Mark Reads Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is out! (Plus more excitement)

So, this is a huge moment in my life for a couple reasons, but let’s just get to the best one:

Mark Reads Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is done!

The extremely talented Jamie Herman won my cover contest with this beauty, and she’ll be designing the other six covers in this series. I can barely handle how amazing this is.

This book is now on sale on MarkDoesStuff for just $3.99. It includes both the original reviews, adapted for a book format, as well as all of the re-reads posted on this site. After this, all MRHP books will include new and never-before-seen re-reads of the entire series, chapter-by-chapter. OH GOD.

It’s available in all three formats, too! Kindle, ePub, and PDF. SEE IT’S SO PERFECT.

Which brings me to my second awesome announcement that’s related to this book. As of yesterday, Mark Does Stuff is now my full time job. I have been trying so hard to pull this off, and after saving money from advertising/book sales, I think it’s time for me to commit to all of this as my sole responsibility in life. For the time being, you’ll probably only notice that I’m around more often. I’m going to jump right in to editing and writing MRHP + Chamber of Secrets, as well as doing some much-needed cleaning around the site. We will have new forums that are compatible with WordPress open next week; my newsletters will make a full comeback. I am not going to commit to adding more reviews just yet, as I’m also still preparing for my first tour next month. Eventually, I’d like to add weekends back to the schedule, too, but I’d also like to figure out my schedule and workload first.

This is really a dream come true, and I’ve been struggling to get here for a year. All I ask of you, fellow Readers, is to take a moment to either recommend this site to others, or to pitch in and buy a book or two to help keep this site (and Mark Watches) running. It’s not free for me anymore; with the new server, it costs about $200 a month to keep my sites online. I can’t put up a donation button because I don’t want to get banned from PayPal like Regretsy did, so even if you don’t even necessarily want a book, it helps to pitch in. But only if you can! This site will always remain free FOREVER and you should never feel guilty if you can’t provide monetary support!

I’m embarking on a personal experiment, and the tour is part of that. I might as well ride this out as long as I can. I hope that this works out for all of us, and I am ecstatic to be able to hang out around here all day. Plus, now I have time to sit down and write my actual book that I’ve been working on, and – well, one day, we’ll get there.

Thank you all for making this possible. You are lovely fans to have, and I hope to meet a lot of you in 2012, end of the world be damned!

Mark (Who Does Stuff)

About Mark Oshiro

Perpetually unprepared since '09.
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141 Responses to Mark Reads Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is out! (Plus more excitement)

  1. mollyworks says:

    SO HAPPY FOR SO MANY REASONS.

  2. Congrats, Mark! This is basically the definition of a win-win situation – win for you and win for us!

  3. totiebinds says:

    MARK THIS IS AWESOME OMG I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

    By the way, is there a package deal by any chance for Mark Reads Twilight series? If not, that's okay I WANT ALL THE BOOKS!!!

  4. scarlettlynn says:

    Congratulations. This is amazing! So happy for you. (And so happy for me too because I get to enjoy what you do!)

  5. Katie says:

    Oh, Mark. I'm on the phone to my friend, and just had to explain to her why I burst out laughing at a drawing of a grown man hugging Hagrid on a motorbike. This is why we love you.

  6. Jessica says:

    Congrats! I'm excited to read the MRHP e-books and see what else we'll see in 2012.

  7. core013 says:

    This is awesome news!! So happy for you, Mark!

  8. Marissa says:

    Congratulations Mark! I'm so happy for you:)

  9. Ashley says:

    Congratulations! I just wanted to drop in and say that I have been reading your blog from the beginning, and have followed all your ensuing escapades into the literary and television/film areas. I don't comment much, but I love everything you do. You are awesome! I am very excited for you being able to do this full-time. DFTBA

  10. ohheyitsalliek says:

    I'm so excited for you! What an awesome way to start 2012 😀

  11. Shiyiya says:

    Once again, CONGRATULATIONS MARK : D

  12. Smurphy says:

    I started reading this on my phone and… it just wasn't as satisfactory of an experience so I very literally leaped up the stairs and now I'm just GUSHING. I want Christina to txt me back so we can go do something and GUSH ABOUT MARK.

