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

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This topic is open for discussion of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling



Book Synopsis:
Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends Ron and Hermione have been very secretive all summer and he is desperate to get back to school and find out what has been going on. However, what Harry discovers is far more devastating than he could ever have expected...

Suspense, secrets and thrilling action from the pen of J.K. Rowling ensure an electrifying adventure that is impossible to put down.

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[Juliana]

Thanks for the thread!

I'll probably start this one by Monday. I have to finish one of the two books that I'm already reading first. :)

[Karsyn]

I'd been doing a re-read, listening to Stephen Fry's version (already listened to Jim Dale), but I stopped with 4. I'll be joining in on this one, will probably start in a few days after I finish up the series I'm on and listen to a book for the quest.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I'm still listening to #4 so will start this one in about a week

[Juliana]

I started it last nigh, and I'm already having fun. :)

Chapter 1 - (view spoiler)[Pretty bold Dementors appearing in Little Whinging. I don't remember if was Voldermort who sent them, or if they went their for personal reasons. Either way it's still a big manifestation of the growing power of the Dark one. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 - (view spoiler)[What a stressful night. Duel with two dementors, discovery that Mrs. Figg is a Squib and that he was being observed by Dumbledore associates, a almost expulsion from Hogwarts, and the strange reaction of the Dursleys. I don't know how Vernon didn't have a heart attack.
The best phrase was by Mrs. Figg: "Of course I know Dumbledore, who doesn't know Dumbledore?" (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 - (view spoiler)[Poor Harry, completed alienated from what it was happening, not a encouraging word or acknowledgment that he did good. In this book I don't like the way Dumbledore "protects" Harry, I think he could have found a way to make the boy feel a little more included without giving away too much of his plans. (hide spoiler)]
So far this book is already full of new, or coming back, characters. I love Lupin and I think Tonks is very cool. Who do you like to read about?

Chapter 4 - (view spoiler)[Ok, Harry was too loud, but in his situation I think that I'd do something similar. Poor Ron and Hermione. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5 - (view spoiler)[I love the maternal and concerned way of Mrs. Weasley treats Harry, "as good as a son". Even when she acts as they were all small children.
For those how didn't previous read the book, what do you think this weapon could be? I never imagined something similar to what it is. (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Wow, I didn't remember that Tonks was related with (view spoiler)[the Blacks, her mother was Bellatrix and Narcissa's sister. :o (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

This hearing (view spoiler)[was totally an ambush!! Changing the time and local just so Harry and Dumbledore don't make it at time.
And I don't know if it is because I already dislike Dolores, but her toadlike description don't give mu h space to a good first impression. (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Luna is such a sweet girl. I love her dreaming way of viewing things.

[Juliana]

This year the Sorting Hat's new song is full of history and warning.
(view spoiler)["(...)
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within.
(...)" (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

I agree with Harry and Ron, Dolores Umbridge is an evil, twisted, mad, old hag! (view spoiler)[Cut a message in somebody's hand is a twisted way of punishment.
I understand why Harry didn't want to ask for help but professor McGonagall would be furious if she knows. (hide spoiler)]

O.W.L.s grades:
(view spoiler)[O - Outstanding
E - Exceeds Expectations
A - Acceptable
P - Poor
D - Dreadful
T - Troll (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Julianna re: chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ "Of course I know Dumbledore, who doesn't know Dumbledore?"
I loved that too! (hide spoiler)]

I just finished chapters 1 & 2 and clearly this book is going to be very different to those before it. Although each one has started off at the Dursley's, none have been like this! (view spoiler)[ I like the merging of the two worlds and how we get an inkling about Aunt Petunia perhaps knowing a little more of the magic world then she lets on! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Juliana wrote: "Luna is such a sweet girl. I love her dreaming way of viewing things."

Luna is one of my favourites. I think the girl who played her in the films was very good too.

[Juliana]

Karen wrote: "I just finished chapters 1 & 2 and clearly this book is going to be very different to those before it. Although each one has started off at the Dursley's, none have been like this! [removed spoiler] "

@Karen, (view spoiler)[indeed was interesting to see Harry's two worlds merging. Impressive how Petunia remember so precise a few informations about the Magic World. (hide spoiler)]

[Karsyn]

Hi all!

I started this book a few days ago, will finish it up today so I can get the points for it, on this week.

I am listening to Stephen Fry's audio. It's my 2nd or 3rd re-read. I listened the the Jim Dale versions last year, and now I'm listening to Fry's. I just listened to the first 4 in the last few months, which is why I'm just joining in with this one now.

I also like the girl who played Luna. I've been working my way through watching all the extras, and watching the video about the casting was VERY interesting with Luna. They had thousands of girls arrive for the casting call for it. The director said that Evanna came in and basically said if they didn't pick her, they were idiots because she WAS Luna and if they couldn't see that, that was their own fault. LOL! Gotta love it.

[Karsyn]

As for some thoughts so far ~

OotP is my least favorite of the books. I really really hate Umbridge. I know that's the point, but there's a difference before hating a character like Umbridge and hating a character like Voldemort. Voldemort is much more evil, of course, but Umbridge is just WRONG and I just really dislike her much more. Hard to explain, but I'm sure you all know what I mean.

