Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K.Rowling

One of the most talked about story's world wide, and one of the most sold out books ever, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K.Rowling is by far one of the most popular books ever.

The story is not told by Harry, but in the 3rd person, It tells the story of a young 11-year-old boy who lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin, currently only having a small cupboard under the stairs for him to sleep in or known as his "bedroom". That small cupboard was all Harry had known, until he receives a letter he did not get a chance to read before his cousin, Dudley, takes it shows his father, who immediately disposes of. But when more letters start to come through, he only gets angrier and takes them far away where nobody can find them. But whilst they are away, Harry makes a wish on his birthday, and within seconds the door is burst down and Hagrid, keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts, gives Harry two very simple choices; stay and have nothing for the rest of your life, or go with him to Hogwarts and become the person you were always supposed to be. Harry gladly takes up the invitation to leave the Dursley's, and before he knew it is taken away to place where he learns who he really is, a wizard. Whilst Harry is at Hogwarts, he makes a few friends, a skinny ginger boy names Ron whom has many brothers and one sister, and Hermione, who is an only child with frizzy hair. Harry's journey at a new school with new people is as it would be for anybody, exciting but nervous. But when certain events start to happen that Harry isn't used to, he is drawn into a fight with the man who killed his parents. When Harry, Ron and Hermione go onto the third floor corridor, which is out of bounds, and take a peak behind the locked door, a number of thing's come to mind. There is a three-headed dog, it's guarding something, and somebody wants to get to it; but who? When they start to investigate, it turns out the three-headed dog is guarding the Philosophers Stone, an elixir which was then known to keep you alive forever, immortal. But when the three of them make it past the three-headed dog, known as Fluffy, they are taken to a giant chess board, or known as Wizard's Chess. They have to make it across the board and defeat the opposing team to be able to get to the other side. Once the opposing team is defeated, Harry goes alone whilst Hermione takes care of Ron and sends for the teachers; only to find none other than Professor Quirrell on the other side, which came much to Harry's surprise. However, the Professor has a secret; he has been hiding lord Voldermort (He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named) on the back of his head, which is covered with the Turban he wears. When the Professor seeks out for the Philosophers stone, which is in Harry's pocket, he attempts to attack him, but because Harry has touched the stone he is able to defeat the Professor and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, he is then found passed out and taken up to the hospital wing. He then wakes up to find he has been praised by has fans for his courage. When it get's to the end of term, the House Cup must be awarded. Gryffindor, Harry's house, come last; but that's not the end of it. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville all score enough points to beat Slytherin and win the House Cup.

As one of my favourite story's and authors of all time and since of a young age, I give this novel nothing but praise. J.K.Rowling's talent to write is beyond amazing. The story is simple, yet complicated, and keeps you on your feet the whole time. It's the sort of story that you want to continue reading until you get to the end. With a twist around every corner, this story is just full of surprises. If I could go back and read it for the first time again, I would because every time I read it I find myself attached and wanting to never put it down.

If you ever have any free time, and you happen to cross a book store, I would highly recommend picking up a copy and reading it. The story is short, but if you miss a single page you will be confused as to what's going on. Even if you are not a fan of Fiction, it is a great read and should be at the top of your list of thing's to do.

If you have any requests of novels you wish my to read, I shall try to fit in some time into my busy schedule and read them.

Keep calm and carry on reading :)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, is a story based in North America and the future. The story is told by the protagonist Katniss Everdeen, who is a 16-year-old girls living in the 12th District, who volunteers at a "reaping" in place of her younger sister Primrose Everdeen. As one female and one male are randomly selected from between the ages of 12 and 18, a young boy the same age as Katniss called Peeta Mellark is chosen, who evidently has a crush on Katniss from several years before. They are then taken on a journey to the wealthiest place in Northern America (in the story known as Panem), called the Capitol. They are then monitored on their strength, agility, mental skills and various other things. They are then ranked to see whom is the best; the people with higher test scores are the end of the final test are then sponsored more money to win the Hunger Games. When the games begin, Katniss ventures off by herself, clambering through the wilderness in hopes to find water and shelter. A few days later, she stumbles across a young girl names Rue, who becomes an ally of Katniss', but then shortly dies, mentally scaring Katniss. Katniss then seeks revenge immediately after Rue dies, and then creates a memorial before Rue's body is taken away. Katniss then seeks off by herself in hopes to kill the other competitors, but stumbles across Peeta who had been hiding in the corners of a rock, painting his face in order to blend in so nobody would find him. Katniss, luckily, manages to heal his wounds and find fresh food for them to eat and for Peeta to heal on. After Peeta'd wounds have finally healed, he and Katniss venture into the forests to take out the remaining few who are still in the arena. When it is only Katniss and Peeta left, they take on a choice, either both die or one of them dies. They use the poisened berries Peeta picked up whilst searching for food, and begin to take them, until it is decides that they will both win the games together. They are then taken home and praised for both surviving the games, but both bring on a rebellion. 

"The Hunger Games" is a simple book, which uses its simplicity as its way of making the story perfect. 

The story is known world wide is one of the most talked about novels of the day. 

In my opinion, this book shows that girls an survive by themselves without a man, even if that's what every Disney story has to you; it's just simply not true. This book gives you the impression that it's okay to rebel and bend the rules, but also teaches you that bending the rules comes with a price, and that price needs to be paid when it comes to Katniss and Peeta winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games. 

This book is one of my favourites, and if you have never read it I would highly recommend it because the story is just superb. 

If you have any recommendations don't be hesitant to tell me, I shall read it and give you my opinion. 

Enjoy :)