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

[Jen]

Hi all! I finished the audio edition of this book last night. And then I watched the movie today with my Mom. Sooo much was cut from the movie! It took a lot of the emotion out of it. :-(

I was especially sad to see that, in the movie, they did not include Harry's being met at King's Cross in the end by the Dursleys and (view spoiler)[some members of the Order of the Phoenix. (hide spoiler)]. Because that scene is a real series highlight for me. :-)

I am always surprised to realize that the only (view spoiler)[person who dies in this book is Sirius. (Well, not the ONLY person, but of the important series characters, he was it.) (hide spoiler)]. This book is sooo dark and depressing. And just one important character dies?

It just hardly seems fair, is all. Not that I want MORE people to die. :-/

Also, I agree with all of you who were disappointed that (view spoiler)[Sirius dies. I don't know that I have ever cried in that scene, because - like Harry - I am ALWAYS feeling disbelief that he is really gone. That he dies after Harry's only really known him for two full years never seemed fair or right to me. (hide spoiler)] :-(

Anyway, talking about depressing books, but book six should be finished downloading by now. So I'm going to go and start it.

Oh! One last thing, I'm so glad that Dumbledore FINALLY (view spoiler)[opens up to Harry and actually explains some things to him - not everything, but enough - (hide spoiler)] in the end of this book. :-)

[Jen]

Jackie wrote: "I'm listening to the Jim Dale audio too this time through and have been for the entire series. I've thoroughly enjoyed it. "

I've been listening to all the books on audio - performed by Jim Dale - this time through the series, too. For the first four, I also read the books. For the final three, though, I decided to just listen to the books on audio.

I was pleased to find that this book five was not quite as depressing for me to listen to as it is when I read it for myself. It was still very dark, and I still cried in parts (laughed in others), but I'm glad I decided not to read along for these last three books. :-)

[Jammin Jenny]

I'm about 86% done with this book. I love when the centaurs (view spoiler)[ take Umbridge away and Grawp is looking for Haggerd (hide spoiler)]

[Daniela]

Ok, but am I the only one that is weirdly happy about Umbridge being at Hogwarts? I mean we get super sassy McGonagall and I live for it

[Jammin Jenny]

Just finished this book. The ending was much different than I remember in the movie. I really do love the books more than the movies, but the movies are excellent too.

[Claire]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "I'm about 86% done with this book. I love when the centaurs [spoilers removed]"

I love that part too. She totally deserves what she gets.

[Claire]

Daniela wrote: "Ok, but am I the only one that is weirdly happy about Umbridge being at Hogwarts? I mean we get super sassy McGonagall and I live for it"

Frankly, sassy McGonagall is my favorite part of this book!

[Michelle]

I just noticed something on the Jim Dale audios. In the first 4 books, he pronounces Voldemort as “Voldemore” but suddenly in this one he is pronouncing it as “Voldemort” with a T at the end. It’s so strange and it’s pulling me out of the story every time.

I wonder why he made the switch?

[Jackie]

I noticed the same thing, Michelle. I keep expecting for him to go back to the original way.

[Daniela]

I've just finished the book and I must say, the 5th part has never been my favourite book nor movie. However, reading it for the 4th time (I think), I really got to enjoy it more. I don't know why that is, but I didn't find it as "boring" as the other times around

[Michelle]

Slow going since I am only getting to listen on my commute this week. Chapter 11 now.

I'm frustrated for Ron. (view spoiler)[ He's expected to be so supportive for Harry at all times. Finally, finally, something great happens for him and he is picked for Prefect. And everyone is crappy about it, including Harry. I realize Ron was bratty about Harry and the Tri-Wizard, but now Harry can better understand how Ron feels all of the time around him.

It was his time to shine, and everyone (except Molly, bless her heart) stole that moment from him. (hide spoiler)]
That's all. It didn't bother me the first couple of times I read it but it really bothered me this time. Maybe because it's the first time on audio.

