Rowling, J.K.- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter #3); Informal Buddy Read: Starts November 21, 2014 --REVISIT-- May 2018

[Donna]

Chapters 9-13
(view spoiler)[
Harry - Poor kid! As if collapsing every time that he a dementor isn't enough, he has to hear his mother's death as well.

Professor Lupin - I love that Professor Lupin takes the time to teach Harry how to defend himself against the dementors. That is exactly how a good teacher should be.

Draco Malfoy - I absolutely love that the tables were turned on him and his friends. They are always causing trouble and getting away with it. This time, their plan to unnerve Harry by dressing as dementors backfired big time. Unfortunately, I doubt they will learn their lesson.

Neville Longbottom - I feel bad for this poor kid. He always tries so hard and has such poor self confidence. I really felt bad for him when he realized that his missing list of passwords was in the hands of Sirius Black. I really hope something goes right for this kid, he needs the boost to his self confidence.

(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Donna wrote: "Chapters 9-13

Harry - Poor kid! As if collapsing every time that he a dementor isn't enough, he has to hear his mother's death as well.

Professor Lupin - I love that Professor Lupin takes the tim..."

Donna-

I love hearing your thoughts as you're reading for the first time. Keep up the good work!

[Donna]

Chapter 14-22
(view spoiler)[
Wow, where I start? The ending of this book totally blows up everything that you think you know.

Scabbers - So Scabbers is actually Peter Pettigrew. I guess it is fitting that he took the form of a rat. He really is a rat turning on his friends like that. I was disappointed that he got a way and didn't pay for his crimes.

Professor Lupin - I was sad to see him resign. He truly was a good teacher and it was sad that he had to leave.

Sirius Black - Although I was happy to see him get away, I was still disappointed that the truth didn't come out. I would love to see Sirius redeemed and Peter finally punished. I am hoping that future books will see to these injustices being remedied.
(hide spoiler)]

I didn't think it was possible but this book may have hooked me even more. I am off to get a copy of book 4.

[Michelle]

Donna wrote: "Chapter 14-22

..."

Donna, I am getting ready to start book 4 with you! Doing the audio so it will take me longer, though.

[Sarah]

Chapter 10 thought- I am not an emotional person and don't get choked up when reading things. But Harry's commentcto Lupin, (view spoiler)[ "I can hear Voldemort murdering my mum." (hide spoiler)] is such a heartbreaker!

Chapter 18 thought- I'm always so sad when (view spoiler)[ Professor Lupin has to leave. He was such a great teacher and he deserved the job. And he also needed the job for the money as he's obviously hard up. It's not his fault he's a werewolf. It's interesting, however, to see the politics in play. Werewolves are persecuted for being what they are, through no fault of their own. The Wolfsbane Potion must have been quite a breakthrough for the werewolf population. Yhe inventor musy be rich!

And I must say, everytime I read Ron's line in the Shrieking Shack, "Get away from me werewolf!", I get so pissed at Ron. So cruel! (hide spoiler)]

[Kate S]

So, I have started book 3. I have read through chapter 3,

(view spoiler)[so Harry has left Privet Drive once again. The beginning of this book sets up some very good foreshadowing for the darker days ahead. The Minister of Magic showing up to set Harry up in Diagon Alley and some of his off-the-cuff remarks certainly remind the reader that there are things going on that our main protagonists (as children) are less likely to know about. (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to seeing how the third year unfolds.

[Kate S]

Sarah wrote: "I always loved Professor Lupin. He always seemed so fatherly to me and I always hoped he would help Harry by being a father figure for him. Such a kind man! "

I like Professor Lupin, too. I had forgotten he and Sirius appeared in the same novel. It has been over 10 years since I read this deep into the series, so it is fun to re-visit and remember the various twists and turns.

[Kate S]

Finished chapters 4-6

(view spoiler)[Dementors are terrible. I am glad they are a part of fiction, and not real. Although, I do think anything that sucks all the happiness out of the room should be able to be defeated with chocolate.

Not enjoying any part of the divination class, yet, but confident it will all enhance the story.

Glad to see a Dark Arts Professor who has the confidence of at least some of the long-time school staff.

Hoping Hagrid continues to share his passion for magical creatures. (hide spoiler)]

[Jen]

Hi all, Jen from Team Tom Riddle chiming in for the discussion of Harry Potter #3. :-)

I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling, with audio performed by Jim Dale, yesterday. It was the best audiobook for me yet in this series!



