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

[Sassafrass]

I'm still working on book one but I'll be in for this one for Team Newt Scamander!

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Team Sprout. I'm ready whenever.

[Daniela]

I'm team Tom Riddle, was thinking about starting by next weekend :) but later/earlier is fine by me

[Samantha]

I already started this book XD I'm wanting to get through the first 3 as fast as possible so I have more time to read the bigger ones. Those are always the ones I struggle to get myself to read, so I want plenty of time for them this time around.

P.S. Team Bellatrix here

Ch. 1-9
(view spoiler)[So, not too much to say about the story. It's more about the little details I'm picking up. I remembered all the little hints about the vanishing cabinet, but Draco actually saw the cursed opal necklace that he uses later on to try and kill Dumbledore.
The big thing I just noticed was at the end of chapter 9 where they're trying to get into the restricted section to learn how to make Polyjuice Potion. It goes like this...
"'I think,' said Hermione, 'that if we made it sound as though we were just interested in the theory, we might stand a chance...'
'Oh, come on, no teacher's going to fall for that,' said Ron. 'They'd have to be really thick...'"

I know this is applying to Gilderoy, but does that situation sound AT ALL familiar to you guys? Just thought it was interesting to have that connection to what Voldemort did all those years ago. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 1-2

(view spoiler)[Back at the Dursleys and they are as horrible as ever. And poor Harry thinking his friends forgot about him. I'm sure he was relived when Dobby revealed the truth, but not for long as he ends up prisoner in the house once Vernon realizes he can't do magic without being expelled. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

I plan to start reading this via audio tomorrow...Team Minerva M

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 3-4

(view spoiler)[I love Harry's time at the Weasleys. It is nice to see him having fun and being taken care of.

Then we go to Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley and watching Arthur and Lucius fight, you think the adults could better behave themselves. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Here for Team Draco! Won't start until later in the week, though.

[Kirsten]

What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue onto the 2nd, not sure when yet though.

[Tammie]

Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue onto the 2nd, not..."

I'm doing a Jim Dale Audio...although I also have the hardback my daughter has from her collection I'll follow along with from time to time.

[Kirsten]

Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue o..."

I have a hold put on the audiobook from my library but there is such a long waiting list that at this point I'll be lucky to get any of them before this challenge ends. I have a couple hardcopy editions of CoS, not sure which I will end up picking up however.

[M]

I am in for this, Team Bellatrix. This one is my favorite of all the books.

[Tammie]

Kirsten wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely ..."

I got mine from Hoopla...I didn't go through my library...it's an access app my library has...I'm wondering if you could download the app to see if you could get it. There's a few other apps out there...I'll venture back to the last book...someone mentioned one and I'll link it so you might check that out too...

[Tammie]

Kirsten wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely ..."

...Storytel was quoted as an option...I haven't googled/searched for it myself...but you might see if that's an option for you as well...

[Samantha]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 3-4

(view spoiler)[I love Harry's time at the Weasleys. It is nice to see him having fun and being taken care of.

Then we go to Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley and watching Arthur and Lucius fight, you thi..." (hide spoiler)]

I always think it's so odd that they got into a very public fight and there are no police around in order to break up the fight or arrest them. You would think there would be a wizard equivalent. I know there's the Ministry of Magic, but they're more like the feds rather than local police.

[Imke]

Started this morning. The Dutch audiobook.

Chapters 1- 4

I love Molly and Arthur Weasley. The way they make Harry feel welcome in their home. They may not have a lot of money, but the amount of love they have for each other is just phenomenal.
I really like the description of life in The Burrow.

[Imke]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 1-2

[spoilers removed]"

They are horrible aren't they those Dursleys. I do love Dobby though.

[Imke]

Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first ..."

Here is a link to storytel.com
Storytel

You can check there if it is available for you. You add the app to your phone and start listening. I use this app for the majority of audio books.

[Kirsten]

Imke wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my rerea..."

Thanks! I just checked out Storytel and apparently they "don't have my country yet"? (Canada) oh well. Someone also mentioned maybe some of the books being on YouTube as audio... haven't looked there, will see. If not will just stick with my physical copies.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 5 & 6

(view spoiler)[I forgot how annoying Gilderoy Lockhart was. Always warning Harry about signing pictures and stuff. And totally useless as a teacher. Even the other teachers seem to dislike him. (hide spoiler)]

[Samantha]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 5 & 6

[spoilers removed]"

Right?! I remember him being annoying, but my God, it's worse than I remember.

