Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2) in The Dusty Bookshelf

Dec 13, 2010 Jamie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy

Like all Harry Potter Books, I have read this several times. The first time was nearly 15 years ago. I have yet to tire of it.

I like how we get a further look into other characters better. Hagrid, Dumbledore and Draco especially. Ugh Draco is such a turd in this. Spoiled BRAT extreme!!! Plus we get to meet the villainous Lucius Malfoy (Draco's father) and Ron's little sister Ginny (I have mixed thoughts on her in this book). Not to mention the house-elf Dobby, who is one interesting character a Like all Harry Potter Books, I have read this several times. The first time was nearly 15 years ago. I have yet to tire of it.

I like how we get a further look into other characters better. Hagrid, Dumbledore and Draco especially. Ugh Draco is such a turd in this. Spoiled BRAT extreme!!! Plus we get to meet the villainous Lucius Malfoy (Draco's father) and Ron's little sister Ginny (I have mixed thoughts on her in this book). Not to mention the house-elf Dobby, who is one interesting character and very unique. The the supremely annoying Gilderoy Lockhart (ugh, I despise him!). So basically I am not sure about these additions. Lots of characters to hate on in all the best ways!

Something is attacking Harry's classmates and he is determined to figure out what and who is causing harm to the school. Harry's youth is obvious in this book. He seems to be a bit more foolish than even the first book. Gryffindor courage, eh? I think I noticed this more in the latest re-read than past times. The small oopses these kids make. Yet it is also what endears the book to me. The imperfection.

We get more of a view of Diagon Alley, plus it's less savory companion, Knockturn Alley. I don't think I can ever learn enough about these places. So many interesting things and places! I would love to know more about these places. Rowling you truly have created an entire new world for us to explore and imagine.

We get flying cars, giant spiders, an enchanted diary and pesky pixies, plus so much more in this second installment to the Harry Potter world

Semi-spoilers below!

2020-I love the fact that as I get to know one character well, in re-reads I can focus on others, each time a bit different. In this, I felt I got a great view into Ron and his family. Although, for some reason I though Harry was closer to the twins as well by this point, but not quite I suppose. Draco is another that jumped out at me more in this one. He is so annoying here! I know I said it already but it cannot be said enough! Now Hermoine is smart in many ways, but when it comes to apparently good-looking guys, she gets a T. How could she keep admiring Lockhart so? I still love this world. I know many hate the author right now, but this magical world I love.

2023- I found some of the details of the diary to Tom curious. It left me with some questions about his character as a student. Why did none of the staff stand up to Lockhart's bs. His ideas, taking credit for scaring off the heir, etc. And how is it appropriate to allow a student to answer fanmail as a detention? Like all other detentions serve a learning purpose or aids the school (cleaning and such). Sometimes overkill, sure but still. ...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Maja rated it really liked it

So, yeah, I agree that this is what kids should read. Cause it's incredibly creative and funny and smart in so many different ways, but it's generally based on a very simple principal (all great books are) - be courageous and loyal to yourself and to your friend and everything will turn out all right. I can't remember of a batter advice to give to a kid. Or to a grownup, for that matter. Despite the general notion that kids nowadays live and believe in a banal Starbucks-gossip_girl-plastic-"OMG ...more

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Nov 17, 2010 Ampa rated it liked it

Re-read recently for bar trivia. Love catching those little things you missed before. It's still not the most exciting Potter book in spite of the enemy they face and all the near death experiences they encounter.

Still confused why Aragog would only protect Hagrid but not friends of Hagrid. ...more

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