Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #6
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Scholastic, 2005
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Memories from the first time: I don't actually have any idea where I was when I read this or how I got my copy of this book. I'm not sure why it isn't one that stands out in my mind, because it is one of my favorites in the series. I do remember that I really liked it, especially all the romance. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a book with a bit of good snogging. :) 

Impressions this time: I definitely still really enjoyed The Half-Blood Prince. I think there is so much new information that we learn in this book about Voldemort and how to destroy him. The characters are also really having to decide where their allegiance lies -- they are becoming old enough to make decisions and not just be sheltered by the fact they are in school.

I also must say that I was extremely relieved by the fact that Ginny was awesome in this book. I have more recently watched the movies than read the books, and I find Ginny to be a little bit weak-sauce in the movies. She is always quiet and somewhat dull. However, in the book she is sarcastic, funny, and talented -- it is much more obvious why Harry is attracted to her. 
Best new spell: I love when Hermione makes the little birds fly around her head and then dive-bomb Ron. 

Best new character: Professor Slughorn is quite amusing with his penchant for collecting famous people and his love for the little luxuries in life. He definitely has his flaws, but I always enjoy reading about him. 

My crush for this book: I think we can solidly say Harry, in this book.

Most villainous moment: SNAPE. Even though it is all cleared up in the end, I remember the shock I felt in this book, after all Dumbledore's trust. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: It was interesting to learn about all the founders of the school and their particular objects, as well as the way those objects held a draw for Voldemort. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: All the information about Voldemort's past and parentage was very interesting. I loved the sessions with Dumbledore when he and Harry viewed memories and put together evidence from Voldemort's past. 

Favorite magical creature: Well, Care of Magical Creatures is a thing of the past, so we don't get as much exposure to interesting creatures in this installment. However, we'll have a moment of silence for Aragog. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: The whole Lavender Brown fiasco. Let's be honest, this one is mostly due to Ron being a jealous idiot.

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak, the Philosopher's Stone is mentioned

Horcruxes that show up: Marvolo Gaunt's ring, Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, Voldemort's diary is mentioned

Coolest magical object: I think I've said this before, but I love the Pensieve. I would love to be able to immerse myself into someone's memories. 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #5
Genre: YA, fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2003
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Memories from the first time: So I was at music camp when Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix came out. I was fifteen and it was the longest I'd ever gone without seeing my family, and I was loving the freedom. The book came out the night before the last day of camp, and the counselors let us go to the university bookstore to check out the party even though we were technically supposed to be in bed. I remember going with this boy I liked from the camp and watching the movies in the bookstore. They were going to unveil the books at midnight and the boy and I found them hidden under this table. (We didn't crack them open, though -- too afraid of the repercussions). I also remember the next day there were all these music performances and some people were just reading straight through the recitals. 

As for the book itself, I remember not liking it very much in comparison to the other books. I mean, it's Harry Potter, and I enjoyed the series, but I was annoyed for much of the book. It is the only book I had ever read once. I think that has to do with the fact that Harry was so grumpy and that Umbridge was annoying not to the point of being a delightful villain but instead to the point of just being awful and my wanting to be far, far away from her, not reading about her. 

Impressions this time: Even though I had less annoyance with this book than I did the first time, I definitely have been less eager to listen to it than I have been to the other books. As I've driven home listening to it from the hospital, I've felt that same irritation at Umbridge that I felt the first time. With that said, though, there is a lot of interesting information about the wizarding world that is revealed, and a lot of new action develops with Voldemort's return. I think it is definitely an important book to the series and enjoyable for many reasons (like the DA and Harry's first experiences with romance). 

Best new spell: Ginny's Bat-Bogey hex is pretty awesome. 

Best new character: LUNA LOVEGOOD. Hands down. Although the voice that Jim Dale used for her was somewhat obnoxious. He uses this super gravelly voice, and I picture her as the actor from the movie, who speaks in this more high and dreamy type of voice. At any rate, she is absolutely awesome. 

My crush for this book: You know, ordinarily I would probably say Harry at this point, but he was kind of being a punk in this book. Despite the fact that this book is the first book where any romance actually gets started, my book crushes were in abeyance.

