Paperback, 309 pages
English language
Published Aug. 15, 2008 by Scholastic.
Harry Potter has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursleys, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.
But all that is about change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter. (back cover)
A great start to what became a great experience reading the series with my wife and oldest daughter over the next three years.
Harry Potter has lived with is uncle, aunt and horrible cousin since he was a baby. His parents died shortly after he was born and he has no recollection of them, although he loves his parents unconditionally - probably because he is clearly not wanted by his remaining relatives. One day Harry discovers he is a wizard and that there is a whole new world waiting for him. He can leave his miserable life and embrace the magic that lives in him.
When I read this book for the first time, which was almost 20 years ago, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. Maybe because I read it in Portuguese. But now reading the original words and seeing those beautiful illustrations, it took my breath away. What a great book to read over and over again! I loved how Harry forged his friendships, how children are so sure of …
Harry Potter has lived with is uncle, aunt and horrible cousin since he was a baby. His parents died shortly after he was born and he has no recollection of them, although he loves his parents unconditionally - probably because he is clearly not wanted by his remaining relatives. One day Harry discovers he is a wizard and that there is a whole new world waiting for him. He can leave his miserable life and embrace the magic that lives in him.
When I read this book for the first time, which was almost 20 years ago, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much. Maybe because I read it in Portuguese. But now reading the original words and seeing those beautiful illustrations, it took my breath away. What a great book to read over and over again! I loved how Harry forged his friendships, how children are so sure of the truth, and how love keeps it all together. And I was delighted in discovering that Dumbledore is adorably nuts, I had not realised that before! This is a great beginning to a magnificent series. I was missing it without knowing it.
