Rowling, J.K.- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter #4); Informal Buddy Read ; Start Date 25 November 2014--REVISIT-- May 2018

[Joanne]

Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[Damn Percy is such a git! Above all else he wants people to be impressed with him and think he’s important.

“As you know, we’ve got another big event to organize right after the World Cup. You know the one I’m talking about Father. The top-secret one.”

FFS (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

I'm 45% into the book (listening to the audiobook so I'm not sure what chapter that is).

(view spoiler)[I'm always so frustrated and angry at Ron when I read this book. It's such a big betrayal. It's so obvious Harry is suffering from the bashing by other students and that he doesn't want all the attention. Ron's attitude is just selfish. How can he believe Harry would enter the competition without telling him? argh ! Book 4 ruined Ron for me.

Rita, too, is such an annoying character. I really can't stand her. what a nuisance. I agree with Deanne here, it's a wonder her articles are published in what passes for a serious newspaper in the wizarding world. Her articles belong to a gossip magasine. Nowhere else. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

SandyL wrote: "I've finished Chapter 21 - this book is taking me much longer than the others and isn't holding my attention.

Like others, I feel Hermione's obsession with the house elves and SPEW is an annoying ..."

I just finished the first three books and I'm about to start the fourth book. I've had a hard time concentrating on the first three, so I'm hoping the 4th will be better for me. I'm just having a harder time concentrating than normal. I think it just may be that I've read these books so many times that I know exactly what's about to happen and that's why my attention keeps wandering. I'm hoping that as I get later into the series, having less re-reads, I will be able to focus more easily.

I'm not sure how I feel on Hermione's obsession with house elves. I think what bothers me most is the constant fighting with Hermione, specifically Ron. It's not like Hermione has a massive group of friends and nobody likes to be hated.

I never considered if Rowling based Rita off someone she knew. I have often wondered though, how much was already planned at the beginning of the series. Did she know that peraon x, y and z would show up again?

[Deanna]

SandyL wrote: "I've finished Chapter 21 - this book is taking me much longer than the others and isn't holding my attention.

Like others, I feel Hermione's obsession with the house elves and SPEW is an annoying ..."

I agree about Hermione's obsession. I remember thinking the first time I read this one that it needed an editor who wasn't afraid to cut out some scenes. While I love the story overall, it does drag a bit from time to time.

That's an interesting point about Rita. Although is she did base the character off of a real person, I doubt she would ever have the bad manners to admit it.

[Deanna]

Read through chapter 29 this evening.

The second task - (view spoiler)[I know Ron and Hermione give Harry a hard time about staying until everyone was freed; but given the way Fleur was carrying on about her sister, it seems to me that he wasn't the only one worried about someone getting left behind. I also think this is the one section of the book where I actually like the movie better. I love that it is Neville and not Dobby that tells Harry about the Gillyweed in the movie. (hide spoiler)]

Sirius - (view spoiler)[Poor Sirius should win the award for best godfather ever. Being willing to eat rats is surely above and beyond the call of duty. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Deanna wrote: "SandyL wrote: "I've finished Chapter 21 - this book is taking me much longer than the others and isn't holding my attention.

Like others, I feel Hermione's obsession with the house elves and SPEW ..."

JK Rowling is super classy. You're right- if she did base Rita off someone she knew, she wouldn't admit it.

[Jackie]

Through Chapter 23

The Yule Ball - (view spoiler)[I loved that no one recognized Hermione to begin with. And Ron was so obnoxious to her because she went to the ball with Victor. Jealous, much? Lol (hide spoiler)]

Hagrid - (view spoiler)[Poor Hagrid! He falls in love and then announces to Maxine that he knows she's half giantess. Not the best way to capture her heart. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Deanna wrote: "Read through chapter 29 this evening.

The second task - [spoilers removed]

Sirius - [spoilers removed]"

Regarding Fleur, (view spoiler)[You know, I never even thought about Fleur maybe not knowing the hostages being freed. I did recognize that Fleur reacted strongly to her sister but didn't make that connection. I also love that Neville gave him the gillyweed in the movie. (hide spoiler)]

Regarding Sirius...bit of book 5 spoiler, (view spoiler)[ why didn't Sirius just go to Grimmauld Place from the beginning? Why spend all that time in caves? (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Chapters 7-15
(view spoiler)[
Winky - I am with Hermione on this one. Poor Winky was just scared and she is gonna be punished for it. I do think Hermione has her work cut out for her to get the house-elves fair wages.

