Book Description

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst.The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction.(Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell 10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Stephenie Meyer Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air? A: I have never seen an entire episode of Buffy or Angel. While I was writing Twilight, I let my older sister read along chapter by chapter. She's a huge Buffy fan and she kept trying to get me to watch, but I was afraid it would mess up my vision of the vampire world so I never did. I don't have a ton of time for TV, and my kids get rowdy when I have on "mommy shows," but I do have a secret fondness for reality shows (the good ones, at least in my opinion). I always TiVo Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America's Next Top Model. Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens? A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn. I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading). I think the reason that I ended up with a book for teens is because high school is such a compelling time period--it gives you some of your worst scars and some of your most exhilarating memories. It's a fascinating place: old enough to feel truly adult, old enough to make decisions that affect the rest of your life, old enough to fall in love, yet, at the same time too young (in most cases) to be free to make a lot of those decisions without someone else's approval. There's a lot of scope for a novel in that. Q: What is your favorite vampire story? Fave vampire movie? A: I guess my favorite vampire story would be The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice, simply because it's one of the only ones I've ever read. I keep meaning to pick up Bram Stoker's Dracula, because I get asked this question so often and I should probably start with the classics, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Again, I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world. Ack! I can't even answer the movie question. I can't remember ever seeing a single vampire movie, outside of clips from Bela Lugosi movies on TV. I don't like true horror movies--my favorite scary movies are all Hitchcock's. Q: What other young adult authors do you read? A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoyJ.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now. Stephenie Meyer's List of Books You Should Read Anne of Green GablesRomeo and JulietDragonflightTo Kill a Mockingbird The Princess BrideSee more recommendations from Stephenie Meyer Amazon.com's Significant SevenStephenie Meyer graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven. Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: The book with the most significant impact on my life is The Book of Mormon. The book with the most significant impact on my life as a writer is probably Speaker for the Dead, by Orson Scott Card, with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier coming in as a close second.Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: The CD is easy: Absolution by Muse, hands down. It's harder to give myself just one movie, but the one I watch most frequently is Sense and Sensibility--the one with the screenplay by Emma Thompson. One book is impossible. I'd have to have Pride and Prejudice, but I couldn't live without something by Orson Scott Card and a nice, thick Maeve Binchy, too.Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: My lies are all very, very boring: "No, you really look great in hot pink!" "My children only watch one hour of TV a day." "I didn't eat the last Swiss Cake Roll--it must have been one of the kids." That's the best I've got.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: It's late at night and the house is silent, but I'm still (miraculously) full of energy. I have my headphones in and I'm listened to a mix of Muse, Coldplay, Travis, My Chemical Romance, and The All-American Rejects. Beside me is a fabulous, and yet mysteriously low in calorie, cheesecake....Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: I'd like it to say that I really tried at the important things.I was never perfect at any of them, but I honestly tried to be a great mom, a loving wife, a good daughter, and a true friend. Under that, I'd want a list of my favorite Simpsons quotes.Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: I'd love to have a chance to talk to Orson Scott Card--I have a million questions for him. Mostly things like, "How do you come up with this stuff?!" But, if he wasn't available, I'd settle for Matthew Bellamy (lead singer of Muse).Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?A: I'd want something offensive, rather than defensive. Like shooting fireballs from my hands. That way, you're really open to going either way--hero or villain. I like to have choices.

Customer Reviews:

Edward & Bella.......2007-10-24

What a great series!! A friend told me about it and it took about one weekend to read all three!!

Could not stop reading.......2007-10-24

Since the first time I set eyes on the cover of Twilight I couldn't resist something about it. It was drawing me in and I didn't know why. I never read the back (I think that ruins books), but I never bought it. I saw it everywhere for two years and finally noticed my brother had it. So I borrowed it from him and I read it in two night. I couldn't believe how much more I wanted and I knew that there was two more in this wonderful series(New Moon and Eclips). I bought them and read them in two nights. Two books, in two night. I couldn't believe it. I work full time and go to school. I stayed up late just to read these young adult books. The only thing I would complain about is it does go a little over the tip with their feelings, but I can't complain, because I was once like Bella (When I was her age of course). So I could relate.

