HarryPotter and the Sorcerer's Stone

By J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series.  It tells the story of a young boy named Harry, who is often abused and neglected by his aunt, uncle and cousin who took him in when his parents died.  When the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry attempts to contact Harry to inform him of his acceptance, the aunt and uncle do everything possible to keep him from finding out.  Regardless of their efforts, Harry makes it to Hogwarts, and many adventures follow.

J.K. Rowling is able to capture the imagination of readers of all ages with her fantastic descriptions of the Muggle world.  Readers find themselves taking part in a world they know does not exist, but everything seems to fit in just right to make the world believable.  It is easy to visualize the setting where Harry's many adventures take place with Rowling's complete and consistent descriptions.  Harry's character is much like many children, and his feelings and experiences, while in extraordinary circumstances, mirror those of ordinary children.  A powerful theme of good versus evil dominates the book.

The author's style of writing encourages readers to believe in Harry Potter and his magical world.  His point of view even demonstrates a certain amount of disbelief when he first discovers his magical abilities, much like that of any reader.  Eventually, as Harry acknowledges his reality, readers find themselves accepting it as well.  Readers become so absorbed in this book, that it is no wonder the series has become so popular among people of all ages.