Professor Moody - I love this guy. I love that he doesn't take any of Draco Malfoy's crap. He sure taught him an interesting lesson. It is about time someone puts Draco in his place. LOL

Beauxbaton's horses - They only drink single-malt whiskey... are these horses drunk all the time? LOL
(hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

I love Professor Moody too. (view spoiler)[Anybody who can put Draco in his place is great. I love the part when Malfoy is harassing Hermione and she acts like she sees Professor Moody. Malfoy just about wets himself. Lol (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Jackie wrote: "Through Chapter 23

The Yule Ball - [spoilers removed]

Hagrid - [spoilers removed]"

I agree about the Yule Ball, and Hagrid definitely didn't pick the best way to start.

[Deanna]

Sarah wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Read through chapter 29 this evening.

The second task - [spoilers removed]

Sirius - [spoilers removed]"

Regarding Fleur, [spoilers removed]

Regarding Sirius...bit of book 5 spoil..."

Sirius bit of book 5 spoiler- (view spoiler)[I always thought that Sirius avoided Grimmauld Place simply because he hated it and didn't want anything to do with his family even after their death. I would defintely prefer a cave to the screeching portrait of his mom. Although I think I would have drawn the line at rats and at least popped into the kitchen a few times a week for a decent meal. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finished this evening:

The maze - (view spoiler)[I always found the maze a bit disappointing because Moody/Crouch was moving so many obstacles out of Harry's way. It just made the maze fairly anticlimactic until he was nearly at the cup. (hide spoiler)]

Fudge - (view spoiler)[I've always wondered how different the story would have been if Fudge had followed Dumbledore's advice instead of trying to hide from the truth. (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

Deanna wrote: "Finished this evening:

The maze - [spoilers removed]

Fudge - [spoilers removed]"

Finished today.

(view spoiler)[I agree about the maze. It took a lot from what could have been really exciting. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Jackie wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Finished this evening:

The maze - [spoilers removed]

Fudge - [spoilers removed]"

Finished today.

[spoilers removed]"

I wonder though...if Harry would have been able to (book 4 spoiler) (view spoiler)[successfully complete the maze without Moody's help. Harry obviously didn't have anywhere near the knowledge that the other champions have. I'm still amazed Harry got past the sphinx! Would have loved to see the sphinx in the movie! (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

You have a good point, Sarah. (view spoiler)[Harry had help with all three tasks and most likely would have failed without it. Of course, the other champions (maybe with the exception of Cedric) were getting help from their teachers, it seemed. And Cedric got help from Harry on the first task and from Moody on the second one. I don't think any of the four could have completed the tasks completely on their own. (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Chapters 16-32
(view spoiler)[
Hagrid - I thought it was sweet that he seemed to have a crush on Madame Maxim, short-lived as it was. I also enjoyed seeing him get his teaching mojo back. He seems in his element teaching about different animals.

Rita Skeeter - This woman irritates me. She doesn't even care if her facts are correct. She just likes to cause trouble and lots of drama. I am surprised anyone even believes any of the stuff that she prints.

Tri Wizard task 2 - I thought it was sweet that Hermione was what Viktor Krum would miss the most.

Prof Snape - I am quite curious about him. Everyone seems to think he is up to something but Dumbelbore is definitely supportive of him. There is something there that I am missing or some secret I haven't read about yet.

Mr Crouch - He obviously wasn't sick if he was sneaking around the school. Then he shows up again acting quite insane before disappearing again. I am curious as to what happened to him to make him lose it like that.

Tri Wizard 3rd task - I love that Cedric and Harry ended up helping each other and both touching the tri-wizard cup at the same time. I was very disappointed with Krum's actions in the maze.

Voldemort - I was not surprised that he finally made an appearance. I am very curious about what his plans are (aside from feeding Harry to his snake friend).
(hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

Chapters 33-37
(view spoiler)[
Lucius Malfoy - I was not surprised that he was a death eater. I have suspected for a while.

Professor Moody - I have to admit that I was surprised that he was the death eater at the school. Then again, I was also surprised that he wasn't really Moody. Poor Moody!! Being trapped in his own luggage for month shook the poor guy up.

Krum - I was glad to find out that his behavior was due to a curse. I had thought he was a good person and I was glad to find that I was right.

Crouch- Poor Crouch!! He saved his son from spending the rest of his life in Azkaban but this act ended up causing him to lose his own life. It also led to Valdemort coming back.

Valdemort - I loved that he thought it would be so easy to kill Harry. He has caused so much heartache and trouble. I hope they find a way to stop him.

