3rd quarter ORB

3rd Quarter Outside Reading Book Rob

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K.Rowling. Scholastic ,1998.


In the book there is a young wizard named Harry Potter. His parents were killed by the evil lord Voldemort when Harry was just a small baby. Now 11 years later he is visited by the wizard Dumbledore who is the head master Hogwarts, a school for wizards. Harry learns to use powerful spells in which he hope to someday use against Voldemort. At the school Harry meets Ron and Hermione who quickly become Harry's new best friends. During the book Harry, Ron and Hermione face a 3 headed dog, Draco Malfoy and at the climax Harry even meets up with Voldemort himself. After a close shave with Voldemont, Harry returns from the dungeon of Hogwarts to be confronted by Dumbledore. After explaining what happened Dumbledore becomes more protective over Harry.

"A wonderful first novel....Harry is destined for greatness. Much like Ronald Dahl, J.K. Rowling has a gift for keeping the emotions, fears and triumphs of her characters on a human scale, even while the supernatural is popping out all over." - The New York Times Book Review

J.K.Rowling's writing style is very unique. When she writes she uses descriptive language that allows the reader to feel as though they are standing in the characters shoes. I believe, because she is from the U.K. her vocabulary adds a fresh new style to the classic American way of description. This is one reason why I like her books, the use of different rich, descriptive words makes the stories jump out at you that much more. I also like the creativeness of her writing. The whole plot of the book is very unique and makes the book that much better.

"Not Slytherin, eh?" said the small voice [of the Sorting Hat]. "Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that-no? Well, if you're sure-better be GRYFFINDOR!" (Chapter 7)

I am a pretty big fan of Rowling's work. The description of her stories and the overall unique plots of her books make them a pleasure to read. I have already read all of the Harry Potter books but I wouldn't mind reading them again. My next goal is to see all of the movies and compare them with the books. I also would like to read the British publications of the Harry Potter series because they have some differences in them compared to the U.S. publication.