Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Harry Potter #1)
Author: J.K. Rowling (as if you didn’t know!)
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2001 (Reprint)
Genre: YA Fantasy, MG Fantasy
This review can be found on my Blog, TeacherofYA’s Tumblr, or my Goodreads page
This read was done with Megan @ bookslayerreads, Jasmine @ howusefulitis, Jodie @ forthenovellovers, Sammi @ onebookishgirl and Tiff from Tiffthebooknerd! We together have formed…THE #HPBLOGATEERS!
We plan on doing a feature where we read each book from the series, spotlight one of our team members, and ask that team member questions! It’s been great and we are moving on to book two today!
My Review:
I was fortunate enough to find a used copy at my local used bookstore and I nabbed it for $1.95 for the read. It may not be pretty, but it’s mine! All mine! For a poor girl, this is a good thing, lol!
Do I really need to recap what Harry Potter is about? I’m pretty sure every book blogger in THE WORLD has read this book!
Well…in case you haven’t, and you’ve lived under a rock all these years, or saw the movie awhile ago, OR you refuse to read it because you think, “Oh, everyone has read it so I’m going to rebel and NOT read it,” here’s my blurb…
And this boy lived in a closet under the stairs. Harry was orphaned and delivered as a baby to his mother’s family. Unbeknownst to young Harry, he is a wizard (cool, right?) and though strange things happen that he can’t explain, he is blindsided when a letter from Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft & Wizardry appears addressed to him.
After, of course, his foster family avoids the attempts at delivery…
Hagrid, a large excommunicated wizard, brings Harry to buy supplies and he tries to comes to terms with the fact that not only is he a wizard, but a famous one in the wizarding world as well.
When he attempts to get to Hogwarts, all on his own, he makes a friend in Ronald Weasley, the youngest in his family and also a new kid to the school. Harry realizes that there are so many people that have been brought up knowing all about magic…and he’s a little behind. But Ron at his side, he’s helped along on this new journey.
Once Harry arrives, he gets sorted into his “house,” a group of four houses that make up the school: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin.
Harry gets put into Gryffindor, along with Ron and a nuisance girl, Hermione, who’s a bit of a know-it-all. Soon Harry realizes that there are things in this magical world that shouldn’t be messed with. Maybe it can be fun to learn transfiguration, but when you suspect a teacher of ill will, then homework tends to take a backseat.
Especially because of “You-know-who,” the wizard that killed Harry’s parents and gave him his wicked aweomse lightning shaped scar.
When they realize someone is after the Sorcerer’s Stone, they must act…because no one will believe them…and so they risk the trouble to take on powers stronger than theirs…in hope of saving Hogwarts and the lives of all wizards and Muggles (non-magic people) alike…
Is It Classroom-Appropriate?
Not only is this book classroom-appropriate, it has already been used in the classroom! Kids watch the movie, read the book, and get to do fun activities that are centered on magic and wizardry. When the book first came out back in 1997, there was a heavy backlash because some groups feared the magic aspect was demonic. I can understand the concern, but this book is all light and fun, and it is an imaginative story filled with wonder and great world building. J.K.Rowling really created a whole complex system when she wrote this book (and series), and it has inspired a whole new generation of readers! Anything that inspires young reading is a plus in my book. Lesson plans are easily found online or can be make with the help of discussion questions posted on the site.
Age Range:
This book is more “middle grade” because Harry is 10 when the book starts…but this book is enjoyed by young and old readers alike. I cannot stress that enough. Lexile.com rates it at 880L, but also recommends it for ages 9-17! That is one of the largest age ranges I have seen on Lexile. What does this mean? While the reading level can be comprehended at a young age, it still holds appeal and is complex enough for older readers to enjoy without getting bored. If your child fits in this age range, it should be a prerequisite to have them read this book: it’s that enjoyable for all groups.
**Now, before the End Result, I would like to introduce to you this book’s Spotlight reader: the one who came up with the idea to form a reading group for Harry Potter…I just came up with the name #HPBlogateers. So here is Tiffany from Tiffthebooknerd!**
We asked Tiffany a question each, and she answered each one! So let’s showcase our Spotlight reader, Tiffany!