[Sarah]

So, just a couple of quick thoughts from the end of the book.

Chapter 36- The entire chapter is just amazing. I love seeing Dumbledore's power.

Chapter 37- That last sentence... I just want to give Dumbledore a hug!

Chapter 38- I love McGonagall :)

[Shannon]

I took a plunge with the Audible special they've been running and downloaded this one to start my first audiobook. I'm quite enjoying it actually, although its hard to focus occasionally. lol. I think it helps this is a reread.

Up through Ch 5
(view spoiler)[This is one of my favorite Harry Potter books. I love the beginning when they wind up sneaking in to get Harry. Truthfully though, not a huge fan about how cranky he is, although I can understand it. Sirius. Sirius. Sirius......I never quite understood the logic of Dumbledore basically locking Sirius back up in a home he hates right after he's finally free of a gazillion years in Azkaban, Seems unreasonably cruel. I do love the scene where Harry learns all about the Order though. (hide spoiler)]

[SandyL]

I'm very slowly making my way through this book. Harry is now staying at the Sirius' house and is still fighting to learn what's going on. I love the (view spoiler)[ screaming painting of Sirius' mom!! That's hilarious. And Fred and George's extendable ears are too much! (hide spoiler)]

It sounds very frustrating for everyone that the Ministry of Magic (view spoiler)[ is refusing to acknowledge that Voldemort might be back and is manipulating the news and trying to discredit Harry. (hide spoiler)]

And Percy! (view spoiler)[ How sad he is estranged from his family! (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

I finished last night. First of all, I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying listening to the books narrated by Jim Dale. His voice of Professor McGonagall is priceless! And so is her character. In this book, we really see more of her and come to appreciate her.

(view spoiler)[It's very satisfying to have Fudge forced to see that Voldemort has returned. But very sad to lose Sirius. To me, he was the saddest of all the characters. He never had a chance to live, with being imprisoned for most of his adult life and then being on the run. And Harry. If he had listened and really tried to learn and use occlumency, Sirius might not have been killed. But it wasn't all his fault. If things had been explained to him instead of constantly keeping him in the dark, he might not have fallen into Voldemort's trap. Oh well, that's part of what makes this such a good series. People have failings, regardless of how powerful a magician they are. Dumbledore realized that he had made mistakes where Harry was concerned. (hide spoiler)]

I'll be starting the next book in a day or two. I still love this series just as much as when I first read it.

[Michelle]

Jackie wrote: "I finished last night. First of all, I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying listening to the books narrated by Jim Dale. His voice of Professor McGonagall is priceless! And so is her character..."

I agree, Jackie. I love Jim Dale's narration. And the way he has McGonagall say "Potttterrr!" is great.

I'm still listening, though. Not through my re-read yet. But Umbridge is making me madder this time around. Grrrr.

[Jackie]

Michelle, that's another character that the voice is so good. That little girly voice for such a wicked character!

[Michelle]

It could be that she's making me madder because of the audio! I hadn't considered that.

[Kate S]

Another vote for Umbridge is even worse on re-read (not listening, but she is still a pretty terrible character).

[Sarah]

Okay, so for you audiobook readers, I have a question. I have never read a Harry Potter audiobook I have heard of 2 narrators, Jim Dale and Stephen Fry. Do they both do all of the series? Do some people prefer one over the other? And if they do, what are the reasons?

[Jackie]

Sarah, they both do the whole series. I haven't listened to the Stephen Fry version but will do the next time that I read the series again. I don't know about preferences but I've heard good things about both. And I am really enjoying the Jim Dale version.

[Sarah]

Hmmm ok. Thanks for the reply Jackie! I want to start audiobooks while I'm driving, as I haven't done any yet, but I'm not sure how I'll do. Obviously, I have to be able to concentrate on driving, but I still want to be able to comprehend what I'm listening to. It's a difficult balance I guess.

[Cathy M.]

