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From amazon.com
A Few Words from J.K. Rowling
"I am an extraordinarily lucky person, doing what I love best in the world. I’m sure that I will always be a writer. It was wonderful enough just to be published. The greatest reward is the enthusiasm of the readers." --J.K. Rowling.
Find out more about Harry's creator in our exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.
Why We Love Harry
Favorite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favorite moments, characters, and artifacts from all five books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill five books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
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| Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hardcover Paperback Adult | Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback Adult | Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback Adult | Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback Adult | Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback Adult |
Did You Know?
 | The Little White Horse was J.K. Rowling's favorite book as a child. |  | Jane Austen is Rowling's favorite author. |  | Roddy Doyle is Rowling's favorite living writer. |
Books in Canada
"Where is that person leading our children?" asked the people of Hamelin. I asked myself the same question as I read this sixth installment of the Harry Potter series. Dark and disturbing, it patently paves the way for a final showdown between Harry and his arch-enemy Voldemort; it's a confrontation that can only bring our hero terrible suffering and possibly, in the tradition of mythic sacrifice, death. Since Harry and the books about him have been steadily maturing along with their initial readers, I have no qualms in stating that this penultimate book is unsuitable for anyone under twelve, and I am horrified to hear of parents reading it to younger children. At the same time, as an aside, I'm beginning to wonder if herein lies the reason why a modern Canadian children's writer has yet to achieve real international status. Both writers and editors of Cankidslit tend to play it safe, protecting their readers. A quick glance at world class rankings shows authors doing the opposite, e.g., JK Rowling, Garth Nix, Philip Pullman. Rightly or wrongly, these writers appear not to worry about the effect they might have on children who follow their stories into the darkest of places.
Back to the book at hand. Here's an odd thing. On my first reading of it, I thought it less captivating than its predecessors, unremittingly dark with none of Rowling's trademark humour, tediously overweighted with expositional dialogue (its chief flaw) and generally banal in prose. I wondered if I was suffering from series fatigue or inevitable disappointment due to unreasonable expectations. Then, upon a second reading, my opinion changed utterly! As I was no longer in a narrative panic-impaled and impelled by the plot, desperate to know what happened next-I was able to savour the story, to admire its construction, and to enjoy the fun (there is a lot, surprisingly, in what is a harrowing tale) while also marvelling at the author's grasp of teen psychology, envying her astonishing inventiveness, and ultimately agreeing with my own teen reader that a plain, direct style was appropriate for such dark material.
It was this book, too, which underscored for me the degree to which Harry is fundamentally alone in the universe as he faces his fate and the cruel fact of death. Is this the truth behind Rowling's phenomenal success: her unique creation of a secular enchantment? For she has made a magical world in which there is no God or religion or formal ethos or ideology. (Note: her references to Christmas are entirely about gifts and the "power of love" as professed by Dumbledore exists in no consistent or ubiquitous form.) Perhaps this is also the real reason why the Christian fundamentalists and the Vatican denounce her? And is this why she crosses all cultural and national boundaries, and why youth in particular, who are secular at heart, respond to her?
A final point: Even on second reading it was not obvious to me where the story was going. That Rowling can do this, extend the mystery and suspense over so many books-and such large ones at that-shows the magnitude and ingenuity of her vision. This is an epic tale with a vast cast of fascinating characters and creatures. I am surprised and dismayed at the general refusal of other writers and critics to recognize what she has accomplished as a literary feat, regardless of her worldwide recognition and absurd sales. Insistence on the flaws is no excuse. What perfect book is she being measured against? No matter what the begrudgers, anti-popes, and psychobabbling Byatts have to say, this series is a masterpiece.
OR Melling (Books in Canada)
--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
Back to the book at hand. Here's an odd thing. On my first reading of it, I thought it less captivating than its predecessors, unremittingly dark with none of Rowling's trademark humour, tediously overweighted with expositional dialogue (its chief flaw) and generally banal in prose. I wondered if I was suffering from series fatigue or inevitable disappointment due to unreasonable expectations. Then, upon a second reading, my opinion changed utterly! As I was no longer in a narrative panic-impaled and impelled by the plot, desperate to know what happened next-I was able to savour the story, to admire its construction, and to enjoy the fun (there is a lot, surprisingly, in what is a harrowing tale) while also marvelling at the author's grasp of teen psychology, envying her astonishing inventiveness, and ultimately agreeing with my own teen reader that a plain, direct style was appropriate for such dark material.
It was this book, too, which underscored for me the degree to which Harry is fundamentally alone in the universe as he faces his fate and the cruel fact of death. Is this the truth behind Rowling's phenomenal success: her unique creation of a secular enchantment? For she has made a magical world in which there is no God or religion or formal ethos or ideology. (Note: her references to Christmas are entirely about gifts and the "power of love" as professed by Dumbledore exists in no consistent or ubiquitous form.) Perhaps this is also the real reason why the Christian fundamentalists and the Vatican denounce her? And is this why she crosses all cultural and national boundaries, and why youth in particular, who are secular at heart, respond to her?
A final point: Even on second reading it was not obvious to me where the story was going. That Rowling can do this, extend the mystery and suspense over so many books-and such large ones at that-shows the magnitude and ingenuity of her vision. This is an epic tale with a vast cast of fascinating characters and creatures. I am surprised and dismayed at the general refusal of other writers and critics to recognize what she has accomplished as a literary feat, regardless of her worldwide recognition and absurd sales. Insistence on the flaws is no excuse. What perfect book is she being measured against? No matter what the begrudgers, anti-popes, and psychobabbling Byatts have to say, this series is a masterpiece.
