My Thoughts

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE is my third favorite in the series and this is my second time reading this book. There is so much that happens and I have a love / hate relationship with it because of the ending. So far, Dumbledore’s death has affected me more than any other death in the series. I knew he’d die because I figured out that Harry needs to face Voldemort alone. I didn’t realize how he’d die and that surprised me to the core.

I love the amount of romance in this book. I love the chaos it creates, even though Ron and Hermione spend a lot of the book pissed off at each other. I also love that Harry and Ginny end up together. It was the happiest moment in the book for me.

Snape stood out the most to me in this book. He’s involved in so many facets of this novel. Not only is he the Half-Blood Prince, he’s also the one who kills Dumbledore. I was so angry when I first read it. However, now that I’ve had two years to think about it, I’ve finally decided that Snape had to be acting on Dumbledore’s orders. I don’t know why yet and I still don’t like that it had to happen, but there’s no way Dumbledore was duped by Snape the whole time he’s been teaching at Hogwarts. There has to be a good reason.

My favorite thing about this book is the amount of time Harry gets to spend with Dumbledore. I’ve always loved their little chats at the end of each book. And, this book is like one long, giant chat between the two of them. I love the insight we see into Dumbledore’s character.

The Horcruxes are so interesting. I’ve never read anything like it. They explain Voldemort’s true character more than anything else has in this series so far. Before I learned about the Horcruxes, I just thought he was this power-hungry wizard willing to do anything to usurp that power. Now I realize that while he is power-hungry, he’s also quite vulnerable, afraid of death and those around him because he doesn’t have a true connection with any of them. It’s interesting to see his weaknesses so clearly.

Two Horcruxes have already been destroyed–the diary and the ring. Dumbledore suspects there are 6 total because with Voldemort himself that makes 7 pieces of soul and 7 is a powerful number in the wizarding world. My own personal theory is that Harry’s also a Horcrux and his scar is the physical manifestation of the curse. I also think the scar is what the prophecy in Order of the Phoenix meant by “marking him as his equal.” I also think Harry’s going to have to die in the next book so Voldemort can be killed, which also explains the second half of the prophecy.

I’m excited to start reading HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS tonight at midnight. I’m a little worried I’ll be disappointed in some way, and I’m sad my journey is almost over. But, most of all, I’m excited to see what happens and if my theories are correct.

Update: When I’ve reread this series, I’ve sometimes listened to the audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale. I love how much Dale brings the stories to life.

I’ve also been able to read a U.K. edition of each of the novels. The first four novels have the most differences, especially the first book. I loved getting to read Rowling’s original words, the words she wrote, not the words “translated” for U.S. readers.

My Thoughts

Like the previous three books, this is my fourth time reading HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. When I first read it, I was amazed by it. I thought it was a fun change from the previous three books because it had more adventure throughout the entire year rather than just at the end. When I read it the first time, it was the last book published. I felt a sense of longing and anxiety after the ending. I wanted to know what was going to happen then and not have to wait for each book to be published.

Even though I loved this book just as much as I love the whole series, I actually have two beefs with it. One was fixed in a subsequent edition, but it still bothers me to no end because it’s in my U.S. first edition. I’m, of course, talking about the order Harry’s parents come out of the wand. It’s backwards and I just can’t look past it when I read that part.

The second thing that bothers me is at the end of the book as the students are making their way back to the Hogwarts Express, the horseless carriages are mentioned. At this point, Harry should’ve been able to see the thestrals, but there’s no mention of them. The only thing that I can think of is that Rowling didn’t want to open that can of worms until the next book. Why mention them at all at the end then? She didn’t in any of the previous stories. I guess it could also be that Harry was too preoccupied with leaving that he didn’t notice them, but I’d think it would be as obvious as it is in Order of the Phoenix.

Even with those two things, I still love this book. I love the Triwizard Tournament and meeting all the new characters. I love the amount of magic Harry gets to perform. I love the subtle humor between the characters. I love seeing Ron and Hermione’s relationship elevate to a new level. I love everything that happens with Mad-Eye / Barty Crouch Jr. I love getting to see the proceedings in the Wizengamot through Dumbledore’s memories. I’m sad about Cedric. I feel bad that Harry had to witness his death and feel guilty because of his suggestion that they grab the cup at the same time. I love the scene in the graveyard and what it means to Harry. I also love how Dumbledore shows his fierce protectiveness over Harry. I love that Dobby and Sirius both return. I love that Sirius and is there to help Harry after Voldemort has risen again. It’s such a good adventure and a pivotal book in the series.

Update: When I’ve reread this series, I’ve sometimes listened to the audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale. I love how much Dale brings the stories to life.

I’ve also been able to read a U.K. edition of each of the novels. The first four novels have the most differences, especially the first book. I loved getting to read Rowling’s original words, the words she wrote, not the words “translated” for U.S. readers.