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Jayson's Reviews > Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
by
by
Jayson's review
bookshelves: audiobook-audible, author-british, genre-juvenile-fantasy, subject-boarding-school, genre-young-adult, read-in-2020
Jan 11, 2020
bookshelves: audiobook-audible, author-british, genre-juvenile-fantasy, subject-boarding-school, genre-young-adult, read-in-2020
Read 2 times. Last read January 11, 2020 to January 24, 2020.
(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: An effortless enchantment, it's lush with warmth and lore: seeded well, it casts a spell, and leaves you wanting more.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary: (view spoiler)
Notes: An effortless enchantment, it's lush with warmth and lore: seeded well, it casts a spell, and leaves you wanting more.
*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary: (view spoiler)
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
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Reading Progress
July 30, 2009
–
Started Reading
(Hardcover Edition)
July 31, 2009
–
Finished Reading
(Hardcover Edition)
August 1, 2013
– Shelved
(Hardcover Edition)
March 24, 2015
– Shelved as:
genre-juvenile-f...
(Hardcover Edition)
March 24, 2015
– Shelved as:
author-british
(Hardcover Edition)
March 24, 2015
– Shelved as:
format-illustrated
(Hardcover Edition)
March 25, 2015
– Shelved as:
300-399-pp
(Hardcover Edition)
September 15, 2016
– Shelved as:
read-in-2009
(Hardcover Edition)
October 20, 2016
– Shelved as:
subject-boarding...
(Hardcover Edition)
January 6, 2017
– Shelved as:
genre-young-adult
(Hardcover Edition)
October 4, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 4, 2019
– Shelved
November 11, 2019
– Shelved as:
audiobook-audible
November 11, 2019
– Shelved as:
author-british
November 11, 2019
– Shelved as:
genre-juvenile-fantasy
November 11, 2019
– Shelved as:
subject-boarding-school
November 11, 2019
– Shelved as:
genre-young-adult
January 10, 2020
– Shelved as:
read-in-2020
January 11, 2020
–
Started Reading
January 11, 2020
–
0.0%
"
Thoughts:
(1) After nearly 9 months, I finally finished all five "A Song of Ice and Fire" audiobooks, I was going to run a poll on what I should listen to next but, c'mon, let's be real.
(2) I decided on the Stephen Fry version over Jim Dale simply because I can't abide by "Sorcerer's Stone." It's "Philosopher's Stone" for me or no stones at all!"
Thoughts:
(1) After nearly 9 months, I finally finished all five "A Song of Ice and Fire" audiobooks, I was going to run a poll on what I should listen to next but, c'mon, let's be real.
(2) I decided on the Stephen Fry version over Jim Dale simply because I can't abide by "Sorcerer's Stone." It's "Philosopher's Stone" for me or no stones at all!"
January 12, 2020
–
9.0%
"
Thoughts:
(1) "People in cloaks! Mr. Dursley couldn't bear people who dressed in funny clothes � the getups you saw on young people!"
- With the movies, it's easy to forget that everyday wizard attire involves brightly colored cloaks and pointy hats.
(2) McGonagall: "There will be books written about Harry � every child in our world will know his name!""
Thoughts:
(1) "People in cloaks! Mr. Dursley couldn't bear people who dressed in funny clothes � the getups you saw on young people!"
- With the movies, it's easy to forget that everyday wizard attire involves brightly colored cloaks and pointy hats.
(2) McGonagall: "There will be books written about Harry � every child in our world will know his name!""
January 13, 2020
–
16.0%
"
A few things:
(1) Harry gets Dudley's second room, which seems very much like the Room of Requirement. It's used to hide Dudley's disused and broken things, but now functions as a bedroom.
(2) If this snake was bred in captivity, and doesn't often speak to humans, how does it speak Portuguese? I suppose there's some Parseltongue iteration of Portuguese."
A few things:
(1) Harry gets Dudley's second room, which seems very much like the Room of Requirement. It's used to hide Dudley's disused and broken things, but now functions as a bedroom.
(2) If this snake was bred in captivity, and doesn't often speak to humans, how does it speak Portuguese? I suppose there's some Parseltongue iteration of Portuguese."
January 14, 2020
–
23.0%
"
Thoughts:
(1) Hagrid: "'The gold ones are Galleons,' he explained. 'Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle.'"
