Rating: 
Summary: PERHAPS THE FUNNIEST ONE SO FAR
Review: Potter 2, THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (1998), may be the funniest one so far. Strangely, I think it is also the one that includes the greater number of physically unpleasant or revolting details, scattered all along the story.
In spite of it, the reading was pleasing to me (I must add I read the Spanish translation first: an eloquent one, but the translators should have probably saved a lot of words). There is a good deal of suspense in the book. Gilderoy Lockhart can make you fall off your chair with laughter. Dobby the house-elf is another brilliantly comic character (we'll meet him again in The Goblet of Fire). Mrs Rowling developes her characters in a way consistent with the 1st book (look up the Weasley twins or Snape, for instance, in Potter 1, since their first appearances until now, and you'll see what I mean). Though the adventurous fever that hits Hermione Granger came as a surprise to me: even her friends Ron and Harry (not half as well-balanced as she is) feel it's strange.
Like in Potter 1, Harry is the less remarkable character in the story, in a way. He's not specially funny or wise or a good student or anything (unlike Malfoy, he's not even specially nasty). Actually, if it wasn't for his scar and his quidditch skills (well, his desperate courage at deadly situations too), JK would have had to choose Mr Filch or that Norris cat to play the hero: Potter would have been as invisible as his cloak. Yet after reading up to the 5th title in the "saga", I think there is some purpose by the author: JK works hard on her books, she's a careful (even too careful) story-maker and character-painter: it cannot be a coincidence that inconspicuousness about Potter's personality. To those having read The Order of the Phoenix this fact is even more urgent, because Potter becomes "remarkable" there -but in the most unfortunate way!! But this lines are not about that book.
Sometimes one can even feel -say, angry with Potter, in this book. He seems to think (erroneously!!) that the best way towards sorting out problems is keeping them hidden from the people who can help solve them: that is Dumbledore in the first place. If Potter's side wins the battle in the end in this book is in spite of him rather than due to him... which is true also about the rest of the series so far. BR>
Finally, that McGonagall's idea, no exams for the pupils because of the hard events they've lived, I think it's foolish: no serious school in the world, even in the fiction world, would ever do such thing!
Rating:
Summary: Socially responsible Potter
Review: Potter, Ron, and Hermione unravel the mysteries of the Chamber of Secrets in this second book of the series and in doing so confront the subtle system of classism in England. The school's purebloods (i.e. royals?) have no Muggle blood in them and claim superiority over the mudbloods (commoners?), who fall victim to mysterious attacks. In the end, the hard-working and most talented wizard wins, despite a mix of Muggle blood. So there's a message of acceptance and equality which is long overdue in children's literature.
Rating:
Summary: The most imaginative, excellent books ever written!
Review: Praise for Harry Potter: Harry Potter's adventures in the wizarding and muggle worlds are breathtaking. The Dursleys are the perfect horrible family, right down to the drills. Ron and Hermione are the best friends, being charming, sweet, and funny. Professer Dumbledor is the most humble headmaster ever, while Professor Lockart is the most faked "git" ever created. Quittich, Hagrid, Malfoy, Dobby- who else could imagin and write down these wonderful books down? Of course, only J.K.Rowling. HARRY POTTER BOOKS ARE THE BEST.....EVER!!!
Rating:
Summary: Once again, we learn to expect the unexpected
Review: Rarely does a writer hold your attention for two books with such skill and imagination as J.K. Rowling. I could not wait to get to the second book, now I can't wait to get to the third. Looking back at the misadventures of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, one can see why Rowling is popular and this work will last the test of time. My generation grew up on Tolkien, this generation will always look back fondly at Potter, Super Mario and Pokemon. Harry find himself back at Hogwarts after one of the most bizarre intorduction, a trip over by car. This is the start of what will be a series of events that are part mystery part magical realism. There is of course the familiar elements, Quidditch, the teachers, Hagrid and Dumbledore. We are introduced to Gilderoy Lockhart, Dobby the house-elf and a "few" more interesting creatures - both in the Forest and outside. To give more detail would be to betray the suspense that Rowling so cleverly crafts. However, I will say that Valdemort is as creative as he will ever be. A great "furthering" of Potterisms and the perfect vehicle to slide us into book #3. Enter at your own risk, it is addictive. Once again, learn to expect the unexpected. Read it. Read it and share it with your kids and watch the sparks fly.... Miguel Llora
Rating:
Summary: Readers will enjoy this second taste of Rowling's abilities.
Review: Readers will be enhanced as they follow young Harry through countless accounts of mischeif and mystery. After mysterious warnings from Dobby, a house elf, not to go back to Hagwarts, Harry decides to go anyways. He is met by a new teacher, who thinks that Harry is too famous for his own good, and all his friends, including Ron and Hermione. Unfortunetly, his enemies, Malfoy, Crab, and Goyle, are still there too. Follow the young wizard through countless accounts of mischeif, and enjoy the book. It's wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: A joy to read for children and adults!
Review: Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, author Rowling is able to create a fantasy world that crosses over both to our physical reality and to the reality of today's children. This, the second book, of the series, continues the great work she began in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". This is not a "dumbed-down" book full of silly witches casting bad spells, or even just the tale of one brave boy facing an evil wizard. Rather, it is the tale of a boy who, like so many kids today, must overcome a troubles home life and the greater mystery of finding out who he is in order to succeed. Adults take heed - this may be listed as a children's book, but it keeps selling out my college bookstore at the University of Pennsylvania!
Rating:
Summary: Not just for children!
Review: Rosie O'Donnell was right! This book is definately not just for kids. I hated putting it down and couldn't wait for my next chance to read. At chapter 4, I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Very captivating and exciting...and I don't even like to read! I can't wait for the next one!!!
Rating:
Summary: Another brilliant tale
Review: Rowling creates another masterpiece in her second Harry Potter book. Potter and his friends bite off more than they can chew when they find an old diary, a ghost who confines herself to a toilet, and a mirror that finally shows Harry what he has longed to see-- his parents. This book is a masterpiece, you don't have to read the first one to enjoy this one!
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!!!
Review: Rowling did it again!!!!This book was fantastic! I very much encourage people who like mystery and adventure to read this wonderfully written book.When I read it,I could'nt put it down.Let me tell you a little bit about it... Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is another great book in the Harry Potter series.It is about when Harry Potter gets a warning from a house elf called Dobby. Dobby comes into Harry's bed room and starts telling Harry not to come to Hogwarts that year.He says that there is going to be terible things if Harry goes to Hogwarts. But Harry doesn't listen. Harry wants to be with his only friends(Ron and Hermione). So... Harry leaves with the Weaslys later that night to go to Rons house the Burrow and there he uses Floo powder to get to Diagon Ally (to get his school supplies). And there he meets his new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher.Also his arch enamy,Draco Malfoy.I can't tell you any more,it will give away the story.You will have to find out the rest when you read it!
Rating:
Summary: Can't Wait Till It Comes Out
Review: Rowling did so good with the last book (Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone), I'm certain this next book will be just as good. It's not out yet, but if you're skeptical about it, DON'T be! I can assure you that it is wonderful.
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