All Things Harry Potter

All Things Harry Potter

I recently finished reading J.K. Rowling's screenplay of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I still haven't seen the movie (her original writing was a greater priority), but on top of rereading the series twice last year as well as enjoying Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for the first time last fall, it's been an HP party round here.

My next stop will be slowly accumulating Jim Kay's new illustrated editions. So far copies of Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets have been released. Have any of you read those versions? What did you think of the new illustrations?

I'll be taking an HP break for some time (I'm averaging about five years between rereads). Instead, I'm looking forward to her two promised releases this year, one under her own name and another as Robert Galbraith. If you haven't read her Cormoran Strike series and you like gritty mysteries--very gritty, you've been warned--you should check them out.

Here's my round-up on all things Harry Potter, with short takeaway thoughts and links to my longer reviews.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (#1)

I still cry every time Neville earns ten points. Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (#2)

(1) Why don't they study literature, humanities, or the arts at Hogwarts? (2) Fred is my favorite Weasley twin. Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (#3)

I know that Sirius is beloved, but I've always favored Lupin--his illness and what he symbolizes as a rejected, misunderstood man is so heartbreaking. He lived in James and Sirius' shadows and was relegated to the fringes of society but he never becomes bitter. I love that he is one of JK Rowling's favorite characters in the entire series. Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (#4)

Mrs. Weasley's love and concern for Harry since she first spotted him alone on the train platform in book one is endlessly beautiful. Of course my heart warms when after everything Harry's been through at the conclusion of The Goblet of Fire, it's her maternal hug that comforts him: "He had no memory of ever being hugged like this, as though by a mother." Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (#5)

The first three hundred pages is my least favorite section in the series because Harry is so moody and annoying all the time. After Hermoine suggests they form Dumbledore's Army, however, it's pretty fantastic. I also love Fred and George's grand exit from Hogwarts and their parting words to Peeves. Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (#6)

I remember when I first read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince how intense everything felt when Harry finally gets Scrimgour's memory and learns about the horcruxes. Even though each book progressively heightens the danger, Harry's journey with Dumbledore and then the battle in Hogwarts and its outcome left me a bit shell-shocked. The burden Harry feels at having to finish these tasks alone is so great and I love how Ron and Hermoine immediately remind him they'll be there at his side without any hesitation which I find tremendously brave. Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (#7)

There's nothing like a great story. I adore the conclusion to this series, the adventure, the bravery, the sacrifice, and how it brings me to tears every time I read it. Thank you, J.K. Rowling! Full review here.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (#8)

Hooray for more Harry Potter. Full review here.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

Newt is sweet and endearing. I liked reading about the child characters--Modesty, Chastity, and Credence. The heart of the story lies within the children's pain.  

What did you think of Fantastic Beasts?