One of the reasons stories have fascinated human beings for thousands of years is that they remind us that people can change. Every memorable story is, at its heart, the story of a transformation.

In this week’s books review by students of Gaetan Raynal college, one student reflects on the book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” that tells the story of an orphan discovering that courage is defined not by extraordinary abilities but by the choices we make.

Another reviews “The Hobbit”, a story of a frightened hobbit finding that stepping beyond his comfort zone is what it takes to transform him into a hero.

A third explores Colleen Hoover’s book “Without Merit” about a lonely teenager discovering that healing begins when we stop hiding our pain and allow ourselves to be heard and understood.

Even though these stories take place in three different worlds, one imaginary, one magical, one closer to our everyday reality, they all ask the same question: Who are we becoming?

That is perhaps why books continue to matter. We do not simply read to discover what happens to the characters; we read to discover what is becoming of us.

Every story becomes an invitation to reflect on our own fears, our own choices and our own lives. Sometimes we recognize ourselves in a character. Sometimes we see the person we hope to become. Sometimes a book simply gives us the courage to take the first step towards change.

At Gaetan Raynal State College, we set a team with the teaching staff of the departments of languages and the library staff who worked tirelessly with the students on the book reviews. Together we agreed not to ask students merely to summarize books. We asked them to tell us what those books changed inside them. What idea stayed with them after the final page? What truth about life did they encounter? What questions did they walk away with?

Books remind us that the most important journeys are not always the ones we make across kingdoms, forests or magical schools. They are the journeys we make within ourselves. And those are journeys worth taking.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a captivating story about courage, friendship and discovering who we really are. From the very first chapter, I found myself drawn into Harry Potter’s world and was eager to know what would happen next.

Harry Potter is an orphaned eleven-year-old boy living a completely miserable life inside a cramped cupboard under the stairs with his abusive aunt, uncle, and spoiled cousin. His ordinary, bleak existence changes on his eleventh birthday when a towering half-giant named Rubeus Hagrid arrives and reveals that Harry has been granted admission to the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry discovers his true magical heritage as he uncovers the truth about his parents and the dark wizard Voldemort.

One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is the immersive magical world J.K. Rowling creates. From the bustling, whimsical shops of Diagon Alley to the moving staircases, living portraits, and majestic grand dining halls of Hogwarts, every setting feels fully alive. The author’s highly descriptive prose transports readers into an enchanting environment filled with chocolate frogs, flying broomsticks, helpful ghosts, and dangerous mythical beasts.

What impressed me even more was the authentic and heartwarming friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione. Although they have very different personalities, they learn to trust one another and overcome challenges together as they navigate difficult classes, strict professors like Severus Snape, and the lurking danger of Voldemort trying to return to power.  Their friendship reminds us that we do not have to face our fears alone.

Beyond the magic and adventure, the novel explores themes that remain relevant today: love, grief, prejudice, loyalty and the choices we make. Harry is not extraordinary because he possesses magical abilities, but because he repeatedly chooses courage over fear and what is right over what is easy.

We often believe that heroes are born different from everyone else. Harry Potter reminds us that courage is not something we are born with; it is something we discover when life places challenges before us.

I would highly recommend Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to readers of all ages. It is an exciting adventure filled with unforgettable characters that remind us that our choices, more than our talents, define who we become.

Rakshee Puchooa

Grade 13 M

Gaetan Raynal State College

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The Hobbit

J.R.R. Tolkien’s book The Hobbit follows a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who enjoys a quiet and comfortable life. He dislikes adventure and prefers the safety of his home. Everything changes when the wizard Gandalf introduces him to a company of thirteen dwarves determined to reclaim their lost kingdom from the dragon Smaug. Although Bilbo is reluctant at first, he eventually agrees to join them, beginning a journey that changes his life forever. Along the way, Bilbo faces trolls, goblins, giant spiders and many other dangers. Every challenge forces him to think differently, trust his companions and find courage he never knew he possessed.

From the very first chapter, I was drawn into a magical world filled with danger, friendship and discovery. What impressed me most, however, was not the adventure itself but Bilbo’s transformation. At the beginning of the story, he appears timid, cautious and unwilling to take risks. As the journey continues, he gradually becomes more confident, resourceful and brave. He learns to think quickly, solve problems, and help his friends when they are in danger. His journey made me realize that it is normal to feel afraid of change and uncertainty, but true courage comes from facing challenges and believing in ourselves.

I also appreciated Tolkien’s rich imagination and descriptive writing. The magical world is filled with fascinating landscapes, mysterious forests, towering mountains, and unique creatures. The detailed descriptions helped me picture every scene clearly. The author creates a world that feels both magical and believable, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the adventure.

More than a fantasy novel, The Hobbit is a story about stepping beyond our comfort zone.

It reminds us that even the most ordinary person can achieve extraordinary things by believing in themselves and daring to take the first step. We often hesitate when faced with change because we are afraid of the unknown. Yet it is often through these challenges that we discover who we really are.

I would highly recommend The Hobbit to those who enjoy adventure stories that are both entertaining and inspiring.

Tejasri Perienen

Grade 8 Green

Gaetan Raynal State College

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Without Merit par Colleen Hoover

Le livre Without Merit de Colleen Hoover m’a particulièrement touchée parce qu’il aborde des sujets sensibles comme la solitude, la santé mentale et le besoin d’être compris. Dès les premières pages, j’ai été troublée par l’univers compliqué de Merit Voss, une adolescente vivant dans une famille où chacun semble cacher quelque chose.

J’ai beaucoup aimé la façon dont Colleen Hoover mélange l’humour et les sujets sérieux. Malgré les thèmes abordés, le roman ne devient jamais pesant.

Merit est sarcastique et intelligente mais aussi perdue et blessée intérieurement comme une vraie adolescente. Dans l’histoire, on découvre ses pensées les plus profondes qu’elle garde pour elle ainsi que les difficultés qu’elle rencontre pour trouver sa place dans sa famille. Beaucoup d’adolescents pourront facilement se reconnaître dans ses sentiments de solitude et d’incompréhension.

Chaque personnage possède une personnalité différente et contribue à montrer combien les relations familiales peuvent devenir compliquées lorsque les membres d’une même famille ne communiquent pas sincèrement entre eux.

L’histoire de Merit nous aide à comprendre qu’il est difficile de grandir quand on se sent incompris, seul ou perdu dans sa propre famille. À travers ce livre, j’ai compris combien il peut être dangereux de garder ses émotions enfermées trop longtemps. Il est important d’oser parler de ses souffrances et de demander de l’aide lorsqu’on ressent le besoin. Le livre montre aussi qu’un seul geste d’attention ou de compréhension peut avoir une grande importance dans la vie d’un jeune.

Une des phrases qui m’a le plus marquée est celle-ci:  “Toutes les erreurs ne méritent pas une conséquence. Parfois la seule chose qu’elles méritent, c’est le pardon.”

Personnellement je pense que les parents, aussi bien que les jeunes, apprécieront ce livre, car il exprime ce que certains jeunes ressentent en silence. Il ne parle pas seulement de souffrance mais porte un message sur l’amour familial, le pardon et l’importance d’être présent les uns pour les autres même dans les moments difficiles, sans porter de jugement.

Without Merit nous apprend l’importance d’être honnête avec soi-même et envers ceux qu’on aime. Nous avons tous besoin d’être écoutés. Comprendre les autres commence souvent par prendre le temps de les entendre.

Irina Andriatianarivony

Grade 11

Gaetan Raynal State College