Harry - Poor Harry!! He can never get a break. Somebody is always trying to kill him. Then after all that, he still has to go back to live with the Dursleys. I can't understand why he can't stay with the Weasleys all summer. They wanted to take him with them. I am hoping Dumbeldore's reasons are made clear soon.

Sirius - I hope this poor man's reputation is cleared up soon. He deserves a better life than hiding all the time.

Cornelius Fudge- This man really irritates me. He refuses to believe the facts or do the things that need to be done. He obviously shouldn't be in charge.

(hide spoiler)]

Well, I am off to grab the next book. I am dying to find out what happens next.

[Cecily]

Just finishing up The Goblet Of Fire audiobook.
When I was growing up this book was where I stopped in the series as the size of it was too intimidating.
I have seen all the movies over the years but it feels good to finally hear the entire story and be able to compare the books and the movies.
If I am remembering correctly this movie was one of my favs and so far it is probably my favorite book as well.

(view spoiler)[
Some comments on the book:
I definitely was more annoyed with Hermione's character in this book. Her personality was really grating and I had a hard time not rolling my eyes. Her vehemence regarding the house elves was a little over the top.
Death eaters still give me the heebeegeebees, definitely something I feel they carried over to the movies quite well.
The story over all and Voldemort's rebirth was really interesting and really starts to give the Harry Potter series some maturity due to the more serious nature of the issues the characters are facing. I like that it seems to be getting more serious instead of some petty rivalries and juvenile fighting.
I think with fantasy books like this, I usually enjoy the movies a little more as I like to see all of this imagination visually. I just find me reading (or listening) and automatically thinking of the scenes in the movies, because of this I will always wish that I read the books before I saw the movies. That is not possible but at least it has been a while since I have watched them.
I really enjoyed getting to know the Weasleys more in this book and I still hate Snape. He is so harsh and the things he says to the trio at times through the book had me like "whaaaaaa" lol
There is so much I could say about this book and about different parts of it but overall I just really liked it. I look forward to reading more of the series and I am now getting to the part in the series where there is a lot I don't remember.
J.K. Rowling sure has a magical imagination!!
(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Cecily wrote: "Just finishing up The Goblet Of Fire audiobook.
When I was growing up this book was where I stopped in the series as the size of it was too intimidating.
I have seen all the movies over the years..."

That's one thing that I will never get over....all of this came from one person's imagination! Amazing!

[Kate S]

Sarah wrote: "That's one thing that I will never get over....all of this came from one person's imagination! Amazing! "

Completely agree!

I have started this one and am through chapter 10. Going to read for a little while, but will be back soon to post some thoughts.

[Sarah]

Kate S wrote: "Sarah wrote: "That's one thing that I will never get over....all of this came from one person's imagination! Amazing! "

Completely agree!

I have started this one and am through chapter 10. Going ..."

Currently reading atm too! Chapter 14!

[SandyL]

Deanna wrote: "Read through chapter 29 this evening.

The second task - [spoilers removed]

Sirius - [spoilers removed]"

There are plenty of times that Harry is like a regular kid and engrossed in himself, but when push comes to shove (view spoiler)[ he acts more on instinct and does the right or heroic thing. Like in task 2 - everyone kept telling him it was stupid to think Dumbledore would put the others at risk, but it's not in his nature to leave something like that to chance. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Jackie wrote: "Through Chapter 23

The Yule Ball - [spoilers removed]

Hagrid - [spoilers removed]"

Regarding the Yule Ball (view spoiler)[ it's funny how both Ron and Hermione seems to be jealous of the other one's attention when it's directed to someone else (Krum and Fleur) (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

Donna wrote: "Chapters 7-15

Winky - I am with Hermione on this one. Poor Winky was just scared and she is gonna be punished for it. I do think Hermione has her work cut out for her to get the house-elves fair w..."

I've finished the book, but a couple of things that were bit surprises. Winky (view spoiler)[ and her relationship to the younger Crouch (hide spoiler)]

And the house elves in general (view spoiler)[ and how Hermione's campaign just kinda fizzled out - there was some talk about it and then nothing .... what was the point? (hide spoiler)]

Professor Moody - I thought he was great too! And I was sure surprised!!!

I didn't catch the bit about the Beauxbaton horses - that's pretty funny!

