Rowling, J.K. - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter #5) - Informal Buddy Read; Starts December 16, 2014--REVISIT-- June 2018

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 1-4

(view spoiler)[
Nice to see Dudley has just become a more efficient bully. Thanks goodness Harry was able to save him from the Dementors.

I don't blame Harry for being mad. Keeping him in the dark was a bad idea, but he should be yelling at Dumbledore, not Ron and Hermione.

Percy is going to eventually regret choosing his career over family. I can't believe he wouldn't even let his own mother in the door.

And Sirius is back!

(hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 4 - 17

Umbridge (view spoiler)[Oh, how I hate this character. She is just a small, petty person who was given a taste of power and abuses to the extreme. She is hateful to anyone who doesn't agree with her. It was awesome to see her backing down against McGonagall. (hide spoiler)]

Dumbledore (view spoiler)[I think he is handling Harry incorrectly. Never being around and keeping him in the dark isn't the right call (hide spoiler)]

Prefect (view spoiler)[So Ron and Hermione end up as Prefects. Is no one else in Gryffindor good at anything? I also don't understand the whole Prefect concept. Are there 3 sets of Prefects per house (5, 6 and 7 year)? Or if you aren't in the right year do you never get a chance? (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[I think Hermione is right about Sirius. He is rash and wants Harry to be James and isn't as concerned for Harry's or his own safety as he should be.

Poor Molly seeing everyone die while trying to banish the bogart. I loved seeing Lupin again and meeting Tonks. (hide spoiler)]

[Silje]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 4 - 17

Umbridge [spoilers removed]

Dumbledore [spoilers removed]



I completely agree with your opinion on Umbridge!
I am listening to the Stephen Fry version and I am a bit annoyed at the way he reads Tonks's character. Not sure why though...I really like her when reading the book and watching the movies, but I don't get the same feel of her when he is reading=(

[Samantha]

Since it looks like other people have started reading, I'll get going on this book soon as well :)

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 18 - 22

(view spoiler)[Well they start DA to learn DADA from Harry. Harry and twins get thrown off the Quidditch team by Umbridge for fighting, even though the Slytherins only get lines as punishment.

Poor Ron, the Slytherins really got to him with their song. But insulting the Weasly and Potter parents was going too far, although they should have returned the insults instead of using their fists.

Hermione is wearing herself out making clothes for the house elves and won't believe they are offended by it. But hey, Dobby is getting quite the wardrobe. I would think Hermione would be smart enough to realize the elves wouldn't be happy to be tricked into being free and refocus on another way to get to her goal.

Hagrid finally returns and we learn a bit about giants and we know he isn't going to get a good review from Umbridge on his first class back.

Then Harry "sees" Mr. Weasly get attacked by a snake. Thank goodness Prof. McGonagall believes him and takes him straight to Dumbledore.

Sirius made a major mistake that is going to come back and haunt them.

(hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Finished

(view spoiler)[I think it is interesting that if Umbridge had been smarter, Harry and the others wouldn't have escaped her and wouldn't have been able to try and "rescue" Sirius and get caught by the Death Eaters.

So Sirius dying was a bummer, but probably necessary for our hero to not have a decent guardian to continue on with the story. And it was pretty amazing that a bunch of 5th year students could hold their own with the Death Eaters.

Dumbledore's explanation for keeping Harry in the dark wasn't very good nor was his reasoning for having Snape teach Harry. He made many mistakes this book, including not doing something about Umbridge much earlier.

Great to see Fred & George leave the school with a bang to start their joke shop.

Harry's first romance fizzled out quickly. I don't think it was healthy for Cho to go from Cedric to Harry.

(hide spoiler)]

[Megan]

Just starting this. I'm kind of nervous. Umbridge is scary generally scares me.

[Abbey]

Silje wrote: "I just started this one for team Remus Lupin. Anyone around to discuss it?

I'm only a few chapters in (doing audio so it doesn't go too fast). So far I think that Harry is behaving like a brat! He..."

Happy to find another audio listener of this book! I'm from Team Draco! I'm listening to this one was well (first time listening to any of the books)

(view spoiler)[ I usually like Harry's anger in this book, but I forgot how odd it is at the beginning. I get the feeling out of the loop, but it does seem out of proportion to the events at the time.

I do think it's easier as an adult to think that the anger of Molly not wanting them to join the Order is misguided. However, if I think back to being their age, I definitely was rarely able understand when an adult was making a smart/protective decision on my behalf. So I think Rowling got the character's emotions right there for their age.

Harry does seem to forget all that he has learned about Dumbledore and his plans in the past at the beginning of this book. He is clearly letting his emotions guide his thinking, but I also think he was never given a proper outlet for his grief and anger of Cedric's death which is likely contributing here to Harry's irrational thoughts/behaviors.

