Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Waves her Magic Pen

My son insisted that I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. He mentioned it some time back, but I never got around to it. When he reminded me last week, he pinned me down to a time—“right after I finish up the book I’m reading.”

I’m so glad that I took the time to explore the world of Harry Potter. I felt kind of like I knew what it was all about, since the book has been in the news and then on the big screen. But, I didn’t really get the magic from the sidelines. It’s one of those books that you’ve got to sit down and read to really appreciate.

Harry is a misfit. His parents died when he was really young, and he was taken in by relatives who didn’t really want him and don’t really like him. They dote on their blood son Dudley and short shift Harry at every turn. Any kid who ever thought his brother or sister got the bigger piece of cake will be able to relate.

When a letter comes for Harry, the tide begins to turn. Though Harry does not get to see the letter or the hundreds that follow that first, he eventually discovers that he’s a wizard and that he has been called to Hogworts to study magic. Harry will leave the Muggle (non-wizard) relatives and fulfill his destiny. He’s not really sure what that involves, but it’s always nice to find your calling and early.

At the school, Ron and Hermione become Harry’s closest buddies. Ron is the chess master and guy buddy, and Hermione is the book whiz and girl buddy. The three pals don’t always agree about things, but they pull together. It’s a good thing, because they end up dealing with trolls, ghosts, three-headed dogs, and the evil Voldemort. It’s the ones that stick by you when things are rough that are real friends.

Being curious can cause trouble, and the trio manages to find all manner of things to get in to. Thank goodness they do. If they don’t look, listen, and follow up, then the entire school and the world as they know it on the other side might cease to exist. In fact, it’s right to the wire . . .

The book is full of twists and turns that will leave your head spinning. It reminds me a bit of Hardy Boy mysteries but with the science fiction slant. These are smart but not perfect kids who work hard to make good things happen or to prevent bad things from happening. It takes brains, brawn, and bravery to succeed. And a little magic tossed in for good measure.

I can see why kids love this book and the series. The story is fantastic. The pace is fast, and something new and exciting happens every couple of pages. The writing is so vivid that it feels like the story is unfolding right in your own living room. It’s one that you can’t stand to put down once you start, so be prepared for some late nights.

Though Harry Potter is marketed for kids, it’s a wonderful book that adults will enjoy too. The sentence structure and words are simple, but the story is complex enough to please all ages. Borrow your child’s copy if you haven’t already. It will give you a great book to talk about on the ride to town or over dinner with your kid.