Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone

1. My dad bought me this book in 2000 in Los Angeles- I can't believe I'm re-reading it
2. I had forgotten how much the Dursleys were a part of Harry's life but JK Rowling does a great job of setting the scene. Uncle Vernon Dursley does however appear to be trying to do what he thinks is right (keeping Harry away from magic) but he does it in all the wrong, disrespectful and most abusive ways
3. Didn't remember that Mr Dursley sold drills or that there was a West Ham fan in the book - funny how that is a detail that jumps out to me now but not when I first read it
4. I had also forgotten JKR's conversational tone was so engaging - that's probably the secret sauce to her success
5. Hermione was really annoying but the turning point was quite clearly "But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend.  There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve foot mountain troll is one of them."
6. I think one of the great things about this book that captivated readers was the attachment we felt to Harry, Ron and Hermione: all didn't quite fit in, in a way. Harry the orphan and bullied all his life; Ron feeling the pressure from his siblings in his family; Hermione being too smart which made her a bit of an outcast. That three misfits could be strong close friends is the type of magic we all yearn for in our own lives and is somewhat nostalgic.
7. Having a powerful artefact- the invisibility cloak is always the usual trope one would expect; so is our main character having a hidden sporting talent (in Quidditch..)
8. Add the context of magical mysteries waiting to be solved (Voldemort's impending return and his connection to and reason for trying to kill Harry) and the backdrop of dealing with coming of age style problems at school (think: bullies, bad teachers; good mentors and friends; growing up; exams...exam results...), and you can see how people are attracted to HP
9. Also,imagine having a whiz friend like Hermione all throughout high school!! Except for the part where she complains "but there's no wood!" And that's why she needs the quick thinking of the other two. 
10. That the "final test" or end level was a gauntlet of challenges set by some of the professors was pretty cool. But it felt a bit rushed particularly the chess part.. but I suppose that was to keep us moving along as we raced towards the end. 
11. I distinctly recall Dumbledore's jellybean line "Alas, earwax!" from my first read 
12. It was a bit too easy for Harry to beat the boss of this book..
13. However the villain concept / theme was a good one and I liked his..duplicity
14. Hagrid the ever present friendly giant was heart-warming 
15. Dumbledore's immense wisdom and omnipresence is a bit too unexplained for my liking - it's interesting how I never queried this when I was a kid - but now I'm asking: why did he leave if he supposedly knew there was trouble aloof and he was encouraging Harry to tackle it on his own? Did he want Harry to give it a go, only for Dumbledore to know that Dumbledore would need to save him? Perhaps it was intentional and designed to train Harry (being part of his all knowing plans) but it seems a bit much. Nonetheless Dumbledore's words of wisdom and calmness are a nice part of the story
16. Harry longing for his parents is always a tender spot of the book and series.
17. Spoiler: The crazy points allocation to Gryffindor at the end was rigged and hilarious.
18. Fred and George frequently mentioned in passing as comedy relief.
19. It's a shame that Harry is not going back to a family that loves him over the holidays (I can remember some of what comes next)
20. Even so I can't wait for the next book
21. I say: this is a solid 4.3-4.5/5