Do you have any thoughts of how you imagine the transition went for Harry from the end of the Goblet of Fire to the beginning of the Order of the Phoenix?

I've often thought about that. He went from a very traumatic ending of the year to basically being dropped back off at Privet Drive and left alone with people who have no clue what he just went through. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

I'll be starting this in a few days as well...just need a day or so to catch up / finish some other reading...870 pgs...what a 'chunkster'!
Team Minerva

[Silje]

Samantha wrote: "Since it looks like other people have started reading, I'll get going on this book soon as well :)"

Remember we discussed in one of the earlier HP BRs that we had read/heard somewhere that the girls were allowed access to the boys' dormitory, but not the other way around? It is in this book!!!=D

[Silje]

Umbridge is really stomping around like an elephant, causing destruction and misery in her wake, but she doesn't make more sound than a mouse while doing so...(view spoiler)[How is torturing a student in detention allowed?! And her annoying all the teachers and unnerving Prof. Trelawney with her "huh"/"ahem" and scribbling on the notepad. Dissolving all student groups and teams? How is she allowed to do this? Where is Dumbledore in all of this? But oh, McGonagall is so great when scolding Umbridge in her class! That is a truly wonderful scene (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Silje wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Since it looks like other people have started reading, I'll get going on this book soon as well :)"

Remember we discussed in one of the earlier HP BRs that we had read/heard somew..."

That is a very old-fashioned view.

[Samantha]

Silje wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Since it looks like other people have started reading, I'll get going on this book soon as well :)"

Remember we discussed in one of the earlier HP BRs that we had read/heard somew..."

I do remember!!! Good to know which book its in and that I'm not going crazy :) Thanks!

[Silje]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Silje wrote: "Samantha wrote: "Since it looks like other people have started reading, I'll get going on this book soon as well :)"

Remember we discussed in one of the earlier HP BRs that we had re..."

Yes it is. Apparently way back in time, the teachers thought the girls to be more reliable than the boys...wonder why:P

[Tammie]

Just starting...but WOW Harry grow some backbone...the question is...will the other characters let him. Dursley intro is interesting/different this go around too.

[Judy]

I was planning to take a break after Goblet of Fire but I guess I've now started this anyway! Let's see how much I'll enjoy this one... there is quite a bit of stuff happening that I really like, but Umbridge kind of ruins the good things... (similar to Lockhart in Chamber of Secrets, but dialled waaaaay up)

[Judy]

Tammie wrote: "Just starting...but WOW Harry grow some backbone...the question is...will the other characters let him. Dursley intro is interesting/different this go around too."

I never thought I'd say this, but I would really like more Dursleys in this one 😂

[maria helena]

Umbridge is so evil and scary. She really is the kind of character that gives me nightmares, because in a way, she is so realistic.

[Sassafrass]

Team Newt!

I'm just starting this one. It's going to take me awhile since it's so long. I keep saying after finishing books that I'm going to give the series a break, but I just have to know what happens next! LOL

[Tammie]

Judy wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Just starting...but WOW Harry grow some backbone...the question is...will the other characters let him. Dursley intro is interesting/different this go around too."

I never thought I..."

Chapter 3...I think...
I was interesting how Aunt Petunia seemed (view spoiler)[ to still have some contact with the wizarding world...I wonder if it’s an ‘evil’ contact. I didn’t understand where that howler came from. (hide spoiler)]

[Judy]

Chapter 4

The thought "oh right this is the book where Ginny gets a personality" just popped into my head while reading this and I feel a little bad but also it's true (I think)... (view spoiler)[makes sense that she first has to become a relevant character before she can believably be Harry's love interest but still found that funny (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

Judy wrote: "Chapter 4

The thought "oh right this is the book where Ginny gets a personality" just popped into my head while reading this and I feel a little bad but also it's true (I think)... [spoilers removed]"

Re Ginny...I just read that she was especially good at spells I think it was...chap 6, I think. I’m enjoying the change of venue away from Hogwarts and like Judy suggested just a bit more of the Dursleys.

[Silje]

Judy wrote: "Chapter 4

The thought "oh right this is the book where Ginny gets a personality" just popped into my head while reading this and I feel a little bad but also it's true (I think)... [spoilers removed]"

I completely agree! She stands out a lot more in this book.

[Sassafrass]

Chapter 2:

Mrs. Figg, LOL. Too funny and who knew?!

[Tammie]

There are quite a few differences in this book vs movie...I don’t recall Ron, Hermione and Draco...(view spoiler)[ being tagged as preficts in the movie (hide spoiler)]. This is going to be shear hell for Harry I have a feeling.

