Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Paperback
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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 Lockhart, 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?
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 Lockhart, 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?
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As you know, I have been re-reading my way through the Harry Potter series again this year. (And I honestly don't even remember how many times I've read each book....) You can see my review for The Sorcerer's Stone here.
Every time I read through these books, I am reminded of why I love them so much. The Chamber of Secrets, unlike many books, does not fall prey to second book syndrome. It is just as marvelous as its predecessor.
The things I love every time I read this book:
- The Weasley Twins. Fred and George are always so, so funny and delightful throughout the series.
- The first time Harry, the Weasley's, and Hermione met Gilderoy Lockhart (and then found out that HE was going to be there new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher.) There reactions to him were the best. Especially when he pulled Harry up and was like "photo op, photo op!"
- Lockhart falling into the chamber of secrets, then trying to erase Ron and Harry's memories: And it backfiring. I don't know why I always find this hilarious, but I do. (And I can't say Lockhart doesn't deserve it.)
- When Ron and the Twins go to Harry's house and steal him away in the dead of night: In Arthur's flying car! And then, of course:
- Mrs. Weasley's reaction when she finds out that the boys flew to Harry's house in the car Mr. Weasley rigged up.
- Harry and Ron flying to school in that car and then getting beat up by the Whomping Willow for the first time.
That list could go on, and on, and on. I love so much about this book. I think it's wonderful that this book continues to not only entertain, but to use literature to teach children about consequences for their actions (Lockhart tries to erase kids memories and it backfires), it teaches children to be nice to others even if we don't agree with them, and it teaches kids the value of friendship, and so much more. The books are so entertaining.
Now, before you go: here are a few of my favorite quotes from The Chamber of Secrets:
“Oh well... I'd just been thinking, if you had died, you'd have been welcome to share my toilet.” - Moaning Myrtle
“You will find that I will only truly have left this school when none here are loyal to me.” - Dumbledore
“Lockhart'll sign anything if it stands still long enough.”
“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.
Ginny didn't find it amusing either.
"Oh, don't," she wailed every time Fred asked Harry loudly who he was
planning to attack next, or when George pretended to ward Harry off with a large
clove of garlic when they met.”
So, fellow readers: What are you favorite things about the Chamber of Secrets?
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