“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” & “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” - J. K. Rowling

 

⚡️A global phenomenon when published, these books have become anchors of modern children’s literature. They enthralled a generation of kids in the early ‘00s, and continue to create new Potterheads today. 

⚡️Potter books are ubiquitous and have been analyzed and reviewed umpteen times. I won’t add much here other than to say it was a real pleasure to revisit Hogwarts and experience the magic of the wizarding world with my kids. Ashwin read the series in 4th grade and was initially “too cool” to pick up this series with us; once we began listening, his was the finger eagerly pressing play.

⚡️Ashwin, Sanjay, and I unreservedly recommend the UK audiobook narrated by Jim Dale. I’m told that the narrator for the American version is more extravagant with the character voices, but we were beyond pleased with Jim Dale’s work. It is at once riveting and comforting. He balances bringing all of the characters to life with his narrator duties; I often felt like perhaps some of the film actors listened to these audiobooks to prepare for their roles - Dale’s Gilderoy Lockhart (book 2) was a dead ringer for Kenneth Branagh’s film version! Also, how gorgeous are these audiobook covers?!

⚡️There was nothing terribly dark in books 1 and 2. Elementary readers will enjoy the novels as will middle schoolers. And of course adult Potterheads will relish a return to Hogwarts - I know I am! Our car commute listening schedule has been blocked out for the next couple of months with the rest of the series.

⚡️ The Potter series is one of the few where the film adaptations have been incredible in capturing what readers envision while reading the books, and really do justice to the novels. Both of these two films closely match the books.

⚡️ As a side note, I believe we can adore JKR’s creation and her brilliance, while being disappointed by her surprisingly close-minded views regarding the trans community. I continue to regard the Potterverse as tolerant and inclusive in spite of JKR’s comments. I think this is the approach of many Potterheads, including the cast of the films.