And oh man...this Umbridge Character is a piece of work...much worse than in the movie. I cannot wait until she gets her comeuppance and I’m only like chapter 9...wow!

I had a babysitter for a time that always threatened to call the ‘dumpman’ if I wasn’t good...that was pretty bad...I had such terrible dreams from that woman...I can’t even imagine the abuse these kids at Hogwarts are going to endure...I wonder if Draco will be punished or how that will shake out.

[Megan]

Tammie wrote: "Judy wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Just starting...but WOW Harry grow some backbone...the question is...will the other characters let him. Dursley intro is interesting/different this go around too."

I ne..."

It comes from (view spoiler)[dumbledore (hide spoiler)] according to a wiki when I googled it. I found that very interesting the whole Petunia Harry situation, it was almost a break through.

Chapter 1- 9

I actually already feel kind of bad that Harry is left out but I think its probably better he doesn't have a reason to wander around when he shouldn't be. Its also nice Ron gets a bit of glory for a change. I think this is really for me when his character starts to improve. I also think although last book Ron was (view spoiler)[a very jealous boy, jealous of Harry's attention and money but also of Hermione being asked out by another guy... You can already see the interest between them grow. Its actually quite sweet. (hide spoiler)]. I remember in the film Ginny was a lot more reserved with Harry and around Harry shes actually not that shy in the books or doesn't seem it. She seems to talk to Harry more and with a bit of confidence she doesn't show and I think that is really a shame that in the films we let her character become shy and almost blinded by Harry's fame where I don't think she is as bad as that. (view spoiler)[ I already think she likes him because of her reaction to him having a date in the previous book (hide spoiler)]

I'm only on chapter 9 but so much is going on!

[Judy]

Megan wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Judy wrote: "Tammie wrote: "Just starting...but WOW Harry grow some backbone...the question is...will the other characters let him. Dursley intro is interesting/different this go aro..."

Ginny was super shy in the first few books but she really started breaking out of her shell in Goblet of Fire, and now she's very present! I don't actually remember much of her in the movies, maybe that's just the proof for how unremarkable she was in them.

[Tammie]

Chapter 16
Umbridge has definitely got It out for Harry. (view spoiler)[ it’s incredibly horrifying how she’s allowed to punish Harry with pain. I understand Harry’s pride in this situation but honestly have a problem with the lack of attention the adults seem to have in their students this book. Where is all the support from the last book. There is likely an explanation...I just can’t imagine it. (hide spoiler)]

[Sassafrass]

I am loving the new and improved Ginny! So glad to see her coming into her own.

Not sure how this new batch of prefects are going to be. should be interesting especially with the Slytherin picks for prefect.

[maria helena]

Judy wrote: "Ginny was super shy in the first few books but she really started breaking out of her shell in Goblet of Fire, and now she's very present! I don't actually remember much of her in the movies, maybe that's just the proof for how unremarkable she was in them. "

I'm very much enjoying seeing Ginny breaking out of her shell.

[Sassafrass]

Professor Umbridge! Wow, the personification of evil!

In chapter 13: the dentention punishment. So horrible!!

[Megan]

Chapter 9-13
I hate Umbridge. I mean who doesn't?!
I honestly don't get why you're given the impression that Harry has actual talent as a strong wizard but he can't do simple spells?!

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "ch 4 - 17

Umbridge [spoilers removed]

Dumbledore [spoilers removed]

Prefect [spoilers removed]I think Hermione is right about Sirius. He is rash and wants Harry to be James and isn't as concerne..."
I agree about the prefects. I was wondering if you're only a prefect for the year and then it goes to someone else but that seems silly to me...

[Tammie]

Megan wrote: "Chapter 9-13
I hate Umbridge. I mean who doesn't?!
I honestly don't get why you're given the impression that Harry has actual talent as a strong wizard but he can't do simple spells?!

Diane ~Firef..."

The prefect choices really caught me off guard as well. Who chooses them...there is no way I would have picked any of those featured in this book...

[Megan]

Tammie wrote: "Megan wrote: "Chapter 9-13
I hate Umbridge. I mean who doesn't?!
I honestly don't get why you're given the impression that Harry has actual talent as a strong wizard but he can't do simple spells?!..."

Well I'd have picked one of the Gryiffindors but not slytherines

[Sassafrass]

Is it the head of the houses that pick the prefects? And you have to have two for each house right?

I think that Hermione was the perfect choice for prefect since she's such a stickler for the rules, but I have to admit I was surprised by the male pick for Gryffindor but I have to admit I was glad that it wasn't Harry. Too obvious and he has enough going on. LOL

[maria helena]

Is anyone else listening to the audiobook narrated by Jim Dale? I think the voice he uses for Umbridge is perfect and it makes her even more scary.

