"The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike..." (Goodreads)Time sure flew by! I read book one of this series last November at the height of the anticipation of part one of book seven's movie debut. I loved the first book and was sure to catch up by the time part two rolls around. Yikes, it's around the corner! And needless to say, I'm far from being caught up. But that's okay, I'll eventually complete the series and then watch the film adaptations. Yes, I have not seen any of the movies. Honestly, I just didn't think it was my kind of movie. Anyway, I'm sure that will change because I adore the series so far therefore I look forward to seeing its majesty in film.
Glad I stumbled into the large print of this book. I found it to be an easier read for my aging eyes, but then the book's a bit heavy on the hands, oh well. Anyway, another lovely read. I am definitely understanding the mass hysteria that is the Harry Potter phenomenon. J.K. Rowling is absolutely brilliant and I anticipate the next installments to be even better! Such amazing imagination and flow to the adventures that befall Harry and friends. It's absolutely fun! Wild characters, exciting escapades, and twisty plots. Totally scrumptious to my reading eyes!!
What I'm discovering so far is that Harry Potter, the character, is nothing without his supporting characters. In fact, I think he's rather weak, but throw in friends, enemies, fantastic adventures and Harry Potter becomes amazing. That's part of Ms Rowling's brilliance ...developing the characters already established and then introduces new ones that you will find essential and by book's end, a fixture to the series as well. I'm at total awe of this author's talent to captivate.
This is book two so this follows Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts. Usually, summer tortures with the Dursley's, then adventurous fight of survival at wizardly school year. Fun, fun, fun! Getting to the end was so worth it! In general, the book could stand alone (it gives a generalized review of book one) and one could be satisfied, yet you can't help but want to know what the next years will bring. Brilliant, I tell ya, brilliant!
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"I'm at total awe of this author's talent to captivate."
ReplyDelete-Just wait! It gets even better. For me, Book 2 was the weakest in the series. It still turns out to be essential to the overall storyline (yes - things from Books 1 & 2 show up again in Books 6 & 7 - Rowling is that freaking amazing), but was the sort of the "wonky thumb" of the whole hand, if that makes any sense. Maybe it will make more sense as you go along.
Anyway - back to your initial points. I agree that Harry is definitely a much more well-rounded character when surrounded by co-cast (particularly his friends), and this is pretty realistic, when you think about it. He does come into his own in later books - and that's the whole "coming of age" process that real people go through as well.
I could go on for hours about how well done this series is, and how incredibly talented Rowling is, but I'll stop myself for now and pop-in again with each of your next completed installments. ;)
A while since I read the Hp series, thanks for reminding me of how much I enjoyed them.
ReplyDelete*You're welcome Trudy.
ReplyDelete*Thanks Adam for the insights. Foggy on the "wonky thumb" as yet so looking forward to that clearing. --Even with just 2.25 books of this series read, I can see the amazingness of Rowling and my typing fingers wanted to write more but I noticed I wasn't saying anything about the actual book so the last paragraph was a grasp. I am so loving this series... a booklover's dream.
Oops, forgive me!! Thank you TRACY, not rudy!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Adam--book 2 is probably the weakest because the story gets predictable. Book 1 got your attention, book 2 hooks you to its future, and book 3 sends you sailing into its world. Have fun :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! The nuttiness that is HP obsession will soon be coming your way. :)
ReplyDeleteLike Adam, I could go on and on and on about how amazing the books are. I'll just say this: Rowling goes above and beyond with her world building. I don't know that I have ever wanted to go somewhere impossible so badly as I want to go to Hogwarts. It's not just the place. It's the people too. So many of the secondary characters will become important to you. In fact they'll almost be like family.
You have so many wonderful, heartwarming, sometimes tragic, most times victorious adventures in front of you. I'm almost a little jealous. I can't wait to see how you feel about the rest of the books. Rowling has made me laugh, warmed my heart and brought me to tears and sobs. Only a truly talented writer can invoke those kinds of emotions.
Enjoy!
Stephanie
I so love Harry Potter!
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