Most villainous moment: Umbridge is a pretty nasty villain. In particular I hate her method of detention and her sickly sweet way of delivering awful verdicts. However, I think the most villainous moment is when Kreacher is laughing about Sirius' death. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: Learning more about the Room of Requirement was definitely exciting. Especially the fact that it so perfectly equipped the person in need with exactly what they could use, whether that was dummies at which to fire defensive spells or mistletoe for a bit of snogging. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: I loved all the different things Harry and his friends came across in the Department of Mysteries, such as the vase that contained Time, the veil of death, and the many prophecies. I also found it somewhat interesting to learn more about the bureaucracy of the Ministry of Magic -- there was definitely more politics involved in this book than in any other Harry Potter book.  

Favorite magical creature: The thestrals were very interesting, and useful. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: For whatever reason, I can't recall a good argument in this book, although I imagine there must be one. Maybe because Harry was busy arguing with people instead?

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak, the Philosopher's Stone is mentioned

Horcruxes that show up: Nagini

Coolest magical object: Frank and George's various shenanigans were all pretty interesting and cool to read about. 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #4
Genre: YA, fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2000
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Memories from the first time: This was the first Harry Potter book that I actually anticipated. I remember reading the first chapter in the Idaho Statesman Life section and being so excited for it to come out. I didn't wait outside a bookstore or anything -- but I was thrilled when a copy fell into my hands. 


I also remember when I read it that I was absolutely floored by the fact that (SPOILER, but that is inherent in these Harry Potter posts) Cedric died. I was reading the book on a road trip to Idaho Falls with my cousin, who had already read the book, and I remember turning her and just looking at her with shock. For the rest of the week, we just kept looking at each other and saying, "I can't believe that Cedric is dead!" I think that was one of the first endings that just absolutely floored me.


Another interesting side note -- I totally used to associate the song "Stronger" by Britney Spears with Harry's fight with Voldemort. I don't particularly love that song, and I really don't particularly love Britney Spears, but I always think of that song with that scene. Hmm.

Impressions this time: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is still the best Harry Potter book, in my opinion. I absolutely loved the Triwizard Cup and all the other wizarding schools. I think this book is a turning point as well from the books being directed to a younger audience to an older one. I love that the books grow up with the readers. 


Also, a particular scene touched me so much in this book -- when, for the third task, families are showing up for the competitors, and Harry feels awkward, worrying that the Dursleys will be there. When he sees that the Weasleys came as his family, I started bawling like a little baby. Maybe it was just the pregnancy hormones, but I loved that moment. 
Best new spell: Expelliarmus is a pretty important spell in this book. I also really enjoyed learning about the various hexes that Harry practiced to get ready for the maze in the final task. And of course, while we can't consider these the "best" spells, it was very interesting to learn about the three unforgivable curses. 

Best new character: You know, despite the fact that I really love this book, I don't as much have a favorite new character. Some honorable mentions are Ludo Bagman, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Rita Skeeter -- none of them are characters I adore, but they are all interesting. 

My crush for this book: Have you picked up on the fact that I have a thing for Cedric Diggory? Strong, silent, heroic, and handsome -- what more could you ask for in a man? Oh, he's a Quidditch star, and a nice guy, too? Despite the fact that he occasionally gets in Harry's way (Cho Chang, beating him in Quidditch, getting ahead in certain Triwizard tasks) I was charmed by Cedric the entire time.

Most villainous moment: Obviously, the entire Voldemort sequence is pretty villainous. I was also absolutely disgusted by Barty Crouch the younger's crazed tirade about how he killed his father, transfigured him into a bone, and buried the bone. I think I possibly missed that the first time around. Hearing it described by Jim Dale in Barty's creepy voice made me shudder. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: I think the whole sequence in the lake was very interesting. The lake is present in all the books and it was fun to learn about what actually lived in the lake (other than the Giant Squid). 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: There are other wizarding schools! In fact, all the other wizarding information was pretty fun, with the other schools and the wizards of different nationalities at the Quidditch World Cup. 

Favorite magical creature: Blast Ended Skrewts, of course. No, actually, it was really cool to read (hear) about the different dragons in the first task. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: In this case, the biggest argument is actually between Ron and Harry. When Harry is chosen for the tournament, Ron is jealous and thinks that Harry is going after it for glory. They don't speak for weeks. It is very relieving once they become friends again. 

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak. 

Horcruxes that show up: Nagini.

Coolest magical object: The Goblet of Fire is pretty cool, I must say. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #3
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Scholastic, 1999
Source: Library Audiobook
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge


Memories from the first time: So, I actually wound up reading this book second in the series. It was the one that came in second from the library, so it was the one I read, not knowing when I would have the chance again. I also remember that up until the fourth book came out, it was my favorite of the Harry Potter books. It is kind of unique -- we don't actually see Voldemort in this one, and all the intrigue with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin absolutely blew my mind. 

