Prior to BEA 2012, I made myself a little promise. What was this promise? I promised myself that I would finally read the entire Harry Potter series beginning to end before I ended up in NYC. (Yes. I know. How could I have not read them before this? Honestly, I don’t know. I did read the first one when it first came out though!). It took about a month to accomplish this but, I can finally proudly say that I have read all of them, and now I understand the wisdom, the magic, and the fun of JK Rowling.
I’ve decided with this review that I’m simply going to bullet point my main thoughts and reactions so you all get somewhat a firsthand account of what I was going through while reading this series for the first time. I’m also going to try to pair the books up in order to not only spread out the reviews but also as not to make the reviews too long. Sound like a plan? Alright. Here we go:
THERE ARE SOME MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
When a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger for young Harry Potter, it invites him to an incredible place that he has never heard about. It is called Hogwarts and once he is there he finds many unforgettable things – friends, professors, classes, sports, and magic — all of which he is able to enjoy if he is able to survive the greater unknown destiny that is apparently waiting him.
My reactions/thoughts/ideas:
- “It’s all coming back to me now…â€
- I want to live in Hogwarts.
- I wonder which house I would be in if I did the sorting hat.
- Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived, eh? Looking forward to learning more about He-Shall-Not-Be-Named.
- Hermione reminds me of myself, always wanting that extra info on things, always trying to follow the rules, but willing to break them when it comes to friends.
- I adore Ron Weasley.
- As much fun as Quidich sounds, I don’t think I’d be very good at it. Balancing on a broom? Not for me. Watching in the stands? Yes please!
- The mirror sequence made me smile but broke my heart at the same time.
- What is Snape’s deal?
- Harry and Hagrid’s relationship = <3
- I LOVE the imagery of Hogwarts.
- Favorite Quote: “It takes much bravery to stand up to our enemies but we need as much bravery to stand up to our friends.â€
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
When a house elf named Dobby arrives with a warning for Harry that if he returns to Hogwarts disaster will surely strike, he knows it is going to be an interesting school year. Of course, interesting may be an understatement. In his second year of school Harry encounters more adventure and more magic than he could have ever anticipated. Luckily for him, he has his two best friend Ron and Hermione by his side!
My reactions/thoughts/ideas:
- Year 2? Bring it on!
- Those Dursley’s are truly awful people.
- Team Weasley.
- Flying car with expandable seats? Yes, please. Just work out the kinks first!
- Love Hermione always looking for answers in books. Bookworms for the win!
- Hagrid is such a softy when it comes to animals.
- Man. What is Snape’s problem?
- He-Who-Shall-Not-Be –Named is CREEPY! Especially as Tom Riddle and the journal.
- I know I’m supposed to loath the Malfoy family but, I can’t help feeling sorry for Draco, especially with a father like that.
- Prof. Lockhart reminded me of a few college professors I had (idiot).
- Aww. Ginny has a crush on Harry. Too cute!
- Dobby is such a Harry Potter cheerleader.
- I hate snakes.
- I LOVE the magic and mythology of Hogwarts.
- Dumbledore is boss.
- Favorite Quote: “it’s our choices, Harry that show what we truly are far more than our abilities…â€Â
As you can probably tell from my all over the place notes, I loved books one and two in the Harry Potter series. I am still questioning why I did not read them sooner. Everyone always told me that I would love them and I did. J.K. Rowling is a truly gifted author and I am amazed at her ability to write compelling and authentic magical fantasy with characters that I actually care about. Even the characters that I hated on, I wanted to know what was going to happen them or why they were acting the way they were acting! I must give her major props for that. Also, for creating a world such as Hogwarts, I give her MAJOR props.
I love Hogwarts.
Until next time where I review books 3 (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and 4 (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)…
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good review! I can’t believe you hadn’t read Harry Potter until recently. I think I’ve read them all (especially those first few) a dozen times a piece. But glad you liked them! I liked your bullet points – I pretty much had those same thoughts while reading them as well. Such good books! I just adore JK Rowling, Harry Potter, Hogwarts, and the entire wizarding world.
Oh, I wish I could read them all again for the first time….glad you enjoyed them.
Ahhhh thank you for sharing your first time reading experience of the HP series with us 😀 this is so cool! ONE OF US! ONE OF US! XD <3
Did you watch the movies or know major spoilers before reading them? If yes, I was wondering how you feel that affected your reading experience? I recently read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan after I'd already seen the movie and I felt I didn't necessarily enjoy the book as much as I would have had I not seen the movie first.
Great review! I love the bullet points =) I’m mildly envious that you get to experience these books for the very first time — it’s such a wonderful, magical experience that I wish I could do over again! I haven’t yet found another series that captivated my heart in quite the same way that Harry Potter did… perhaps that’s why we all keep reading, just looking for that next book to win over our hearts?
Best. Series. Ever.
I hadn’t read the last 2 books in the series or allowed myself to see those films, until I’d finished them all. I wanted to finish it but I had to start at the beginning of the series, to get the full effect. Who wants to do that?
Harry Potter is so worth it! I’m glad I read it all over again just for those last 2 books. My favorites are Books 1 & 4. Brilliant!!
I had a word on Harry Potter last week: http://www.thesweetbookshelf.com/2012/06/word-on-harry-potter.html
I think I’m the only person in the world who just can not get into Harry Potter 🙁
My heart is swelling over you reading HP for the first time and for your bullet point review and OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS those .gifs.
Love it all to the max.
Yes, Dumbledore is boss. Always and forever.
I’m ashamed of you, April, that it took this long. But this post really brought me back. I should reread those books over the summer…
This is an Allison review. I’ve personally read Harry Potter many times.
I always get so excited when people read Harry Potter. It’s one of my all-time favorite series and just seeing your reactions makes me want to read it all over again. I love your bullet points (especially the favorite quotes part) and I can’t wait to see your thoughts on Book 3 and Book 4!
How have you managed so long without Harry Potter in your life? I grew up with it. The first book came out when I was in 6th grade and I was the nerdy kid who went to the midnight release parties to get the newest books. At the end of the final movie, I felt as if an entire chapter of my life had come to a close. So glad to hear you have started your Hogwarts adventure 🙂
This is one of the best HP reviews I have read! I’m so thrilled you read the series because it is my absolute favorite of all time and I love reading about people who are experiencing that magical world for the first time. Definitely looking forward to reading your reviews for the rest of the books!
Oh! This is really cool and fun and awesome. I love watching as people read the HP books for the first time!! I’m enjoying this.
YAY so glad you loved them too! I remember how awesome it was to read these books for the first time so many years ago!