Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, just like the  Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was super fun and entertaining. I love this series so much so far, and I’m so happy I finally decided to read it.

I loved learning more about the history of Hogwarts and exploring Harry’s connection to Slytherin/Voldemort throughout this book. This installment was obviously a lot darker than the first, and I found the storyline so intriguing and captivating.

I love the Weasleys. I decided yesterday that I’m naming my dog after Percy. Also, Ron makes me laugh so much, and Neville is the most precious thing, I’m naming my other dog after him.

Fantastic storytelling and world-building, which is entirely unsurprising. I loved this book, and I’m quite literally in love with this series which is even more unsurprising.

Most of what I said in my review of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone can also be applied to this installment in the series: The writing style was easy to read, but not simplistic in the slightest. It's definitely a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age. The world (unsurprisingly) was magical and the characters so incredibly lovable. I also really liked that there a bit more insight into the school lessons than in the first one.
I don't think I need to say more - these books are just an absolute must-read!

I'm a strict mom, so at my house, you've got to: eat your leafy greens, floss your teeth, and not read any Harry Potter books until you are eleven years of age.

All three of my kids have eaten the leafy greens without complaint, lied regularly about the teeth flossing, and have shaken angry fists in my direction over the years, on the topic of Harry Potter.

My third child has been the most impatient of all. She's had to bear witness to her older siblings being smug about a secret society that has not included her. And she's hated it.

So, when she turned eleven at the end of this past August, and became the official age that Harry is when he receives his first Hogwarts letter, she had Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in her hand, ready to gain entry.

She's a reluctant reader herself, but she loves audio books and our mother-daughter read-alouds, and she listened happily to the first book in the series, but said very little.

It wasn't until we got to this book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, that I had any idea that she was a convert.

As we were nearing the end of the story, I told her that I was looking forward to reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with her, because book #3 is one of my favorites, and she surprised me by saying, “this one's really good, too.”

I responded with something like, “Oh, good. I wasn't sure if you've been enjoying them. You've been so quiet during our reads.”

She sighed and said, “I'm just sad because I know that those Hogwarts letters aren't real.”

JK Rowling really knows how to write a great book, thats for sure! Although this wasn't my favorite book in the series, it definitely wasn't because it was bad. I loved the plot and conflict, even though it wasn't as intense as the others were. I was definitely shocked at the end...so epic and mind blowing!

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

And here I go with another one of my short “My thoughts about this book” reviews. I can’t believe that I forgot so many things. Like for instance the fact that Dumbledore actually was a Transfiguration teacher before he became headmaster. Kinda suitable that this is McGonagall’s role now. ;-)

1.) ”Harry Potter asks if he can help Dobby … Dobby has heard of your greatness, sir, but of your goodness, Dobby never knew…”

Aww Dobby! It was so good to see him again! He’s really one of the best HP characters ever and this even though he made it kind of tough to like him. *lol* Well, at least at the beginning. Poor Harry! XD

2.) ”Your sons flew that car to Harry’s house and back last night!” shouted Mrs Weasley. “What have you got to say about that, eh?”
“Did you really?” said Mr Weasley eagerly. “Did it go all right? I-I mean,” he faltered, as sparks flew from Mrs Weasley’s eyes, “that-that was very wrong, boys – very wrong indeed …”

I’ll always love how Mr Weasley is more interested in finding out if the car flew well than in his kids actually flying the car! *lol* Also Molly Weasley giving him hell for not reacting the way a responsible parent is supposed to is just epic! Haha! Those two. You can see they have a great marriage! ;-P

3.) ”Mr Weasley had a cut lip and Mr Malfoy had been hit in the eye by an Encyclopedia of Toadstools.”

How could I forget that Mr Weasley threw himself at Malfoy? One of the best things in this book ever! Not that I support violence (I’m a pacifist) but even I can’t help appreciating that Lucius Malfoy for once, actually had his ass handed to him. XD

4.) ”That vanishing cabinet was extremely valuable!” he was saying gleefully to Mrs Norris. “We’ll have Peeves out this time, my sweet.”

How come I never noticed this before?! The foreboding!!! OMG! Like damn, there are so many things that are mentioned only briefly and rather casually and then when you continue to read the series they reappear with a vengeance! O_o With every book I read I’m more and more awed by J.K Rowling’s genius!

5.) ”Homework: compose a poem about my defeat of the Wagga Wagga werewolf! Signed copies of Magical Me to the author of the best one!”

Gilderoy Lockhart is so full of himself! I swear he must have been the worst DADA teacher they ever had. And they had many over the years which even Dumbledore can’t deny. Loved that bit at the ending when he said he’d have to write an ad because they “seem to run through them”. *lol*

6.) ”You are Muggle-born?”
“Half-blood, sir,” said Riddle. “Muggle father, witch mother.”