Impressions this time: I can see why I loved this book so much the first time I read it. Each Harry Potter book seems to grow up a little with the protagonists. Harry seems older -- he is learning more, able to accomplish more. I also noticed quite a bit the anger he has that his parents were killed and how much he wants vengeance for that. It is an element throughout the series, but for some reason it really stood out to me this time around. 

Best new spell: Expecto Patronum definitely carries the day in Prisoner of Azkaban. Harry spends so much time working to perfect it, and I love that he is finally successful. It is also awesome to me that he masters the spell despite the fact that it is very difficult for even grown wizards. 

Best new character: Definitely a tie between Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. I'll be talking more about Lupin in a moment, so I'll focus on Black for a second. I think Sirius is one of the most complex characters that we come across in the series. Imprisoned in Azkaban for a crime that he is innocent of committing, he nevertheless grows hardened during his time with the Dementors. He has some very difficult and conflicting emotions for many of the characters in the book, such as Snape, who is trusted by Dumbledore but who has a shady past. I love the way Sirius and Harry's relationship grows in this book. 

My crush for this book: I definitely have a thing for Remus Lupin. A throwback to my days of Twilight-crushdom on Jacob? Perhaps. No, actually, I think it is the fact that Lupin is such a good mentor for Harry. He is wise and steady and clearly has learned quite a bit from his experiences with prejudice and judgement. I loved the way he took Harry under his wing, and also the way he strikes at times a pathetic but brave figure.

Most villainous moment: This is pulling in elements from the fourth Harry Potter book, but in this one Wormtail begs for Harry to have mercy on him and not kill him. When Harry complies, Wormtail grovels at his feet and tells him that is what his father would have done. One short year later, Wormtail delivers Harry to Voldemort to be killed. It's clear that Wormtail is entirely self-interested and despicable. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: The reason the Whomping Willow was planted! It was made so that Remus could disappear to the Shrieking Shack when he transforms into a werewolf. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: Hogsmeade, the wizarding village, is definitely an awesome place. I would love to walk around in the wizarding shops and see all the different people and creatures populating it. 

Favorite magical creature: This isn't really a creature, I suppose, but learning more about the animagi was interesting. I love Sirius as the large black dog and think it is very fitting with his personality. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: When Harry receives a Firebolt for Christmas, Hermione turns it over to Professor McGonagall in order to make sure it wasn't from Sirius and a trap for Harry (it was from Sirius, but not a trap, since Sirius is of course not evil). Both Ron and Harry were pretty incensed with Hermione for quite a while. 

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak. 

Horcruxes that show up: I'm drawing a blank on this one... were there any in the third book?

Coolest magical object: Not really magical, but I love that chocolate reverses the effects of the dementors. I think it reverses the effects of real life dementors as well. 

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 #2
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1999
Source: Library Audiobook
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge


Memories from the first time: I actually read this book third of the series. When I put all of these books on hold in middle school, Prisoner of Azkaban came in before Chamber of Secrets and I was worried that it would be forever before I could get it again, so I just went for it. I don't remember feeling like anything was spoiled -- just that things were a little out of order. 

Impressions this time: I remember this book as being one of my least favorite of the series, but I still really enjoyed it this time around. I feel like with every book not only does Harry get a bit older, but J.K. Rowling's writing style grows with Harry, so it felt a bit more mature (not in an adult-themes way but in a growing-up way), which works for me because I am an adult. 


I also loved the creepy factor in this book. It is no secret on this blog that I love scary stories and movies, and listening to the bodiless voice hissing through the castle and happening upon all the Petrified students gave me chills as I listened to the scenes in the car. 

Best new spell: I think the best spell in this book is Expelliarmus. It is a simple spell, but so useful for every situation. I remember that it plays into important situations in multiple scenes in future books. 

Also, this isn't a spell, but I think the Polyjuice Potion is very cool, and I think it is amazing that Hermione, Ron, and Harry think of a way to get their hands on the recipe and manage to make the potion with only one (furry) mishap. At times in the series I have felt that Harry has more luck in defeating the Dark Lord than anything, but scenes like that remind me that the trio of friends are all very talented wizards.

Best new character: While Ginny makes a brief appearance in the first book, we don't really get to know her until this book. If you follow this series at all you know that Ginny and Harry end up together, but the only time I read this book before I had no idea of that, so it was interesting to me to go back to it this time and look at the way things fall into place for them. Ginny has a raging crush on Harry, and while he is never mean to her, she definitely feels rejected, which leads her to make some poor decisions (although she really can't be blamed for them, in the end). I liked that she was already becoming a complex character this early in this series, which leads her to be the type of person Harry will be interested in later in the series.  

