Rowling, J.K.- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter #2); Informal Buddy Read: Starts November 12, 2014 REVISIT 15 May 2018

[Cathy M.]

Tina wrote: "Is anyone ready for the 3rd book? I'm happy to wait a bit or something to do the buddy read."

I should be starting #3 by Monday!

[Tina ❣]

Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Is anyone ready for the 3rd book? I'm happy to wait a bit or something to do the buddy read."

I should be starting #3 by Monday!"

Awesome! I think I'll be reading the third, not audiobook. I'm not too sure how quick I can read it

[Cathy M.]

Tina wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Is anyone ready for the 3rd book? I'm happy to wait a bit or something to do the buddy read."

I should be starting #3 by Monday!"

Awesome! I think I'll be reading th..."

I'll probably read it at a slower pace so no problem :)

[Tina ❣]

Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Is anyone ready for the 3rd book? I'm happy to wait a bit or something to do the buddy read."

I should be starting #3 by Monday!"

Awesome! I think I'll ..."

That's a relief! I have about 5 buddy reads going on now. Too much

[Cathy M.]

Tina wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "Is anyone ready for the 3rd book? I'm happy to wait a bit or something to do the buddy read."

I should be starting #3 by Monday!"

Aweso..."

Yea I keep joining BRs so have to fit these HP and Kate Daniels books in somewhere.. So reading them a couple chpters at a time. Doesn't detract from my enjoyment of them but allows me to read several more books at the same time!

[Elize]

I will be starting #3 ASAP too so I will see you over in that thread!

[Kate S]

Vicki wrote: "And I am FINISHED!

Just as I thought, I love this book just as much this time as I did four years ago.

Harry [spoilers removed]Hagrid [spoilers removed]Ginny Weasley [spoilers removed]Professor ..."

It's interesting, as I was reading through your spoilers, I was reminded of how bad most of the *bad guys* are in this series. There is so little redeeming qualities to any of them. I feel like this is more an issue in the early books, as later in the books there are more dimensional characters. Although, some of the characters do remain just bad (I am looking at your Dursley family).

[Cathy M.]

Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

(view spoiler)[Favorite part: Harry freeing Dobby <3 As much as I love this series, I think these first 2, maybe even the 3rd, are a bit elementary. I much prefer the later books in the series!

I loved the scene at the end between Dumbledore & Harry. Actually any scene with them together, alone, are some of my favorites. Didn't realize that it was mentioned this early in the series that (SERIES SPOILER) (view spoiler)[Voldemort put a little bit of himself in Harry when he tried to kill him as a baby. Harry acknowledges this since he can speak Parselmouth and later on knows the headaches/flashes he gets are because of that. But towards the end of the series when they are destroying V's horcuxes do they not realize that? Or do they & I just don't remember? (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

Ready to start on #3 now!

[Sarah]

Kate S wrote: "Vicki wrote: "And I am FINISHED!

Just as I thought, I love this book just as much this time as I did four years ago.

Harry [spoilers removed]Hagrid [spoilers removed]Ginny Weasley [spoilers remo..."

Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers! (view spoiler)[ I actually do think we see a little bit more about why and how the Dursleys are the way they are. Not necessarily any redeeming qualities but definitely maling them more dimensional. We understand that Petunia was jealous of Lily for being a witch. That's probably why she grew to hate the entire Wizarding World and wanted nothing to do with it. And then having a wizard live with her? Lots of mixed emotions from Petunia. Also, I don't recall which book, but Harry was generally discussing dementors (OotP?) and absentmindedly Petunia says they are the guards of Azkaban. I always wanted to know how she knew this. As I am writing this, I am also remembering a conversation between Harry and Petunia about Voldemort being back. When Harry states that he is alive, I feel like I remember Petunia reacting scared.