There definitely was a history lesson hidden in there. It’s fascinating how Riddle of all people could be a half-blood and then go against Muggle born wizards! I’m sure J.K. Rowling thought about World War II when she wrote this, because all the pure-blood and half-blood etc. stuff reminds me of a very dark chapter in German history… >_<

7.) ”But why’s she got to go to the library?”
“Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Did anyone notice how well Ron knows Hermione? And how often he defended her in this book? I mean he actually would have fought Malfoy with his bare hands if Harry and Dean would have allowed it! It’s so obvious that Ron cares about her deeply! To vomit snails without complaining about it should count as the ultimate indication of eternal love and affection! *LOL*

8.) ”Of course,” she said, and Harry, amazed, saw a tear glistening in her beady eye.

McGonagall losing it was another great moment in this book! When you least expect it she always shows some kindness and heart and to be honest this never ceases to amaze me! XD She’s a great teacher and I’m not surprised that she always takes over when Dumbledore isn’t around.

9.) ”You’re in luck,” said Harry, forcing Lockhart to his feet at wandpoint. “We think we know where it is. And what’s inside it. Let’s go.”

I just love Harry, okay?! *lol* For such a young kid he certainly has a lot of guts and courage! The way he dealt with Lockhart? I think not even an adult wizard could have done it any better. XD The sheer audacity to demand aid from him like that. YES! Haha! <3

10.) ”Voldemort put a bit of himself in me?” Harry said, thunderstruck.”

I CAN’T BELIEVE ROWLING ALREADY MENTIONED THIS IN BOOK TWO!!! I mean Harry quite literally said that Voldemort put a bit of himself in him!!! A part of his soul!!! It’s so obvious that Harry is a Horcrux!!! GAH!!! It’s all there and I never saw it!!! That’s just brilliant! Dumbledore must have known all along! I really need to reread the entire series because I can’t remember if he already knew it right from the beginning or if it was just a theory at first.

I can’t wait to read “The Prisoner of Azkaban”! I’m afraid it might have to wait until next year though! So many books, so little time! ;-)

______________________________

As always I loved this! <3
And boy there were so many hints! The foreboding is real in this one! *lol*
Also I kinda like that every book ends with the school year and that there’s no cliff-hanger! I never thought about this but HP is so successful and this even though there are never cliff-hangers. XD (Well, at least not in the strict sense...)
Must be magic! ;-P
______________________________

I’m already reading 6 books,
n  BUTn
this is Harry Potter
and it’s autumn
close to Halloween
and I just need another comfort read? *lol*

Plus 2 of my six books will be finished soon so this means that I’ll be down to 5 again which is my usual amount. XD

Look at me being all reasonable and responsible. Haha! ;-P

But honestly, do I even need a reason to read Harry Potter?
No, HP can be read anytime! =))

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

(REREAD)

Okay DUH 5/5 stars. I actually liked this book more than I remembered! This used to be my least favorite of the Harry Potter books and, while that still might be true, I was more entertained than I expected! I always forget how different Book Ginny is from Movie Ginny (way better all around) and how she has such a bigger role in the books than the films.

NOW ONTO HP AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN!

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - Albus Dumbledore

Such a wise wizard.

You know how sometimes when you read the first in a series and it turns out so much better than you originally anticipated, it makes you a little apprehensive when starting the sequel? Well, I felt that way before starting this, but I can definitely say that Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is another fabulous installment in the rightfully beloved Harry Potter series!
And while I will admit to not loving it quite as much as its predecessor, I still enjoyed it a great deal.
I think the reason for my not liking it as much can be mostly credited to the introduction of a new character, Professor Lockhart. Lockhart is an annoyingly pretentious wizard who is completely full of himself, and the majority of his teachings were based on his own life and his supposed brushes with death that he escaped only because of his "heroism" and great knowledge of the magic arts. Riiiiiiiiight.
In a summary, I didn't find the story involving Lockhart quite as interesting as Harry's realization of his true abilities and the escapades of his first year at Hogwarts.

But HP II undoubtedly still has plenty of hilarious moments and magical wonders - not to mention the lovely cast of characters - to more than compensate for this particular installment's slightly lacking plot. Hence the five stars. :)



Very clever Ms. Rowling, very clever indeed.

FAVORITE QUOTE: "I've heard you hate those Muggles you live with," said Ernie swiftly.
"It's not possible to live with the Dursleys and not hate them," said Harry. "I'd like to see you try it."

Next up is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and I'm very much looking forward to it.