There are some definite issues for me in this book ~

(view spoiler)[
I find Harry a little pathetic in this book, with his "woe is me" stuff in the beginning. I definitely DON'T like how Dumbledore leaves him out, that's so wrong and I'm glad when the changes in the next book, but for this one, Harry could be less obnoxious about it. Sometimes it seems like all he's doing is feeling sorry for himself, when he should realize not everything is about him.

I definitely prefer Cho from the movie, more than Cho from the book. I've seen the movie tons more times than I have read the book. I forgot about the Valentine's Day scene. I forgot she was bitchy. Granted, how Hermione explained things made sense, but NEITHER of them communicated to each other. Kids. LOL!!
(hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

I just finished a reread of Goblet of Fire and would like to join in on this one.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Karsyn
I'm also re-reading with Stephen Fry, and I watched the movie this weekend because I'm going through the movies again with my husband :)
We both said last night how fantastic the Luna actress is. It is just a shame her part was not larger!

I understand what you mean about Umbridge. I think it is because she is in a legitimate position of power and abuses it. Whereas Voldemort is not, and overtly bad. It makes what Umbridge does that much worse in my opinion.

And I agree with you on Harry, especially at the start. Whiny kid. lol I'm not up to that scene with Cho yet in the book, so I'll let you know once I've read it as my memory is not the best :)

[[deleted user]]

Karen wrote: "@Karsyn
I'm also re-reading with Stephen Fry, and I watched the movie this weekend because I'm going through the movies again with my husband :)
We both said last night how fantastic the Luna actre..."

With Umbridge it's also because she would smugly tell you that she is doing it for your own good.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@ Chapter 10

Harry is a bit of a childish winger isn't he? lol! I don't remember feeling that on my first read

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

That;s true too Pigletto!

[Juliana]

Karen wrote: "@ Chapter 10

Harry is a bit of a childish winger isn't he? lol! I don't remember feeling that on my first read"

Yes, Karen, he's a little. But I can totally see this happening with a real teenager. After all he passed, stay isolated and without information, and with almost everyone thinking that he was a liar seeking attention. It's kind of natural to take the wrong side and feel angry and unfairly treated.
During the next chapters we can see he trying, and sometimes failing, to control his temper and complainer mode.

[Juliana]

So now Dolores (view spoiler)[is the first and new High Inquisitor of Hogwarts. We should expect a lot more of control and changes from now on. (hide spoiler)]

The answer Professor McGonagall gave to Umbridge in chapter 15 was awesome!!
(view spoiler)["I wonder," said Professor McGonagall in cold fury, turning on Professor Umbridge, "how you expect to gain an idea of my usual teaching methods if you continue to interrupt me? You see, I do not generally permit people to talk when I am talking." (hide spoiler)]
Umbridge's face must have been priceless.

I literally laugh out loud reading on chapter 16 about (view spoiler)[the first meeting with all the people "interested" on learning DAtDA, when Harry saw more then 20 people entering The Hog's Head and turned to Hermione asking "A couple of people?", I totally could see his face. lol (hide spoiler)]

And now we saw the second act of Dolores as (view spoiler)[The High Inquisitor, no students gathering are allowed before their intentions were approved. How did she know that the boys would start a new group? I wonder... (hide spoiler)]

[Jaclyn]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[I would love to know what horrible stuff the dementors made Dudley remember! Has Rowling ever said? (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[ Lifetime Ban was way too much! This woman is impossible to like.
At least Hagrid is back. (hide spoiler)]

[Jaclyn]

Chapter 4: I know a lot of people don't like how Harry acts in this book, but I don't blame him! I think I'd be really angry too, feeling so left out. Yes, he overreacts and is a bit dramatic, but he's dealing with a lot. I've always felt his reactions and emotions make a lot of sense for him.

[Juliana]

Jaclyn wrote: "Chapter 2: [spoilers removed]"

I would like to know too Jaclyn.

[Jaclyn]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[I agree that a lot of things could have been prevented if Dumbledore hadn't insisted on keeping Harry in the dark. (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

The events on chapters 21 are the most terrifying for me. (view spoiler)[How awful, powerful, scary, confusing and intense it's the Harry's dream with Nagini attacking Mr. Weasley.
Thinking about all the possibilities for why Harry could witness that. I felt very sorry for him, after he over hears Mod-Eye conversation and start to thinking how he could have been possessed by Voldemort.
Of course Giny and the rest was right, that he should have talk to them, but imagine if was one of us. the fear in bringing harm to those you care about. I can see his behavior as a natural one. (hide spoiler)]

[Jackie]

I've just started. This is a reread for me but I don't remember much at least from the beginning.

(view spoiler)[Glad to see some of the characters from previous books back such as Lupin who I really liked. I don't blame Harry for acting like he did. Especially after dementors showed up and then he had to wait four days to hear from anyone. I can imagine his frustration. (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Welcome Jackie! I'm rereading it too, it's nice to see some details that I forgot or hadn't connect with the whole story.

