while still appropriate for younger children- no small feat at all. Rowling fills her world with ghosts, animated paintings, moving stairs, shape changers, mythical beasts, interesting people and amazing spells. So much detail is given that she can easily hide important clues in plain sight. As a reader, it is easy to miss a clue because the mind is distracted with what the ghosts or paintings are doing. Rowling provides many unique and interesting characters. No two are even close to being alike (excpet for the Weasly twins, but they are effectively one mind sharing two bodies). Only with the three main characters can the reader really identify with: Harry, Ron and Hermione. We get to see what is in Harry's mind because the story is told from his perspective. He is so close to the other two that we practically know what they are thinking. I think what really sets this book apart from others of this genre is that she was able to bring traditional mythology to the modern world without being a revisionist. It is a pleasure to recognize the creatures from Bulfinch, Brothers's Grimm and other historical sources by how they look and act. Too many times when I read modern fantasy, if the writer did not give me the name of the monster, then I would never have reconginzed its origins. John Holland-author of Necklace of TerrersylvanousRead full review
This audio-book makes you want to go get Harry and bring him to your home to include him in your family even if he is a wizard. His upbringing with the Dursley's made me mourn for the loss of his childhood and obviously his freedom. At Hogwarts where he realized there was definite connection to his parents he also met people (Ron and Hermione for starters)who thought he was a great person and liked him for him. Having Hagrid as a personal mentor was also great. The storyline is good and keeps you on your toes. I did not guess who the bad guy was until the book revealed who it was. Jim Dale does a wonderful job of reading this and makes you feel and see each scene and it unfolds. I have listened to this audio book (alone and with my children) a few times and it is enjoyable each and every time!Read full review
I've alway's loved my books,but now that I have diabetes my eyes aren't as good as they use to be. Now I like audio books, and when I saw that I could get the audio books cheaper on Ebay I had to buy them. Books are wonderful,and these are everything I heard they was. They take you into a world of adventure and you can be any of the people in the story that you want to be. In Harry Potter books, you're a kid again and you can be part of the adventure. When you are my age, you become alive with the story, they are wonderful books, I love them.
Jim Dale's voice talent is incredible. The story is already fantastic and he really brings it to life in an engaging way. One of our favorite audio books to listen to.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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