    I am so unbelievably happy for you. I'm buying a copy for myself and may when I recommend this to people just start buying copies for them and…

    I also want to take this time for the billionth time to thank you for all of this. Your sites have been on occasion the first thing I look forward to when I get up in the morning and the last thing I'm viewing before I fall asleep at night with my laptop in my lap.

    I would also just like to say I am so grateful for all the people on this site… I'm going back and watching "Dr. Who" and am not only enjoying your fabulous reviews but all the comments as well. So thank you everyone else besides Mark who is reading this.

    Thank you. I CAN'T STOP. I HAVE TOO MANY EMOTIONS RIGHT NOW AND ITS ALL YOUR FAULT.

  13. Alayne_Stone says:

    Congrats! I really love what you do and will definitely be buying the book. These reviews are truly a highlight of my day! 🙂

  14. You Are Not Alone says:

    Congratulations Mark! First e-book I've paid money for, so very worth it I'm sure, if that cover is anything to go by.

  15. magpie says:

    YAYYYYYYYYYYY!! And I will never get over the baby dolphin feet. PERFECTION.

    I'm wondering if Google Checkout or something similar might be an option for you to get donations? I understand you've had people help you figure out legal stuff with even selling these books in the first place, so I imagine there has to be some way to get a donate button– and there are PLENTY of options outside of PayPal. This deserves some pondering…

    <img src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxar4eD5x71r87i1ao1_500.jpg"&gt;

    ETA: This actually looks like a promising start! I just don't want you to abandon the idea of a donate button, because I think you have a large enough and loyal enough readership that this could really help you (especially for those who may want to give more than 4 bucks at a time). Okay, I guess I'll take my fundraising cap off for now. 😉

  16. Quark says:

    I will be buying that as soon as I’m on a computer. (I’m typing this on my cell.)

    And congratulations! I always look forward to your reviews anyway, so anything new would be a huge plus.

  17. lula34 says:

    Jumpy claps, jumpy claps!

  18. PrefectSarah says:

    CONGRATS!!! Such fantastic news! 🙂 I cannot wait to purchase my edition of MRHP!

    It's SUCH a great accomplishment to have the job of your dreams. Well wishes from all of us!

  19. enigmaticagentscully says:

    Oooh I've been looking forward to this!

    I really couldn't be happier for you Mark. 🙂

  20. monkeybutter says:

    <img src="http://i42.tinypic.com/fm04gj.gif"&gt;
    Congrats, Mark! You're the best! Totally gonna enjoy hiding away from the cold weather and reading this. <3

  21. Natalia h says:

    Yaaaaaay!! Again, so proud of you 🙂

  22. stellaaaaakris says:

    Congrats, Mark! I'm going to go see about buying me some MRHP. I actually got a Nook for Christmas so this is perfect timing. Hope to see you on tour! 🙂

  23. lismk says:

    What???? Yes!!!!!!!!!

  24. @chuckLiving says:

    I don't know how you're getting back to cali from chicago, but if you need a place to crash on the way (st louis), hit me up.

  25. echinodermata says:

    Congrats, Mark!

    And amazing cover.

  26. FurrySaint says:

    Woot. Way to go, man! ^_^

    You might want to politely ask people who use it to disable AdBlock for your domain. I do it automatically with sites I like and respect, but others might not even think to do it.

  27. This is so exciting!! (Long time lurker, very rare commenter – internet shyness is me). Your reviews really put a smile on my face every day, glad you've managed to achieve this. If you ever make it across the pond be sure to come up to Scotland!

  28. Scottish Eddie says:

    That's Brilliant! Well done!