- ME: If you could pick any sweet from the cart on the train, what would it be and why?
“I would choose the chocolate frogs as my favorite sweet is chocolate and I like the feeling of being able to collect the cards which each sweet you have.” (I would too! Lol)
- SAMMI: Who is your favorite bad guy in the book and why?
“I would have to choose Professor Snape as even though he appears evil at the beginning he is only trying to help harry at times and theres meaning to why he’s like he is not like the others.”
- JASMINE: Did you enjoy the book more rereading it or reading it for the first time and why?
“I enjoyed the book rereading it more as its like meeting up with an old friend and jumping into their world all other again and I discover things that I have missed or forgotten every time I venture into it agian. This time as I said I was reading the illustrated version so it also felt like I was reading it for the first time again as it had the pictures to enjoy as well.”
- JODIE: Who is your favorite character and why?
“Hermione is my favorite character as shes reminds me of myself alot as we both have very busy and messy hair which is hard to tame and we both are bookworms who like to try their best at school and stay out of trouble if they can. The fact that she also has a select few friends is very similar to myself aswell. This is why shes my favorite character as i connect to her very easily.”
- MEGAN: If you could take one First Year course at Hogwarts, what would you pick? (Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, History of Magic, or Astronomy?)
“I would probably either take charms as I find spell work fasinating or Astronomy to be able to learn the different planets and moon cycles, etc.”
And that’s it, guys! Please follow our adventure through the Harry Potter series…Chamber of Secrets is up next…who will the next Spotlight reader be?? Pleas check out my fellow bloggerinos and their reviews! I’m sure they would love some HP love as well!
I leave you with…
End Result:
Really, do you have to ask? I’m not even going to beat around the bush with this one. I give Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ★★★★★! Or…
Maybe next time I’ll make a Harry Potter exclusive POP rating system…just for this series? What do you guys think? I could use HP Pops instead of my Rainbow Brite ones…just for this read? Hmmm…idea is forming!
Will you reread Harry Potter? Have you read it? (I certainly hope so!)
I leave you with the “alternate title” to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, for all those Brits out there that know it by another name…
TeacherofYA's Book Blog 
I was really surprised that Lexile gave it the age range of 9 – 17. That seems like a HUGE range, but it is perhaps why so many YA readers love it. It falls super neatly in there. I think your idea was super cute, and I loved reading the different questions! I’m sadly one of the book bloggers that hasn’t read HP…shhhhh…don’t tell. But your review kind of made me want to give that up. Great job! 🙂
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Great post not great job. I realized after I wrote that it made it seem like it was a great job that you made me want to read it? It sounded really weird. But it meant to say great post.
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I find this odd, too. I thought Lexile scores were determined by sentence length and the difficulty of the vocabulary, but this makes it seem like they’re also taking into account the age ranges of people they’ve seen reading it. But then any MG book might as well say “11 and up.”
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It always surprises me when I see these scores…there are a lot of them that surprise me with the HL or the age range. I think it tries to be a good guide, but I was reading (as I’m sure most of us book bloggers) at a much higher level than the “suggested” Lexile, and I haven’t read many MG so I can’t compare it to them well. It does seem to rate about average with most current YA, yet without the “mature” themes “HL” designation.
And that age range: 9-17?? Could it be more specific? Nope. I guess that’s bc of the huge amount of high school readers? That threw me through a loop…I’ve never seen one that broad.
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I’ve always found these types of scores ridiculously, frankly. I know I had one test in school where they just asked us vocab. And it was multiple choice, so you could technically guess your way up. But the scores don’t take content into account so I was like an eight-year-old being told I could read books with prostitutes in them.
I really think they gave HP a special exemption with the age because the scorers just know that older readers will read them, too. Plus it’s a weird series where the first three books are appropriate for younger readers and the last four are more YA.
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I know what you meant, darling! Thank you always! 😘😘😘
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Hey, it happens! I honestly only read to Order of the Phoenix, so I’m rereading some, and some will be new. It’s a great book for all ages, and it’s so easy to get into! I’m looking forward to book two!
