Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling discussion (January 2020)

[Hollie]

Happy new year everyone!! What a lovely way to start the first day of the year on a new adventure. Today we begin the 3rd book of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban” let’s go!

[Dana]

Happy New Year!!! I am so excited to start this one today. I'm also reading Children of the Flames, which is a heavy read for me, its about Dr. Mengele in the Holocaust and stories from the twins who survived his torture experiments. So this is going to be a light and refreshing book to read along side it.

[Hollie]

Wow!! That book sounds far too scary for me!!! Enjoy x

[Kendra]

Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite in the series, so I'm excited to get started! I'm going to try to power through the first two so I don't miss the full experience...luckily these early ones are shorter so I have a chance of getting caught up to Azkaban before the end of the month. :)

Dana, it definitely seems like Harry Potter will be a great companion to your current book--something to fall back on when things get too dark. Not sure I'd be able to get through it, but it's so good those stories get to be told!

I also just started a beautiful light read called The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey, about a pet woodland snail giving the author perspective and inspiration during her experience being bedridden with an illness. If anyone's up for a super quick and easy read, feel free to join me on this one!

[Dana]

Prisoner of Azkaban is such a good book. It's definitely top on my list for this series for sure. I'm currently on page 106, in the middle of chapter 6. Every time I read this chapter, and more specifically get to the part where I am at (view spoiler)[ where they are in Terlawney's class room reading the tea leaves, I just get so incredibly relaxed and excited at the same time. Ever since reading this for the first time I have loved Professor Trelawney, and always wished that there was a teacher in my life as whimsical as her. Her classroom is everything, lots of little tables and comfy pillows and chairs. If I'm being honest, I am planning to set up my all season porch on my house (once it gets finished) with a professor Trelawney vibe. (hide spoiler)] I just truly love how these books pull me in and everything about them starts to come alive around me. These are a set of stories that will never get old for me.

Honestly it's such a help reading this along side my other book. That one is a hard to read at times. It is a blessing that the survivors who had to experience everything that they did found the strength to share it with the world. As hard as it is to read, I feel deep down inside of myself that it is important to read, and to learn more about the devastation's that have gone on in the world because they only teach us what they want us to know in school. But we owe it to all the survivors, from all of history to hear their stories and to learn more of the truth and to keep their stories going. Sorry for my little rant there.

Also, Kendra I looked into the book that you are currently reading and honestly it sounds like a really interesting read. I can't imagine going through an illness that causes one to be bedridden. But I feel like at some point in all of our lives we will hit a point (whether is a illness or honestly a genuine good adventure) that provides us all with a new perspective and inspiration that we never knew we needed.

[Kendra]

No need to apologize for your rant, Dana! You are so right: we'll never learn from our mistakes and histories if we don't listen to those important stories from the past that we don't always learn about from school--tragic and difficult as they are. The book you're reading certainly sounds like one.

The snail book is definitely interesting! I finished last night and enjoyed it very much. Reading it gave me a deeper appreciation for a lot of things I've either taken for granted or never even thought about before.

I've also started the first Harry Potter, and know exactly what you mean about being drawn in! No matter how many times I read these books, even though I know what happens I find myself unable to stop turning pages. I just love getting immersed in the world and story. :)

[Hollie]

That is very try Dana history is so important and although the world does still have its problems, I am extremely grateful to be living in the time that we do. That snail book sounds lovely Kendra, will definitely be adding it to my “want to read list” I have not had much reading time this month. : ( It’s funny how I really notice a low in my general mood if I haven’t read for a while, reading always picks me up and gives me a break from the hectics of day to day life.

[Dana]

So I finished this book earlier today. Honestly I just don't even know if I have words at the moment. I just genuinely love all of these books. For me, this book really gets it the ball rollings as far as setting the stage for everything else that is about to happen. (view spoiler)[ I will forever love when Harry and Black first meet face to face, I remember to this day, reading this part and being just as upset as Harry because I didn't understand what really happened. I remember getting SO angry with Lupin, thinking that he had helped Sirius the whole time. I was so much younger than I am now, so I remember not thinking twice about by Peter would have still been alive at the present moment while all of this was happening. I was just in Harry's shoes and so angry. But now as I read it and know all the details I just love how it plays out and then it really sinks in and Harry realizes the truth. I think it really is the end of the book, when they are in the shrieking shack and all of that is happening that I really get pulled into the book more than any other time. I love how Harry realizes that it is himself who sets off the Patronus charm to save them from dementors. I think my favorite part overall though is when Harry and Hermione use the time turner and go back to save Buckbeak and Sirius. (hide spoiler)] There is just something about this story, this series, that gets me. I don't think there will ever come a time where I dislike reading these books. They are just a huge part of my life. I can't wait to start the 4th book next month, I already took it down off my shelf and have it sitting on the end table next to my couch.

