The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

In her 1997 novel, J.K. Rowling begins to explore the classic coming of age story of a young boy named Harry Potter in what would become a seven-book series that kids all over the world would still relate to and enjoy to 20 years later. The book beings Harry’s journey through the wizarding world that is secretly hidden within our own non-magic -- muggle -- world. Like many kids at his age, Harry deals with societal pressures, and school bullies, but Harry Potter is no ordinary eleven-year-old boy. When he was just a baby, the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, murdered his parents, but by some strange magic was unable to kill little Harry. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named then vanished, and magical and muggle worlds alike were free from his reign of terror. Harry, was then famous among his fellow wizards, and when he turned eleven, he was sent to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry where he met his best friends Ron and Hermione. However as signs of the dark lord’s return present themselves to the trio, they must break the rules and trust in their friendship as they search for answers to prevent his return to their world. 

In “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, J.K. Rowling creates a a vivid image of a world beyond imagination. With colorful and detailed descriptions of every scene, Rowling brings the wizarding world to life. Creatures and concepts beyond belief stretch the readers imagination to its full capacity. Yet, the simple language, and and pureness of the characters and story make the book easy to read, and entertaining. Despite the simplicity of the language, Rowling explores quite heavy concepts in the novel and throughout the series, including the affect of love, the importance of trust and reliance, and the grey area between good and evil. Rowling has also been credited with many other best-sellers, including the rest of the renowned series, and her prowess is apparent in her writing. Her descriptive yet simple writing style appeals to all ages and mindsets, and has connected people all over the world.

As quickly as it was released, Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. The Sorcerer’s Stone on its own was translated into 76 languages for fans around the globe. Kids and adults alike, fell in love with the playful and imaginative nature of the book as well as the emotional journeys of each individual character, connecting people of all ages, races, and social standings, over these heroes’ unity. With each character, creature, and spell the readers journey deeper into the depths of the wizarding world, and every moment on the way holds a special place in our hearts. Each line evokes emotion, whether that is fear, anger, sadness, humor, happiness, or love, the novel takes you on an emotional, nostalgic, playful, and engaging journey to stop the spread of evil, once and for all. 

I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when I was in second grade, dealing with the same things that most children deal with -- school bullies, classes, finding new friends -- and although I never got to fight off an evil wizard, or fly on a broomstick, the wizarding world allowed me to find a sense of family in the characters and the magic. This is the case for many Hary Potter fans around the world and the Potterhead family is only growing. From school sports to large scale social issues, the wizarding world draws parallels between our very own  muggle world, that all of us can identify with and relate to. So if you are planning on starting this wonderful fantasy adventure, there is always a place for you in the wizarding world, and I hope to see you there soon!

Check out Harry Potter and Sorcerer's Stone at the Newport Beach Public Library!