Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone / Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets / Harry Poter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Executive Summary: I've now read this book (not sure how many times), and listened to both versions of the audio. It's more like a 4.5 than 4, but I don't get 5 lightly. It's the book that started the Harry Potter series and I don't imagine I need to tell anyone how good those books are.

Jim Dale Audiobook: The first time I did the audiobook version, I did the Jim Dale version. Now that I've listened to both, I think I like him better for the first 3-4 books, and Fry better for the last 3-4. He's a very good reader. He does descent voices for the various characters.

Stephen Fry Audiobook: I wanted to see the difference between the Jim Dale and Stephen Fry versions, but if I'm perfectly honest that's going to be hard as it's been 2 years since I did the Dale versions. I feel like Dale did a better variety of voices, but the Fry version is certainly quite good. I particularly like his voice for Hagrid, but his voice for Snape sounds wrong. That's probably Alan Rickman's fault though and not Stephen Fry.

Jury is still out but after 1 book I have to give it to Dale.


Full Summary
I'm not going to bother with a very long review, as this book is very well known at this point. It's been a few years since I last read it (likely as a re-read before book 7). It's a great book for re-reading. The characters are all well developed and the story pulls you in and holds on as you adventure along with Harry as he battles bullies at home, at school, and on the quidditch pitch before confronting the ultimate bully in Lord Voldemort.

This book introduces the reader to the world of magic and muggles. Of Hogwarts and broomsticks. It's not as good as several of the later books, but it's an excellent kick-off and signs of what is to come are quite apparent.