My crush for this book: Usually Harry is my biggest crush, but for some reason I was really loving Fred and George in this book in particular. They are so funny, charming, and witty, that I know in real life they would have me blushing nonstop.

Most villainous moment: When Tom Riddle leaves Ginny crumpled in The Chamber of Secrets, near to death. It's no secret that he is not fazed by killing children, but the fact that Ginny has trusted him and poured her heart out to him all year just shows that he has no sense of human decency. 

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: There is a Chamber of Secrets, and a basilisk lives in it! And Moaning Myrtle haunts the entrance, conveniently located in a faucet. 

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: I'm drawing a bit of a blank, but I do think it is interesting that it is illegal to enchant Muggle objects. 

Favorite magical creature: Fawkes! I love the phoenix and the powers that he possesses. He definitely saves the day in The Chamber of Secrets. 

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: I'm drawing a blank on this one as well. I know they were bickering throughout the book, but no specific argument is standing out to me. 

Deathly Hallows that show up: The Invisibility Cloak. 


Horcruxes that show up: Tom's diary. 

Coolest magical object: The Sorting Hat. We already know that it has the cool ability to read minds and intentions, but I love that it was also the vehicle for bringing Harry the Sword of Godric Gryffindor (which is an awesome magical object in and of itself). 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #1
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Scholastic Press, 1998
Source: Audiobook from the library
Read for: Harry Potter Challenge

Because these books are so well known, and all rereads for me, I am not writing formal reviews or summaries. Instead, I've created a little questionnaire that I am going to fill out for each book as I move through a reread of the entire series. Spoilers may occur.

Memories from the first time: I didn't want to read these books for the longest time because there was this kid in my sixth grade class that I really didn't like who loved these books. I don't remember why I didn't like him, or what finally swayed my opinion, but one day when I was in the library (where I hung out every day with my friends... I was that cool) I decided to read it. Naturally, the books were all checked out, so I put all of them (3 at the time) on hold. It was the first time I'd ever placed a library hold. I don't remember exact emotions when I finished it, but I know that I love them now, so I am assuming I loved it then as well.

Impressions this time: It was so FUN to read (er... hear) this book again. I loved being reintroduced to all of the small details about Hogwarts, and the way everything felt like a miracle to poor, unloved Harry. Reading this book was like rediscovering the series for the first time -- I felt a sense of wonder with everything.

I was also so impressed with Harry. I have always loved his character, but listening to this book had me thinking about why. I think I've just instinctively admired and loved him. Thinking about my reasons for it, I realized -- it is because he is humble but not sycophantic, strong and skilled but not arrogant, giving to his friends. He is perfectly normal in every way, and yet he rises above every negative circumstance of his life (and those circumstances are abundant), not in search of personal glory, but in search of goodness. He is genuinely good without being cloyingly perfect.

I also really loved getting to know Hermione again. As I mentioned in the favorite characters post of yesterday, Hermione is a character that I really strongly connect with. Ron and Harry really couldn't stand her at first (and she was obnoxious, let's be honest), but they learn to get past their first impressions and forge a permanent, awesome friendship. Despite Hermione's quirks, they learn to love her personality and her intelligence and her just-plain-weird obsession with school.

Best new spell: There aren't any "cool" spells that stand-out to me in particular, but one that proves to be very important in the book is "alohomora." (Spelling may be incorrect, because I listened to the book this time around and only have my own brain to give me the words). Without it, they never would have begun their curiosity about the sorcerer's stone, because they never would have seen what was locked in that corridor.

Best new character: Hagrid. Disregarding the fact that all the characters are new, of course. I love that Hagrid and Harry have this strong relationship and that Hagrid does so much for Harry. Hagrid is at times misguided, but always there for Harry.

Most villainous moment: When Voldemort drinks the unicorn's blood. That is a chilling part indeed. I know that later he attacks Harry and everything, but I find the unicorn's blood scene the most absolutely disturbing.

New secret discovered about Hogwarts: The Mirror of Erised, which holds the image of your heart's desire (and which Harry uses to get the Sorcerer's Stone and hide it from Voldemort).

Coolest new fact learned about the wizarding world: Well, this book is full of new facts, and they are all just as entrancing to me as they were for Harry. However, I will say that the concept of wizard chess is pretty awesome. I love that Seamus's set kept trying to tell Harry which moves to make because he was so new to the game.

