by J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #1
Narrator: Jim Dale
Length: 8 hours and 33 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
"Turning the envelope over, his hand trembling, Harry saw a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms; a lion, an eagle, a badger and a snake surrounding a large letter 'H'."
Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!
My oldest was seven when we read HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE for the first time. I read it allowed to each of my children. It is a fond memory as are the releases of each book in the series along with the movie releases. Their releases mark my children’ childhood and this series will always be dear to me.
To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Harry Potter and in conjunction with the Wizarding World Book Club, I chose to listen to HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE for the first time. Narrated by Jim Dale the tale once again came to life and I was lost to it.
It was wonderful revisiting this story. The last time I did a reread was when I bought the illustrated edition and of course, it all started with me looking at the beautiful illustrations and the next thing you know I was lost to this world. Honestly, it never gets old.
Rowling’s writing is marvelous from pacing to her ability to express the character’s emotions. I know there are folks who have not yet read the series (gasps). I, of course, cannot recommend them enough regardless of format. The movies are brilliant, but only scratch the surface of what the books and audios have to offer. If you love Harry Potter but have never tried audio, this is the perfect time to listen.
Five reasons to listen to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- The world and characters came to life on audio. Jim Dale has a pleasant tone and gave each character his or her own unique voice. His pacing was wonderful and allowed me to listen for long stretches of time.
- You belong to the Potter Fandom and it would be criminal not to try all the formats.
- It’s the 20th Anniversary of Harry Potter. Celebrate and treat yourself.
- Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Hogsmeade Villiage, magical items, secret passages, and wondrous creatures. The world building is rich and detailed. You will want to pack your bags and visit. (I am still waiting for my letter)
- The characters! Harry Potter, Hermoine Granger, Ron Weasley, Snape, Malfoy, Hagrid, Sirus Black and more. I love them all and this is only the beginning …
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
KGC
I love the books and the audio sounds like fun
kimbacaffeinate
Love this series
Suzanne
This sounds like a perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary. Thanks for posting the soundcloud link too. I like Jim Dale’s voice and could easily see getting lost in the story while listening to him narrate.
Darlene
I’m right now reading the illustrated edition aloud to my daughter. I do want to do the audiobooks as well. I’ve heard that Jim Dale’s version is better than Stephen Fry’s for audio. Hope you enjoy revisiting the series!
Di
Ah, I haven’t listened to the Jim Dale version at all.. I have the Stephen Fry narration and love it. Have you listed to it at all? I’m wondering if I should even try now that I know Fry and how I’ve grown to love that one! I’ve heard good things, but you know how change can be…
Victoria (aka zEmfIrKa)
I’ve been meaning to try it on audio and absolutely can’t wait to share it with my little one when he’s old enough… 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
I’ve never listened to the audios but I really do want to. I’m curious about the British versions because I LOVE Stephen Fry. I hear Jim Dale is great though. I re- read the first book last year with the illustrated version, so I need to read the second illustrated soon before the third comes out. 🙂 I read the first book when I was 7 so right when they were coming out, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Chloe
I’m ashamed to say I have never read Harry Potter. I did try many many many years ago and I made it with 5 pages to go till the end and I gave up. I couldn’t tell you why but that’s what happened. I adore the movies though!! I have got the illustrated version at least so I am hoping this will help now that I’m more into reading but I am waiting for at least 4/5 for them to come out before I start reading because I know I will want to read them either back to back or one a month haha.
It’s so nice hearing that this book brings you such great memories and has a special place in your heart!! I love that 🙂
I would like to give an audio book a go but never know what to do when I’m sat listening to something. Plus I never know which book I should pick, any suggestions? Something a little more fast paced maybe? I’d appreciate any suggestions!!
Nadene
I have. not read the series or watched the movies. I
Debbie Haupt
Kim what a great way to celebrate 20 years of Harry! I think I’ll have to listen to this series too! What house did you want to be in?
Melanie Simmons
I think I’m one of the only people on the planet to not like this series. I read the first book and a half and I just couldn’t get into them. I’ve seen the first 3 (??) movies and thought they were okay, but didn’t love them (I do want to finish the movies at some point). I’ve been told that I should try the audiobooks and I probably will give it another go with that format at some time. As much as I love audio, maybe that will finally get me to enjoy the series. Great review.