  29. @sparklylulz says:

    Is it weird to have Proud Mama feels rn BECAUSE I TOTES DO. Congrats, Mark! 😀

  30. MsPrufrock says:

    Mazel tov, Mark! It's awesome that you are going to be doing what you love full-time, and it's also (alliteratively) awesome that I now have MRHPSS to read over the long weekend! I can't wait for all your future reviews, for all your future book, and for your Boston tour date.

    P.S. I'm loving the footnotes to your chapter reviews already– they're perfection.

  31. Suzannezibar says:

    <img src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lx9cwsxXqh1qzwlyz.gif"&gt;

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am so very happy for you!!

    • Suzannezibar says:

      P.S. omfg that cover is amazing. I am so excited to get it and carry it around and show it to people and be like "HERE READ IT'S AWESOME"

  32. kristinc says:

    This is so exciting! Congratulations!

  33. sixth_queen says:

    Mark, please have somebody set up a video camera to film you while you watch the LotR movies. Not sure if this is copyright-OK, but it's worth looking into. Your first reactions will be golden.

    • flootzavut says:

      This would be AWESOME!

    • fantasy_fan says:

      I second that! Seriously, you could put a synch pulse at the beginning so we know when to start our own DVDs, wear headphones so that we don't get the soundtrack, not show the screen you're watching so we don't get the visuals, et voila!: it would just be a video of you squealing and squeeing and putting your hands over your eyes and shouting and crying (and talking, of course). How could that be copyright infringement? It will be like a new DVD commentary!

  34. bell_erin_a says:

    MARK. MARK. I'm not on here often because sadly I just don't have the time to read LOTR with you right now (although I've started rereading The Hobbit!) BUT I WILL DO MY DARNDEST TO JOIN YOU FOR THE MOVIES AND OH YEAH CONGRATS CONGRATS! Just bought myself a Kindle, so I will be picking up some MRHP (also, I believe that cover is amazing enough to induce people who don't even like HP to buy the book!).

    Also, I'm glad I'm studying abroad this semester, but that does mean I'm not in DC for your tour, which is not so gladdening. ;____; But if you come to central NC sometime in the summer or in December while I'm on break, I am so there!

  35. Ryan Lohner says:

    It was a ton of fun working on Philosopher's Stone (I refuse to call it anything else); I look forward to the rest.

  36. Becky_J_ says:

    Ohmygod CONGRATULATIONS MARK. This is seriously the best day ever…. as your fans, we are so happy that YOU are happy, and doing something that you love and that we love even more!! You are going to be SO FANTASTICALLY RICH AND FAMOUS AND HAPPY AND yessssssssssssss.

    <3 <3 <3 SO MUCH LOVE FOR MARK AND THIS SITE <3 <3 <3

  37. MsSméagol says:

    Congratulations Mark!!!!!!!

  38. cait0716 says:

    Books bought! And I super excited for more Harry Potter and to hear that you're able to do this full time! So exciting!

  39. aw I'm a long time reader, just recent commenter, and this is so awesome for you! Sadly you aren't coming close enough to me for me to bask in your awesome. However, I am excited for all that is to come!

  40. Congratulation, Mark! Oh my God, I cannot believe it: you are making a living by reading books and watching TV and writing about them on the Internet.

    LIVING THE DREAM, BUDDY. LIVING THE DREAM.

  41. nanceoir says:

    First thought upon seeing this post, with the cover and everything: Oh, yay, I can send some money Mark's way!

    Immediate reaction to the other announcement: HOLY CRAP THAT'S AWESOME!

    So, yay!

    (Also? I've been trying to get some of my friend interested in checking your reviews out. Having the HP ebook will be very, very useful, I hope.)

  42. SO EXCITED ABOUT ALL OF THIS FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!

    CONGRATS MARK! *raises butterbeer*

    the cover. i can't. i cannot. CRYING. ACTUAL SHREIKS OF AMAZEMENT.
    B A B Y D O L P H I N FEET. <3 <3 <3 what is air. SO BEAUTIFUL. ILU JAMIE HERMAN

  43. Hyaroo says:

    Wow, that's terrific news, Mark! (Both of the news items!) What more can I say than… YAY!!!?