Sarah wrote: "Okay, so for you audiobook readers, I have a question. I have never read a Harry Potter audiobook I have heard of 2 narrators, Jim Dale and Stephen Fry. Do they both do all of the series? Do some p..."

I think the main difference between the 2 narrators is that Stephen Fry did the ones released in the UK and Jim Dale did the ones for US. I've heard there are fans for both narrators but think you should try it on audio! Still a lot of fun.

[Sarah]

In a couple of weeks my sister and I are going to a Harry Potter trivia night! So, in preparation for it, my sister is listening to all the audio books. I might try and steal one of them to listen in the car. Not sure which near reader show get though. I will report back and let you all know!

[Jen]

Cathy is right: Stephen Fry performed the UK editions of the books, and Jim Dale performed the USA editions.

Speaking as someone who lives in the USA, I only have access to the Jim Dale editions of the audiobooks. I looked for the Stephen Fry editions, but I was not able to purchase them from Audible. :-(

I don't know if UK readers are similarly prohibited from downloading the Jim Dale editions. :-/

I could probably order the Stephen Fry editions on CD or something from Book Depository, but I didn't find anything objectionable about Jim Dale's performances for this series.

Regarding Jim Dale switching his pronunciation of Voldemort, I'm afraid that didn't even click for me. Probably because I've always pronounced it as ending in a "t." I do remember recognizing that hearing him called "Voldemore" was rather odd, though.

[Cathy M.]

I've only listened to Jim Dale - he drives me a little batty at times with how he does Hermoine's voice but I find his performances really fun otherwise.

I've been meaning to start this one but I keep putting it off because of Umbridge... (I'm sure everyone understands!) Is anyone else reading this one right now?

[Kate S]

Cathy M. wrote: "I've been meaning to start this one but I keep putting it off because of Umbridge... (I'm sure everyone understands!) Is anyone else reading this one right now?"

I am still making my way through this one. I am a little over halfway through, it just keeps getting put on the back burner for library books. And, of course, Umbridge makes my skin crawl, so I don't mind the break.

[Michelle]

I paused on listening to the audio this week to listen to I Hunt Killers but I'm diving back in tonight.

[Cathy M.]

Great! I plan on starting the audio tomorrow :)

[Michelle]

I'll be around! Looking forward to getting back to it. I'm on chapter 14 - Percy & Padfoot. So you'll be caught up to me soon, because I only get an hour or so each day since my work schedule is crazy this time of year.

[SandyL]

I'm still trying to get into this book and I'm struggling. I'm only up to Chapter 7 after more than a week! I may have to get the audiobook - it sounds more entertaining. I like it best when the kids are at Hogwarts - in this book and the previous one, there is so much of the book taking place outside of the school.

[Michelle]

Up to chapter 16. Unbridgeable seriously makes me so mad. Hem hem

I would have tossed her from my classroom!!

[Karolyn]

I started the book this morning and have made it to Chapter 19 (not that I'm obsessively reading or anything). I forgot how incredibly unlikeable Umbridge is! I keep seeing the movie version of her character, which is even better (worse?) than how I pictured her.

This is my first time re-reading the books, and I've been picking up some foreshadowing I missed the first time, so that's been interesting. It's also frustrating to see (view spoiler)[ how unwilling Harry is governor go to Dumbledore. He's definitely acting like a stubborn teenager! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Karolyn wrote: "I started the book this morning and have made it to Chapter 19 (not that I'm obsessively reading or anything). I forgot how incredibly unlikeable Umbridge is! I keep seeing the movie version of her..."

Umbridge was one of the reasons why I almost didn't want to read this one. She is so horrible! I watched the movie before I read the books so I only have the picture of her in my mind.

[Cathy M.]

Got thru Chpt 9 -

(view spoiler)[I swear every book the Dursleys get worse & worse. Vernon hoping that Harry is punished for using magic with the dementors, maybe even with the DEATH PENALTY, is repulsive. I wonder if it was Dumbledore who sent the howler to Petunia.