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Pingback: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Review – Group Buddy Read – How Useful It Is
Fun, fun, fun! You guys did a spectacular job with this. What an incredible idea ❤ Love it. but ummmm age range is more like 9 – never too old right 😉
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Yup! 9-infinity!
It was fun and I’m loving this idea. I’m so happy Tiff came up with this! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series!
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I have no doubt that I will 🙂
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Harry who?🤷🏻♀️Haha! Just kidding! Fabulous post! I see an HP series reread in my near future!💁🏻
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Yes! That makes me so happy!
I know…Harry who? Who is this Potter you speak of? 😂🤣😂
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Wonderful review, Stephanie! !$1.95 is a freakin’ DEAL for this book! I’m so happy that we reread this book together with all of us!! This book is amazing and I’m ready to get into the next one with y’all. I can’t believe I forgot to put Tiffany’s picture up on my post. I’ll have to go back and do that when I go add your link. Also, maybe one day I’ll figure out what this Lexile thing is. What does 880L mean? Is that good or bad? Anyways… loved the review!
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The Lexile score is kind of complicated. If you go on the website you can have your kid get scored. Mainly anything over 700 is 10 and up. Most YA is around there. High school books like Metamorphosis and Shakespeare rate into the 1100-1200 range. So the only time it really matters is when it has a HL (HIgh Low) designation before the score.
So, for example, if HP was score HL880, then it would mean that though younger kids could read it, the material is more suited to older and mature readers. This happens with books like Twilight and books with intimate scenes…maybe even high school characters.
I know…I think I should do a Lexile breakdown post soon: I forget that many of my readers don’t know what those scores mean!
I loved this! I am so glad we get to do it with all seven books!
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Oh, ok… I understand now. I should go get Hunter scored and see what his Lexile number is. I think a Lexile breakdown post would be a really great idea. Because I’m sure a lot of people are like me and have no idea what it even is. So that’d be a good informational post for a lot of people, I’m sure.
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I think that’s a great idea! And I will make a breakdown post. Thanks for the inspiration to do it. 😊
Hunter might have been tested at school. But if not, go to Lexile.com and they have a ton of resources! I’m sure he’s brilliant like his mom!
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They have the AR (accelerated reader) program at school, but he hasn’t been tested for Lexile. I’ll have to do that! 🙂
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I remember I was in third grade, in AZ, and we were given a test called PACT. It was the gifted program. I took the tests….there were three: English, Math, and Spatial. You had to score 90% or higher in two area to be in PACT and you were in under middle school (because then you went to a different school). Most got in with Spatial and one other (Math or English) or all three, I got in with English and Math, I got an 86 on Spatial (which was like geometry for kids). I was one of two people in there for English and Math. It was great though: we got to read different books, like A Wrinkle in Time, and we got to watch movies and stuff. If he reads at an advanced level, you definitely want to get him reading the good stuff!
I don’t remember if they had Lexile back then…I know I always scored above my school level for reading. I still don’t know how they score the abilities though. I WILL make a post on it for all the parents out there!
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That’s awesome! We didn’t have PACT, but we did have testing for gifted students. Anywho, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for your Lexile breakdown post!
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I’ll let you know when I have it put together! 😊
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Pingback: Review || Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling | :: bookslayerReads ::
I’m one of the twelve people who haven’t read these books. Or seen the movies. To be honest, even with your riveting review I likely won’t read them. Still, another great post!
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What?? JR, you would enjoy these! Seriously! My mom refuses and I get it: she’s not into fantasy. But you are a fantasy/science fiction person, right? You’re killing me here!
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Sigh, stop using that super duper cute face on me Teach. I can’t resist a pretty face. Okay, okay, I’ll give book one a shot! But using your stunning good looks as a weapon IS cheating you know.
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Hahahaha! You really know how to make a girl’s day! 😌☺️☺️
If you read book one and hate it, then I will publicly apologize for wasting your time! I will, in my next post, put a little footnote that says: “I apologize for wasting JR Handley’s time as I know it’s incredibly valuable!” 😂😘
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I shall put it on my list of books to be read, but only because you’re such an adorable salesperson!
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Aww shucks! You know how to make a lady feel special…and manipulative!