For much of the end, starting during the scene IN the Shrieking Shack, I forgot I was listening to an audiobook! I got so sucked into the story that it felt like I was watching a movie without seeing the screen, if that makes sense. :-)

Snape's character in this book. . . I know that he (view spoiler)[is a good guy, (hide spoiler)], but his hatred for (view spoiler)[Lupin, Black, and Potter [James] (hide spoiler)] is so in command of him in this book that it's hard to remember that he's (view spoiler)[NOT a bad guy on Lord Voldemort's side. (hide spoiler)].

I love Lupin. It's so nice to see the kids (view spoiler)[finally get a GOOD Defense Against Dark Arts teacher. (hide spoiler)] It's a real shame that he has to (view spoiler)[resign when it becomes known that he's a werewolf (hide spoiler)] in the end.

In fact, this might be my favorite book in the series! But I need to reread book four before deciding on favorites. ;-)

I wrote more in my review of the hardcover from a few years ago. More spoilers, as well as the sharing of a few lines, take place there.

I did laugh once fairly early on in this story (or maybe somewhere in the middle?), but as I was listening on this reread, I wasn't able to remember where or why. :-/

I also cried at least twice, and possibly three times, in the final chapters of this audiobook. Again, I don't remember why. (And I only finished this book less than 12 hours ago!) :-/

Next up for me, I'm going to watch the third movie and then reread my hardcover of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. :-)

[Jen]

Hi all, I forgot to tell you that I watched the third movie yesterday. It makes me sad that so much is cut from the films to make them an acceptable movie length. I think the thing I miss most about this third film is that we didn't get to see Harry (view spoiler)[get the letter from Sirius in the end. So will Ron have a little owl in the fourth film? (hide spoiler)] ???

Also, in the opening of the third movie, WHY is Harry saying Lumos Maxima to light his wand when underage wizards aren't allowed to use magic outside of school? Later, when he (view spoiler)[blows up his Aunt Marge like a balloon, he worries about being expelled. (hide spoiler)] So why...?

???

[Jen]

Also, I finished the print edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban around 40 minutes ago. I cry FOUR times in the final two chapters:

In the second to last chapter, when Harry (view spoiler)[realizes that he was the one who created that Patronus. (hide spoiler)] And then in the final chapter, when (view spoiler)[Dumbledore tells Harry that the dead never truly leave us, sometime during Harry's reading of Sirius's letter, (hide spoiler)], and once the story ends on the final page.

Also, I restarted the third film to watch again, and it makes me angry that they had (view spoiler)[the black dog growl and bark at Harry before the Knight Bus arrives. WHY? Sirius wouldn't do that to Harry! (hide spoiler)]!

???

[Cathy M.]

Finished thru Chpt 8 -

(view spoiler)[It was hilarious that Harry blew up Marge but she totally deserved it! She was worse than Petunia & Vernon. Ugh those Dursleys...and don't understand how they could love Dudley so much!

LOVED that they gave Hagrid a shot at teaching. He's just this big teddy bear so you can feel how much it meant to him. Damn that Malfoy for trying to ruin in! (I REALLY REALLY dislike him)

Snape makes it SOOOOO hard to like him! Really makes me sad.

Love the edition of Lupin. Finally a competent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher! Can't wait to unravel what's to come re his storyline & with Sirius Black! (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

I listened to the first chapter via audiobook. But I can't listen to the rest and someone has borrowed it. So, I'm reading it but it will take me longer.

(Team Tonks)

[Nicole]

I'm getting a start on this today :)

[Cathy M.]

Tina wrote: "I listened to the first chapter via audiobook. But I can't listen to the rest and someone has borrowed it. So, I'm reading it but it will take me longer.

(Team Tonks)"

No worries, I'll stick around to chat with you!

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "I'm getting a start on this today :)"

So glad there's someone else reading it now so I have someone to chat with!

[Cathy M.]

Thru Chpt 15 -

(view spoiler)[
Snape - I remembered him hating Harry but I didn't remember him quite so nasty before! It's like he gets meaner in each book of the series. I feel like I'm paying more attention (prob because of the BR aspect) but it will be interesting to see how I feel about him by Book 7!

Draco - with the Buckbeak incident, dressing up as a dementor during the Quidditch match, all his little comments, telling on Harry, his air of superiority... I really hate this little punk. Loved when Hermoine slapped him :D He deserved worse.