[Sassafrass]

maria helena wrote: "Is anyone else listening to the audiobook narrated by Jim Dale? I think the voice he uses for Umbridge is perfect and it makes her even more scary."

I agree maria helena. I think he's doing a great job with that voice.!

[Tammie]

Sassafrass wrote: "maria helena wrote: "Is anyone else listening to the audiobook narrated by Jim Dale? I think the voice he uses for Umbridge is perfect and it makes her even more scary."

I agree maria helena. I th..."

Honestly I’m mostly reading the book...but I’ve been listening to Jim Dale in the car...I do like his narrative very much.

@Chapter 29
I am liking the book better than the last for sure. Can’t quite put my finger on it...but it just seems that some of the (view spoiler)[ jokes played on Umbridge by tge Weasleys as well as the DA have really made this book more fun. I’ve also appreciated Hermione’s ‘training’ of Ron and Harry over the emotions of females...so funny! (hide spoiler)]

[Silje]

Stephen Fry doesn't make her sound so scary, but he is really good at enhancing her condescension and self importance!

[Tammie]

@Chapter 30...love the Weasley (view spoiler)[ exit from Hogwarts...soooo funny! Way better than the movie!...although that was pretty great too. (hide spoiler)]

[Tammie]

@Chapter 36...that was quite a (view spoiler)[fight. (hide spoiler)]

@Chapter 37...a long chapter of explanations. I appreciated the additional explanation re Aunt Petunia. Dumbledore’s going on and on...I hate this in a book...thank goodness it was only one chapter and he did finally get on with (view spoiler)[an explanation re the prophecy.
(hide spoiler)]

[Judy]

Chapter 12

(view spoiler)[Umbridge makes my skin crawl... she is THE WORST! On the other hand, McGonagall in this chapter is an absolute LEGEND - I love her. (hide spoiler)]

This chapter really reminded me of that "bad teachers at Hogwarts" discussion in one of the previous threads... There are so many bad teachers, I had at least one that was stupid/mean/boring as hell every single year - and I went to an actual "good" school and got really lucky with the teachers my class had! So to me that was never unrealistic at all, how Hogwarts can't get any decent teachers for some subjects...

[Tammie]

Judy wrote: "Chapter 12

[spoilers removed]

This chapter really reminded me of that "bad teachers at Hogwarts" discussion in one of the previous threads... There are so many bad teachers, I had at least one th..."

She is a real hero in this book...much agreed!

[Tammie]

I just had to finish it so I've plowed through to the end.

One of the things I wondered about the title...just wondering why the title isn't (view spoiler)[Dumbledore's Army vs The Order of the Phoenix (hide spoiler)]. It just seems to me that everything the characters have been through that it's mis-named. Thoughts?

[Sassafrass]

Tammie wrote: "Honestly I’m mostly reading the book...but I’ve been listening to Jim Dale in the car...I do like his narrative very much.."

@Tammie, I'm mostly listening and doing some reading. I'm not huge fan of Jim Dale's narration over all. I'd love to see how Stephen Fry's narration differs.

[Sassafrass]

Silje wrote: "Stephen Fry doesn't make her sound so scary, but he is really good at enhancing her condescension and self importance!"

I'd be interested in comparing the two narrators.

[maria helena]

I've never heard Stephen Fry's narration but Jim Dale is probably my all-time favourite narrator.

[Silje]

Tammie wrote: "@Chapter 30...love the Weasley [spoilers removed]"

Yep, I was seriously laughing out loud listening to this, (view spoiler)[ I find it quite entertaining how all the other professors are quietly rebelling against Umbridge, making things more difficult for her. The brothers asking Peeves to continue doing mischief for them and give Umbridge hell was an excellent last gift!=) (hide spoiler)]

[Sassafrass]

Chapter 25: Harry's Valentine's day debacle. LOL

I can't believe (view spoiler)[ he's on a date with Cho and he asks her if he wants to come with him while he meets Hermione. He probably thinks sounds innocent but he's supposed to be on a date with Cho and it sounds like he's asking her to tag along to go on another date. LOL. (hide spoiler)]

Poor clueless Harry. They need to have a class on dating at Hogwarts. LOL

[Tammie]

Sassafrass wrote: "Chapter 25: Harry's Valentine's day debacle. LOL

I can't believe [spoilers removed]

Poor clueless Harry. They need to have a class on dating at Hogwarts. LOL"

I absolutely loved that chapter...it really lightened up the book. It's fun seeing the Hogwarts crew grow up...love it!