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

[Suzanne]

This is my least favorite too, but I am in the mood to read it again after all the Quiddich talk in teams, and I read just chapter 1 yesterday.

Elize, Im' so glad you decided to read these for the first time. I LOVE seeing your perspective!

[Louise]

Elize wrote: "This was my first time reading through the series and I agree with people when they say that Hermione is a little out of character - at least from what I know of her from the first book.

I didn't..."
I get where Hermione is coming from, she is slighted for being muggle-born but is just as good as any pureblood, if not better, I think she feels she has something to prove not only to herself but to everyone else too.

[Elize]

Nikk the Sapphired Book Dragon wrote: "Elize wrote: "This was my first time reading through the series and I agree with people when they say that Hermione is a little out of character - at least from what I know of her from the first bo..."

I think I am putting it down to not have the nostalgia aspect that others may have. As I get on into the 'more advanced' books I may feel a little more drawn into the series. My husband has wanted me to read them for SO long so when this came up I thought it was the perfect chance. He is reading them first though so my pace is up to him.

@Suzanne Thanks! I am finding it so helpful to read through what others who are fans and experts of the series have to say and how they explain certain actions or characters. So good that we can read these all together :)

[Dev]

my roommate doesn't like this book either but i guess i'm the odd one out because i think it's way better than the first one lol

[Michelle]

Started this one today! Doing the Jim Dale audio this time around.

I had forgotten about (view spoiler)[when Arthur and Lucius got into the fight in the bookshop. I always think of Arthur as such a gentle soul, but I must be misremembering, because he straight up went after Malfoy! (hide spoiler)]

Also simply love the idea of a flying car.

[Michelle]

Devann wrote: "my roommate doesn't like this book either but i guess i'm the odd one out because i think it's way better than the first one lol"

Devann, I really like this one better than the first one as well. My love grows progressively over the course of the series, and while I like book 1, I love some of the later books. I think Chamber has an interesting storyline. Plus we get to meet Dobby.

[Michelle]

You know, I had forgotten how Harry felt when we was around Ron's family. (view spoiler)[It's sad to me how they are both a little envious of each other. Ron has such a wonderful, loving family. Molly just opens her house and her heart to Harry from the beginning, feeding him, accepting him, when they don't have much themselves. And Ron seems a little envious of Harry, too, although I think he does know he's pretty lucky too. (hide spoiler)]

And Lockhart is such a blowhard! I am not able to read this part without picturing Kenneth Branagh. He captured him perfectly.

[Nikki the Sapphired Book Dragon]

Michelle wrote: "You know, I had forgotten how Harry felt when we was around Ron's family. [spoilers removed]

And Lockhart is such a blowhard! I am not able to read this part without picturing Kenneth Branagh. He ..."
He really did didn’t he? I picture him too when I read this book. Also the actress who played Mrs Weasley (I want to say Julie Walters? But not 100% sure that’s correct. I hear her voice when ever mrs Weasley speaks particularly when she is telling off one of the kids :-p

[Michelle]

Oh, same here! That actress was perfect. I just adore Molly Weasley. I liked her in the books, but I absolutely loved her once the movies came out.

It's hard to not be swayed by some of the casting choices in a series this long. I can't help but think of the actors for a lot of the scenes now.

[Sassafrass]

Michelle wrote: "Started this one today! Doing the Jim Dale audio this time around.

I had forgotten about [spoilers removed]

Also simply love the idea of a flying car."

