{REVIEW} Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K.Rowling
Series: Harry Potter
Book: 2
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure, Children's Middle Grade
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for 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.

And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone—or something—starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I read the second Harry Potter book! And I loved every second of it. I love spending my time in Hogwarts with our dynamic trio. I love the magic and the world. It's all so fascinating that I hate myself for not reading these when I was a child. Why didn't I just stick it through? I should have forced myself to read them until I loved them. (Shame on you, Dee!)



“Because that's what Hermione does,' said Ron, shrugging. 'When in doubt, go to the library.”

As always, the writing was fantastic. I could picture everything perfectly and feel as though I were right there. Maybe it helps because I've already seen the movies multiple times so I have that vision in my head...oh well. I loved it. I really like Rowling's voice. She brings this magical world with a touch of humor, as well as inspiring. I think it's a good thing I am reading these as I am older so I could really appreciate them more.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” 

Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue to be my imaginary best friends. I love their loyalty and protectiveness to each other. I seriously had to smile every time Ron wanted to deck Malfoy for calling Hermione a Mudblood. These three are perfect. I really like the new additions we saw also, i.e. Moaning Myrtle.

“Oh well... I'd just been thinking, if you had died, you'd have been welcome to share my toilet.” 

Can we just take a moment to appreciate Fred and George? These two...ay LOL

“Fred and George, however, found all this very funny. They went out of
their way to march ahead of Harry down the corridors, shouting, "Make way for
the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through ......

Percy was deeply disapproving of this behavior.

"It is not a laughing matter," he said coldly.

"Oh, get out of the way, Percy," said Fred. "Harry's in a hurry."

"Yeah, he's off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged
servant," said George, chortling.

I could probably quote these two all day, but I'll leave you to just read this series for yourself and appreciate them!

The only problem I had was that the chamber of secrets had such a small appearance. It came and went so quickly! I was already towards the end with three chapters left thinking "when the heck are we going to see this chamber?!"

Overall, I loved this book. I can't wait to finally read the others whenever I can actually get my hands on them! I am loving the journey.

{REVIEW} Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter
Book: 1
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★★

Blurb from Goodreads:

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who are mean to him and make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. (Dudley, however, has two bedrooms, one to sleep in and one for all his toys and games.) Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed forever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard! The first book in the "Harry Potter" series makes the perfect introduction to the world of Hogwarts.

My Reaction/Thoughts:

I am so proud that I have finally read a Harry Potter book. Yes, this is my first time reading Harry Potter and I am only 18 years late, but never late than never right? Now that I probably have caused you all to have a heart attack I will say that I tried to read Harry Potter when I was a kid. My dad bought me this very book when it was first published and I read a few chapters, but just didn't get into it for whatever reason. I don't know, I was a kid. However, I have seen all the movies and was a huge fan. That was the number one reason why I didn't want to read the books. I had already saw the movies and knew what was going to happen so the suspense would not be present and I though it would take away the enjoyment. But now that I am a better reader and I thought I'd appreciate it a bit more I decided to give it a try. It was time. And I have to say that I LOVED IT! I absolutely loved it! I am so sad that I didn't just give these a try ages ago, but better late than never!

“The truth." Dumbledore sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” 

The writing was fantastic and so memorable. I loved the writing style and was easily drawn into this world. I could envision everything I read with ease and was surprised at how snarky Rowling's writing actually was. She constantly had me laughing from just the tiniest silly sentences and I loved it. I can definitely see why she is everyone's favorite author. She is well deserving.

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” 

What I loved most about the book was the characters. Every single character brings so much to the story. Harry is only eleven years old and is already a brave, strong character. He is is truly remarkable. Ron is funny, witty and  a great friend to Harry. Hermoine is smart and clever and even Neville is adorable. Even all the professors are such strong characters and I find that really refreshing for a series that has so many characters. You often forget about many people with there is such a huge cast, but Rowling really makes everyone stand out. But, I think I have to say Fred and George are definitely my favorite pair.

“You haven't got a letter on yours," George observed. "I suppose she thinks you don't forget your name. But we're not stupid-we know we're called Gred and Forge.” 

“Now, you two – this year, you behave yourselves. If I get one more owl telling me you've – you've blown up a toilet or –"
"Blown up a toilet? We've never blown up a toilet."

"Great idea though, thanks, Mum.” 

I cannot wait to read more of the series. Although, it may take me a while because I am slowly trying to find the collection in my bargain bookstores so I only have two at the most. *tears*
Never fear! I will read the whole series!

And I can now proudly say...I understand Quidditch!

Now I shall leave you while I go cry that I never received my letter from Hogwarts!