😂🤣😂😂😂🤣
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That is because you ARE special! 🙂
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I’ve met a lot of people who haven’t read the books and it surprises me every time, just because the number of books sold make it the one title I usually feel like I can throw out and have anyone respond to it. But, no, it’s failing me in social situations. But I think many people have seen the movies but not read the book.
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I know! I’m actually surprised. I thought I was the only one who never read the whole series, but it turns out judging by the comments that I was wrong! It’s good to know this: I have hope that the future generation of school kids get to read this in their classroom at some point! I hope so. Or at least get exposed to it!
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I think it does seem to be an age thing. Younger individuals are much less likely to have read them, from what I can tell.
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I haven’t read the book *oops* but I did see the movie! I have two other HP books but only picked up on the hype after a while. Love what you did with this, it feels like you’ve really poured your heart in this :-). Great post!
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Thank you! I wanted to make it fun for the person who knows HP but also not give too much away for those who haven’t read it. I hope you do give it a chance…I forgot how much I enjoyed it and the hype is definitely warranted!
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You definitely succeeded in what you were trying to do!
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Thank you!! You always make me feel like this is all so worthwhile! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
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Great review for this book Stephanie, and oh I am so glad you
loved it as well. Harry Potter is an all-time favourite of mine and a series I re-read pretty much once a year at least! I can’t wait to see your review for the second book, what do you think of it so far? Also I love your idea of answering questions at the end of the post as well. 😀
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It was really really fun! I enjoyed every min of it! If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have taken Tiff up on her offer. So I’m glad I did…it’s just funny to do a reread when I have so many books to review. But two chapters a day is what we do and it has been working quite well!
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That’s wonderful to hear, and in that case I’m glad my prodding convinced you to join the read-a-long! Sometimes it’s nice to read something other than the books you have to review isn’t it? And two chapters a day isn’t too unmanageable is it?
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It’s def manageable. And the group makes it fun! It’s been a blast so thank you!
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That’s all right, before you know it you’ll be through all seven books won’t you?
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Someone did the math and it ended up at like, 90 something days…so not bad for a reread of a seven book series!
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No that’s not bad at all! 😀
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I see why you take your time reviewing this book. All of those pictures makes me want to watch the movie again! They recommend starting this book at 9! No wonder I invited my son for the audio version of this book and he got tired after the first half of the chapter. I also read it to him but since there weren’t any pictures, he’s bored too.. hahaha.. Great review and I’m glad we are re-reading it 🙂
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Thank you! I have to stop by and check out your review, which I’m sure is awesome!
Yeah…the age range is crazy: 9-17!?! That’s a huge age range. Wasn’t expecting that.
I’m sure when your son is older he will be a big Potter reader! You’ll make sure of it! 😊😉
So glad we are doing this: onto book two and your turn in the Spotlight!
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Somehow Tiff’s pic is so long. Do you want to change the size to medium? I think the current size is full now.
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I can’t change picture size because I post on my iPad…it’s not an option. Sorry!
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You still can. Tap on the picture once with your finger and tap on edit.
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I’ll have to look into it next time: it’s hard to judge size on the tiny screen and I have no idea what it looks like to computer users. Sorry if it was a problem to see!
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Oh no.. just a suggestion hehe no problem at all…
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Whew! Good! Thanks! I’ll make sure it’s fixed on the next one! 😊
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This was an awesome post! HP will always be that read everyone can enjoy, in my opinion. A timeless read, too.
I don’t usually re-read books because I already have so little time and I prefer to use it for new books that I haven’t tried yet. But I definitely agree to an HP Pop rating system! 😊
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I only wanted to reread this series bc I never got to finish it! Two chapters a day is nice too bc I still get to read other books. I’m glad bc I really wanted to get through the series and now I will.
I think I’ll have to make a HP pop rating then!! 😂😉
Thank you!
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Yay, Harry Potter!!! One of my favorite series ever of course! Great review! And great question about the candy on the train- that was one of my favorite parts when I was an eleven year old reader…I think I’d go for a cauldron cake! 🙂 Love those gifs, btw, they totally took me back!!
