Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (Re-Reading)

Synopsis:
The Dursleys were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny. But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone — or something — starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects . . . Harry Potter himself!

My Review:
I loved it all over again! It is so interesting to me to go back and read these books from the start knowing what is coming in the end. The way J.K. Rowling foreshadows and weaves everything together is simply amazing! I am not sure how Harry can go through some of the scary situations he does and still be ok at the end of the day. He is 12 after all in this book and yet he shows extraordinary courage no matter what he comes up against. It is somewhat surprising that these are considered children’s book considering how scary they get but I think kids can handle more than we give them credit for. It also has one of my favorite quotes said by Dumbledore to Harry regarding Harry being sorted into Gryffindor. Dumbledore said “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities” and I believe that to be true. There are some great supporting characters introduced such as Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart. Lockhart is a scream-arrogant, pompous, and a complete fraud but hilarious. He had some great phrases like “Celebrity is as celebrity does” or “Fame is a fickle friend.” I also love the scenes with the Weasleys at The Burrow and all the flying car bits. To sum it up, it is more action, more adventure, and more magic! Great!