Throwback Thursday- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

By: J.K Rowling and Jim Kay
Published Year: 2015
Publisher: 2015
Pages: 248

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Summary (Provided by Goodreads): Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay's dazzling depiction of the wizarding world and much loved characters in this full-colour illustrated hardback edition of the nation's favourite children's book – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Brimming with rich detail and humour that perfectly complements J.K. Rowling's timeless classic, Jim Kay's glorious illustrations will captivate fans and new readers alike. 

When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently he's the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord's curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Leaving his unsympathetic aunt and uncle for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry stumbles upon a sinister mystery when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers, which could be valuable, dangerous – or both. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

                                          First Impressions and What I remember

I know that with re-reads I don’t typically do a first impression but because this is so unique, I felt I needed to. I LOVE Harry Potter. It is hands down my favorite book/series of all time. I have read them multiple times and know I will continue to do so throughout my life. When I heard there was an illustrated version out I was like “ugh…really? How stupid is that?” But then, in a bookstore in England, I spotted an illustrated version. I picked it up and fell in love and immediately knew I needed it in my life. Also, I did purchase the British version, so it is the Philosopher’s stone and not Sorcerer’s.

                                                              What I thought

This book is beyond beautiful. If you are a Harry Potter fan, you need this in your life. It enhances the story so much and is honestly a work of art.

I think when I first heard about it being illustrated, I worried that it would somehow take some of the magic away. One of the best things about non-illustrated books is that you can picture everything in your head the way that you see it. I know that since the movies have come out that some of that has been taken away anyway, but this book does such a great job. It has a great balance between what the movies showed and what the book says and what I remember imagining as I read the book the first time. While I’m so glad that I purchased and read this book, I’m also furious with myself because now I’m stuck in the Harry Potter waiting circle again! This is the only illustrated version out currently so now I have to wait for the next ones!

As for my re-read, it was as magical, if not more so than I thought it would be. Even though this was easily my 6th or 7th re-read of the first Harry Potter, I was just as sucked in as the first time around. I suffered such a massive book hangover from this it was ridiculous. The only thing I wanted to do when I finished was pick up the next one and the next one. I had no desire to start another book and therefore didn’t read for a few days. 
 

I can’t rave about this book enough. Not only is Harry Potter itself just beyond amazing (and if you haven’t read it WHHHHHHHYYYYYYYY???), but the illustrated version is breathtaking. If you see it in the stores, do yourself a favor and pick it up and look through it. You will be mesmerized. I love this series so much and am so excited I chose to add this version to my collection. I know that I will re-read it over and over again and I will proceed to buy every illustrated version the minute it comes out. Pure perfection!