Marauder's Map - totally forgot Harry got it from the Weasleys! So funny when Snape tried to get it to reveal it's secret message. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Cathy M. wrote: "Nicole wrote: "I'm getting a start on this today :)"

So glad there's someone else reading it now so I have someone to chat with!"

I am joining you too :)
Team Hermione Granger

[Elen]

Chapter 1 - 7

(view spoiler)[First of all, Marge deserved being inflated - This makes me always so happy. She was crueler than Vernon and Petunia ever have been. Dudley should EAT less, like really... Parents what are you doing to your kid - KILLING!!

Knight Bus - I have always wanted to be a passenger - not safe, so what, it's fun and that what matters!!

Finally, they are having brilliant new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher as Remus Lupin. He finally teaches them something and also Harry in his free time with the dementors.

Also, Harry finds out who is Black and what he did so late, bc he never lets people tell him everything - he is just like "I know, I know" (hide spoiler)]

I love to reread HP over and over again. I always have home to return :)

[Elen]

Kate S wrote: "Finished chapters 4-6"

Chocolate should always be an answer to everything, right?!!
When chocolate didn't make day or mood happier than it was before :)

[Kate S]

I finished this one a few days ago, but lost this thread!

(view spoiler)[ The third book in this series, certainly straddles the line between children's book and adult fiction more so than the earlier two. There are moments in which we are reminded of the original intended audience, but the themes and actions in this book are more mature. I have read this series once, over a decade ago, this is my first re-read and I am not sure I have seen any of the movies in full. I had certainly forgotten more details than I remembered.

A great example is how long we believe Sirius Black is a bad guy. I only remember him being thought of as traitor, but forgot how much of the third book was viewed through that lens. (hide spoiler)]

[Kate S]

Elen wrote: "Kate S wrote: "Finished chapters 4-6"

Chocolate should always be an answer to everything, right?!!
When chocolate didn't make day or mood happier than it was before :)"

Absolutely! I think chocolate is a reasonable solution for many things.

[Cat]

maria helena wrote: "Judy wrote: "Chapter 9

[spoilers removed]"

I agree! There is not enough Quidditch in the books."

Having just read this for a quidditch match - rest assured there is PLENTY of quidditch in this book. But it works, I think. Series spoiler (view spoiler)[This is only book Harry doesn't meet a version of Voldemort, right? so it's actually nice seeing that his worries are only about winning the Quidditch Cup. oh, and being killed by Sirius a bit, I guess (hide spoiler)] It's definitely the most boarding-school hijinks of the books, which I like, but still with enough clevr plotting & foreshadowing & character development/reveals to keep it interesting

[Cat]

Kate S wrote: " The third book in this series, certainly straddles the line between children's book and adult fiction more so than the earlier two..."

Yes, I agree here. I like, too, that this is the book where the breadth and depth of the wizarding world really starts to come together, with all the little details that Rowling puts in.

I went to the British Library HP exhibition last year, and they had examples of early drafts, and also Rowling's plotting sheet for OotP. She makes the series look so easy, but actually it is really cleverly done, to make it work for the intended age plus adults too

[Nicole]

Only getting to it now and made it to the end of chapter 2.

(view spoiler)[My heart always breaks for Harry at the beginning of every book. The Dursley's are the worst. And then Vernon's sister was despicable. Drowning a dog?! (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Cathy M. wrote: "Thru Chpt 15 -


Snape - I remembered him hating Harry but I didn't remember him quite so nasty before! It's like he gets meaner in each book of the series. I feel like I'm paying more attention (..."

I loved Snape from book 1. Never expected it to pan out the way it did but there was just something about him from the beginning that intrigued me.

[Cat]

"loved Snape" ?! I agree he was compelling, and I always wanted to dig into his story more, but love is maybe going a bit far?

[Nicole]

Cat wrote: ""loved Snape" ?! I agree he was compelling, and I always wanted to dig into his story more, but love is maybe going a bit far?"

A little tough love never hurt anyone. I liked that he didn't treat Harry any different from other non-Slytherin students (granted it was a tad bit too much at times). But he played the villain perfectly and I loved him for it.

[Nicole]

Got to the end of chapter 7...

(view spoiler)[I remember when I first read this book it was the start of me not liking Harry. He was a little too arrogant and cocky. Adults trying to warn him to be cautious and he thinks he'll be able to defeat a crazed criminal just because he defeated Voldermort thrice.