Favorite magical creature: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback, of course! Poor Hagrid.

Best argument between Ron and Hermione: I can't remember what the argument is over, but I am very grateful that whatever it was caused Hermione to go cry in the bathroom and get attacked by the troll. Otherwise, she may never have become friends with Harry and Ron.

Deathly Hallows that show up: Both the Sorcerer's Stone and the Invisibility Cloak. It was all there from the beginning!

Coolest magical object: The Invisibility Cloak. I think half the events in the series could never have taken place without it.

Sunday Salon: Challenge FRENZY

SHappy pre-Thanksgiving, Americans, and happy almost-Christmastime, people who celebrate Christmas, and happy winter, everyone else. I started that sentence out wanting to be so very politically correct but it came back and bit me in the butt, as usual. I am looking forward to this week -- I plan on going home to Boise for Thanksgiving, if the weather cooperates. My parents are hosting Thanksgiving at our house for the first time ever, and we are excited to be in control of a few things. Mostly, the fact that we are having dinner at 2pm instead of 6pm.

Remember how a few weeks ago, I was feeling so wishy-washy about challenges and how I wasn't sure if I wanted to do them anymore since I couldn't possibly finish them all this year? Well, about that... so many interesting challenges have popped up this month that I want to join them all. Le sigh. So here are all the ones that I am interested in. Will I finish them all? Assuredly not. Will I enjoy tracking down the books I want to read for them and then ignoring them completely? Of course.

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge. Because, as evidenced by the madness that went on during R.I.P. VI, I am very much a seasonal reader. I'm just planning on doing two rereads this year, so the level is Mistletoe:

:: Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher - Comfort reading at its best. I'm pretty into comfort reading right now, as I'm sure you'll be seeing on the blog in a couple of weeks, so this fits right in.

:: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - Loved this one last year, and I've dipped into it a few times since last year. I'm excited to revisit, probably on my lovely CRUISE!

Shakespeare Reading Month. I love The Bard, and it's been way too long since I've read any of his plays. I went through a phase in high school when I read most of the comedies, but I've never touched the histories, so I am going to pick up either Henry VIII or Richard III. I'll also continue my slow trek through the sonnets.

The 2012 Harry Potter Reading Challenge is too perfect for me -- I was planning on rereading all of the Harry Potters and then watching the movies next year, probably in the summer, although I've had a hankering lately and might cave sooner. I might do all audiobooks this time, we will see.

November's Autumn is hosting a classics challenge that is a little different. You read seven different classics, and then on the fourth of each month you return to the webpage and answer a question about the classic that you read. This overlaps perfectly with the other classics challenges I am participating in, and I love the idea of everyone answering a prompt about the classic they are reading, so I couldn't resist. {And also, how gorgeous is the name November's Autumn? It made me feel like Anne of Green Gables, geeking out about it.}

And then, as an eclectic blogger, how could I resist Ellie's Mixing it Up Challenge?  The premise of this one is to read books in different genres. Ellie lists sixteen, and I am going for the level of the Mixing Bowl, meaning I will try from 9-12 different categories. Many of them will be categories I am used to, just because that is the nature of the beast, but I am going to try a graphic novel, some humor, and maybe even a travelogue -- all things I haven't experienced before. Hooray!

And then, this morning, I stumbled across the New Adult Challenge. So many people have been saying they wish there were books about adults in their early twenties, and I couldn't agree more, being in that range myself and working on a novel that fits into that range. So I am going to try out this challenge at the Just Graduated level and read 3 books. I am probably going to read The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons and get my little fingers on the Jessica Darling books. Or possibly read The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta, because Jellicoe Road was fantastic.

Okay, and finally, finally, {unless I forgot someone}, the Wolf Hall readalong. I have been wanting to read this baby, and was happy to see this excuse for it. I love readalongs, and haven't been participating in any but my own for months. The schedule is:
{November 28} - Open the book.
{December 4} - Post about parts 1 and 2
{December 11} - Post about parts 3 and 4
{December 18} - Post about parts 5 and 6

I might cheat and post on Saturday, because I like my Sunday Salon posts and I don't like double-posting. We'll see.

I'm not even going to tell myself no more, because that just seems to invite me to give in on more and more challenges. Even though I know I'm going crazy, I can't wait for all of these. I love thinking about the new year and what I will read. I love thinking about books, period. I hope that I possibly inspired you to check out something new. Now I have to go update my sadly abandoned challenge page!