OR Melling (Books in Canada)
--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Da Do Won-Won-Won, Da Do Won-Won,
By
This review is from: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Children's Paperback Edition (Paperback)
Orphaned as a baby and subsequently raised (in the loosest possible terms) by his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, Harry's early years were thoroughly miserable. Although he had been told his parents had been killed in a car crash, in reality they were murdered by an evil wizard called Voldemort. Harry, however, somehow survived this attack and Voldemort subsequently disappeared for many years. Tracked down by an apparent giant called Hagrid on his eleventh birthday, Harry discovered he was a wizard and has since been attending Hogwarts - a very prestigious school for training young witches and wizards. The school's headmaster Albus Dumbledore, considered by many to be the greatest wizard of modern times, has become something of a role model to Harry. His time has Hogwarts has provided also him with some of the happiest moments of his life : he has made friends for the first time (Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and Hagrid being the most notable) and has become the Seeker on Gryffindor's Quidditch team. (Gryffindor is Harry's house, while Quidditch is the most popular wizard sport). Unfortunately, it has also become apparent that Voldemort's disappearance was only temporary, and his desire to kill Harry has not lessened. Furthermore, some of his key followers are also at Hogwarts. Professor Snape, the Potions teacher who has picked on Harry from the day he arrived, was a noted Death Eater. Draco Malfoy, Harry's arch-nemesis among the student body, is the son of another noted Death Eater...who, thanks to Harry, is now in prison.
The Order of the Phoenix is a secret society formed by Dumbledore to lead the fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Snape, despite being a former Death Eater, has also been admitted - although Harry believes this is a mistake, Dumbledore is convinced Snape has fully turned his back on his former master. However, as "The Half-Blood Prince" opens it appears that Harry's fears may be correct. Snape meets with Draco Malfoy's mother, Narcissa, and aunt, Bellatrix - both Death Eaters - in a small and dirty house in London. Although he may be working undercover for Dumbledore, the details of this meeting suggest he may actually be working undercover for Voldemort. It also becomes apparent that Voldemort, angry that Lucius failed in his mission at the end of "The Order of the Phoenix", has given Draco a very dangerous assignment. Harry's ambition after leaving school is to be an Auror and, to be selected for this position, he needs to have done well at NEWT Level in Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions. While Harry has always excelled in Defence Against the Dark Arts, Snape has made it clear he will not accept anyone into his NEWT-level Potions class who hasn't achieved the top grade at OWL Level. When Harry's OWL results come through, it seems his dream is over : while he's done well in Potions, he hasn't achieved the top grade. However, on returning to Hogwarts, he finds that Snape has been appointed the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher while the new Potions teacher, Horace Slughorn is more than happy to accept him into the Potions class. Since he hadn't bought any books for the Potions course in Diagon Alley, Slughorn lends Harry an old copy of the textbook from the classroom's store. It puts Harry at an immediate advantage over his classmates, thanks to some very helpful notes made by its previous owner...someone who called himself the 'Half-Blood Prince'. Dumbledore has decided to give Harry some additional 'classes' this year, where he learns more about Voldemort's past. However, they're not very regular as Dumbledore seems to be spending a lot of time away from Hogwarts. Furthermore, Dumbledore seems to have had a difficult summer as he arrives back at school with a very badly burned hand. He also has in his possession a ring that once belonged to Salazar Slytherin and his heir - Lord Voldemort. With "The Half-Blood Prince", J.K Rowling has written another excellent book - although quite dark in places, it's very enjoyable and is very easily read. I was particularly looking forward to seeing how Harry's rivalry with Malfoy would intensify and I wasn't let down. What did surprise me, though, was how Draco coped with his task - and I'm now very curious to see what he'll get up to in the next book. (The same goes for Snape - for some reason, I'm not entirely sure he's all he appears to be - and I have a feeling that Mundungus Fletcher's brief appearance in this book might yet prove significant). The only disappointment was that Luna and Neville didn't feature more. If you're new to Harry Potter, I would recommend reading the series in order - this is the sixth book in the series and it picks up on certain events from the previous instalments. However, that shouldn't be too much of a burden, as the previous books are also very enjoyable !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Grippin',
By
This review is from: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (Hardcover)
JK Rowling's 6th book has sat on my desk for over two years. I bought it the day it came out in 2005 and tried reading the first chapter, but it never caught my attention. Now, July 2007, Harry Potter craze again, I attempted a second time. Again, the first chapter was unappealing, but I forced myself to get past it. As the plot thickens, I could no longer hold the book down. However, I definately found it to be a let down that Rowling exposed so much in chapter 2 about Snape and Bellatrix. It did set the tone for the book, but it also made it terribly predictable. Good thing for her wonderful narrative to keep me interested and the continual trips into the penseive. The unfortunate ending was a little too predictable for me, otherwise well written as usual!
I had hoped the 6th book would close several doors, but it only opened the plot up for new ideas and hopefully a spectacular end to the series.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rowling weavers another wonder!!!,
By
This review is from: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (Hardcover)
Lord Voldemort is alive and the wizard community is in an uproar. The Death Eaters evil deeds are spreading beyond the wizard world and threatening the muggle world. Dementors are everywhere draining all light, hope, and happiness. All the while plots abound (Is Harry really "The Chosen One'?), danger is around every corner (has Draco become a Death Eater?), and Harry, Ron, and Hermione still have to decide on what course to take for their N.E.W.T's (Nasty Exhausting Wizarding Tests). Ah, to be a 16 year old wizard. Author JK Rowling has once again weaved a riveting adventure that's suspenseful, gripping, and imaginative. A darker book in an increasngly dark series (there's another death that effects Harry deeply), but Potter fans will undoubtedly read it from cover to cover, over and over again, while waiting for the grand finale. I know I will. :) Other suggested reading: "The Chronicles of Narnia" by CS Lewis and "GAAK" by Darryl Hughes. Both wonderful all age adventures.
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