- It's interesting that despite UK decimalization, wizards still use a kind of £sd currency. They're sort of American that way: resisting metric.
(2) A knut is a wizard penny, I presume after King Cnut the Great."
Thoughts:
(1) Hagrid: "'The gold ones are Galleons,' he explained. 'Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine Knuts to a Sickle.'"
- It's interesting that despite UK decimalization, wizards still use a kind of £sd currency. They're sort of American that way: resisting metric.
(2) A knut is a wizard penny, I presume after King Cnut the Great."
January 15, 2020
–
34.0%
"
Notes:
(1) Harry: "What are Slytherin and Hufflepuff?"
Hagrid: "School houses. There's four. Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o' duffers, but�"
Harry: "I bet I'm in Hufflepuff," said Harry gloomily."
- Hufflepuff does sound like it's for stoners.
(2) Ron's both shocked and impressed that Harry said "Voldemort." Sort of like cursing, uttering his name."
Notes:
(1) Harry: "What are Slytherin and Hufflepuff?"
Hagrid: "School houses. There's four. Everyone says Hufflepuff are a lot o' duffers, but�"
Harry: "I bet I'm in Hufflepuff," said Harry gloomily."
- Hufflepuff does sound like it's for stoners.
(2) Ron's both shocked and impressed that Harry said "Voldemort." Sort of like cursing, uttering his name."
January 16, 2020
–
43.0%
"
A few things:
(1) "Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head. 'GRYFFINDOR!' shouted the hat. Ron groaned."
- And thus begins our enemies-to-lovers romance.
(2) "Ickle" must be Britishism of Britishisms. I've only ever seen it in "Harry Potter" books.
(3) Hope my GIFs are well-received. Let me know if they ever get annoying."
A few things:
(1) "Hermione almost ran to the stool and jammed the hat eagerly on her head. 'GRYFFINDOR!' shouted the hat. Ron groaned."
- And thus begins our enemies-to-lovers romance.
(2) "Ickle" must be Britishism of Britishisms. I've only ever seen it in "Harry Potter" books.
(3) Hope my GIFs are well-received. Let me know if they ever get annoying."
January 17, 2020
–
55.0%
"
A couple things:
(1) "The students all hated [Filch], and it was the dearest ambition of many to give Mrs. Norris a good kick."
- Well, as long as they don't actually kick the cat.
(2) Re: Football: "Ron couldn't see what was exciting about a game with only one ball where no one was allowed to fly."
- I dislike soccer for separate, non-magical, reasons."
A couple things:
(1) "The students all hated [Filch], and it was the dearest ambition of many to give Mrs. Norris a good kick."
- Well, as long as they don't actually kick the cat.
(2) Re: Football: "Ron couldn't see what was exciting about a game with only one ball where no one was allowed to fly."
- I dislike soccer for separate, non-magical, reasons."
January 18, 2020
–
62.0%
"
Notes:
(1) Ron saves Hermione from the troll. When it comes to Hermione, Harry's invariably placid, it's always fireworks with Ron.
(2) Before I knew better, I used to think "Hermione" was pronounced "hermy-won."
(3) "Ron was fascinated by the fifty pence. 'Weird!' he said, 'What a shape! This is money?'"
- I guess heptagons aren't common among wizards."
Notes:
(1) Ron saves Hermione from the troll. When it comes to Hermione, Harry's invariably placid, it's always fireworks with Ron.
(2) Before I knew better, I used to think "Hermione" was pronounced "hermy-won."
(3) "Ron was fascinated by the fifty pence. 'Weird!' he said, 'What a shape! This is money?'"
- I guess heptagons aren't common among wizards."
January 19, 2020
–
69.0%
"
Notes:
(1) The problem with the library's "restricted section" is that anyone can go there. Just keep them locked in a separate room, there must be hundreds of those available.
(2) Remembralls are about as useful as tying string around your finger.
(3) Harry: "How did you know � ?"
Dumbledore: "I don't need a cloak to become invisible."
- Totally pwned!"
Notes:
(1) The problem with the library's "restricted section" is that anyone can go there. Just keep them locked in a separate room, there must be hundreds of those available.
(2) Remembralls are about as useful as tying string around your finger.
(3) Harry: "How did you know � ?"
Dumbledore: "I don't need a cloak to become invisible."