As for Dudley, I think at the end of 7 we start to see him realizing how terrible of a person he is. Remember, after the dementor attack in Phoenix he put a cup of tea outside of Harry's door. It looks like he wanted to treat Harry with some kindness. One of the things I've always wanted to know from the series, what did Dudley see / think at the dementor attack? Also, when the Dursleys are finally leaving Privet Drive, Dudley realizes that Harry is not going with them. He seemed surprised and shocked at the idea. As if, he never imagine life without Harry. I wonder if Harry ever meets the Dursleys again? (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Cathy M. wrote: "Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

Favorite part: Harry freeing Dobby <3 As much as I love this series, I think these first 2, maybe even the 3rd, are ..."

Some of my favorite scenes in the entire series are when Harry and Dumbledore are having discussions together alone. Whether it's an end of the book wrap-up up or a conversation in Dumbledore's office, there are always some of the most fascinating and revealing conversations.

Regarding the books 6-7 spoiler...(view spoiler)[ I don't think Dumbledore realized that Harry was actually a Horcrux until much later in the series. While Dumbledore is amazing and supernaturally smart, to have such an outstanding realization that quickly after handling the diary, would have been amazing. Remember, Harry doesn't start having the dreams, the headaches, the visions, and the feelings until around the time Voldemort is reborn. So for Dumbledore to realize that Harry is a Horcrux at the end of Chamber probably isn't realistic.

When Harry sees Snape's memories in the Pensive is when Harry knows for sure that he was a Horcrux. If I am remembering correctly though, he subconsciously realized it. (hide spoiler)]

[Kate S]

Sarah wrote: "Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers!"

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It has been a long time since I read this series, and I am looking forward to the character development in the later books. (view spoiler)[ I do think after the third or fourth book, I had written them off and was less receptive to anything improving my opinion. I agree it would be interesting to see Rowling's early notes about the background of Harry's family. The stress between Lily and Petunia could very well clear up some of the inexplicable behavior of a blood relative to a young child. (hide spoiler)].

[Sarah]

Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers!"

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It has been a long time since I read this series, and I am looking forward to the character dev..."

I believe Pottetmore actually has some more ancestry background on the Potter's. I have stayed away from Pottermore like the plague because I haven't read cursed child or Fantastic Beasts yet (seen the movie though). I don't want to have the surprise's ruined.

Recently, someone enlarged a picture of a newspaper that had appeared in Fantastic Beasts, the movie. In the newspaper, there's an ad for someone selling potions. It ends up being a Potter ancestor. I'm thinking it was Harry's grandfather, but not sure. This is how the Potter's ended up making their fortune. If anyone wants to see it, I can probably find it.

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

Favorite part: Harry freeing Dobby

Some of my favorite scenes in the entire series are when Harry..."

Wow Sarah, I'm in awe. You're such a great help in understanding/remembering this stuff! Wait until I get to book 7 because I'm sure I'm going to have TONS!

SERIES SPOILER - (view spoiler)[Actually now that you say that, at this point they don't know anything about the horcruxes at all. Actually doesn't the diary give Dumbledore the idea, or does that all start to happen later when V is reborn & Dumbledore remembers the diary? I didn't realize it was so much later that the headaches/visions started. For some reason I thought they started by the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers!"

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It has been a long time since I read this series, and I am looking forward to th..."

Wow, don't think I would've noticed something like that! But that's very cool.

[Sarah]

Cathy M. wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers!"

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It has been a long time since I read this series, and I am looking..."

In the last 20 years or so, I've had different levels of obsessions with the Harry Potter world. I wrote and read fanfiction, created a sort of a spell dictionary, and even briefly helped run a fan website. After 20 years, part of what I now love most is debating and discussing the different theories, mistakes, whatever you may like from the series.

And regarding the series spoiler...(view spoiler)[ I believe in Half Blood Prince, Dumbledore does say that the diary first gave him the idea that Voldemort created horcruxes. In Goblet of Fire, Harry starts having lots of dreams as well as headaches. He doesn't start having Voldemort's emotions, such as rage and happiness, until Order of the Phoenix. Everything intensifies in book 5 because he is back to full form. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Regarding the Dursley's...books 5-7 spoilers!"