Finally a DADA teacher who knows what the heck they're doing. The kids definitely need it and I like how Lupin made the class fun and interesting.

Anyone else just want to slap Draco? Whining, manipulative little weasel. My father this. My father that. Wait till my father hears about this. Spoilt brat!

Anyone else in awe of Hermione? School was hard with the 7 subjects I had to take. If I were to take on Hermione's schedule I'd drop out. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Finished -

(view spoiler)[First off, Snape. I can't believe I ever felt for this character [SERIES SPOILER] (view spoiler)[knowing where his story goes. I can't actually believe anything that Harry saw would have redeemed his character. Just being in love with Lily doesn't cut how cruel & abhorrent he is! I thought at first that the patronus that saved them had to be Snape because isn't his patronus a stag? But we learn it was actually Harry's. (hide spoiler)] Then after the ordeal he tells the Slytherins that Lupin is a werewolf?!?!

Hated that Lupin felt he had to resign at the end. It was so sad because the people in the magical world looked down on him for being a werewolf. It wasn't like he asked for it. And then you think what can he do now? This job seemed like the best thing to happen to him just for it to be taken away.

And why did the dementor try to kiss Harry? Just because he's happy at that moment?

I hated that Harry got his hopes up to live with Sirius all for it to be taken away so quickly. But at least Harry & Hermoine were able to save him & Buckbeak & I loved that Dumbledore was the one to tell them how! (hide spoiler)]

Now the books are starting to get even better. Knowing what comes next, I'm really looking forward to my re-read of Goblet of Fire!

[Cathy M.]

Elen wrote: "Chapter 1 - 7..."

Hahaha you said it - I sometimes wish I could tell the characters to shut it and actually let people EXPLAIN so that they get the whole story. Or they have this idea of what they believe is right & it's totally wrong!

[Cathy M.]

Kate S wrote: "I finished this one a few days ago, but lost this thread!

The third book in this series, certainly straddles the line between children's book and adult fiction more so than the earlier two. There..."

I agree. As an adult reader, always felt this is the book that actually started to get darker & probably because of that, a lot more interesting!

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Cat wrote: ""loved Snape" ?! I agree he was compelling, and I always wanted to dig into his story more, but love is maybe going a bit far?"

A little tough love never hurt anyone. I liked that he d..."

I keep remembering Snape a certain way (I liked him) so reading these earlier books is really changing my opinion of him. I'll see how I feel by the time I get to book 7 but at this point, can't see me liking him regardless of how his story turns out.

But I also feel like he picks on Harry MORE than other non-Slytherins. Even the comments he makes because he had that hatred of Harry's father.

[Cathy M.]

Nicole wrote: "Got to the end of chapter 7...

..."

(view spoiler)[YES about Draco! I forgot how much of a whiner and coward he is. Telling on Harry to teachers hoping to get him in trouble... He doesn't have much of a backbone. Only when he's with Crabb & Goyle does he puff up his feathers to start something. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Cathy M. wrote: "Hahaha you said it - I sometimes wish I could tell the characters to shut it and actually let people EXPLAIN so that they get the whole story. Or they have this idea of what they believe is right & it's totally wrong! "

Exactly. Listen to someone for once won't kill you - really, it's safe zone :) He missed so much useful information, but maybe that was Rowling's plan, but still listen, the characters in HP book are clever, smart and can always teach you something!

[Kate S]

Cat wrote: "I went to the British Library HP exhibition last year, and they had examples of early drafts, and also Rowling's plotting sheet for OotP. She makes the series look so easy, but actually it is really cleverly done, to make it work for the intended age plus adults too"

Sounds like an amazing experience! I think one of the most impressive artistic skill is being able to entertain all ages. Keeping everyone engaged is important to nurture healthy relationships in life and with reading.

[Kate S]

Nicole wrote: "I loved Snape from book 1. Never expected it to pan out the way it did but there was just something about him from the beginning that intrigued me."

Well, I have heard quite a bit about the HP books, but I think this is a first! Sounds to me like you may have some powerful sense of intuition. Series spoiler: (view spoiler)[While re-reading these books, knowing how the series plays out, I did watch for more foreshadowing, but even armed with the knowledge, I was unable to see very many clues. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Got to the end of chapter 13...