[Dana]

I am trying to put off the Goblet of Fire best I can, but I really want to start reading it (haha) honestly, it's my favorite of the books and it's just sitting there on my shelf staring at me, enticing me, pulling me in. Also .... I so badly wish we all lived closer together! I feel like while reading these books it would be so fun to have themed snack night and meet up and enjoy "Harry Potter treats" while we discuss the books.

[Hollie]

I am so pleased you are enjoying this series Dana! So am I, I just wish I had more time for reading as I have said many times. By all means start “the goblet of fire, and just remember your thoughts and feelings and join in with the discussion about it next month. And I also wish we lived closer together that would be such fun! I love the little group we have going on here! I like to think though that in a way our imaginations are all meeting together as we are all reading the same book, our minds eyes are all seeing the same thing, weather it be Hogwarts, or any other location that the group book takes us. X

[Kendra]

Finished and in the same boat as you, Dana--I just want to hop right into the next one, haha. I'm holding off a bit just so I can make headway on a few other books I'm reading at the moment.

The thing that has stuck out to me the most during this re-read has been realizing how well J.K. Rowling evokes emotional empathy. It's like you said, Dana--she makes it so easy to be in Harry's shoes and acutely feel what he's feeling. I still remember exactly what that was like reading these books for the first time!

Now that I know what happens, I usually also have some anticipation and excitement for what comes next--but despite that, sometimes I still find myself with my heart in my throat, or silently seething, or cheering triumphantly, or whatever else!

I also love that re-reading lets you in on little clues and previews for plotlines in future books. This is from the Chamber of Secrets rather than Prisoner of Azkaban, but the one that's coming to mind for me right now is (view spoiler)[ Harry hiding in one of the vanishing cabinets at Borgin and Burkes in the beginning. Later in the book, Filch is distracted while punishing Harry because Nearly Headless Nick convinces Peeves to destroy the twin vanishing cabinet that's at Hogwarts...the same one that is a major plot point in book six, as Malfoy has to fix it to let in the Death Eaters so Dumbledore can be assasinated! (hide spoiler)] Tidbits like that are so much fun to me and just blow my mind!

As to this particular book, I have to agree that this is the first time I start to feel bigger-picture things coming into play and tying together. I still absolutely love all the pieces coming together as you learn about (view spoiler)[ Harry's dad, his friends, their time at Hogwarts, and how it connects to Voldemort-- (hide spoiler)] plus all the mysteries for the current year being solved.

As to favorite parts, (view spoiler)[ the shrieking shack scene at the end is one of my favorites from any book ever (really, I'm a sucker for secret passages and complex mysteries being solved, so I'm sure that influences me haha). Harry winning the Quidditch Cup is also amazing, and the time travel element at the very end is done so well. Lupin and Luna Lovegood are my two favorite Harry Potter characters, so his intro has a special place in my heart, especially all the examples of just what a wonderful teacher he is. (hide spoiler)]

And speaking of teachers, Dana I NEED to come see (or better yet, help you set up) your Trelawney/Divination room-inspired all-season porch. I'm in love just hearing about it. :)

I also wish we all lived closer together--what fun a HP party would be!! I do so love diving into books with you all. :)

[Dana]

Kendra YESSSSSS to all of this!! ESPECIALLY to the part about coming and helping set up the porch! Once we are all moved in and settled in I definitely have plans to have you and Britt come visit for a girls weekend! (we will totally be kicking my brother and husband out of the house and sending them to my parents!) I have already been looking up rugs, and chairs, and I have lots of throw blankets and quilts that my mom made and I am also in the process of finding / buying fun pillows. Also, I plan to make several different stained glass cactuses, and succulents, and a spider plant, and spider webs, bees, butterflies, flowers, spider webs and whatever else becomes inspiring at the time to hang in my all seasoned porch. I have some handmade (by my great grandmother) little flower pots I plant to put cactus or succulents into once I make them. I have lots of different patterns. Plus this will help me build my stained glass skills to eventually be able to sell them because I think they (stained glass cactus, plants, succulents) will sell really well.

