R Reviews - Not in Alphabetical Order
J. K. Rowling - The Harry Potter books
Last fall we visited with some friends from England. They asked us if we had heard of the Harry Potter stories, if they had come to America. Well, at that time I hadn't, but it was soon after that I went to a bookstore, and sure enough, there were the Harry Potter books. They are great. I highly recommend them!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Rowling has created a marvelous story with these books. She has done a wonderful job of creating a world filled with magic and wonder. Amazing characters and a story line that leads us through a discovery process. In this first book we meet Harry and are appalled at the horrible life he leads with the Dursleys. We can all relate to this life even if ours was nothing like his at all. As the underdog, Harry gains our sympathy without asking for it. We have all known someone like his cousin Dudley, and we ache for Harry at each injustice. The magical world of the wizardy school of Hogwarts is easy to relate to as well. Even though the classes may not be exactly the same, the approach is the same. I love the titles of the books and the courses offered, The History of Magic, etc. You will definitley enjoy this book.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This book follows Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione through their second year at Hogwarts. Life at a Wizardy school is pretty much like life at any school, it has it's bullies, it's sports competitions, and teachers, both good and yucky! Rowling's stories are told with so much fun that you don't really realize that you are learning stuff! We see Harry grow with each book, and we, if we are adults reading this, can remember some of the same feelings and doubts and fears that we went through in our youth. I know you will like this book!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This story follows Harry through his third year at Hogwarts. Why does Professor Snape dislike Harry so much? After all, Harry is just a kid. We also see Hagrid and learn about magical creatures! This story answers some more questions about what really happened to Harry's parents and we learn more about Snape. We have a new professor, Professor Lupin. How do all of these intertwine with Ron's rat Scabbers? And Hermione has double classes! How does she do it? You will not be disappointed with any of these books. I do suggest you read them in order. I can't wait to see if the next one is out yet, year 4.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
This is of course Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts and it is filled with more excitement and adventure. Harry does a lot of growing up in this story with a lot of growing up pains. Harry learns about love and death in this year. If you haven't picked it up yet, you must read it soon! Now we have to wait a whole year for the next one!
For those that are against the stories because of the "magic" and "witches", I suggest they look through the facade and find the plain, ordinary story of growing up and getting along with others!
Updated August 19, 2000
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