Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling

ISBN: 0747532745
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Published: June 1997
223 pgs

Synopsis (from B&N)
Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. From an author who has been compared to C. S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, this enchanting, funny debut novel won England's National Book Award and the prestigious Smarties Prize.

I am sure most of you must have read the Harry Potter series or watched the movies so I am taking a different approach when writing the reviews for the Harry Potter Reading Challenge. I would do a self-interview for each book I read in this series and I hope you will enjoy reading them.

Q: What made you pick up this series in the first place?
A: Honestly, I am not aware of this wonderful series until they hit the big screen. I have to admit I did not read a lot of young adult books back then but I am very happy to pick up this series no matter how late I am. Actually, I had read the first three installments last year but just did not get around to writing the reviews. I am glad this reading challenge comes along so it is a great opportunity for me to catch up on this series!

Q: Which is your favourite and least favourite scene? Why?
A: I have more than one favourite scene! Reading this book is like an adventure to me so how could I possibly just name a scene and neglect the others? However, I have to say Harry's journey to the Hogwarts is an interesting read and I loved the part how he got acquainted with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The scene where Ron has to play the chess so that Harry and Hermione could reach the room safely touched me greatly and this says a lot about their friendship and their loyalty to one another.

As for the least favourite scene, shall I say any scene about the Dursley family bullying Harry annoyed me a lot? They are an irritating lot and that is all I have to say about them.

Q: Name a trait which you think we all should learn from any of the characters in this book.
A: Ron for his self-sacrificing spirit, and the courage the three friends portray during their quests.

Q: Your overall thoughts on this book?
A: I enjoy reading about the magical realism and the wizarding world which J. K. Rowling has created in this wonderful first installment. I liked the premise but what made this a great read is the set of engaging characters on top of the exciting adventure. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, here I come!

*****

Note: I am in the middle of reading the second installment and will be asking the same questions for the rest of this series (except the first) so if you have any questions to ask me on the second book, please post them in the comment box here. Thank you in advance!