Sometimes I hate the decisions Dumbledore makes regarding Harry. I know he's trying to protect him but I understand Harry's hurt & anger for everyone keeping him in the dark about what's going on.

Fudge & the others at the Ministry denying that Voldemort is back is so frustrating. Why doesn't someone give Harry the truth serum to find out whether he's lying or not! That would solve it...

The yelling picture of Sirius' mom & Kreature, though offensive, are quite amusing to me. Definitely memorable! (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

Just starting this one so am glad to see others are still reading.

This is the first one in the series that I haven't re-read a dozen times already so I'm sure there is lots that I've forgotten. I've kind of been putting this one off I think because of how dark it feels in my memory.

I know how horrible it's going to feel to read about Umbridge's reign of terror and Dumbledore's distancing himself from Harry. The book also has a few of my favourite scenes from the series though: DADA and Fred and George's exit scene.

I figured I'd better get started if I want to get the chance to finish the series before the challenge ends.

[Cathy M.]

Totally forgot about DADA! That's one plus for this book then :)

[Kate S]

Cathy M. wrote: "Umbridge was one of the reasons why I almost didn't want to read this one. She is so horrible!"

I am busy trying to rationalize Umbridge's reign. We only see her through Harry's eyes. We may get his impression of her through other character's actions and words, but our main information about this woman is from a 15-year-old boy, who has always been treated special (for a fair reason).

Umbridge strikes me as representing a faction of the adult wizarding world Harry has not seen; and, in turn, we (the readers) have also not seen. This group doesn't want to upset the status quo. They are content in their lives and don't want the upset another battle with Voldemort could cause. They are also in a position of power which they want to keep.

(view spoiler)[While re-readers of this story know what has happened and is coming, there is another side to which we are not exposed. Plenty of talk about Harry being oversold and a liar. As readers of Harry's story, we miss the other parts. I know there is a lot of fanfiction and Pottermore and Rowling has done some additional sharing of her creation (I haven't read any of it), but I think with the information available in the canonical works, we know there are shades of gray between Voldemort (evil) and Harry (good).

While I do not agree with many of her actions, I am trying to extrapolate a wider wizarding truth from the words of Professor Umbridge during this reading. (hide spoiler)]

[Karolyn]

Finished! I'd forgotten a few of the fun pieces towards the end of the book (view spoiler)[ I love how Fred and George depart Hogwarts and how they were able to help Harry in the process!

I can't imagine how isolated Harry had to have felt once Dumbledore, and then McGonogal, were gone. Although it's hard to believe he forgot the mirror to talk to Sirius. And even though Harry, Ron, and Hermonie hate Snape, I find it hard to fathom none of them thought to go to Snape when they thought Sirius was in trouble.

It was hard to read of Sirius' death, even though I knew it was coming. And i still get geared up when Dumbledore finally talks to Harry at the end. All we have is Harry's perspective of being upset with Dumbledore the whole book. Then we finally learn how conflicted Dumbledore was trying to protect Harry and not burden him further and the guilt Dumbledore feels for Sirius' death and keeping Harry in the dark. It makes me feel for Dumbledore! (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

Kate, your thoughts about Umbridge are interesting. I'm going to try to keep them in mind while I read the book.

[Joanne]

It's a relief to take a quick break to update before starting Chapter 12: Professor Umbridge. LOL I am dreading it.

(view spoiler)[I really feel for Harry. Even coming back to Hogwarts isn't the relief it usually it, because just like his first year, he can't go anywhere or do anything without everyone staring at him. But unlike the curiosity and awe of the first year, now they are staring because the think he is a liar, unstable and dangerous. It's so disappointing to read Seamus's reaction, although I expect a lot of the kids from wizarding families will take time to come around. Was so heartened reading Neville's simple statement that he believes Harry and Dumbledore and they have his support. He needs friends in his corner this year.

