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

Disclaimer: This review was originally written last year when I first read the book. I've updated the post for clarity but have kept my original impressions intact.

This review is full of spoilers. But you've watched the Titanic knowing how that was going to end. Similarly, spoilers won't ruin anything here, although it's best of course that you read the books first, if only to best understand.

I can't believe I've never read Harry Potter before. I got the 20th Anniversary Edition of the first book, so it started with some spoilers, but also with some pretty rad art. 

Reading this book feels a lot like reading a children's book. And I know, it is a children's book (at least initially), but it's a classic - read even more by adults. I have never read anything like it. I'm definitely biased - because this is so many people's favourite, and I do like it already. But there's also the critical part of me that's stubbornly holding off on having any preconceived feelings. 

There's something about Joanne's writing though. She knows how to clothe her characters in personality. How to make them vivid. She makes them real, which is something I've missed so much from reading all these shallow books recently. I haven't felt real characters. Stories have felt rushed and not properly planned out. But hers, although cartoonish, do feel real. Thank you for that, Joanne Kathleen. 

I must say though. Rupert was right when he said he was scary like his character. But it's not only him. The whole cast (so far where I've reached in the book anyway), is scary like their character. It's phenomenal.

I imagine if they had made the movies with every single scene from the book - every single one without exception even if that made one movie ten hours long - it would still be a big hit. And a lot of us would still watch it more than a dozen times. I wish they had done that. They probably wish they had done that. We don't want a remake. The initial cast was far too perfect. But oh how I wish we had gotten the visuals of more Quidditch matches, especially the epic ones, like the second Quidditch match against Hufflepuff in Book 1.

How I long to have super-extended versions of the movies tsk. But they won't be the same without the same actors. I don't think anyone else could fit the roles as well as the OGs.

*

The book keeps getting better with each page, and it is indeed truly hard to put down. I feel like my mind has transcended to the world of magic, and my grip on reality is slipping. I doubt I'll have much to say about the plot itself, because we both already know it, although I'm enjoying every second of the little things that didn't make it to the movies - like the fact that Harry met Malfoy (I'm guessing it was him, although that's not revealed yet. Update: It was him.) at Madam Malkin's, and that their currency is in Galleons (Gold coins) and Sickles (Silver coins) and Knuts (Bronze coins), and that Hagrid was expelled (Have I missed that from the movies or was it not there?), and the little tweaks in the scene at the hut out at sea. 

I can't believe I'm only 94 pages in though. It feels like I've been reading for eons. There's so much information in every single page, it feels like I've read hundreds of pages when I haven't even made it to one hundred. I'm not complaining about it though. Update: I've devoured 3/4 of the book in the blink of a day. I'm watching the first movie in parallel to the book. 

*

If I had to guess which House I would be sorted into, I'd say Ravenclaw. I have a feeling most people are inclined to desire Gryffindor, as do I, I suppose. But based on the characteristics of Ravenclaws, I feel that's the only place I fit. I'm neither courageous nor brave (or determined for that matter), so I wouldn't be in Gryffindor. I am also a far cry from being ambitious and cunning, so Slytherin's out the window too (Spoiler: I am actually a Slytherin. And I do not say this proudly as a wannabe). Hufflepuff values hard work, and with my sort of burnout and anger about it I doubt I'd be sorted there. Which leaves Ravenclaw. They value intelligence, learning, wisdom and wit. I can relate a little (How I wish). At least a little more than what the other Houses stand for (And yet. Apparently I'm a snake). 

I have less than a 100 pages before I finish the first book. And like I said, I don't have much to say about the plot. It's beautifully executed, without a doubt, and it's been thrilling to get so much more from the book - things that didn't make it to the movies. 

I've been scared to read the books before because I felt like I was too late to it. Everyone else had read it as a child or young teen and it felt like I just missed the train going to Hogwarts and was forever left in the Muggle world. But reading it now, albeit so late, I don't feel left out at all. It just feels like I flew to Hogwarts in Mr Weasley's enchanted Ford Anglia.

Thought snippets:

I love how Hermione is such a know-it-all who takes education that seriously. That little 12-year-old is inspiring. Reading about her starting to draw up "revision timetables and colour-coding all her notes" got me wanting to do that too. 

**

Gah! The scene where Malfoy gets detention and Hermione and Harry get rid of Norbert would've been cool to have in the movie.

**

Would've been nice too to have as much of Neville in the movie as there is of him in the book. 

Also, why do we never see Peeves around in the movies? He's annoying but funny.

**

I almost shed a tear at the end when Neville was awarded the 10 points that made all the difference. 

***

Favourite Quotes:

(Yes, of course it's this one)

It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that. 

                                                                                        - Albus Dumbledore

After all, to the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure

                                                                                        - Albus Dumbledore

"The truth." Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution."

 

Toodles xo