RO
It’s ironic that you posted this while I talked a about this awesome author being the richest in the world. I’ve collected all the books and never read them, but I have watched every movie at least twice, and collected the DVD’s. This is the one audio book series I think I could actually stay awake for, Kim. (lol) Thanks for the cool trivia and reminder of how wonderful these books are. Hugs…
Berls
I’m doing an audio reread of the series right now too – I started just around the 20th anniversary and I’m on Goblet of Fire right now. I listened to the Jim Dale narration a year or two ago – this time I’ve borrowed the British edition from Felicia and I’m really enjoying Stephen Fry’s narration. I have to say, I think I did enjoy Jim Dale better in the earlier books, but now that they’re growing up a bit, I’m starting to prefer Stephen Fry. He seems to make their voices age more. We’ll see if I continue to feel that way as I progress. Anyway, enjoy!!!
Evie
Wow! Has it really been 20 years already? It feels like it was just yesterday. I love going back to older books and giving them a reread. Great review on the audiobook!
Megan Riverina Romantics
Thanks for reviewing this. I always wondered if the audio versions were any good. I loved the books. Maybe I’ll check them out.
Carole
I haven’t read Harry Potter yet. I know that I should but I just haven’t done so yet. I was thinking about the audio so I am happy to hear that you enjoyed the narration.
Christine
My husband has listened to these pretty much on repeat for commutes and long car trips for a few years now. I’ve only listened to bits and pieces with him, and am stubbornly annoyed we can’t get the UK Stephen Fry narrated editions here in the US. Jim Dale IS very good, but Fry is a real favorite of mine after hearing him narrate classics like Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh (and now the Sherlock Holmes stories! But I haven’t gotten too far into those yet.) Maybe someday I will finally just go ahead and give the US editions a fair shake 🙂
Jessica
Love this! Definitely going to have to listen, thanks for sharing your thoughts!!
HahahahaLa La in the Library
Yes! The releases of the books and the movies have been markers for my son’s childhood, too, so many great memories. Is this the original narrator? I remember when.the audios first came out and everyone on the HP site I belonged to was raving about them. I would really like to listen to that particular narrator. I think it is time to seriously consider the audiobooks. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book and Harry Potter. <3
Kristin
… ‘you’re still waiting for you letter’… tee hee!!!!!! Outstanding!!! Great review!!
Jenea
I loved the books and the movies, so I can only imagine how good the audibooks of this would be. So glad you enjoyed it!!
Jenea’s Book Obsession
Ethan
Great review! My mom read the first couple books to us when we were kids. By the time the later ones were released, we had to buy multiple copies so we could all read them!
Crystal Book Snob
I’ve always wanted to listen to the audios of Harry Potter. I’ve heard it’s a whole new Harry Potter experience!
Crystal Book Snob
Sarah
Your review makes me want to binge read the series again! I was so obsessed growing up. I really need to listen to the audio version. Great review 🙂
Lark
I love these books. In print or audio, they never get old. Jim Dale does a great job reading them, too.
sherry fundin
WOW. Hard to believe it has been 20 years
Angela
The Harry Potter series is the only books I’ve every listened to in Audio. When the first came out we did road trips and so they where great for the long drive. I’ve not read one of the books, but I’ve done the Audios. I’m hopping to get my little man into the series soon.
Stormi Johnson
HP was nothing iconic for me like it was for a lot of people, I actually didn’t want to read it at first but when someone I know who was 50 was reading it I thought I need to try it and liked it. I have revisited it through audio, I am up to the third one and I love Jim Dale. He is one of my favorite children’s audiobook narrators. 🙂 So I am glad you are enjoying him! 🙂
Geybie's Book Blog
Awesome review, Kim. I think I’m the only person on this earth who hasn’t read Harry Potter yet. Haha… can you believe it?
Quinn's Book Nook
Jim Dale is fabulous! I actually want to listen to the British version, because I think Stephen Fry narrates. I’ve been thinking I should reread these again.
Tyler H. Jolley
I still can’t believe it’s been twenty years. I was actually drawn to the book because a few religious groups were claiming it was glorifying evil and satanic tendencies. I knew my kids had heard of it and needed to check it out. Obviously, that claim was false and Harry Potter became a staple in the Jolley household.
Angela
I’m glad you had fun revisiting this series. I think I’m one of a handful that’s never read the books. lol
Ailyn Koay
hmmm although the reader sounds not boring, i was hoping for the mysterious soundtrack the movies had. for that feel
blodeuedd
Ohh this would be fun listening too