Team Newt, here! How I would love to have a flying Car, Michelle! I'm started this one today too. So, I'm definitely be around to chat. :)

[Laura]

beginning of chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
I had a difficult time picking favorite characters when Sonia threw that out for easy 5 points because I 'd only read the first book. Ha, I certainly found a character I dislike. Professor Lockhart is just full of himself.
Geez! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
Harry rocked that Quidditch match.
I thought Draco spelled the bludgers but it turned out to be Dobby. I 'm not sure who Dobby belongs to. I haven't figured that out yet. Dobby spelled the magical platform as well. Wow; he really doesn't want Harry at Hogwarts. (hide spoiler)]

[Sassafrass]

Chapter 6:

When Jim Dale says "Harry, Harry, Harry" in Professor Lockhart's voice, it's infuriating!! LOL

[Sassafrass]

End of Chapter 11:

I don't understand why (view spoiler)[anyone would think that Harry would petrify others. Even if he were going to do it, don't they think he would be smart enough to not do it out in the open. I mean, he just told the Hufflepuffs that he wasn't going after Justin and then right after he finds Justin petrified. Doesn't that scream set up to everyone? (hide spoiler)]

[Sassafrass]

Finished this one up:

I just really enjoyed it. So easy to get lost in this world created by JK Rowling.

I definitely liked Hermione better in this one. She wasn't nearly as whiny. And it was lovely to see justice come to Gilderoy Lockhart!

I certainly can't wait for the next book!

[Louise]

Sassafrass wrote: "End of Chapter 11:

I don't understand why [spoilers removed]"

Fear of the unknown makes you believe in the improbable.

[Sassafrass]

Too true, Louise. I'm just glad he didn't lose his inner circle!

[Laura]

end of chapter 12
(view spoiler)[
Hhaahah, though I guess its not that funny to Herimone; ooops she 's a cat! (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Sassafrass wrote: "Chapter 6:

When Jim Dale says "Harry, Harry, Harry" in Professor Lockhart's voice, it's infuriating!! LOL"

Oh my gosh, I totally agree. He really drives home how annoying Lockhart is supposed to be.

[Sassafrass]

Laura wrote: "end of chapter 12"

I guess she should be grateful that there wasn't another type of hair she found. LOL

[Sassafrass]

Michelle wrote: "Sassafrass wrote: "Chapter 6:

When Jim Dale says "Harry, Harry, Harry" in Professor Lockhart's voice, it's infuriating!! LOL"

Oh my gosh, I totally agree. He really drives home how annoying Lockh..."


Yes indeed!

[Louise]

Just finished this, I love how Harry tricks Malloy into setting Dobby free

[Sassafrass]

Louise wrote: "Just finished this, I love how Harry tricks Malloy into setting Dobby free"


that was cute, Louise. Such a small thing. :)

[Laura]

Sassafrass wrote: "Laura wrote: "end of chapter 12"

I guess she should be grateful that there wasn't another type of hair she found. LOL"

(view spoiler)[ Could have been worse! (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Finished
(view spoiler)[
One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Ginny is alright and looking forward to seeing her again.
Very clever of Harry to free Dobby (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Louise wrote: "This is my 2nd reread of this book and it remains as enjoyable today as first time round. I like Dobby and his antics at trying to stop Harry going back to Hogwarts. I quite forgot how self-absorbe..."

Lockhart drove me crazy! Self -centered; my least favorite character

[Sassafrass]

Lockhart definitely got what coming to him.

[Laura]

Sassafrass wrote: "Lockhart definitely got what coming to him."

It was long due!! Yes, he did.

[Louise]

Sassafrass wrote: "Lockhart definitely got what coming to him."

Definitely

[JanEyre9]

Just started the audio this morning. My distaste for the Durselys was instantly revived, ugh.

[Michelle]

Finished the audio on our road trip yesterday!

(view spoiler)[I had forgotten how satisfying the ending is! Fawkes, the sword, and the wrap up. I have a renewed love of the series. <3 (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Louise wrote: "Just finished this, I love how Harry tricks Malloy into setting Dobby free"

Oh, yes! This was so satisfying. Well played, Harry.

[Shannon]

Laura wrote: "Finished

One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Ginny is alright and looking forward to seeing ..."

That's one of my favorite scenes, just brillant. I know I'm not in the majority, but Dobby has always kind of irritated me. Lol!

[Shannon]

Laura wrote: "beginning of chapter 4

OMG... the talking mirror... " tuck your shirt in, scruffy!"
Love it!"