[SandyL]

Deanna wrote: "Finished this evening:

The maze - [spoilers removed]

Fudge - [spoilers removed]"

I agree Deanna (view spoiler)[ the maze was very anticlimactic! (hide spoiler)]

As for Fudge (view spoiler)[ I haven't read the rest of the books, so I wonder if he is somehow involved, or as Dumbledore says, too worried about his position? (hide spoiler)]

[Donna]

SandyL wrote: "Deanna wrote: "Finished this evening:

The maze - [spoilers removed]

Fudge - [spoilers removed]"

I agree Deanna [spoilers removed]

As for Fudge [spoilers removed]"

Sandy, that is what I was wondering. (view spoiler)[ Is Fudge involved with Voldemort or not. I haven't read the rest either so I am dying to find out. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

This book took me longer to finish than the others - it didn't hold my attention like the first three. It did get better towards the end.

Some of my musings
(view spoiler)[I LOVED how Hermione got her revenge on Rita Skeeter
I thought it was hilarious in the train going how everyone hexed Malfoy and his cronies at the same time
I'm so frustrated about Cornelius Fudge's refusal to believe Volemort is back
I wonder about what Harry thought was a smile from Dumbledore when he learned Voldemort used some of Harry's blood to return to his body
It was soooo sad when Cedric died - I did not expect that!
I'm glad Hagrid patched things up with Madam Maxime
And I'm glad that Harry is starting to realize he has a real family in the Weasley's!
(hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

SandyL wrote: "This book took me longer to finish than the others - it didn't hold my attention like the first three. It did get better towards the end.

Some of my musings
I LOVED how Hermione got her revenge on..."

Have you seen the movies?

[SandyL]

Not officially - I've seen bits and pieces when they have been on the TV, but I haven't sat and watched a whole. I guess I should!

[Sarah]

SandyL wrote: "Not officially - I've seen bits and pieces when they have been on the TV, but I haven't sat and watched a whole. I guess I should!"

Not until you read all of the books though!

[Kate S]

A few thoughts. Through chapter 15

(view spoiler)[I was surprised by how much of this book took place before getting back to Hogwarts. I think it further helped define the wizarding world and how it plays alongside the muggle world. I enjoyed the treatment of the campground manager and his confusion about his guests. Added a spot of humor.

It was fun to get to see another sorting ceremony. A good time to refresh the reader on the houses and their main characterizations.

Excited to see how the Tri Wizard Tournament plays out.
Also, glad to see I will finish this book before we start our own tournament. (hide spoiler)]

Hoping to get a chunk of this read this afternoon.

[SandyL]

Kate S wrote: "A few thoughts. Through chapter 15

I was surprised by ..."

Yes Kate - I wonder what our Triwizard tournament is going to look like!!!

[Sarah]

Kate S wrote: "A few thoughts. Through chapter 15

I was surprised by how much of this book took place before getting back to Hogwarts. I think it further helped define the wizarding world and how it plays alongs..."

I always love hearing about different aapects of the wizarding world that we don't normally see. Hearing about the different wizards at the World Cup fascinates me. Also, learning about the different departments at the ministry and their purpose really makes me curious to learn more.

[Michelle]

Finally got the audio going today. I had forgotten how much more is in the book!

From the beginning, with the backstory on Tom Riddle's family (view spoiler)[ and you better understand the caretaker a little, when in the movie that is just glossed over and boom, you are in the old Riddle home. (hide spoiler)]

[Cecily]

Sarah wrote: "SandyL wrote: "Not officially - I've seen bits and pieces when they have been on the TV, but I haven't sat and watched a whole. I guess I should!"

Not until you read all of the books though!"

Yes! I so wish I had seen the movies after because you can't help but compare which annoys me lol

[Laura]

Though chapter 7
(view spoiler)[
Please tell me that this book gets better because really I 've just read a 100 pages of filler. Ugh.... (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

So a couple of thoughts after not reading it for about 10 years:

Chapter 33-end

(view spoiler)[
Didn't Wormtail kill Cedric? Voldemort ordered him to, "kill the spare." So how did Cedric come out of Voldemort's wand?

How did Wormtail get a hold of Voldemort wand? Unless I'm missing something, we never find that out.

I have the original version with the wrong order out of Voldemort's wand. It always bothers and annoys me to see mistakes like that.

When Harry and Cedric touched the Triwizard Cup and Portkeyed out, I wonder what happened at Hogwarts when they left. Approximately how much time elapsed while they were gone? Did the rest of the school realize something was wrong?

In chapter 35, when Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape broke into Moody's office, I loved to see Dumbledore's power.

I love love Fawkes! I've always wanted to hear what the Phoenix song would sound like to Rowling.