[ClaireB]

joining in for Team Hermione !

[Fandury]

I'm also starting this for Team Bellatrix

[ClaireB]

Samantha wrote: "I already started this book XD I'm wanting to get through the first 3 as fast as possible so I have more time to read the bigger ones. Those are always the ones I struggle to get myself to read, so..."

wow ! I never made the connection with what Tom Riddle did all those years ago. Well spotted !

[ClaireB]

Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue onto the 2nd, not..."

This time I'm reading from the illustrated version. I love being able to look at the pictures in between reading. Although, it makes the reading process somewhat slower. lol

[ClaireB]

Samantha wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 5 & 6

[spoilers removed]"

Right?! I remember him being annoying, but my God, it's worse than I remember."

Everytime I reread it I'm amazed how annoying that teacher can be. It's like the older I get, the less patience I have with characters like him. haha

[Kirsten]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue o..."

That's why I ended up rereading from the adult edition for HP #1 (though I am still a bit slow). Some other time I will get more into my illustrated version but it is taking me forever (due to all the illustrations) to get through and it isn't even have the length of HP#1. My CoS illustrated edition is calling to me & I don't have the adult edition of CoS so it's more tempting lol.

[Abbey]

Joining in from Team Draco!

[ClaireB]

Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the..."

Are you liking ? I bet it's really interesting.
I got for christmas, but I haven't picked it up yet. I'm looking forward to it, though. And I'm sure it will also take me months to go through it.

[Imke]

Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the..."

You should try the Kindle in motion illustrated edition, it's even more distracting. Only the philosopher's stone is available, but if you have a Kindle or use the Kindle app on your tablet you should try the preview it's so much fun.

[Kirsten]

Imke wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through ..."

LOL I am trying to decrease the distractions, not increase them! :P Though that does sound amazing. I don't however have a tablet & I think my Kindle is too old to have any kind of motion on the screen. (its an old Kindle - the original type with the buttons on the side to flip the pages).

[Kirsten]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through ..."

I am about halfway through and am finding it interesting as it pairs up the hogwarts classes and trivia with legit history. Plus I like when it includes drawings or handwritten notes from JK Rowling from when she was planning out and/or first writing the books before anything got published.
I saw the book you got in stores around Christmas and was tempted to ask for it as well but figured this HP journey book as well as the illustrated edition of the 3rd book was enough for one holiday hah. I did end up getting which looks interesting though I have only flipped through it quickly so far.

[ClaireB]

Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to..."

the wand book is beautiful, but there's not so much to read into it. It's more a collection of pictures of all the different wands, with an introduction.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 7-9

(view spoiler)[Draco buys his way onto the Slytherin Quidditch team. I guess he most be a pretty good player because otherwise it wouldn't make sense to accept the bribe of new brooms since the Seeker almost always wins the games.

Then we finally introduce The Chamber of Secrets and petrify poor Mrs. Norris. (hide spoiler)]

spoiler for entire book
(view spoiler)[I like how we meet Myrtle at Nick's Death Day party before the Chamber is opened. It makes you less likely to realize she will be instrumental in the solution.

I also like how many times it is mentioned how upset Ginny is about all this. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 5 & 6

[spoilers removed]"

Right?! I remember him being annoying, but my God, it's worse than I remember."

Everytime I reread it I'm amazed how annoyin..."

Spoiler for book 5
(view spoiler)[Unfortunately he isn't the worst. We still have Umbridge to get through (hide spoiler)]

[Kirsten]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/..."

true, but the wands are pretty :P

[Tammie]

I’ve just finished through chapter 10 where Harry overhears prof mcgonigall, madm pomfrey and prof dumbledore agree the chamber of secrets has indeed been opened.
You know what’s really bothering me is (view spoiler)[professor Lockhart...how is prof dumbledore ‘oh so wise’ and then hire him to teach...why isn’t he being thrown out by his ears...what a phoney! He’s injured a student...Harry...for crying out loud...unbelievable!...really!< /spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Chapter 11, 12
This is new from the movies I believe... (view spoiler)[
Peeves role and the attack on nearly headless nick
I like the details...getting to dumbledore’s chambers...
The extras they did during the holiday...drinking the potion specifically on Christmas (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

I'm in for Team Nymphadora Tonks. Currently reading Book 1.

