Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book Review - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Until recently, I think it would have been safe to say that I was one of the few (if not the only) book bloggers that had never read a Harry Potter book. Yes, you heard me right. When the book first came out, I was going through a “it’s too mainstream for me” phase. Then I had too many other books to read and before I knew it over 20 years had passed and I still hadn’t read it. And on top of that, I haven’t even seen the movies. My book club friends have been putting pressure on me to read it for almost two years now and I finally relented. I broke down and read the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
I’m going to skip the part where I usually tell you what the book is about because I’m pretty sure you’ve all read this one. So here is what I can say about reading a book that everyone loves, that has become an international phenomenon, and is probably the most-referenced book in pop culture: I feel like I’ve already read it. You can’t work in the book industry and not understand cultural references to Harry Potter. You can hardly live in this world without understanding cultural references to Harry Potter. So, of course, I knew the gist of the story. But what I hadn’t expected was this feeling that I had already read it. I knew SO MUCH about the story that I only picked up a few new tidbits that I hadn’t known before. It is a really odd sensation.
Did I enjoy reading the book? Yeah! Do I see why it has taken the world by storm? Sure. Do I feel like I was missing out by having not read it? Not really. Of course, I’ve now only read the first book. So maybe I won’t be as familiar with the plots of the rest of the books. Perhaps reading those will give me more new information that I don’t already have by merely existing in a world obsessed with Harry Potter. I plan to finish the series, it might take me another 20 years to get through them, but I will eventually read them. I do feel better about being a book blogger now that I’ve read a Harry Potter book, I definitely feel less like an imposter.
Books Like Harry Potter
If you or your kids have ever wished to receive a mysterious letter on your doorstep on your eleventh birthday, announcing your admission to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you're not alone. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (originally published as Philosopher’s Stone in the UK) introduced us to a wizarding world so magical, it captured readers of all ages across the globe.
From the moment Harry escapes his cupboard under the stairs at his aunt and uncle’s house, navigates life with his spoiled son Dudley, and finds himself face-to-face with the half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, his world—and ours—changes forever. With the help of new friends Ron and Hermione, his spot on the Quidditch team, and magical items like the cloak of invisibility, Harry embarks on his first year filled with friendship, mystery, and the courage it takes to save Hermione from danger. Who could forget the moment Harry and Ron rush to her aid and realize the value of true friendship?
If you're craving more books that evoke the wonder, friendship, and magical mystery of Harry Potter, here are some top recommendations that might just enchant you.
🧙♂️ Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is cursed to die on her eleventh birthday… until a mysterious man named Jupiter North whisks her away to the magical city of Nevermoor. There, she must compete in dangerous trials to earn her place in the Wundrous Society.
Why You’ll Love It: Magic, whimsy, and secret societies—all wrapped up in a fast-paced fantasy with a brave, misunderstood heroine.
[The book character I’d be best friends with is] Hermione Granger - Harry Potter by J.K. Rollings I love her personality and feel like if I was at Hogwarts we would have been besties. - S.R. Fabrico
🔮 Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
When Percy discovers he's actually a demigod, his world flips upside down. With mythological monsters chasing him and Mount Olympus located above the Empire State Building, Percy embarks on a quest that’s part hero’s journey, part hilarious road trip.
Why You’ll Love It: Greek mythology meets modern-day adventure with snappy dialogue and friendships that rival Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s dynamic.
I started writing stories at age 8 but definitively I knew I wanted to be an author the day I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at age 13. The day I finished the series, I immediately knew I wanted to write my own fantasy series so I started Light Wings! - Mark Aaron Alvarez II
✨ The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Two girls are whisked away to an enchanted school—one where fairy tale heroes and villains are trained. But when the traditionally “good” Sophie ends up in the School for Evil, everything they believe is turned on its head.
Why You’ll Love It: A darkly magical school, twisted fairy tales, and a strong bond between unlikely friends.
[The book character I’d be best friends with is] Harry Potter! I would try my hardest to corrupt him so that he could use his magic for fun. Maybe I’ll take him to a casino. - Khurrum Rahman
🐉 Eragon by Christopher Paolini
When a poor farm boy discovers a dragon egg, he’s thrust into a world of magic, ancient secrets, and an epic battle between good and evil.
Why You’ll Love It: Like Harry’s discovery of the wizarding world, Eragon’s journey from ordinary to extraordinary is filled with thrilling battles, magical mentors, and a deep sense of destiny.
[The book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with is] Harry Potter, from the books by J K Rowling, so he could summon up a spell and get us moving again. - Daisy Wood
🦋 Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
After her brother disappears, Amari is invited to a secret magical training program where she uncovers hidden powers and unravels a dangerous conspiracy.
Why You’ll Love It: A modern, inclusive take on magical training, full of gadgets, spells, and a lead character who learns to believe in herself.
I listened to David Tennant's narration of Cressida Cowell's Wizard of Once Series and was laughing aloud in public, on the tube .... - Lily Graham
🧹 The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
Set in ancient times, this series tells the story of a young wizard boy and a warrior girl who are supposed to be enemies but must unite to defeat an ancient evil.
Why You’ll Love It: Fans of Quidditch team rivalries and magical creatures will find a lot to love in this adventurous, spellbinding tale.
[The book character I’d be best friends with is] Luna Lovegood, a character in The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, is the character that comes to mind when I think of who I'd like to be friends with. We have similar personalities, so I think we'd get along smashingly. We're both a little whimsical, a little flighty, kind, considerate, gentle, and yes, odd and eccentric. We'd be the best of friends. Or, considering I'm old enough to be her mom, she could be my daughter and my friend. - Tracy Hewitt Meyer
🌒 Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan
Thorn, an outlaw, and Lily, the reluctant heir to a house of necromancers, team up in a darkly magical kingdom where death is not the end.
Why You’ll Love It: A richly built magical world, noble houses, and political intrigue—plus a giant bat you can ride. Enough said.
Final Thoughts on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
It’s hard to overstate the charm of that first book. Whether it’s the thrill of Harry’s first trip to Diagon Alley, the moment he’s sorted into Gryffindor, or his first ride on a broomstick, everything about the Philosopher’s Stone feels like a warm, magical hug. This is the story that taught us to look beyond appearances, believe in the impossible, and that bravery doesn’t always roar—sometimes it shows up quietly in the act of choosing what's right, like standing up to friends or risking everything to save Hermione.
Reading (or re-reading) it reminds us why we fell in love with this series in the first place. And for those still waiting for their owl—these books might just tide you over until your letter finally arrives.