  44. feminerdist says:

    OMG Congrats! That's awesome!

  45. Shay_Guy says:

    O_O

    That's all I have to say.

  46. HermioneJane611 says:

    Hi everyone! This is Jamie, and I am so excited for Mark, and also super excited and happy that you all LIKE MY DRAWINGS! I've actually never posted before, and am a little nervous about posting now, but HOW CAN I NOT AT THIS POINT? We are going to have MOAR Mark!! Oh god *brain explodes* I already bought the first HP eBook for my Kindle, and am so EXCITE for the rest! And for illustrating the covers for the rest too. CoS cover is DONE, you guys!! 😛

  47. Inseriousity. says:

    I got a Kindle for xmas and the first thing I thought was 'oh I could buy mark's books' so I will definitely be doing that!

    Good luck doing this for full time job. My dad's self-employed and it can be tough having such inconsistent monetary flow so I have my fingers crossed 😀

  48. Keila Cadena says:

    Congrats!!! I've been waiting for this for a looong time, but seems I'm new at this I have two questions

    how do I download this on my iPad?
    what format do I download this on my iPad?

    Again, congratulation on being your own boss, I've been doing it for 3 years now and IT'S AMAIZING!!!!!

    • magpie says:

      Yeah, you can basically get any version you want, and either use iBooks or the Kindle app (or any other e-reader app of your choosing) to get it onto your iPad. There should be instructions for whatever app you use– for example, I email the file to my Kindle address, and it automatically downloads the file wirelessly to my Kindle. And that would be the same deal for the Kindle app as well.

  49. @dazyndara says:

    SO EXCITE! Just bought the ebook 😀 It's the best present to myself ever – I get to read amazing hilarity, and I get to help support Mark being awesome!

  50. AmandaNekesa says:

    Oh my….that cover is perfect! DOLPHIN FEET?? Mark on the motorcycle with Hagrid??? <3

    Congrats to you Mark, and THANK YOU for all that you do to bring a lot of awesome into all of our lives on a daily basis! Your reviews never fail to make me smile, especially after I've had a crappy day at work. 🙂

    • flootzavut says:

      Why don't I remember the dolphin feet?! 😮

      • AmandaNekesa says:

        I believe it started with the first introduction of Hagrid – his feet are described as the size of baby dolphins, and I think someone commented about that and it eventually spawned some hilarious artwork.

  51. Erica says:

    Yay yay yay! I am typing this on a kindle which will soon hold a copy of MRHPSS.

  52. Ginsue says:

    XD Awesome! BTW Jamie Herman did a great job. The attention to detail is a nice added touch: Harry's spider friends, Hagrid's dophin feet, and Hedwig's log. It's very personal and unique to this blog!

    It's so awesome. Now, if only you can make a living by petting fluffy kittens and puppies, and you will be living the dream!

    I have a somewhat embarrassing question for anyone willing to answer. How do you track new Mark posts? ^.^;

    • notemily says:

      omg, I didn't even notice the spider friend at first! &lt;3

      You can use a rss reader to track Mark's posts, or you can just follow the MarkDoesStuff Twitter. He usually posts a link there a little while after the new post has gone up. But the posts go up at regular times, so I think most of us just come to the site(s) at those times if we can. I think it's 6am Pacific time for the Reads post and 1pm Pacific for the Watches post.

      • Ginsue says:

        Thanks. I will try one of those.

        I think the spiders are my favorite part because they looked like they just sneaked onto the cover to show their support. Very subtle. <3

  53. Majc says:

    Congratulations! I'm so happy for you (plus you get to ride on the back of Hagrid's motorcycle)!!

  54. Jenny_M says:

    This is so exciting! Congratulations, and you know we are all behind you!

  55. Dee says:

    Congrats, Mark!!! I've been reading your stuff from when you started Twilight, and it's a long time coming and well deserved!