I love this book and would say you need to read it IF, you like Vampires, romance, teenaged drama, and thrill.

one of the most amazing books i ever read!.......2007-10-24

the main character, bella, moves from arizona to forks, washington to live with her dad. there, she meets a vampire coven and falls in love with one of the vampires, edward. this book is completely amazing. i accidently picked it up because i liked the cover (i judge books by their covers haha) and i read it in one day. stephenie meyer does an excellent job at writing. her vampires aren't like any others and, somehow, it seems more realistic. if you don't like books with vampires you will enjoy this book. trust me, you will not regret buying this book!

Twilight/Eclipse/New Moon.......2007-10-23

I highly recommend this trio of books if your into vampires and love stories! I am very impressed, I was very addicted to reading them! I'm not a huge reader generally when it comes to myself, I read to my children all the time, but not so much for myself, but these books had me zooming through them and couldn't put them down! Ive gotten so many friends to read them and they all loved them! You wont be let down! Go ahead try them, try them ALL!

A Guilty Pleasure!!!.......2007-10-23

This book is a guilty pleasure! The negative reviewers are, I am sad to say, correct about the downfalls of the story...Bella does love Edward at the expense of her life, her needs, her desires, and she plays the helpless victim role over and over. Edward is domineering and controlling of her, and the anti-feminist themes that this creates make me cringe. Therefore, I could see this book being harmful for anyone who does not have a very good sense of self. But if you know who you are and what you stand for, this book will do no harm to you. I read this book in 4 days and loved every minute of it! I think that in order to really enjoy this book, you need to frame it as a fantasy, because that is what it is. It is a hot, passionate fantasy made even hotter by the fact that all of Edward and Bella's physical contact has an edge of danger. This book is oozing with passion, and I love love loved it! Yes, girls, we do not need to be saved by a man, but darn it it sure is romantic! I think that the draw of this book, for me, was the way it made me feel when reading it. As strong and independent women who can support themselves in the world on our own, we have been taught to be skeptical or to even avoid the idea that we need love to complete us, that we can't live without love, that sometimes we need to be rescued. However, I think that women also need to remember that we are women, we are feminine, beatiful, and part of feminism means that we have the right to make our own choices, and if we want to fantasize about true love and being rescued, that is our perrogative. This book helped me to reconnect with that part of my feminity, and that I think is what I really loved about it. This is also probably the same reason that I liked the movie Pretty Woman, and that I sometimes secretly watch the Girls Next Door on E. I have already ordered books 2 and 3 and look forward to reading them.

Average customer rating: I was sorry to have it end Misleading Reviews unreadable Another magical story from Mary Balogh Regency Mystery

Simply Magic Mary Balogh Manufacturer: Delacorte Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Balogh, Mary | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books General | Romance | Subjects | Books Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books Similar Items: Web of Love (Dell Historical Romance) Simply Love The Gilded Web The Taste of Innocence The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever ASIN: 0385338236 Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

On a splendid August afternoon Susanna Osbourne is introduced to the most handsome man she has ever seen . . . and instantly feels the icy chill of recognition. Peter Edgeworth, Viscount Whitleaf, is utterly charming—and seemingly unaware that they have met before. With his knowing smile and seductive gaze, Peter acts the rake; but he stirs something in Susanna she has never felt before, a yearning that both frightens and dazzles her. Instantly she knows: this brash nobleman poses a threat to her heart . . . and to the secrets she guards so desperately.


From the moment they meet, Peter is drawn to Susanna’s independence, dazzled by her sharp wit—he simply must have her. But the more he pursues, the more Susanna withdraws . . . until a sensual game of thrust-and-parry culminates in a glorious afternoon of passion. Now more determined than ever to keep her by his side, Peter begins to suspect that a tragic history still haunts Susanna. And as he moves closer to the truth, Peter is certain of one thing: he will defy the mysteries of her past for a future with this exquisite creature—all Susanna must do is trust him with the most precious secret of all. . . .

Customer Reviews:

I was sorry to have it end.......2007-09-19

which is ironic when you consider that, first, I hesitated in buying it and, then had it for two months before getting around to starting it!

I was turned off by some of the lukewarm reviews which sort of echoed annoyances I felt with previous books (the never-ending presence of the Bedwins, the ever-recurring use of the the ducal quizzing glass, etc.) Yes, they were there but they didn't detract from the book at all. An imperfect Mary Balogh is still so much better than a perfect any-other-regency-novelist that it doesn't matter at all.

As is usual in her novels, the characters are completely believable: in character development, in their actions and reactions, in their time and place, in the balance between their imperfections, virtues and motivations, and in their passage through the plot from beginning to end.

