Boys Rule Boys Read!: Harry Potter Update # 3--TRIUMPH!!

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Harry Potter Update # 3--TRIUMPH!!

A triumph of sheer MANLINESS!!

Yes, guys, the Iron Guy's iron determination and persistence has triumphed once again!! I had set a goal of reading that massively intimidating book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by the end of March. Of course, even the MANLIEST of MANLY MEN might have faltered at such an enormous task and even I questioned whether or not I could have done it. HA!! Let us forever banish such foolish thoughts! I not only finished the book but made it with a week to spare (I finished last Saturday), a testament to the Iron Guy's rugged fortitude!!

Well, that and the fact that this is such a terrific read that I couldn't pull myself away from it! Let me tell you, guys, this is ONE TERRIFIC BOOK!! If you are not familiar with the story, let me fill you in. The incredibly evil Lord Voldemort returned in the fourth book. (The Goblet of Fire) Harry Potter not only saw him but narrowly escaped with his life from that encounter. The Ministry of Magic refused to believe in Voldemort's return, however, and set about to discredit Harry and anyone, like Dumbledore, who believed him. In fact, the Ministry went so far as to appoint the wretched Dolores Umbridge as the new Headmistress of Hogwarts to enforce its schemes. But the One-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is alive and active and seeking a weapon which would make him more powerful than all the other wizards. Harry Potter keeps having dreams in which he goes down a long corridor, then up to a door that leads to--well, could it be weapon that Voldemort seeks? And what will happen if Voldemort gets there first?

As I said, this is ONE TERRIFIC BOOK!! The first four books were good but they never grabbed me as they did the rest of the world. Yes, I enjoyed all the delightful magic in those books and sympathized with poor Harry in the Dursey household and when picked on by the Slytherins at Hogwarts but, overall, I found those books interesting but not absorbing.

All that changed with The Order of the Phoenix.

This one started off with Dementors attacking Harry and his cousin Dudley and it took off from there. You never knew when Voldemort or Dolores Umbridge would strike next, so that made me keep turning pages to find out what would happen--something that was missing for much of the first four books.
And that ending! Enough slam-bang action to satisfy any guy. And a really big surprise. Plus some big reveals that not only give Harry a more dangerous load to carry but also shed some light on the . Danger, suspense, mysteries, action, bad guys who are really bad, powerful wizards and all the delightful, goofy and whimsical magic that J. K. Rowling does so well--what more could a guy want??

Some grownups have told me this is their favorite Harry Potter book and I can see why. Be sure to check it out--but not until you've read the others! This series builds on itself and you won't enjoy it nearly as much unless you've read the first four. Which, if you haven't started them, would be a great idea over Spring Break! But,then, that's tomorrow's post.

3 comments:

Greg Pattridge said...: I have plans to re-read this one in the summer. How could I not with your enthusiastic review. And month ago you never thought you'd finish! Congratulations.; April 2, 2018 at 11:44 AM
Patricia T. said...: Congratulations! Love the picture! I'm glad you enjoyed the book so much. I still like the magical feel of the first four books for younger kids. I had trouble with the darkness until I really got into them. I am glad kids can grow into the books.

Okay, so when do you start "The Half Blood Prince?" You really begin to understand the depth of Voldemort and what Harry is really up against. And, wait to you get to "The Deathly Hollows," you'll won't believe the size of that book. But, it's worth it!; April 2, 2018 at 3:02 PM
Iron Guy Carl said...: Yeah, I’m already lifting barbells to prepare for The Deathly Hallows. I’d like to start The Half-Blood Prince but need something light after this.; April 3, 2018 at 3:39 PM

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