**********************************************************

My reviews of other titles in this series:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Before I say anything else, it's important you know that I LOVE HARRY POTTER. In my fingers and my toes. LOVE.

That being said, this is my least favorite of the early books (I'll let you know whether it's my least favorite overall after I reread HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX).

The reasons are LEGION:

1. Gilderoy Lockhart is a prat and I hate him.
2. Deathday party. It's creepy and gross.
3. Poor Ginny.
4. The trouble Harry and Ron get Mr. Weasley into stresses me out.
5. I don't like snakes.
6. I HATE spiders.
7. Dobby needs to calm the eff down:



BUT. This is Harry Potter we're talking about, so there's also plenty of awesomeness:

1. Dwarves dressed as cupids, delivering singing valentines.
2. MOLLY WEASLEY.
3. Ford Anglia in the wilds of the Forbidden Forest.
4. Polyjuice Potion
5. Gnomes shouting "geroff."
6. Lucius Malfoy getting taken down a peg.

SO. Even if this is my least favorite, it's still Harry Potter, and Harry Potter = AWESOME. If you haven't already, READ IT. If you have read it, read it AGAIN. That is all.

My other reviews for this series:

n  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)n

(A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: A clever conjuration, it's a cozy castle mystery, a creature-fest, and Ripper-esque: lit by monsters, ghosts, and history.

*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:

Progress updates:

01/25/2020 - Preamble

(1) Having finished "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," I'm sticking with the Stephen Fry narration. Firstly, I'm awfully OCD about having everything match. Secondly, I can't abide by British characters speaking American English.
(2) Unrelated, but that glitch where we can't post reviews is back! As such, I'll be grouchy until it's fixed.

01/26/2020 - 7%

Notes:
(1) “Jiggery pokery!” said Harry in a fierce voice. “Hocus pocus — squiggly wiggly —”
“MUUUUUUM!” howled Dudley, “He’s doing you know what!”
- I like that Harry scares Dudley with nonsense reduplication. It's more humiliating.
(2) Harry gets his expulsion letter from the Ministry instantaneously. If only muggle bureaucracy worked so efficiently.

01/27/2020 - 12%

(1) Fred re lock-picking: "A lot of wizards think it's a waste of time, knowing this sort of Muggle trick."
- I wonder if "muggle tricks" are performed at parties?
(2) Ron: "[Dad] works in the most boring department... The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office."
- Boring? Using memory charms on muggles who've seen magic... sounds like "Men in Black".

01/28/2020 - 25%

(1) "Percy walked in. He was already dressed, his Hogwarts prefect badge pinned to his knitted tank top."
- "Knitted tank top"? Are you hot or are you cold, Percy? Pick one.
- On second thought, I suppose that's just British for sweater vest.
(2) Arthur Weasley fist fights Lucius Malfoy, mirroring Ron's fist fight with Draco in the first book.

01/29/2020 - 29%

(1) "'Why,' demanded Ron, seizing [Hermione's] timetable, 'have you outlined all Lockhart’s lessons in little hearts?'"
- Either Ron doesn't understand girls at all, or he's jealous.
(2) Rowling says a lot with names. Justin Finch-Fletchley has a double-barreled surname, and as such is a mannered aristocrat. Others have emphatically ethnic names.

01/30/2020 - 35%

(1) Notably different from the film, Hermione doesn't know what "mudblood" means. Ron's actually the only one of the three who's offended by Malfoy’s slur.
(2) My theory on the Ron-Hermione relationship is that Hermione's feelings for him began when he slugged himself defending her honor against Malfoy. Before that, she was all about Lockhart.

01/31/2020 - 39%

(1) Ron: "Why would anyone want to celebrate the day they died ... Sounds dead depressing to me."
- Ron with the puns and the common sense.
(2) I think the "Deathday" chapter is intentionally depressing. It's all about people not getting what they want. Nick can't join the Headless Hunt, Filch can't do magic, HRH can't attend the Halloween feast.

02/01/2020 - 50%

(1) Hermione's blind to Lockhart's incompetence. Ron's known all along.
(2) Harry: "D’you think I should have told them about that voice I heard?"
Ron: "No ... Hearing voices no one else can hear isn’t a good sign, even in the wizarding world."
- Another prudent Ron line said by Hermione in the film. Film-Hermione's given book-Ron's common sense!

02/02/2020 - 53%

(1) "Dobby is used to death threats, sir. Dobby gets them five times a day at home."
- The empty death threats give him thicker skin, ironically.
(2) "Hidden from the teachers, a roaring trade in talismans, amulets and other protective devices was sweeping the school."
- Sort of like trading contraband in prison... wonder how they're smuggled in?

