Book Reviews by Hummingbird

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone :J K Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first book in the famous series by J.K. Rowling. It is not just a story about a wizard; it is a story about finding a home, the importance of friendship, and the fight between good and bad.

The story begins with a very sad and normal life. Harry Potter is an 11-year-old boy who lives with his only family, the Dursleys. They are mean to him, make him live in a small cupboard, and treat him like a servant. Harry feels completely alone and unwanted.

This changes when mysterious letters start arriving for him. He soon learns a huge secret: he is a wizard. A big, friendly man named Hagrid tells him the truth. Harry’s parents were great wizards. They were killed by the most evil dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, when Harry was a baby. For some reason, Harry survived the attack, leaving only a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead. This made Harry a legend in the magical world he never knew existed.

Suddenly, Harry’s life is turned upside down. He leaves his boring, grey life behind and goes to a magical school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The journey there is an adventure itself, on a secret train that leaves from a hidden platform at King’s Cross station.

Why This Book is So Good

The Magic is in the Details: The joy of the book is discovering the magical world with Harry. The author doesn’t just explain everything at once. We see it bit by bit: the shops in Diagon Alley where Harry buys his wand, the moving staircases at Hogwarts, the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall that looks like the sky, and the game of Quidditch (which is like football on flying broomsticks). It feels real because it feels detailed and lived-in.
The Heart of the Story is Friendship: The main magic of the book isn’t in the spells, but in the friendship between Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Ron comes from a big, warm, poor wizarding family and teaches Harry about the magical world. Hermione is very smart and loves books and rules. At first, they seem very different and don’t get along. But when they face danger together, they become the best of friends. Their friendship shows that bravery, loyalty, and cleverness are more important than where you come from.
It’s a Classic Good vs. Evil Story, Made Simple: The main plot is about Harry, Ron, and Hermione trying to stop someone from stealing the Philosopher’s Stone. This stone can give eternal life and make gold. They believe the evil Voldemort is behind the plot. The story is exciting and has puzzles, a three-headed dog, and a scary forest. But at its core, it’s simple: the good guys (Harry and his friends) must stop the bad guy (Voldemort).
It’s About Finding Where You Belong: For Harry, the most powerful magic is finding a place to call home. At the Dursleys, he was a nobody. At Hogwarts, he is famous, but more importantly, he is seen and loved. He finds a family in his friends, and father figures in kind teachers like Dumbledore and Hagrid. The book speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
Some Small Problems

Looking back, the book is quite simple. The writing style is made for younger readers. The good and bad sides are very clear, unlike in the later, darker books in the series. Also, some of the side characters are a bit silly, like the Dursleys. But this simplicity is part of its charm. It is a perfect introduction to a bigger story.

The Final Word

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a wonderful start to an amazing series. It is a warm, funny, and exciting book that pulls you into a world you will wish was real. It teaches important lessons about love, courage, and friendship in a way that is easy to understand and enjoy. It’s the perfect book for both children and adults to read, because it reminds us of the magic of discovering something new and the strength found in true friends.

In short, it’s a classic for a reason. It opens a door to a magical world, but more importantly, it opens the heart.