I know what you’re probably thinking… There is no escaping Harry Potter.

And if you’re a rebel against mainstream or extraordinary national bestsellers because you’re so convinced that you’re “different,” please reconsider. This article just might be a doorway to persuade you to read about an amazing universe that will get you reevaluating your own mundane life.

Before I read J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, I had already seen all of the movies. So, in a sense, I was already exposed to the Harry Potter universe. When I would go to Barnes and Noble or Hot Topic, there would always be these stands selling Harry Potter merchandise, and I would browse through them because I felt worthy enough to do so. I’m a Harry Potter fan, I thought to myself. I’ve seen all eight movies. I had some nerve. Good thing I never said that out loud in front of a true Harry Potter fan. They just might’ve thrown a hardcover one at my face.

So, I picked up the book that had been lying on my bookshelf untouched for God knows how long, and finally opened it. It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, coming after not verbally expressing my sentiment for being a Harry Potter fan because I had only been exposed to the movies, of course.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone tells the story about an eleven-year-old boy named Harry who had been raised by Muggles (non-magic folk), only to learn one day that he is a wizard. A famous one, too! He survived a deadly spell casted by one of the most feared dark wizards, Lord Voldemort, and had left the dark wizard in a vulnerable state. However, Voldemort’s whereabouts are unknown, which leaves the teachers at the magical school of Hogwarts anxious and eager to protect a certain something from his evil clutches. In the meantime, Harry, along with his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, build a strong bond and go through a bunch of shenanigans, which all ties up to the climactic finale of book 1.

If you’ve seen the movies and feel like this summary was just regurgitating what you already know, don’t be discouraged. There are so many details that the book has that no two hour film can possibly cover. To me, reading this book gave me a better understanding of the characters and other things, like the game of Quidditch (a wizards sport). J.K. Rowling is amazing at describing the game of Quidditch and generally everything, which is why I have come to believe that that’s reason behind why the directors of Harry Potter had such an easy time making the film.

The characters are more developed in the book as well (don’t get me wrong, I love Daniel, Rupert and Emma, but their book counterparts really rubbed off on me). There’s a character named Seamus who plays a minor role in the novel, but is mentioned enough times to get me frustrated in trying to remember who on earth he was in the film (I now know that he was the guy who’d blow things up all the time). Some parts in the novel weren’t even depicted in the movie! I was pretty much at war with myself this past week.

Overall, reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was a wonderful experience. It really got my creative juices flowing (I like to write on my spare time) and I was just at awe with J.K. Rowling’s brilliant work. How does she keep up with everything? I mean if I wrote seven books (I’m a dreamer, I know), I’d probably forget some of the elements of my plot by the middle of book two or something. Props to J.K. Rowling. She’s simply amazing.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone rewards you with twelve AR points, though I do recommend reading it regardless of its points.

I think I’m going to go buy myself a Gryffindor pen now.