Thank you for your thoughtful response. It has been a long time since I read this series,..."

That is very cool! Thank you for the insights!!

[JanEyre9]

Even though it causes him some trouble and makes people think he's evil, I've always loved that harry (view spoiler)[ is a Parselmouth. Rowling does such an awesome job of making Harry more than just the brave, good guy. He's got layers that she has been building since the very beginning. Also I have alway loved how immediately the Gryffindor Quidditch team loses it when Draco calls Hermione a Mudblood. I love them (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

Gilderoy Lockhart = the worst

[JanEyre9]

Cathy M. wrote: "Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

Favorite part: Harry freeing Dobby <3 As much as I love this series, I think these first 2, maybe even the 3rd, are ..."

I'm with you, any scene with Harry and Dumbledore is golden.

[JanEyre9]

Does anyone else love Moaning Myrtle? She is so irritating and funny and such a great side character.

Finished the book! The later stories are definitely my favorites but there's something so innocent and special about the first 2-3 books.

Hermione - I will always count Hermione as one of my favorite female characters. Thank you JK Rowling for giving girls such an awesome role model. She is always the smartest and most clever but also fiercely brave.

(view spoiler)[ I love that a constant theme in the HP series is needing others and being connected. I love that Rowling didn't have Harry just slay the beast and save the day - Hermione figured out what the beast was, Ron is with him as they enter the Chamber, and Fawkes saves his life with his tears. The themes of togetherness and loyalty and love are so beautiful (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -


How in the world did Lockhart ever become a teacher at Hogwarts?!?! You would think Dumbledore had a better sense on these things... But he got w..."

Cathy - (view spoiler)[ I *think* that no one else knew that Riddle's dad was a Muggle. I think since he was an orphan and only discovers it for himself when he's a little older I think he's able to hide it from his followers. I believe there is a point in one of the later books where Harry even reveals that to someone - Malfoy maybe - and they don't believe him. But I might be misremembering. I think Voldemort only accepted his magical self and hated his father so much that it turned into a hatred of all Muggles and then Muggle borns. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

JanEyre9 wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -


How in the world did Lockhart ever become a teacher at Hogwarts?!?! You would think Dumbledore had a better sense on these thing..."

I believe Harry revealed it to (view spoiler)[Malfoy in Order of the Phoenix at the Department of Mysteries. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

JanEyre9 wrote: "Does anyone else love Moaning Myrtle? She is so irritating and funny and such a great side character."

She is great! I'm just a huge fan of the ghosts. I feel so sorry for them at the same time though...they are all just stuck there

[Sarah]

Ashley wrote: "JanEyre9 wrote: "Does anyone else love Moaning Myrtle? She is so irritating and funny and such a great side character."

She is great! I'm just a huge fan of the ghosts. I feel so sorry for them at..."

I've always wondered about how ghosts are made in Rowling's world. So many questions!

[Sarah]

Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -

(view spoiler)[I felt so bad for Filch thinking Mrs Norris was dead! I was like, I didn't remember her dying! Luckily that's not the case, even if he's not the most likable character. But he sure does love his cat which makes me like him just a tad (I'm a total cat-person too). (hide spoiler)]"

I had to go a-googling to make sure I was right (can't remember where I picked this up from), but an interesting note about Mrs Norris is that she is named after the character Mrs Norris in Mansfield Park.

https://www.quora.com/Is-Filchs-cat-M...

I love how many layers there are to find behind all the names.

[Sarah]

Sarah wrote: "I've always wondered about how ghosts are made in Rowling's world. So many questions! "

She's not very specific is she? Series spoiler (view spoiler)[ All we get (that I can recall) is Nearly Headless Nick telling Harry that it's wizards who chose not to go on. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Sarah wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I've always wondered about how ghosts are made in Rowling's world. So many questions! "

She's not very specific is she? Series spoiler [spoilers removed]"

I would be curious to find out when the wizard/witch would have to choose. For example, Nearly Headless Nick knew he was going to die. But for others who died unexpectedly, like (view spoiler)[Moaning Myrtle (hide spoiler)], how and when did he/she make the decision?