The little tidbits thrown in are always so cute. It really brings out how much thought she put into the whole world!!

[Shannon]

Michelle wrote: "Sassafrass wrote: "Chapter 6:

When Jim Dale says "Harry, Harry, Harry" in Professor Lockhart's voice, it's infuriating!! LOL"

Oh my gosh, I totally agree. He really drives home how annoying Lockh..."

I always hear what an amazing job he does narrating. It almost makes me rethink my no audiobooks decision just to try it out.

[Shannon]

Sassafrass wrote: "End of Chapter 11:

I don't understand why [spoilers removed]"

haha! Right!

[Laura]

Shannon wrote: "Laura wrote: "Finished

One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Ginny is alright and looking forw..."

Ok, Phew, Dobby didn't do anything for me either. I was happy he was free but I didn't see all the fuss everyone else was making over him.

[Laura]

Michelle wrote: "Started this one today! Doing the Jim Dale audio this time around.

I had forgotten about [spoilers removed]

Also simply love the idea of a flying car."

(view spoiler)[ It almost seemed out of character for him! (hide spoiler)]

[Elize]

Laura wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Laura wrote: "Finished

One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Ginny is alright ..."


So many people hate dobby but I think he is cute. It helps to allude to the ending of the book.

I've never seen the movies though, is he more annoying in them?

I assume he continues here and there in the other books?

[Dev]

I also never really saw what the fuss was with Dobby. I mean he's an okay character in small doses but [shrugs]. Although honestly he's not annoying me as much this time around so I'm starting to think it was really just the movie portrayal and the horrible voice that I hated lol

[Laura]

Elize wrote: "Laura wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Laura wrote: "Finished

One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Gin..."

Its neat to see who everyone likes as characters or not. I don't hate Dobby but just didn't see the fuss.

[JanEyre9]

Elize wrote: "Laura wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Laura wrote: "Finished

One of my favorite parts was when Harry and Dumbledore were talking about the sorting hat and Dumbledore talks to him about choices!

Glad Gin..."

I'm with you, I always thought he was adorable. He's so loyal and loving.

[JanEyre9]

(Team McGonagall)

The Weasleys are one of my favorite literary families ever!! I love their banter, their love, their arguments, their mutual fear of Molly's wrath <3 (view spoiler)[ it's always cracked me up that the boys take the flying car to rescue Harry instead of rationally talking to their parents. It's so ridiculous and yet exactly what kids that age might opt to do. I love that Vernon sees Harry escape, he deserves terrible things! The first glimpse of The Burrow warms my heart, that house sounds so patchwork and cozy! (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

I was listening during my commute this morning and when Harry enters The Burrow and goes up to Ron's room he passes Ginny's bedroom. The narrator said that Harry caught a glimpse of bright green eyes before the door closed. I even went back and listened to it again to make sure. I'm almost positive that (view spoiler)[ in a future book Harry is lying to Mrs. Weasley or letting her down, can't remember the exact situation, and thinking that Ginny had the same brown eyes as her mum. Now I'm at work and am antsy to get home to check my print version to see if it actually says green eyes or if the narrator said the wrong color. (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Took a wrong turn and ended up back in the chamber of secrets. Nothing to see here! Obliviate!

[Sarah]

Michelle wrote: "I am not sure which chapter since I'm on the audio.

Harry was just in Hogsmeade and threw mud at Draco.

[spoilers removed]"

Wrong thread! Hogsmeade doesn't come up until Prisoner of Azkaban : )

[Michelle]

Shoot!!! Omg. Sorry. I will delete and post in Prisoner.

[Sarah]

Hahaha no worries! Your Obliviate worked perfectly!

[Michelle]

The funniest part of this is I was looking for this post in the Prisoner thread yesterday, thought I had forgotten to submit or something, and posted later on in the book. Never even occurred to me I posted in the wrong thread.

Sometimes I'm a dork.

[Donna]

I am a first time reader of the series. Just finished book 1 and I will be starting this one tonight. Can't wait to talk about this book with all of you.