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I wanted to make it simple but fun bc I didn’t want to ruin the book for those that hadn’t read it…I’m really glad you liked it! Took some time but it was totally worth it!
Next book is coming and I hope I can make it just as fun!
(I would pick chocolate frogs from the cart, too…I want wizard trading cards! And it’s not like they’re real frogs!)
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Yay, I can’t wait for your review of book II! That will be so much fun to read.
I got to buy a chocolate frog in Weasly’s Wizard Weezes in Universal Orlando- and I got a Helga Hufflepuff card XD I have an instagram photo off the frog: https://www.instagram.com/p/29L-YgE9_e/
And the castle and some frozen butterbeer and inside Gringotts…so much fun! Have you ever been there?
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No, but my mom and I are moving to Florida for her job (fresh out of college and don’t really have the time or money to find a place on my own…now I have to go through the teaching process all over again!!), so our first stop is Disney World (been to Disneyland so many times when I lived in AZ) and then Universal!
I will take so many pics and eat chocolate frogs…I wish the pics moved like they do in the books! 😂
Glad you’ll be around to see my book two review!
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Hey, that’s awesome! Getting to live in different places can be a real treat. I hope you find a great teaching job- this blog should give you some serious cred, haha. And you will love Diagon Alley and all the treats. It’s soooo much fun!!
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I’m nervous…but I guess there are pluses to moving, right? Like Diagon Alley! 😂🤣😂
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Aww, don’t worry! You’re so friendly and kind, you’ll meet lots of great friends and contacts. And wizards 😉 It can be hard to find a job, but I know it will work out because you’re so hard-working and qualified. I don’t know if you pray, but I’ll pray for you if you like! 🙂
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I do, and Christy, I would really appreciate you praying for me. Thank you for that generous offer. It touches my heart.
I hope everything will work out! Make a go of it, I guess! 😊
Thanks for the sweet and kind words. Made me feel so good inside. You are an amazing friend…are you sure you don’t want to go to Florida and be my friend? 😂🤣
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Of course, my friend!! It’s a privilege, thank you so much! 💛 I have been and will continue to pray for you! #prayerwarriors
Drat my timing, I’ve been to FL TWICE in the five years!! Haha. But when the hubs and I go back, you’ll be the first to know! It’ll be so awesome to meet you! 🙃
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I BETTER be your first stop!! Before any amusement parks, you come see me!! 😏👈
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You know it! ;D
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Pingback: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling | forthenovellovers
YAY! I’m SOOO glad that you read it! Harry Potter is my literal FAVORITE! Out of all the characters, I think my favorite is Hermionie. Whenever I read her POV I feel motivated to do the HW that I’m procrastinating.
Have an AMAZING day!
-Jared
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I’m so glad I did a reread because it’s been AWHILE. And now our group is starting book two so stay tuned! 😂
Thanks for stopping by! (I was a big Hermione growing up…I still see myself in her…but I’m also a little bit Ron: afraid of everything! 😂🤣)
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YES!!! I believe I’ve read this book at least five times, and you just made me want to read it again. I have the first four books and the sixth one. Er, my brother did. I sort of absorbed them into my collection. (GENIUS SOLUTION TO MY BROKE YOUNGER SELF)
-Amy
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That IS genius!! I love it!
I have only read it once, and I only got to book five. Let’s say after that I became a little, umm, “distracted” from reading. So the only way to do it right was a reread! I’m so glad you liked the books and have read them so many times! It means it stays fresh after all those rereads!
That is AMAZING!
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Hahaha thanks! Were you able to read them all?
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I am loving you guy’s reread reviews for Harry Potter! It’s making me wish I could drop everything and reread the books too. Hopefully sometime this year! Great review, Stephanie! 😁
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Thank you, Melissa! It was a lot of fun, and the fun gets to continue!
I’m looking forward to making a little POP rating system exclusively for HP!! 😂🤣
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Awww! I can’t wait to see your rating system for it. 😂
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I’ll make sure it’s extra cute just for you! 😘
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What a lovely review! I especially liked the gifs 🙂
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Thank you! I try to make it a little fun for people to read! 😊😉
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