[Kendra]

That all sounds AMAZING! I can't wait for it to happen!! Plus I'm so excited to see all your stained glass creations come to life...and I would totally buy a stained glass succulent or cactus at a craft fair, so you are right on the nose with that. :)

[Dana]

Thanks Kendra!

Hollie, how are you doing? How are you liking the book so far?

[Hollie]

Hey!!! I am so sore I have been so quiet this month, is this decorating your home we are talking about Dana? Sounds so amazing!! I have been so busy this month, I am about 3/4 of the way through Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban. And I am loving it! Maybe I’m a bit odd but I love how the series is getting darker and darker as it goes on! Yes I am bit behind with this months read but I am determined to catch up. As usual on the 1st of Feb the next group read will begin which is Harry Potter and the goblet of fire. (Wow this is a big one) lol. I still can not believe I have been lucky enough to finds the whole set of Harry Potter books dotted around in various charity shops for like £1/£2 per book! I hope you are all well and it’s nice that you are raring to go and get started on book 4 of the series!! X

[Kendra]

No worries Hollie! We all get busy at times and have to drop off the reading habit for a bit (just look at me last December!)

I agree, it really is fun to see the change in the books as they progress and mature/get darker...and longer, haha. There is quite a big difference between the third and fourth books. I can't wait to hear what you think about Azkaban as you finish it, and get started with Goblet of Fire!

It's awesome that you were able to get such deals on the books! Used book or thrift shops are great--and it's just the best feeling to find exactly what you need for a good price. : )

[Hollie]

Finished!!! Yet again, I am astounded by the cleverness of the plots in this series. The twists and turns are so so so brilliant! (view spoiler)[ In this one I really enjoyed how James Potter managed to be such a major character even thought he did not say a single word throughout the whole book, I felt like I could connect with him just as much as all the other characters regardless of him being dead. I loved the whole Jekyll and Hyde vibe from Professor Lupin in this book and I can’t wait for Harry to be reunited with Lupin but also obviously his what turned out to be very generous, kind god father Serius who buys him unbelievably cool gifts! I can not express my frustration enough though about the fact that Harry can not live with Serius at this moment in time and yet again has to spend another Summer with the Dursleys! : ( <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Hollie]

(view spoiler)[ I must say though that I found myself waiting for Crookshanks to be revealed as one of the characters in disguise as an Animagus at any moment, a lot of his actions just seemed too advanced for him to be just a normal cat. Did anyone else suspect this at any point? (hide spoiler)]

[Kendra]

(view spoiler)[ I know exactly what you mean about Crookshanks, Holly! While I didn't necessarily think Animagus the first time I read the book (granted, I was a kid then and didn't guess anything right haha), I definitely thought there was more going on than just "he's a really smart cat." I think maybe the author was trying to use Crookshanks as a red herring--so you're paying more attention to him, and the Scabbers plot twist ends up being more of a surprise.

I also love what you said about James Potter being a major character even though he's not there! It's so true. She does so well at making side characters, dead characters, and plots of the past relevant to the main story and Harry's + his friends' growth. (hide spoiler)]

[Dana]

(view spoiler)[ I couldn't agree more! And I'm on the same page as you Kendra, when I first read the books many moons ago I just thought "well yea Crookshanks is a cat, the coolest animal ever, so obviously he knows who's good and who's bad" but this time around I definitely felt that anticipation (even though I knew it wasn't going to happen) of Crookshanks being like "bam I'm really an Animagus, SURPRISE" I definitely feel like there is a hidden story for Crookshans and I just want to know who he is. I love how Harry's parents are brought up in all the books, and how you know how loved he was and what kind of people they were without really getting the chance to get to know them. Honestly, with all of the other books she's writing for "before Harry's time" I would love for her to write a book, even if its just one and its the size of Goblet of Fire, about the life of Lily and James, their times in school and after. I would love to know them on a different level then we currently do. (hide spoiler)]