Chapter 36, The Parting of the Ways, is a great chapter overall. I HATE FUDGE. Dumbledore confronting Fudge really is fantastic. Perhaps my favorite part is Snape showing Fudge his arm, trying to convince Fudge. Ahhh Snape :)

Lastly, can you imagine if Hermione hadn't found Skeeter? Hermione saved the day! (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

Up to Chapter 21

(view spoiler)[This book has been taking me a lot longer to read than the previous three. It feels like not a lot has happened so far although just read through the first task and it’s definitely picked up. I hate how Ron had been acting and how he comes back to Harry after the task is over ready to be friends again like nothing happened. Harry might be ready to forgive him but I’m not quite yet. After being friends for so long he owed Harry the benefit of the doubt. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah]

Joanne wrote: "Up to Chapter 21

[spoilers removed]"

Regarding Ron...

(view spoiler)[ I've always felt the same thing about Ron. He just doesn't have enough strength in character. I guess you could say I'm not the biggest Ron fan. While he is a good friend, it just seems like....he can be a lot of trouble. You've known Harry for the last 4 years, have become best friends, and yet you can't give him the benefit of the doubt? Really? (hide spoiler)]

[Tina ❣]

I've just started the Stephen Fry audiobook for this. I love the Quidditch cup scene! I can't wait to get to it.

[Lindsay♫SingerOfStories♫]

I just started in on the audiobook for this today. Its my first HP audiobook and I am amazed by this narrator!! He really SINGS the Sorting Hat's song!!!

[Michelle]

Lindsay♫SingerOfStories♫ wrote: "I just started in on the audiobook for this today. Its my first HP audiobook and I am amazed by this narrator!! He really SINGS the Sorting Hat's song!!!"

I thought that was fun! I listened to that part this morning while I was getting ready for work.

I'm up to chapter 13. I love all of the details in this book and how the things at the beginning that you feel like could be filler tie back in later! She does a great job weaving the plot.

[Cathy M.]

Lindsay♫SingerOfStories♫ wrote: "I just started in on the audiobook for this today. Its my first HP audiobook and I am amazed by this narrator!! He really SINGS the Sorting Hat's song!!!"

I started the audio for this too & didn't expect that! It was really well done & a lot of fun. (view spoiler)[Interesting that the words of the song changed too, though Slytherin was still not all the complementary - "power hungry" Slytherins. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

I'm listening to this one on audio & though I really like Jim Dale, sometimes he annoys with how he does Hermoine's voice.

So I'm up to Chpt 20 -

(view spoiler)[The Quidditich tournament sounds like it would be really fun to go to! What I STILL don't get is how clueless wizards are about something as simple as money in the Muggle world. That's one thing I really don't understand about this world. It was funny though at the camping grounds when they first arrived and had to pay for their lot. His comments about the weird people arriving. Also thought it was funny how Ron like idolizes Viktor Krum.

Speaking of Ron, can't believe he didn't believe Harry about not putting his name in the goblet. He may be jealous but come on, it's your best mate Harry! Really hated when Ron was acting like an ass.

This whole S.P.E.W. thing that Hermoine is obsessed with is a little tiring. It's a great idea but honestly I don't really care for this particular storyline.

Rita Skeeter is a piece of work. Can't believe the things she writes! I hope they get her good at the end!

Love Mad-Eye Moody! But keep wondering - SPOILER FOR END OF BOOK (view spoiler)[when it is that he gets switched out. I keep looking for clues to see if I can tell but don't know if I'll catch it listening to the audio. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Oh haha, Cathy! My husband and I were listening to books 2 & 3 during our roadtrip and I got him hooked. He flew through the rest without me while I was working and then watched all of the movies.

We kept laughing at how Jim Dale says, HAAARRRRY in that whiney voice for Hermoine. He will just randomly say, "HAAARRRY..." to me now and we laugh.

[Cathy M.]

Michelle wrote: "Oh haha, Cathy! My husband and I were listening to books 2 & 3 during our roadtrip and I got him hooked. He flew through the rest without me while I was working and then watched all of the movies.
..."

Oh my god YES! Hahaha it drives me a little batty! That's awesome, your own little inside joke :P

[Joanne]

Cathy

(view spoiler)[ Moody is switched out the day they are taking the Hogwarts express, when Arthur Weasley goes to investigate and help get rid of the policemen. So the real Moody did plan on being a teacher at Hogwarts, and Crouch took advantage of that info to get close to Harry (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

I was reading on my break at work and had to stop just after the third task was complete. Can't imagine being able to put the book down if I hadn't re-read the book a million times before.

[Cathy M.]

Joanne wrote: "Cathy

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Oh WOW, didn't realize it was that early in the book! Thought we saw the real Moody at least once but that's makes sense (and sounds familiar). Thanks! (hide spoiler)]