[Silje]

Kirsten wrote: "Imke wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way thr..."

Oo, that's annoying. Personally I like Storytel quite a lot, even though it is a bit expensive compared to other similar services.

[Silje]

I'm in for Team Remus Lupin. I just finished the first book and will probably start this one tomorrow or Wednesday=)

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Tammie wrote: "I’ve just finished through chapter 10 where Harry overhears prof mcgonigall, madm pomfrey and prof dumbledore agree the chamber of secrets has indeed been opened.
You know what’s really bothering ..."

(view spoiler)[That is a good point. I don't believe Dumbledore ever thought Lockhart was a good teacher. The whole no one else applied seems unlikely - isn't Snape wanting that above all else? (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Tammie wrote: "I’ve just finished through chapter 10 where Harry overhears prof mcgonigall, madm pomfrey and prof dumbledore agree the chamber of secrets has indeed been opened.
You know what’s re..."

I know right...it’s almost like Dumbledore is punishing him...I thought pickin on poor snape would be above someone like dumbledore...

[ClaireB]

Tammie wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Tammie wrote: "I’ve just finished through chapter 10 where Harry overhears prof mcgonigall, madm pomfrey and prof dumbledore agree the chamber of secrets has indeed been ope..."

About Dumbledore appointing Lockhaert instead of Snape, there is an explanation for that, which is revealed only in the later books (not sure in which one, but probably book 6) (view spoiler)[The position in Defence Against the Dark Arts has been jinxed by You-Know-Who himself, when his application for that same position was rejected by Dumbledore years before. Potential teachers, while I don't think they know it was cast by Voldemort, strongly suspect that there's indeed a jinx. This explains why nobody wants the job. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

✿ Claire ✿ ~ The Clever Berry wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Tammie wrote: "I’ve just finished through chapter 10 where Harry overhears prof mcgonigall, madm pomfrey and prof dumbledore agree the chamber of secrets has ..."

a-HA! You can tell I'm one of those rookie readers...this is my first time through...

[Tammie]

Chapter 13...It doesn’t end with Lockhart...(view spoiler)[Valentines Celebration is quite hilarious...sent by Ginny from what I can gather...Harry doesn’t seem to return the sentiment
Chapter 14...dbl attack...didn’t remember another/two girls/Penelope and Hermione both attacked together. Now the whole school seems in a panic over the attacks (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 10-15

(view spoiler)[Well a lot happens here, we have Harry breaking his arm, but winning the game; a ghost being petrified, the polyjuice potion and learning Draco isn't behind the attacks. Hermione being petrified. Hagrid being arrested and following the spiders into the Dark Forest.

Lockhart shows himself to be incompetent multiple times. He is such a glory hound that he doesn't know better than to try and fail at things.

I never understood why everyone believed Harry was the heir, but as soon as Hermione was petrified he was cleared. Just the fact he was great friends with her should have cleared him.
(hide spoiler)]

[Judy]

Team Myrtle here 😊

Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[I just REALLY don't like Dobby at the start and because I dislike him so much here, it's always been so hard for me to like him later on... (hide spoiler)]

[Judy]

Kirsten wrote: "What edition of this book are people picking up this time around to read/reread/listen to?

I am still working my way through my reread of the first book but likely will continue onto the 2nd, not..."

Like for the first one, I'm reading the illustrated edition here. I looooove how it brings the story to life!

[Fandury]

Judy wrote: "Team Myrtle here 😊

Chapter 2
[spoilers removed]"

Chapters 1 + 2

(view spoiler)[I also just finished this chapter and I agree, in the beginning Dobby is not really that likeable, and I also never managed to really warm up to him, even with all the great things he does later on.

I also noticed that my last read of this was really long ago. While I still remember the overall plot, a lot of things slipped my mind. The whole dinner rehearse they do at the beginning, with Harry's role being "not there" is quite hilarious.

I also never quite understood why students are blamed as soon as any magic is done at their address. Is this not totally unfair for students with muggle parents? As obviously, the Ministry can only notice that magic has been done, but not who cast it, children who live in magical households will never have this problem, as one would asume all magic done at their address is done by their parents.

And, if Dobby had done another spell, would Harry then have benn evicted from Hogwards without change to explain that he had done nothing wrong? (hide spoiler)]