- Totally pwned!"
January 20, 2020
–
73.0%
"
Notes:
(1) “Ron and Hermione [were] playing chess. Chess was the only thing Hermione ever lost at, something Harry and Ron thought was very good for her.�
- I agree, it keeps her humble and open to suggestions.
- It’s good for Ron too, having something he’s best at.
(2) I love how openly biased teachers are toward their houses. It makes them more human."
Notes:
(1) “Ron and Hermione [were] playing chess. Chess was the only thing Hermione ever lost at, something Harry and Ron thought was very good for her.�
- I agree, it keeps her humble and open to suggestions.
- It’s good for Ron too, having something he’s best at.
(2) I love how openly biased teachers are toward their houses. It makes them more human."
January 21, 2020
–
77.0%
"
Notes:
(1) Ron and Neville fist fight Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle. If you ask me, Malfoy's Ron's nemesis not Harry's.
(2) "Hermione... had started drawing up study schedules and color coding all her notes. Harry and Ron wouldn't have minded, but she kept nagging them to do the same."
- Pressuring idiosyncrasies is weird... like making friends dress like you."
Notes:
(1) Ron and Neville fist fight Malfoy, Crabbe & Goyle. If you ask me, Malfoy's Ron's nemesis not Harry's.
(2) "Hermione... had started drawing up study schedules and color coding all her notes. Harry and Ron wouldn't have minded, but she kept nagging them to do the same."
- Pressuring idiosyncrasies is weird... like making friends dress like you."
January 22, 2020
–
84.0%
"
Notes:
(1) Filch: "Hang you by your wrists... I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed."
- Not an awful idea, motives aside. Manacles can be handy.
(2) "Snape made them all nervous... while they tried to remember how to make a Forgetfulness potion."
- Trick question! Potion fumes might cause them to forget!"
Notes:
(1) Filch: "Hang you by your wrists... I've got the chains still in my office, keep 'em well oiled in case they're ever needed."
- Not an awful idea, motives aside. Manacles can be handy.
(2) "Snape made them all nervous... while they tried to remember how to make a Forgetfulness potion."
- Trick question! Potion fumes might cause them to forget!"
January 23, 2020
–
90.0%
"
The difference between J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan is that Rowling plays the long game, building scenes toward the climax. Whereas Riordan plays in short bursts, ping-ponging from one mini-quest to another. Here, for example, Ron being best at chess, Hagrid giving Harry a flute, Peeves being scared of the Bloody Baron, etc., all pay-off at the climax."
The difference between J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan is that Rowling plays the long game, building scenes toward the climax. Whereas Riordan plays in short bursts, ping-ponging from one mini-quest to another. Here, for example, Ron being best at chess, Hagrid giving Harry a flute, Peeves being scared of the Bloody Baron, etc., all pay-off at the climax."
January 24, 2020
–
97.0%
"
Thoughts:
(1) Dumbledore: "Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."
- Wonder why Dumbledore doesn't give this advice to everyone? Surely people would listen.
(2) Lost in the narrative is that Harry kills a guy. Literally kills him with the power of love... it's a curious thing."
Thoughts:
(1) Dumbledore: "Call him Voldemort, Harry. Always use the proper name for things. Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."
- Wonder why Dumbledore doesn't give this advice to everyone? Surely people would listen.
(2) Lost in the narrative is that Harry kills a guy. Literally kills him with the power of love... it's a curious thing."
January 24, 2020
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 164 (164 new)
message 1:
by
Sandysbookaday
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Jan 16, 2020 05:53PM
Love the GIFs *:)
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Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Love the GIFs *:)"Thanks, Sandy! I'm happy to hear that :)
Ooh that's a cool feature to include-- your status updates! I usually just copy and paste (and edit/format it) if I want to share them in a review. I like this method more.