[Ashley]

Sarah wrote: " how and when did he/she make the decision."

I always thought it was like most ghost tales...the choice of walking into the light or not!

[Sarah]

Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -

(view spoiler)[
How in the world did Lockhart ever become a teacher at Hogwarts?!?! You would think Dumbledore had a better sense on these things... (hide spoiler)] "

I just read the answer to this!

(view spoiler)[ When Harry and Hermione take Ron to Hagrid after the slug vomiting incident, either Harry or Ron says something similar to Hagrid, who says that Lockhart was the only person to apply for the job, as people were beginning to think that it was jinxed.

Edited to add - Nope, got that slightly wrong. It was Hermione who said that Dumbledore obviously thought he (Lockhart) was the best man for the job, and then Hagrid replies as above. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -
..."

That makes TOTAL sense!!

[Colleen]

Just started this book three days ago - 75% done already but it is kind of short (read the first one for the TT challenge also, just about a month ago) and can't believe how much I am enjoying this series. Rowling is truly brilliant. Can't wait to go back and read all these spoilers - I just don't want to wreck it right now!

I think it's very interesting about the name behind Mrs. Morris. I so want to watch all of these movies now - but definitely after I read the books.

Sometimes it's frustrating with Harry's innocence, but he's such a good guy, and so young and new to all these experiences that it is believable.

The Dursleys! Dudley! They're still awful (really? a toothpick? hilarious)

[Sarah]

Colleen wrote: "Just started this book three days ago - 75% done already but it is kind of short (read the first one for the TT challenge also, just about a month ago) and can't believe how much I am enjoying this..."

Are you a first time reader?

[JanEyre9]

Colleen wrote: "Just started this book three days ago - 75% done already but it is kind of short (read the first one for the TT challenge also, just about a month ago) and can't believe how much I am enjoying this..."

The gifts the Dursleys give Harry for Christmas always crack me up then make me sad!

[JanEyre9]

Sarah wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I've always wondered about how ghosts are made in Rowling's world. So many questions! "

She's not very specific is she? Series spoiler [spoilers removed]"

I would be c..."

I always assumed they get to decide right after they die.

[JanEyre9]

Sarah wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Working my way slowly thru this!

Thru Chpt 16 -

[spoilers removed]"

I had to go a-googling to make sure I was right (can't remember where I picked this up from), but an interes..."

I love that name origin!

[Colleen]

Sarah wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Just started this book three days ago - 75% done already but it is kind of short (read the first one for the TT challenge also, just about a month ago) and can't believe how much I ..."

Yes! (Hangs head in shame.) This book was written in 1998 and I can't believe I've missed out on so much. I didn't get back into reading until ~10 years ago, thus the huge TBR. It's my own fault. I didn't keep up with or interested in the new novels that come out every year and I lost a part of myself in the process. Glad I'm back now though!

I just finished the book today. The last line - hilarious. :)
I can't wait to see how Harry grows and develops.

[Colleen]

Cathy M. wrote: "Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

Favorite part: Harry xxxxx

I totally agree Cathy! I loved that about Harry and Dobby. So clever! I did not see that coming. I wasn't sure whether to trust Dobby or not. I think I remember his weird character in the movie and creepy!

And the scenes with Dumbledore - yes, so touching, clever, wise and smart! Like an uncle. It's clear (I hope) how much more Dumbledore knows and just trusts Harry's powers. I think there's a line in some book that says how much D needs H to succeed. When you think it would be the other way around, but yes, the characters depend so much on each other. There is no one hero. Or one bad guy.

This also goes along with what JanEyre9 says.

Thanks all for adding so much more to my reading experience of HP. On to the next. :)

[Sarah]

Colleen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Colleen wrote: "Just started this book three days ago - 75% done already but it is kind of short (read the first one for the TT challenge also, just about a month ago) and can't belie..."

