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This is the second time I devoured the first book in the Harry Potter series! It was nostalgic and needed! For times like this, we all need to think back to happier times and ground ourselves in things that make us happy. Re-reading Harry Potter makes me happy!

My beautiful mother bought me the Ravenclaw edition of the first book for Christmas this year, so I actually read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which I'm completely fine with. I usually split my reviews up with likes and dislikes, favorite parts versus parts that were weak... but I couldn't really find any criticism.

It's a Children's Book

Don't get me wrong. I don't think I would've continued reading the series if I didn't know how great it gets. The first few novels in the series are definitely children's books. The writing style is for children, but there are some adult gems in here.

I love the humor that Rowling has. It's geared toward kids, but her jokes still made me laugh. I forget how quirky Dumbledore is; I don't think the movies do him justice. Peeves is also missing from the movies, and he's a riot! The humor is top-notch.

The World

My favorite part about this book (and other books in this series) is the world that Rowling creates. To say it's well developed is an understatement. The things that Rowling mentions in the first book, knowing that certain things and people are going to become important in future books... it's mind boggling how she is able to put it all together.

The world itself is incredible. The fact that a magical shopping district is hidden behind a Muggle pub and that there's a school that will teach young wizards magic... it's just amazing. She created this iconic world that I long to visit every once in a while.

The Writing

I have to say that Rowling's writing style is amazing. She's one of the best writers I've ever read, and that's saying something. I hate third person. I hate writing it and reading it. However, I love reading hers. She does it in a way that not a lot of writers can. I know it's technically third person omnipresent and that any writer can do this if they wanted to. It's a creative writing point of view technique... but nobody else can do it the way she can.

The characters are also super vivid. I usually make a new heading for characters and plot, but it's all writing style. The fact that she knows her characters well enough to give them vocal quirks (Hagrid) and intense personalities (Hermione and Dumbledore), is astounding. She gives everyone a distinct voice, right down the to secondary characters (Neville).

Should You Read It?

I believe that all young adult readers should pickup Harry Potter, even if it's just the first book. It's a classic in its own right. It defined generations and pulled people together. Just for the sake of knowing the book, you need to read it. That being said, if you like magical realism and humor, this book is for you.

Stay tuned for the rest of the Summer of Harry Potter series! I'm reading all of the books, so there will be more reviews. I'm also watching all of the movies with themed snacks (there will be pictures!).

What did you think of this book? Did you like it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments! (What house are you? ... I'm a Ravenclaw!)