Nothing wildly dramatic happens in the plot. This isn't an adventure, a mystery, a conflict, a comedy or a drama, at least not any more or any less than a slice of real life is any (or all) of the above. The plot is character driven and well-paced. It is not psycho-babble, but insights into the thoughts and feelings of intelligent and imperfect human beings who make and admit mistakes and try, as all of us do, to grow from our experiences and to try to do what is right when confronted with the temptations, challenges, and opportunities that this particular moment of their lives present.

It is sometimes hard to believe that these are not real people which explains why, after reaching into yourself and relating--with genuine interest, empathy, and warmth--to some part of each of them, it is so hard to let them go.

Misleading Reviews.......2007-08-31

As a long-time Balogh fan, I was hesitant to buy this book after some of the extremely negative reviews. I'm glad I did. A self-effacing, kind, charming, cheerful hero and a buoyant, energetic, loving heroine, both intelligent and striving towards maturity, are lovingly portrayed in all their insights and lack thereof. Granted, the book is more a study of individual emotional evolution than action, but the couple is charming, their development believeable, and, as always, Ms Balogh brings it all together with the most complete of happy endings--something THIS reader of romances truly appreciates. Unless you just have to have serious threats, conflicts, crimes and mayhem in your romances, you'll enjoy it!

unreadable.......2007-07-18

I am a long-time fan of Mary Balogh--but about three or four books back something went terribly wrong. So--got this from the library instead--and stopped about 30 pages in. Back it goes.

Read her old Signet paperbacks if you want to know why people love(d) her, not this wince-inspiring mishmash of recycled themes she did better 10 or 15 years ago.

Another magical story from Mary Balogh.......2007-07-13

Mary Balogh's consistently high standard of writing is once again shown in "Simply Magic", the third of her 'Simply' Quartet ("Simply Unforgettable," and "Simply Love" precede this book). The events in this book take place largely at the same time as those in "Simply Love" and in fact some scenes are the same as we see the story from Susanna Osborne's view.

Susanna Osborne is a teacher at Miss Martin's School For Girls in Bath, having first attended the school as a pupil from age 12 when her father died unexpectedly and she ran away from being a burden to the family for whom he worked. Susanna's whole life has revolved around the school but when Frances, the Countess of Edgecombe and a former teacher (whose story is told in "Simply Unforgettable") invites Susanna to stay with her for two weeks Susanna agrees. On her first day at the Countess's estate she meets up with a group from the neighbouring house which includes a visitor, Viscount Whitleaf. The name Whitleaf is anathema to Susanna because of events in her past (which aren't initially explained) and so she treats him rather rudely. Besides, Peter Whitleaf is clearly a rather shallow young man, always flirting with young ladies and paying them lavish compliments but without too much between his ears.

However Whitleaf finds Susanna interesting, partly because she isn't flirting with him, and he strikes up a friendship with her. However at the end of the two weeks she returns to the school having turned down his offer to become his mistress and she and Anne Jewell, another teacher, tell each other about their love lives (this scene is also in "Simply Love"). Anne Jewell has to have a shotgun wedding and when the delayed wedding breakfast takes place Susanna is shocked to discover that Viscount Whitleaf is attending it. He stretches out his time in Bath, meeting Susanna on a number of occasions, and eventually persuading her to visit her original home.

Once again this story delves deeply into the emotions and histories of our characters. Whitleaf and Susanna are both attractive people who are much loved and yet their lives aren't as carefree as they might seem. Whitleaf has never been able to take mastery of his own house since his majority, being under his mother's thumb; Susanna has not been able to deal with the grief following the suicide of her father and her feeling of rejection. The two of them find that their stories entwine and their histories are significantly linked and work together to bring about some kind of resolution.

This is an excellent read, as usual with Mary Balogh. Perhaps the subject matter isn't quite as in depth as she sometimes offers (for example in "Simply Love") and the characters seem in some ways less complex but it is still a beautiful story with a genuinely kind hero.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

Regency Mystery.......2007-06-23

If you like a well-told tale, open your mind and enjoy the mystery rather than just the romance here. If all heroes must be dark and disturbing, try another author.

Average customer rating: Great book Fast delivery The Order of the Phoenix rises... Entertaining and kept my interest Adolescents at Hogwarts I am still going to give it five stars..

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) J.K. Rowling Manufacturer: Listening Library (Audio) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Audio CD Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Audio CD | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books General | Children's Fiction | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books Fantasy | Children's Fiction | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books Similar Items: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) ASIN: 0807220299 Release Date: 2003-06-21

Amazon.com

As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief... or will it?

The fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toadlike and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, as well. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black-and-white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Sorcerer's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energized as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvelous, magical series. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it's haunting Harry Potter's dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?

Here are just a few things on Harry's mind:

• A Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a personality like poisoned honey.

• A venomous, disgruntled house-elf

• Ron as keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team

• The looming terror of the end-of-term Ordinary Wizarding Level exams

. . . and of course, the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. In the richest installment yet of J. K. Rowling's seven-part story, Harry Potter is faced with the unreliability of the very government of the magical world and the impotence of the authorities at Hogwarts.

Despite this (or perhaps because of it), he finds depth and strength in his friends, beyond what even he knew, boundless loyalty; and unbearable sacrifice.

Though thick runs the plot, listeners will race through these tapes and leave Hogwarts, like Harry, wishing only for the next train back.

Customer Reviews:

Great book Fast delivery.......2007-10-05

this was a great book to read the series is starting to get good and this person delivered faster then my other book

The Order of the Phoenix rises..........2007-09-23

After reading the fourth book in the series I thought it could just not get any better... boy was I wrong! Harry staves off an attack by Dementors, saves his cousin's life, and has to face a trial at the Ministry of Magic, all before the school year even begins.

With Voldemort back, Dumbledore has recalled the Order of the Phoenix, a group of Wizards and Witches that fought against You-Know-Who the last time. Harry is hidden away for a short period of time at the secret head quarters of the Order, while awaiting his trail at the Ministry of Magic for 'Under Age Use of Magic away from School'. It soon becomes evident that the Minister of Magic is not only determined to not believe that Voldemort has returned, but has even started a compaign to discredit both Harry and Dumbledore to try and prevent people from believing them.

During the School year Harry and the other fifth years have increasingly large piles of school work to complete, and to perpare for their OWLs, which come at the end of their fifth year. Meanwhile the students, and teachers, have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to deal with, who has been appointed by the Ministry of Magic! Things at Hogwarts go from bad to worse, as this new teacher is given a wide range of powers over the other teachers via a stream of Ministry 'Educational Decrees'. Meanwhile Harry is plagued by troubling dreams, of traveling down a darkened hallway to a mysterious door, which leaves his scar burning more and more intensely. Perhaps even more puzzling, and disturbing, to Harry is the fact that Dumbledore seems to be going to lengths to ignore him.

Anyone who has enjoyed the past books in this series will love 'The Order of the Phoenix. This book takes the mystical fantasy elements of the earlier books, and ties them into an increasingly darkening plot line, pitting Harry and his friends against even worse dangers around every corner.

RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'.

Entertaining and kept my interest.......2007-09-21

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was far darker than the previous book but kept my interest throughout. Many of the characters are either becoming more sinister or are displaying a great tenacity to fight evil. Overall, I enjoyed this book far more than the previous one although the Potter series, as a whole, still doesn't strike me a "great literature" but rather an entertaining experience. I will say that as the plot progressed, I've become more eager to find out what's going to happen next; therefore, I'm going to start book six tonight.

Adolescents at Hogwarts.......2007-09-17

In this fifth book of the Harry Potter series we join Harry at the first part of the summer after his fourth year at Hogwarts. Harry finds himself back with the Dursleys, isolated in the Muggles' world once again. But all this changes as Dementors attack him. We then move into the school year where things do not look up for Harry. It seems that the Ministry of Magic has made sure that no one would believe of Harry's encounter with Voldemort of nothing more than his imagination.

During the school year it seems our hero does not deal well with his adolescent years. He is clueless about everything; what is happening to him, his friends, relationships, and common sense nor is he able to take advice. It is his almost constant whining, inability to control his anger and ineptitude in daily teenage life that has me drop my rating to three. Even with this the plot is moved along as we are introduced to the Order of the Phoenix, Hogwarts curriculum trying to cause change by the Ministry of Magic, and Harry scar gives more warnings.