It's nice seeing Neville coming into his own more with Herbology. I like seeing him develop a bit more confidence, and I also love seeing Ginny develop a personality. Just love her character in the series. SERIES SPOILER(view spoiler)[when I was a kid, I liked Cho, but now I just want that bit over so Harry and Ginny can get together, lol

Also, poor Ron, with everyone's reactions when he was made Prefect and not Harry. It's almost like a punishment though since he likes breaking the rules as much as Harry. (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Jenny]

Just finished Goblet, and so I am about to start this one.
Almost at week two of my treadmill personal challenge. I think it may be easy to run when I am reading about Umbridge. We'll see.

[Cat]

I've just been struck by how well Rowling writes deliciously unpleasant & downright evil characters, especially so with the women! Rita Skeeter, Umbridge & Bellatrix L spring to mind. I respect that - equality of evilness is important, I reckon, otherwise there is the whole "women are nurturing and should stay at home to look after kids" arguments.

[Cathy M.]

Kate S wrote: "Cathy M. wrote: "Umbridge was one of the reasons why I almost didn't want to read this one. She is so horrible!"

I am busy trying to rationalize Umbridge's reign. We only see her through Harry's e..."

I've been trying to keep this in mind while reading but she makes it SOOOOO hard!! (Chpt 14?) (view spoiler)[When she makes Harry write I must not tell lies with her special pen that CARVES THE LETTERS IN HIS SKIN, really?!?!?!?! How is that a just punishment for a 15-year-old??? (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

I'm thru Chpt 15 now -

(view spoiler)[The sorting hat's new song this year was really interesting & quite ominous. I don't think I paid as much attention to the songs until this re-read. Times are a-changing!

Okay I have to admit the Hmm Hmm (throat clearing) by Umbridge is actually sort of amusing. Every time I hear it I laugh. But she's passive-aggressive which drives me nuts (one of my bosses is actually like that) & I just can't see any good in her...

Harry needs to calm down. Jealousy over Ron getting picked Prefect, fighting with Seamus, his reactions to Umbridge. At least he'll soon have DADA!

LOVE that Neville stood up for Harry! I wish we had more of him!

Hermoine's still at it - leaving the hats out for the elves. Sneaky sneaky. And they might not appreciate it! (hide spoiler)]

[Joanne]

I know there are reasons for it, but it is driving me crazy how Harry can't keep his temper in check. If he could just keep his head down and stay out of trouble for a bit his life would be so much easier. Of course, that is not the Harry Potter way though.

[Joanne]

This book is so dark but also has such great moments of humour. The latest to make me laugh is this:

Ch 21:
Harry arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holidays and was very glad he had, because when the torches burst into flame he saw that Dobby had taken it upon himself to decorate the place for Christmas. He could tell the elf had done it, because nobody else would have strung a hundred golden baubles from the ceiling, each showing a picture of Harry's face and bearing the legend: HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS!

Just chuckling to myself imagining these decorations and Harry's reactions to seeing them.

[Joanne]

Chapter 23

(view spoiler)[The scene with Neville's parents is heartbreaking. There is a comic online of this, from someone who draws comics of scenes that didn't make it into the movies. If anyone is interested in checking it out, here's the link:
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4a/09/... (hide spoiler)]

[Michelle]

Chapter 23
Poor Neville!

(view spoiler)[I felt so bad for Neville when they ran into him at St. Mungo's. He's grown up without his parents, and they really don't remember him but he and his grandmother continue to go visit.

I think it drove home that he really wants to be part of the gang but is on the outskirts, too. His grandmother knew everyone and said he talks about them to the point that she could say their names before they did. Poor guy. That whole chapter made me sad for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Joanne wrote: "This book is so dark but also has such great moments of humour. The latest to make me laugh is this:

Ch 21:
Harry arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holida..."

I stopped right after this chapter & I marked that spot. Dobby is so adorable with his Harry Xmas decorations! He HAS to be Harry's #1 fan hahahaha :D