  56. amanda t says:

    Holy crap, I was not expecting that! Congratulations! You're going to be in NYC on my birthday and I won't even be home 🙁 sad for me..but still SO awesome for you. I can't wait to buy MRHP!

  57. bookworm67 says:

    THAT COVER. AMAZING AND PERFECT IN EVERY WAY.

    And wow, what an achievement! Congrats!

  58. heystaceykay says:

    Purchased!

    Thanks for being awesome, Mark!

  59. L_Storm says:

    congrats and awesome! can't wait for more! also, idk if you've looked into/heard of them, but project wonderful is an awesome group that does really great advertising stuff. its a bidding system (no, im not affliated with them, but a lot of my fav webcomics use them and have good things to say.) might be better for revenue, and i want this to work out for you!!!!

  60. Julezyme says:

    Mark, PLEASE come to LONDON!!!

    • Shiyiya says:

      Addendum: Mark, GO TO LONDON AFTER I'VE MOVED THERE OKAY. If I end up in some sort of CURSED LIMBO where you go to london before I move and arizona after I will CURSE THE GODS.

  61. Lucy R says:

    Heya Mark,

    I am a lurker, but a loyal one, and I really hope you read this, because I have an urgent MRHP-related problem! I'm from Scotland, and I can't find this lovely new work of yours on the Kindle store. *sadface* I could get the PDF, but I really wanted a portable version, because you are a genius. HELP!

    (Actually, we happen to disagree strongly about The Saga That Is Not Allowed To Be Named, but I still think you're a hilarious genius, so I hope you don't set Dementors on me.)

  62. bookworm67 says:

    Out of curiosity, how many people submitted designs?

    (I didn't even notice the spiders were carrying the WE <3 HARRY sign! This cover is just all kinds of awesome!)

  63. Marte says:

    You made it so I never had to read Twilight, you helped me discover the joy of Harry Potter (and not just the fanfiction part) and you gave me reason to reread Lord of the Rings. The least I can do here from Norway, is buy your book, and I'll buy them all, Mark, because you're just that good.
    Congratulations, and good luck!

  64. settlingforhistory says:

    I'm really happy for you Mark!
    I can barely wait to have all the e-books of your reviews, not only for the new re-reads but also as a great reminder of how it all started.
    I'm sure we will all support you and It will be wonderful to have you around more for discussions of Buffy and LotR.
    Maybe someday you can have a tour in Europe, but no pressure. : )

  65. Kari18212 says:

    This is such awesome news!!! I am officially using financial aid money as soon as it comes in to buy Mark Reads Eclipse, Breaking Dawn and (best of all!!!) MRHP1 lol. Possibly best use of financial aid EVER.

  66. plaidpants says:

    I'm late but I just purchased this Mark! I'm so excited to be able to review this series that got me hooked on you/this blog! I also forget that not all my RL friends know what I'm talking about when I'm like, Oh I'm watching Buffy/reading LotR along with Mark.

  67. bradycardia says:

    Congratulations!
    I'm actually in SF this week for my first time – I keep thinking I might see you on the BART.
    'Course that can't happen if I spend all my time in my hotel room reading the internet so time to explore the city I think 🙂

  68. Genny_ says:

    THIS IS SO EXCITING. I'm so happy for you! And definitely excited about what this means for the site. (Also about that cover. That cover is amaaaazing, omg.)

    And I have a Kindle as of last week so… I think next Wednesday I have money, and I'll definitely buy the book! (Haha, lucky me- the GBP to USD exchange rate isn't bad ATM…)

  69. rabbitape says:

    Congrats, Mark! This is truly wonderful news!

  70. flootzavut says:

    AWESOME MARK YAY CONGRATS AND I AM OFF TO BUY!

  71. MrsGillianO says:

    Wow. The very best of luck, Mark.

    I've already been telling all my LJ friends to come here – will do so even more, now.

