Review ~ Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5

TITLE: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings

COPYRIGHT: June 1, 2003
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 870
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
The fifth hefty installment to J.K. Rowling's renowned Harry Potter series takes a uniquely psychological and intensely dark turn, bringing the boy wizard at odds with his own identity and friendships as he continues to fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Now fifteen years old with four Voldemort battles under his belt, Harry feels frustrated about the growing public skepticism about the Dark Lord's return. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic is also voicing its doubt, and all of Hogwarts comes under the watchful eye of an oppressive Ministry representative. Despite the additional problems of looming O.W.L. exams and Hagrid's inexplicable absence, Harry's main preoccupation is his vivid dreams that take him to places -- and make him witness events -- that horrify and intrigue him. These dreams provide a shocking clue to his very existence, and when eventually they lead Harry to confrontation, the wizard must cope with a tragic death and a telling prophecy about his future.

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
I have to admit this is my Favorite book out of the series so far. The first time I read through this series I was more of a fan of the Goblet of Fire. This time I have changed my mind. Harry is growing up he isn’t perfect and well everyone around him who knows him sees it. He’s more selfish, his immaturity really shines here, and his frustrations as a teenager suck you in. I really feel that this is the book that Harry can fully grow into his own and we as the audience get a sense of what is to come. Honestly after this book I didn’t think that the chosen one was such a great thing.

THINGS I LIKED:
I love that Harry is becoming the man he is suppose to be. That being said Ms. Rowlings kept him a teenager by making him feel left out, forgotten, him against the world, selfish thoughts even though he thought he wasn’t being that way. Harry to me became more like a real 15 year old boy instead of the poor boy who lost his family.

I love the Order and discovering who is in and who isn’t. Learning about the first time that Voldemort came and how they barely managed to survive. To me this helps us understand the real danger out there.

I loved how Ron and Hermione became even better friends with Harry sticking with him through all the doubt that the magical world had. They were doing everything they could to make him not feel alone. They took the laughter and ridicule too even though they didn’t have to. They really proved to Harry and us no matter what they are with him through it all.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
Everything I disliked about this book was more like I hated how everyone doubted Harry until he proved it kind of things. Nothing is wrong with this story there are parts where it drags. Parts where I wanted to shake Harry and tell him to get over it and well parts where I wanted to stand up and yell at people making fun of Harry. But, there was nothing over all wrong with this story its still a favorite of mine and one I am sure I will re-read again.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me

Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
I Dream of Genies by Judi Fennell