Cal wrote: "Ooh that's a cool feature to include-- your status updates! I usually just copy and paste (and edit/format it) if I want to share them in a review. I like this method more."Thanks! I just figured it would give people something to look at while they're waiting for the review, instead of just "review to come." Everything's only temporary until I actually write the review, but in the meantime, consider the updates an appetizer :)
Personally, I think there's no feeling that leaves me as giddy as the opening screen of the HP movies <3 Great review as always, Jayson
NAT.orious reads � wrote: "Personally, I think there's no feeling that leaves me as giddy as the opening screen of the HP movies <3 Great review as always, Jayson"Thanks a lot, Nat! Much appreciated. I think the Harry Potter logo coming toward you out of the sky is very much this generation's Star Wars opening crawl or James Bond bloody gun barrel shot. It's that iconic, and I'm happy it brings you good feelings :)
It seems like you’ve cast a spell of your own with that rhyming review😂👏🏻
Kadi wrote: "It seems like you’ve cast a spell of your own with that rhyming review😂👏🏻"Thanks a lot, Kadi! That's nice of you to say. I'm happy you like it :)
Sara wrote: "Impeccable review! I think you may be a bard is disguise..."Thanks so much, Sara! That's kind of you to say, and much better words than I deserve. I appreciate it 😃👍
Your notes are so spot on. Effortless enchantment indeed. <3
Manisha wrote: "Your notes are so spot on. Effortless enchantment indeed. <3"Thanks a lot, Manisha! I'm happy you think so :)
Love all this Jayson. All your video clips add up to an amazing review. I am a big fan of all the Harry Potter books and DVDs too. Thank you for the pleasure of all you have given us here.
Leila wrote: "Love all this Jayson. All your video clips add up to an amazing review. I am a big fan of all the Harry Potter books and DVDs too. Thank you for the pleasure of all you have given us here."Thanks a lot, Leila! That's really nice of you to say. I appreciate it. I'm happy you're enjoying all the gifs 😁
Jane Wood! aka Hermione Granger wrote: "Great book."Yes, I think so too :)
i loved the book
Jacob Knights wrote: "i loved the book"Cool, glad to hear it 😁
Why did you review this book twice?
Koby Z. (KZ Reads�) wrote: "Why did you review this book twice?"Because one's a physical book and one's an audiobook, and they're two very different experiences. The narrator, for example, can be an x-factor. Plus, I read them eleven years apart, so opinions and perspectives change. Why not write a second review in that case? I see no valid argument against it.
Madelynn wrote: "A- though? A+++"If the ending was better... maybe. 🤷♂�
A- is 90% to 95% an 83% is a B-
Floating Lemon Bars wrote: "A- is 90% to 95% an 83% is a B-"Not in Canada it isn't. In Canada, everything is 10-points lower. As I live in Canada, your statement is incorrect. You must understand that not every place in the world grades American.... in fact, few countries do.
Mr.Books wrote: "Hmmm.... GS!"You know, the more you comment on my reviews, the less sense they make. I can only assume "GS" stands for golden snitch, which doesn't make this any more intelligible.
please stop Jayson
Harry potter sucks
Etan the Great wrote: "please stop Jayson"Well, at least you said please... which is better than most haters.
Etan the Great wrote: "Harry potter sucks"Apologies, I don't speak troll. 🤷♂�
Oh, and your rating system is brilliant. Short, simple, honest and straight to the point. I might consider stealing it�
Richard Willeford (Bookworm, First Class) wrote: "BURN"😁
Richard Willeford (Bookworm, First Class) wrote: "Oh, and your rating system is brilliant. Short, simple, honest and straight to the point. I might consider stealing it�"Thanks, glad you like it. By all means, steal it if you like. I'd take it as an honor :)
Richard Willeford (Bookworm, First Class) wrote: "Hehe"😁
if harry potter is a 4-star read for you, what the hell is a 5-star??? no offense but i strongly disagree with your rating
TH wrote: "if harry potter is a 4-star read for you, what the hell is a 5-star??? no offense but i strongly disagree with your rating"No offence taken. Unlike some people, I don't expect others should have to agree with me. I don't have an answer for you, except to say that this book didn't meet that bar, though others in the series did. Perhaps inquire with other reviews that give this less than five-stars, there's certainly no shortage of them. Heck, some people even gave this one-star, you can go bother them instead of me :)
Tik wrote: "Nice"Thanks 😁
Areej wrote: "Great review!"Thanks, Areej! I appreciate it :)
funny wrote: "Hahahaha"🙂
Jordan Bush wrote: "nice job lol"Thanks 😁
Вы свою люди дара
Sergei Potapchuk wrote: "Вы свою люди дара"
Karen causil wrote: "Good Harry potter"
dddiii wrote: "It is a good review"Thanks! I appreciate it. Glad you liked it 😁