I will be excitedly looking for your thoughts on each book! I will follow along on your reading journey :)

[Sarah]

JanEyre9 wrote: "Gilderoy Lockhart = the worst"

Oh, but Kenneth Branagh played the character so well, every time I read any Lockhart dialogue I'm imagining him saying it.

(view spoiler)[And I love how the teachers all turn on Lockhart when Ginny is taken into the Chamber. (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

Sarah wrote: "JanEyre9 wrote: "Gilderoy Lockhart = the worst"

Oh, but Kenneth Branagh played the character so well, every time I read any Lockhart dialogue I'm imagining him saying it.

[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree! He was awesome.

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "JanEyre9 wrote: "Gilderoy Lockhart = the worst"

Oh, but Kenneth Branagh played the character so well, every time I read any Lockhart dialogue I'm imagining him saying it.

[spoilers removed]"

I 3rd that! I pictured him the whole time I was reading :)

[Cathy M.]

Colleen wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Finished on Saturday & didnt have a chance to come & comment re final thoughts.

Favorite part: Harry xxxxx

I totally agree Cathy! I loved that about Harry and Dobby. So clever! I..."

These comments are definitely adding to my enjoyment of the series too! Happy that you are finally getting to them & liking them to boot!

[MelanieJoy]

I finished this for the second time a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't read it in many years.
I'm really enjoying the first few books like I did last time. I'm really impressed with how Rowling builds characters, even annoying ones like Lockhart and Dobby. You can just see their expressions and visualize what they would be like! I personally feel like Dobby is too dramatic, but she did that on purpose.
And with Lockhart (view spoiler)[ I hate that he took credit for things he didn't do. I hate that kind of stuff in the real world, so when it's in book form I'm still bothered. He's deceiving everyone. That's something that bothers me to no end. (hide spoiler)]
Someone also earlier mentioned that they loved Dumbledore and Harry's discussion about the sorting hat. I did too! The idea that people are powerful and they can choose whether or not they can wield their power for good or evil is always a cool theme.

[JanEyre9]

My husband is listening to the series now and we were joking about the sorting hat letting you choose. He wonders if it's ever backfired and someone was really set on being Gryffindor and the hat had to gently let them down. "um, yeah, you could totally be Gryfinndor but, well, let's just be honest, you're more of a Hufflepuff."

I say this as a proud self-declared. Hufflepuff, lol.

[Jenny]

Hi all. I am joining late, as it has been six months finally since I listened to the series at the start of the year. This time I am reading, not listening, and it has been years since I "read" the series.
Starting book 2 this morning.
Team Remus Lupin.

[Jenny]

And day three of the "use the treadmill while reading HP books" has begun.
About a quarter of the way in, and I remember why this is my least favorite of the seven books. Although Gilderoy L is a fun, silly character, (and I have had a crush on Kenneth Branagh since Henry v), I just don't love the story arc of this one. There is to me an underlying feeling of discomfort throughout, that doesn't quite rise to the level of horror, and as a result, it feels as though this book doesn't quite know what it wants to be. How's that for an incoherent thought?
Anyway, looking forward to some of the really funny parts like the valentines and Hermione's crush.

[Sarah]

You do that treadmill!

[Jenny]

And done. That was a long walk this morning finishing up Chamber. I like the end of this book better than the rest of it. Particularly when Dobby is freed.
On to what is arguably my favorite one...

[JanEyre9]

Jenny wrote: "And day three of the "use the treadmill while reading HP books" has begun.
About a quarter of the way in, and I remember why this is my least favorite of the seven books. Although Gilderoy L is a f..."

I agree with you, #2 is my least favorite of the HP books. I am a big Dobby fan so I love his part but as a whole it's the weakest of the books.

[Karolyn]

I'm starting today! It took me forever to get the first book from the library, and then I devoured it in two sittings. I'm sure this one will go just as fast. Glad to hear the treadmill reading is going strong Jenny!