02/03/2020 - 58%

(1) Nearly all of Ron's explanation to Harry about parselmouths is once again given to Hermione in the film.
(2) Another fun name introduced here is "Millicent Bulstrode," who is described very much like the striding bull her name evokes.
(3) Harry's gone and become Hufflepuff enemy number one. Bad move ... badgers are deceptively vicious.

02/04/2020 - 65%

(1) Nice of Harry and Ron to return Crabbe and Goyle's shoes when they're done.
(2) Malfoy insults Hermione, Ron wants to punch Malfoy. It's a law of nature.
(3) Myrtle to Hermione: "Wait till everyone finds out you’ve got a tail!"
- This line was given to Ron in the film, but changed to, "Look at your tail!" Which, to me, sounds fairly risqué.

02/05/2020 - 69%

(1) Ron: "If I’d sprouted whiskers, I’d take a break from work."
- Future Ron should shave often.
(2) If Hagrid was expelled in third-year, and that was 50 years ago, then he'd be 63 years-old in the present, Tom Riddle would be 65, and Dumbledore around 150. I wonder if it's genetics or a side-effect of magic use that makes wizards live so long.

02/06/2020 - 74%

(1) Harry: "But why’s she got to go to the library?"
Ron: "Because that’s what Hermione does ... When in doubt, go to the library."
(2) "[Harry] chose the same new subjects as Ron, feeling that if he was rubbish at them, at least he’d have someone friendly to help him."
- And with Hermione taking everything, it guarantees they're always together.

02/07/2020 - 77%

(1) Fudge sort of treats Dumbledore like a nuclear weapon: better engaged at Hogwarts than loose in the world.
(2) Malfoy calls Hermione a mudblood: 'Let me at him,' Ron growled, as Harry and Dean hung onto his arms. 'I don’t care, I don’t need my wand, I’m going to kill him with my bare hands!'
- Fist fights seem an aptly muggle reflex response.

02/08/2020 - 81%

(1) "The creature that was lurking somewhere in the castle, [Harry] thought, sounded like a sort of monster Voldemort – even other monsters didn’t want to name it."
- Wonder if its name's just "basilisk," or if it has a personal name?
(2) The enchanted car reminds me of Nymeria from "A Song of Ice and Fire". A domestic, set free, and turned wild.

02/09/2020 - 85%

(1) Percy: "Ginny, er, walked in on me the other day when I was – well, never mind – the point is, she spotted me doing something and I, um, I asked her not to mention it to anybody."
- Percy should lock his door...
(2) I love how, despite personal differences, the teachers all encourage Lockhart to go monster hunting, to get him out of the way.

02/10/2020 - 90%

(1) Myrtle: "'I was floating away ...' She looked dreamily at Harry. 'And then I came back again. I was determined to haunt Olive Hornby, you see. Oh, she was sorry she’d ever laughed at my glasses.'"
- That's just short-term thinking.
(2) Hermione's incapacitated, Ron stays behind. It was the reversed in the last book. They mirror each other.

02/11/2020 - 97%

"The Chamber of Secrets," as a title, always felt like a misnomer. There's nothing really secret in there. Salazar Slytherin told everyone what it was built for, what he housed in there, how to open it, and what happens if it's opened. The only thing secret about it is its location, in which case it should be called "The Secret Chamber."

Das ist doch mal ein würdiges erstes Buch für das Jahr 2017! Der Schmuckband war seinen unverschämten Preis wieder absolut wert! So tolle, liebevolle und detailreiche Zeichnungen. Und die Geschichte war wie immer perfekt! Eine der wenigen, die man wieder und wieder aufs neue genießen kann und für mich immer eine Erinnerung an meine Kindheit sein wird! Also wird es für Harry Potter nie weniger als 5 Sterne geben. Im zweiten Band gefallen mir Lockhart und Dobby immer am besten! Wobei ich beide im Buch sogar noch witziger finde als im Film.
Schließe ich meine Lobhudelei mal mit meinem Lieblings-Dumbledore-Zitat aus diesem Band: "Viel mehr als unsere Fähigkeiten sind es unsere Entscheidungen, die zeigen, wer wir wirklich sind."

It's actually quite fascinating how much happened in this book, to be honest.

2020 re-read

I agree with everything I said last re-read. If anything, I liked it more the fourth time reading it.

--

2016 re-read

4.5/5

Okay, so I have to admit that this might be my least favorite book in the HP series. But, with that being said, I still love it. It's impossible to not love a HP book.

But to be real, the spider scene is lowkey the scariest scene in all of the books.



Also, Fawkes is a very underrated character. He is so precious.