I am still going to give it five stars.........2007-09-13

I too thought the book was very drawn out, however, I understand why this needed to happen. The Order of the Phoenix takes place after the fourth (Duh) in which the readers come to find that the lovely Voldermort has come back and stronger than ever. Plagued with constant ridicule from the daily prophet and the minister of magic Harry must remain calm and continue to do as he does and fight the snickers and the sneers from the people at Hogwarts. I really liked the beginning of this book because it started off with some pretty good suspense. There is an introduction of two new characters and I thought very much that they added quite nicely to the dynamic of the story. I positivley promise that you are going to loathe one of the new people so much, it will make your head spin. The kids at Hogwarts begin to take matters in their own hands when forces are way out of their control and the book moves nicely into some history of Harry's family and professor snape. The end is a great ending and a brilliant set up for the sixth ( I have already started it, soo good). If you have seen the movie and are wondering if this book may be for you, just pick it up and enjoy it.

Average customer rating: Promising Beginning of a Popular Series Harry The Heroic Jim Dale extraordinary Good read. Worth buying

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1) J.K. Rowling Manufacturer: Listening Library ProductGroup: Book Binding: Audio CD Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Audio CD | Harry Potter Books | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books School | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Rowling, J.K. | ( R ) | Authors, A-Z | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books General | Children's Fiction | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books Fantasy | Children's Fiction | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books Similar Items: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) Accessories: GPX C3948BI Ultra-Slim CD Player with 40-Second Anti-Shock Protection and Car Kit ASIN: 0807281956 Release Date: 1999-12-01

Amazon.com

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) --Karin Snelson

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

The amazing popularity of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone means that now even Muggles know about the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether or not you've read about Harry, this unabridged audiobook brings his world to life. Reader Jim Dale brings an excellent range of voices to the characters, from well-meaning Hermione's soft, earnest voice to Malfoy's nasal droning; from Professor McGonagall's crisp brogue to Hagrid's broad Somerset accent; and from snarling Mr. Filch to p-p-poor, st-tuttering P-Professor Quirrel. Some of the characterizations are peculiar--why do the centaurs have Welsh accents?--but that's a small price to pay to hear one of the myriad ways to sing the Hogwarts School song. Harry Potter fans of all ages--Muggle or not--will enjoy curling up with a few chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ("Alas! Ear wax!"), and this marvelous, magical audiobook. (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Sunny Delaney

Book Description

Read by Jim Dale
8 hours 17 minutes, 7 CDs

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable muggle aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's a wizard, just as his parents were.

But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright.

From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Promising Beginning of a Popular Series.......2007-10-25

JK Rowling had beginner's luck with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." It's a breezy,easy read. Her vocabulary might not be sophisticated and her descriptions tend to be overlong...but it works as a children's book,and most specifically,as fantasy.

In the beginning,Harry Potter is like any other 11 yr old boy. He grows up in middle-class England,thinking he's nothing special. However,he is able to leap onto roofs to escape bullies and speak to snakes at the zoo. Still,he doesn't see anything distinctive. Then he receives letters from owls inviting him to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A giant named Rubeus Hagrid comes to his house on Privet Drive to inform him of his chosen status.

Harry's adventures on Diagon Alley,to Platform 9 3/4,on the Hogwarts Express,and his first Quidditch games are exhilarating and fun. Rowling adds whimsy with Bertie's Every Flavored Beans and Chocolate Frogs. His friends, Ron and Hermione,have distinctive personalities and bring the reader in. There's the wise Dumbledore,the snippy Snape,and no-nonsense McGonagall. Rowling keeps the action going,and the plot simple. It reads as a good detective story-a Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys story with fantastical elements as Harry,Ron&Hermione search for the Sorcerer's Stone. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" works as a fun fantasy story,innocent and unburdened with politics.It worked in the beginning...

Harry The Heroic.......2007-10-23

This book is the best book I've ever read! J.K.Rowling is such a good author! Harry is 10-11 in this book. He has two friends in this book, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. He lives with his fat cousin Dudley and his mean Aunt and Uncle. These are the Dursleys. I loved the part when Gryffindor beats Slytherin in a Quidich match. There's a surprise at the end of the book, but if you want to find out what happens READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

Jim Dale extraordinary.......2007-10-22

Of course the first book of Harry Potter is already considered a classic by many, but the telling of it by Jim Dale is just as good! The voices and acting are simply phenomenal. Even if you've read the book several times, listening to this will still be quite entertaining.

Good read........2007-10-17

If you want to escape reality for a while and delve into the literary version of a comic book, this is a good read. It is not too intense, quite whimsical, and pleasurable to relax to after life's pressures have done their duty for the day. Time for fun.

Worth buying.......2007-10-14

Jim Dale gives life to Harry and all of the caricatures in J K Rowllings book. Just as the book is a page turner the audio book is a must listen to. I had to listen to the audio cd's one after another.

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