Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)

Okay, first off, I don't care that the U.S. version of this book has to do with the "Sorcerer's Stone" as opposed to the "Philosopher's Stone". Personally, I like the former better as it ties into the universe better. But I could be wrong, so please minimize the amount of hate mail sent my way. That being said, what kid doesn't imagine someone coming to them when they're around ten or eleven years old and explaining why they're different from others, assuring them that these differences are quite all right, and whisking them off to a magical school where they'll be fully accepted because of these differences. I'm convinced that this is what hooked so many onto this series and made it so successful (it pulled J. K. Rowling out of near-poverty or something close to it.) But my guess could be wrong. I don't know as I'm not a therapist...I don't even own a couch and I'm certainly not on TV. But I've convinced myself with this theory so I thought I would share it. Now then, I loved this book. I loved this series. All seven books will be getting five stars because I can't go any higher. And, so it's also made clear, Hermione Granger is without a doubt my favorite character across the board, though there are a lot more that I still really, really like. I think this goes back to my liking girls with brains. Right from the start, J. K. Rowling gave us one heck of a world to work with. Hidden train platforms, flying broomsticks, three-headed dogs, dragons, wands and spells, potions, and talking portraits are just the tip of the iceberg...and I love it all! In this book, I will say that Hagrid is my favorite faculty member because he's probably the kind of mentor I'd want...kind but firm and helpful but wisely cautious at times (i.e. pointing out Fang's cowardly nature.) I read somewhere that the book's editors wanted to do away with the troll in the bathroom, but I say "how dare they?" This scene was the first of many turning points in this series and, without it, we may not have had many of the others. I will say I wish Professor Quirinus Quirrell played a bigger role in this book. I know he plays a huge role in the end, but I wish he was more built up beforehand. Sure, the surprise involving him was still appropriate, but given what's said about his post as the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, a job said to be cursed even in this book, I'd have liked to at least see him teach something. I don't remember any of that. In fact, during the school year, the only thing I remember about him is when he fainted while reporting the troll attack. I do like how the Dursleys were developed, especially Vernon. Even though it's never said or even implied, the amount of time devoted to this family allows us to clearly link them later on with the family that doesn't believe in magic or anything similar, even if their motives for such beliefs remain a mystery a while longer. I did find it odd that Hagrid never told Harry about how to find Platform 9 3/4. It seemed like one heck of an oversight, even for Hagrid. Sure, it opened the door for Harry to meet the Weasleys, but still... While I'm on the subject, I'm also wondering how Muggle-born students like Hermione managed. I completely understand why Hagrid was sent to help Harry, given the boy's history and all that. But how do others who don't know any of this stuff find these places. There obviously aren't street signs and even Hermione couldn't have prepared for Diagon Alley somehow. Does Hogwarts send someone to every new student without witch/wizard parents? Do they send a detailed manual for you to read once you've recovered from your fainting spell? I would have liked some elaboration on this. But for all my nit-picking, this was an absolutely great book. Jim Dale does an especially good job on the audio version, which is unabridged, which, in this case, should earn the book another nine stars on its own. If you're among the only two people in the world who don't know Harry Potter, "The Boy Who Lived", don't waste any more time. Read this book! Enjoy.

I love listening to the HP stories. They are so calming to me. The sound quality is good and Jim Dale's reading pace is pleasant. I do not like how he reads female voices but it is going to be hard for any grown man to voice females.

Possibly the best book of the last 20 years for people of all ages, read by Jim Dale, who was voted best narrator of the year more than once. How could it get any better? J.K. Rowling is nothing short of spectacular. The story is a must read for everyone, and a must listen to twice (it just gets better) Highly entertaining. Amazing. Will teach children and adults many life lessons and make life better while entertaining. Possible one of the very few books that will still be read a thousand years from now (or listened to) Jim Dale is highly talented narrator and he only gets better with books 2 and on. If you only buy one audio book this year , this is the one to buy, even if you've seen the movie.

I've loved the world of Harry Potter since I first read the books 13 years ago. I cannot count how many times I've read these books over the years as they are wonderful. Jim Dale does a great job of bringing this world to life. I definitely recommend these audio books. They certainly help traffic seem much less stressful. I went through a time where I listened to these audiobooks around the house a lot. My kitty loves them and not just because she likes Jim Dale’s voice, because we have at least one with Stephen Frye, she just loves listening to all of the Harry Potters. I discovered this when I had to take her to the vet. She was crying until I turned on Harry, suddenly she stopped crying completely. Ever since, if we have to go somewhere in the car with her, we turn on Harry Potter. In fact one day, someone else was driving and I had my kitty at my feet. We had Harry on, until we realized we needed to make a phone call, so we turned Harry off, Kitty just looked right up at me, very indignant and meowed, scolding me for turning off her stories. And yes this actually is a true story, it’s not an exaggeration.

I had already read all four of the available Harry Potter books before I listened to the audio versions of the same books. (I borrowed the tapes from a friend). The books impressed me as some of the best writing and storytelling I have ever read, and the audio versions do justice to the writing. The reader, Jim Dale, is an award-winning actor who makes the writing come alive. (Although he does pronounce Hagrid differently from the way I do. Is it "Hay-grid" or "Hag-rid"?) The CD's and tapes are unabridged, so the listener doesn't miss a word of Rowling's great writing. I often drive solo, and really enjoy listening to talk rather than music. The Harry Potter audio series is perfect for an interesting diversion from miles of straight freeway. If you are traveling by car with children, these audio versions of the books could make your trip much more enjoyable. These CD's are expensive, which is why I bought only one at first. I intend to get a new one with each Amazon order until I own the entire set.

El audio va muy rápido y requiere cierto nivel de inglés para entender algunos capítulos me está gustando mucho, encantada con mi compra lo recomiendo

Excellent price & service

Enjoyed very much by my daughter

ハリーポッター好きの娘の英語の教材として購入しました。 気に入ったようです。

家族で車の中で英語の声のみ聞いています。 英語のヒアリングをするために、聞き流し用に買いました。 繰り返し聞いて、ヒアリング力を高めたいと思います。