Rating: Summary: Excellent for Muggles and Non-Muggles Alike Review: J.K. Rowling has hit upon a tried and true formula and she uses it here to perfection.The second in Rowling's series about the young orphaned wizard, Harry Potter, starts off similarly to "...Sorcerer's Stone..." the first book. During the summer break between his first and second year at Hogwarts, Potter is subjected to and the brunt of more indignities by the Dursley family, his Muggle-born aunt and uncle and their annoying young child. As in the first novel, Harry is rescued after a fashion from life in the mundane world and spends his school year at Hogwarts, tracking down the heir of Slytherin who is turning an alarming number of Hogwarts' students to stone. If there is any one complaint I can make about this book in good conscience, it is that the book is far too similar to the first book in the series. There is very little deviation between the two. Don't let that put you off from reading this book, or from buying this book for a young reader. It is a very palatable book, exceptionally easy to read and "get into" and hard to put down once you have. Rowling's style is a little bit formulaic, but it's a formula that works! Once again, this book explores the differences between good and evil and further examines free will and free choice vs. destiny. It's a great children's book in that it teaches children that they can choose to do the right thing even when it seems like they're being pigeonholed or peer pressured into doing the wrong thing. As I've mentioned in my review of the first Harry Potter book, fundamentalists have decried this series due to the fantasy nature of the storyline. Please don't let this detract you from purchasing or reading the book - it is easily on the level of CS Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" series in teaching valuable moral lessons while being a compelling read. The Harry Potter series of books is also very similar in quality to Madeleine L'Engle's "Wrinkle in Time" series of books. If any adults have concerns about purchasing this book for a child, I encourage you to read it first. You may find you end up online late at night buying the next in the series, just as I did!
Rating: Summary: Descriptive, understandable, and it's right down my alley! Review: J.K. Rowling has outdone herself again! Mixing the ingredients of combat and friendliness, you get Harry Potter! Of course, everyone has opinions about content in books, I have one. I disagree only with the treatment of Harry with the Dursleys. You would think that if Harry passed his exams to the 2nd year, turning animals into numerous things, he'd be able to turn them into toads! This book is funny and I would recommend it to everyone from 8 to 108!
Rating: Summary: Another Hit! Review: J.K. Rowling has proven with her first Harry Potter book that she is a phenomenal writer, who expected her to match the level of that book again. Another wonderful read, the kind where when your done you find your nose is pressed against the book, enthralling!
Rating: Summary: JK Rowling does it again Review: J.K. rowling has yet another hit! If you are into any kind of fantasy books, then these are for you. This book, which is the second in the seven book-to-be sreies, is a great read for all ages. Even though it is targeted for a younger audience, it has many underlying messages that make it enjoyable for everyone. In this book, I think the biggest hidden theme is prejudice. The story involves a similar situtation to that of our racical injustices between blacks and whites. Except the emphasis isn't on skin color, but on magical backgrounds and ability. I think this book could teach readers a lot about equality and the value of friendship. It is a bit monotonous through the middle, but the descriptive language keeps it interesting. This is a fun book for anyone. If you read this, you should also read the sequels. J.K. Rowling has incredible talent. This is a great book!
Rating: Summary: Harry Potter is a Spectacular Series Review: J.K. Rowling is by far one of the world's best writers. I enjoy Magic, Sorcerors, Wizards, and Dragons; these books covered them all and more! Spectacular!
Rating: Summary: The magic continues in H. Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review: J.K. Rowling is one of the most gifted writers I've yet come across. The first Harry Potter book was recommended to me by one of my fourth grade students who had been sent the book by an aunt in Great Britain. He carried on so about how wonderful the book was that I felt I ought to give it a quick read. Little did I know that I was about to be swept into a wonderful world of wizards, witches, and magic (not to mention Muggles) and entertained in such grand style. Rowling's talent cannot be overstated; she is masterful at bringing Harry's worlds--both Muggle and Magic--to life. Since I have gotten hooked on Harry, it seems the disease has been spreading throughout the entire fourth and fifth grades in our school. We were able to get the Chamber of Secrets via our British connection over the Christmas holiday, and we have all been delighted by Harry's latest adventures. J.K. Rowling, keep those books coming! Your faithful readers are impatiently waiting!
Rating: Summary: Rowling does it again Review: J.K. Rowling is perhaps one of the best authors ever to be revealed. This novel, though the worst of the 4 books out now, deserves more stars than 5--and that's saying something. This novel is dark and mysterious, like Rowling wanted, and is very well thought out and well described. The plot is brilliant, and the characters have the personalities that Rowling intended them to have--some smart, some annoying, and some brilliant. Recommended to anyone who enjoys fantasy--
Rating: Summary: Terrific Sequel. Just as exciting as the first! Review: J.K. Rowling once again reaches into our imaginaton. I love how she keeps suspense in this story. This book is an exciting sequel. Generally most sequels are not as good as the first. Well this book is just as thrilling and exciting as ever. I recommend this to people who have the first book or for somebody who is just looking for adventure. Eeven though I read this before I read the Sorcerer's Stone J.K. Rowling gives a little insight on what's going on in the first 20 pages. If you loved the first and you're hungry for more this is a must have!
Rating: Summary: Even more exciting than the first! Review: J.K. Rowling weaves another thrilling story with her second book. Harry returns to school only to find that just as much adventure awaits him as last year. A villian, a savior, and lots of magical objects make this tale one of the best!
Rating: Summary: This book was amazingly writin, with wonderful illistration Review: J.K. Rowling wrote this book amazingly well. I think it deserves it's bestseller spot. The characters names were brilliant like Dumbledore and Harry Potter.
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