  72. knut_knut says:

    <img src="http://i.imgur.com/ViLPX.gif"&gt;

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

    that cover is AMAZING!, by the way <3

  73. episkey825 says:

    Congrats, Mark! So happy for you!

  74. Parmadil says:

    THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!

    I am so excited for you!! I'm so glad you get to do this for a living finally! We should all be so lucky to be able to do something we love so much for a living! (And I hope many of us will be able to).

    CONGRATS!!!

  75. BradSmith5 says:

    Well done! Congratulations! The baby dolphins made it on!?!! Oh man, this is perfect. Jamie, you wonderful genius. I just noticed the spiders! I also think it's hilarious that Harry isn't on the cover, ha,ha-ha.

  76. affableevil says:

    I haven't commented on Reads or Watches in a while, but I'm still around (if any of you remember me <3)! I'll be back once you're reading and watching things I've already read and watched, since I'm so terrible about actually getting around to new things D: Someday I'll read LOTR, I promise. ;_;

    More to the point, I'm so thrilled for you Mark! I've got a bit of extra money right now, and I'm more than happy to help support your amazingness.
    <img src="http://i43.tinypic.com/npn9jp.gif&quot; border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">
    <img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/vrzk2h.gif&quot; border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">
    <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/11il1qo.gif&quot; border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

    also I might maybe show up to the DC part of the tour POSSIBLY
    if I can overcome my shyness
    <img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/10ygsa1.gif&quot; border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic">

  77. stefb4 says:

    MAAAARK I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! AND WEEKEND POSTS AGAIN? OMG I AM SO HAPPY (for me!) 😀 😀

    Congratulations! I will buy this as soon as I am able.

    Also, HOW DID I NOT NOTICE THE DOLPHIN FEET THE FIRST 12 TIMES I LOOKED AT THIS?!

  78. nathaniel essex says:

    I shall help by buying any book you ever put out.

  79. Just bought the book! My first ever Kindle download, (don't have Kindle, reading on laptop) all other kindle books on here are my girlfriend's. Looking forward to reading it and keeping you in business. 🙂

  80. @miranda486 says:

    OMG YEEEEYYYY! So I'm moving to Brazil, possibly quitting my job because somebody has to handle the move and my hubby to be can't do it -since he's the one who got the job there-, we have a crazy wedding costing us way more money than either of us would ever spend on it, were it not for the fact that his family could populate a small island, Brazil is crazy expensive when compared to Venezuela but yes -I'm buying this book right now and I'm going to promote this site with anyone who can read English in my circle.

    GO MARK!

    Congratulations!

    I for one, welcome our Mark overlord!

    Guys let's support the site! YEY!

  81. @LarrikJ says:

    I love the cover, BUT:

    As someone who knows from personal experience, Warner Bros and JK Rowling are very very tough on protecting Harry Potter. Much moreso than a lot other IP's.

    I think that cover is going to get you in big trouble, and you should go with something plain to avoid any issues.

    You can email me directly if you want to know more about my personal experience.

    (Just for the record, dealing with WB on the issues I ran into was the BEST such experience I had. They were helpful and fair while being strict. Some other companies were just awful all the way through.)

  82. nursemmalee says:

    I reiterate here what I said on "Mark Watches"— HU-FREAKING-ZZAH!!! You, sir, are the beez kneez right now! ILU and also the mug of coffee I toasted you with over there may or may not have been spiked a little bit. O/ I am so excite!

  83. ljrTR says:

    Congratulations and Good Luck, Mark

  84. Susankh says:

    Look at you! Well done!

  85. Mikan says:

    I bought an e-book reader so I could buy Mark Reads Sorcerer's Stone. *___* (Well, I had been planning to buy one anyway, but had been procrastinating)

    I hope Chamber of Secrets gets published quickly, but I'm sure you won't make us wait forever (you're not pottermore after all XD)

    …Why couldn't I buy your stuff without joining the site. This is hurting my never-join-any-site-if-i-can-avoid-it soul omg. XD

    Make sure you buy potato babies with my four dollars, Mark. <3

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