(view spoiler)[I think this is the book where I realized Hermione and Ron could become something more. The way Ron pays attention to her. The way he teasers her. Their snipping. It's like playground antics where the boy pulls the girls pigtails.

Glad that Harry is doing something to help himself defend against those soul sucking demons.

So many clues about Lupin! When I was younger I didn't pick up on them but now I see them. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Nicole wrote: "Got to the end of chapter 13...

(view spoiler)[ So many clues about Lupin! When I was younger I didn't pick up on them but now I see them" (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[ I know! It's so annoyingly obvious when you re-read them. Just spelled out for us. I was so shocked when I found out as a child! (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Finished. Hadn't time to post my thought bc Quidditch match has been intense :D

Like always, I love the book, characters. While rereading it SO many time already, you always notice something new or something that wasn't bothering you then is bothering you now.

(view spoiler)[Professor Trelawney has always been an annoying character in book #3. Common, you can't predict every time people's death, use your imagination, if needed.
The Marauder's map - I am so glad/happy that Fred and George give it to Harry to help him get into Hogsmeade.
Quidditch was a big part of the book this time - enjoined reading it, while playing in here too.
Time-Turner - I would love to have in - like really, so many possibilities, but if you think rationally, it's not a really good idea to have it in our world - sad. (hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Nicole wrote: "Got to the end of chapter 13..."

(view spoiler)[Whan I read HP first time (when it came out - I was something like 6 or 7), I didn't catch any clues about Lupin either. But after reading it again, I saw all the clues that were given in the book. Rowling knows how to write, without giving everything away, but giving so many different clues - it's like puzzle/riddle.
(hide spoiler)]

[Elen]

Cathy M. wrote: "Finished -

[spoilers removed]

Now the books are starting to get even better. Knowing what comes next, I'm really looking forward to my re-read of Goblet of Fire!"

I would agree that Lupin (view spoiler)[should have stayed (If not take in mind all other DADA teachers who are really important in the series). How he is responsible for what happened to him while he was a kid. And he is taking potion what Snape does for him, so he wouldn't be so "sick". (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

Cathy M. wrote: "Tina wrote: "I listened to the first chapter via audiobook. But I can't listen to the rest and someone has borrowed it. So, I'm reading it but it will take me longer.

(Team Tonks)"

No worries, I'..."

Thanks Cathy!

[Tina ❣]

I've managed to listen up to chapter 9. I love noticing what the book has but the movie does not have in it. Like, in the train ride to hogwarts when (view spoiler)[ the dementors attack, Neville and Ginny are in the carriage with the trio and Lupin, but they aren't in the movie. (hide spoiler)]

This is my favourite book of all the series. (view spoiler)[I think it's because for once, Harry isn't facing Voldemort. He also gains a family member and it's special and precious to Harry (hide spoiler)]

[Cat]

@Elen 405 - from under spoiler - I agree! having read it for the quaffle I enjoyed the matches more than I normally would :)

[JanEyre9]

Just started the audio this morning, I love Harry's birthdays :)

Team Minerva McGonagall

[Tina ❣]

I've just finished this! It is still my favourite of the books.

(view spoiler)[The scenes with the time turner were always entertaining (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley]

Tina wrote: "I've managed to listen up to chapter 9. I love noticing what the book has but the movie does not have in it. Like, in the train ride to hogwarts when (view spoiler)[ the dementors attack, Neville and Ginny are in the carriage with the trio and Lupin, but they aren't in the movie (hide spoiler)]"

I agree with you! The books have so much more depth to the characters and their friendships outside of the trio. Like you said (view spoiler)[ about the carriage. I think it's so good that they were there! Fun fact, I actually expected Ginny and Neville to end up together when I first read the books... (hide spoiler)]

[JanEyre9]

A little over 2 chapters in and the Dursley's are as infuriating as ever. Marge is so nasty, I wouldn't be able to handle listening to her either! Jim Dale's voice for her is so grating, it's perfect.

[kat (wanderfulbooks)]

Tina wrote: "I've managed to listen up to chapter 9. I love noticing what the book has but the movie does not have in it. Like, in the train ride to hogwarts when [spoilers removed]

This is my favourite book o..."

Started just today. I mostly remember how this book ends but for the most part forgot events that happened before the end.

For almost the same reason as you, this is my favorite book. (view spoiler)[Harry had Sirius, a family by blood, even if it was for a short period of time. (hide spoiler)]