[Jaclyn]

chapter 9: (view spoiler)[I think my favorite line of any of the books is when Ron is made prefect and Mrs. Weasley comments that that makes everyone in the family and George is like, "what are Fred and I? Next door neighbors?" It makes me laugh every single time.

I'm not sure how I feel about Ron being made prefect. On one hand, it's nice that Ron finally gets something over Harry. But it kinda sucks that it leaves Harry out. I think Hermione obviously was the natural choice, but I feel bad for Harry. I'm glad though that even though he acted and thought badly at first, he quickly changed his attitude and didn't spoil it for Ron. Once again, I think Harry is entitled to his feelings, but when it comes down to it, he does the right thing. (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Sometimes I wish I would not cross Hermione path.
(view spoiler)[I almost feel sorry for Rita Skeeter. Lol (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Jaclyn wrote: "Chapter 2: [spoilers removed]"

oh good question. I wonder

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Jaclyn wrote: "chapter 9: I think my favorite line of any of the books is when Ron is made prefect and Mrs. Weasley comments that that makes everyone in the family and George is like, "what are Fred and I? Next d..."

I'm not sure I understand why Ron (view spoiler)[ was made prefect. He isn't exactly a model student! I wouldn't expect Harry to either, but surely there is someone else available? :o (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

End of chapter 14

(view spoiler)[
oh so annoyed about Sirius. I understand he is bored and feels trapped, but honestly. He is acting like such a child. I guess if he went from Hogwarts to Azkaban and now to hiding he has never really been "out in the world" (hide spoiler)]

[Jaclyn]

Karen wrote: "Jaclyn wrote: "chapter 9: I think my favorite line of any of the books is when Ron is made prefect and Mrs. Weasley comments that that makes everyone in the family and George is like, "what are Fre..."

Exactly! I was thinking Dean Thomas might have made a better choice.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Ah, good choice Jaclyn!

Chapter 15
I quite like that Harry shows his maturity (uncharacteristically to this point!) by not wanting to tell about Umbridge's detentions (view spoiler)[ because he knows McGonagall would go spare and that could end up with her being fired (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Chapter 28: Seriously Harry, WHY???

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 22:

So having recently watched the movie I had completely forgotten about this bit (view spoiler)[ with Arthur Wesley being attacked. For such a significant event it boggles me it was removed from the movie. This really all goes to building Harry's connection with Voldemort (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Chapter 25:

Similar to my last comment, I had forgotten about (view spoiler)[ Snape giving "remedial potions" lessons to Harry. This seems to me to be another important point in the evolution of Harry's connection to Voldemort and also Snape's good/bad character traits (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

Karen wrote: "Chapter 25:

Similar to my last comment, I had forgotten about [spoilers removed]"

I agree Karen. I really like the movies, but they don't show some building up of many Harry's connections, and so much other details that made this story so rich.

[Jaclyn]

Juliana wrote: "Karen wrote: "Chapter 25:

Similar to my last comment, I had forgotten about [spoilers removed]"

I agree Karen. I really like the movies, but they don't show some building up of many Harry's conne..."

That's why it really bothers me when people say they've only seen the movies. I'm like, "no!! You have to read the books!!" Lol

[Juliana]

Chapter 29: (view spoiler)[Fred and George`s departure is one of my many favorites scene from the books. It`s epic they standing so calmly against Dolores and then evoking their brooms and flying way. Awesome!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30: (view spoiler)[And then, almost all school give Umbridge a hard time, making trouble and having "Umbridge-itis". Lol (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

lol so true Jaclyn. My husband has only read up to book 5 (and a while ago) so when we rewatched the movies recently he was a bit confused about some things (view spoiler)[ especially the horcruxes (hide spoiler)] as that wasn't really explained very well in the films

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Juliana - that was an awesome exit! Perfect for those two :)

[Juliana]

Chapter 35 and 36: (view spoiler)[This whole battle at the Ministry is awesome and full of emotion.
It's great to see Neville summon courage and sticking with Harry all the way.
It's painful to read again how Sirius is simply gone.
And above all it's great to see Dumbledore's power. Taking easily the Death Eaters, and dueling with Voldemort. (hide spoiler)] Epic!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Totally Julianna. Neville is one of the best side characters!

I finished this morning. This is a re-read of the book which I did listening to the audiobook version narrated by Stephen Fry. I think this is my least favourite of the series as Umbridge is so awful, but also because Harry is all a bit whiney at multiple times in the story. I know he is a teenage boy, but it gets a bit much after a while! I do like how the story progresses with Dumbledore putting some more trust in Harry and revealing some more of his past and the reasons for certain actions(view spoiler)[ (like having him go to Privet drive every year ; and planting in him that he or Voldemort need to kill the other in order to live) (hide spoiler)]

[Juliana]

I finished it this evening Karen.

I don't mind so much Harry's whining I get it and I do can see how he grows during this book, and start to see that good people make mistakes too ((view spoiler)[like his father and godfather (hide spoiler)]).
I like how in this book we get more of the side characters and how at least Dumbledore realizes that it is time to share knowledge about Harry's destiny and past with the boy.