Harry Potter and the First-Time Reader, Part 1

Dedicated to my twin, my fellow Ravenclaw.

I think I’m a bit of an anomaly as a lover of books, especially as an English major. You see, I’ve never read or watched Harry Potter. Yes, the magnificent world of Hogwarts was never introduced to me when I was a child. My parents didn’t want me reading them, and I never had any interest. I even took pride in the fact that I hadn’t read or watched them, vowing I would never read them.

Well, that vow is about to be broken. When I was in quarantine back in August, I read the Twilight books because a good friend of mine had been pestering me (lovingly) for years to read them. The plot wasn’t great, and I was more interested in everyone but the main character of Bella Swan. However, that began to make me wonder about other famous franchises I never got into, such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. And with my 21st birthday quickly approaching at the time of writing this (now four months have passed at the posting of it), I have this urge to submerge myself into the worlds of entertainment that I never visited when I was little. 

So here I am, about to dive into the world of Harry Potter. I’ve seen countless spoilers, so J.K. Rowling is going to have to impress me with the story and characters she has created if she wants to keep me entertained. I’ve decided to give my thoughts on each book as I read them, as well as the movies when I watch them after reading the books. Without further ado, let’s jump in! 

—SPOILERS AHEAD. PROCEED WITH CAUTION.—

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

It was very easy to slip into Rowling’s wizarding world. I know there’s been critiques of her writing style within the writing world, but I actually really enjoy it. It’s an easy read, but that’s what I like when I read for entertainment. Characterization is her strong suit. I can picture all the characters as I’m reading (though having seen clips of the movies helps, too.) Hermione is my favorite character so far, and Hedwig (Harry’s owl) is probably my second favorite. Plot-wise, it was pretty good. Rowling definitely set the stage for the coming books. The ending for this novel was great. While you’re led to believe one thing, the reality is different but not a total plot twist that is pure shock factor. 

I think the biggest surprise for me was just how comfortable I settled into the world of Hogwarts. In the last chapter, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the Hogwarts Express going home for the summer, and I was struck with a sadness that I didn’t expect. I don’t know if it's my current situation of being home from college for the semester, but I so badly want to go to Hogwarts and learn about potions and spells and learn how to ride a broomstick and sneak around the castle at night with my friends. There is something truly magical (aside from the obvious) about Hogwarts, and I know I’m going to fall more and more in love with it. Oh, and as for which house I belong to, I’m pretty sure I’m a Ravenclaw, though I know my friends want me to take the sorting hat quiz just to confirm it. 

Favorite quote: “The truth,” Dumbledore sighed. “It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” (Chapter 17: The Man with Two Faces)

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

I liked this book very much, more than the first one. The plot had a lot more twists and turns than the previous book. Contrary to what you might think, knowing several spoilers makes reading this series even more intriguing. It’s like a game against yourself, trying to shift through all the tiny spoilers and seeing if it’ll come together like a puzzle. Sometimes it does, other times it delightfully doesn’t. For example, I knew of Tom Riddle and who he was, but getting to that part was suspenseful and I liked how Rowling got us from point A to point B to point C. 

I’ve stated this for book one but I’ll state it again: Hermione is my favorite character. I find it hilarious that she’s such a stickler for the rules, yet will turn around and do some school-expulsion rule-breaking, such as brewing an illicit potion in the girls’ bathroom when she, Harry, and Ron need answers. I’ve seen commentary that she would’ve made a very good Slytherin… and I have to agree. 

I’m excited for book three. I’ve picked up on the crumbs Rowling has left us throughout books one and two, and my twin Alex has told me that book three is where the dark magic really starts to appear. I’m keeping my eye on Draco Malfoy and his family, and I’m interested to see what happens with Snape. I know we will be introduced to some new characters, and I can’t wait. 

Favorite quote: “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” —Dumbledore (Chapter 18: Dobby’s Reward)

Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

When I started reading Harry Potter, I wondered when some of the dark magic would start leaking through the pages (or in my case, the phone screen). I only had to wait until book three. The main plot revolves around the wizard Sirius Black, who has just escaped Azkaban—the max-security prison of the Wizarding World. He was accused of killing thirteen people, two of them being Harry’s parents, Lily and James. All wizards and muggles (non-wizards) are in an upheaval trying to catch this dangerous man. We are also introduced to Dementors, scary, wraith-like creatures that suck the literal happiness out of anyone. 

Before Harry returns to Hogwarts for his third year, he overhears from Ron’s father that Black broke out of prison so that he could kill Harry and reunite with Voldemort. Harry being Harry, isn’t too shaken, and goes about his year dividing his time between his coursework and Quidditch practices. However, since he is the technical Chosen One, trouble always finds him.

We’re finally introduced to the Marauders, a group of four boys that attended Hogwarts years ago; the group was made up of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Turns out, Black is Harry’s godfather. 

As stated before, I’ve read many spoilers for this series, but apparently not as many for this particular book. I was constantly surprised at the twists and turns throughout. There were times I was gripping my phone so hard, I was afraid I was going to break it! The ending left me with a feeling of bittersweetness. I also loved how this book didn't focus on Voldemort much. I loved the characters and history that were introduced, and I find myself even more invested in the story and what is to happen. Again, I love that the book ends with Harry, Ron, and Hermione on the Hogwarts Express. There’s something so nostalgic about it. 

Favorite quote: “You think the dead we have loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don’t recall them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself more plainly when you have need of him.” —Dumbledore (Chapter 22: Owl Post Again)

Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I read a third of this book back in early April before quickly finishing it in three days in mid-June. Currently I’m sitting here still digesting it and wondering what in the world I’m going to write about it because oh my god. Instead of the yearly Quidditch tournament between the Hogwarts houses, the Triwizard Tournament takes place, with one champion competing from three different wizarding schools. However, Harry’s name is also added to the Goblet of Fire—which selects the best student to compete—and so two students compete from Hogwarts. 

The book centers around the question of who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire, and it covers the three different tasks that take place throughout the school year at Hogwarts. Things get insane, thought, in the last eight or so chapters, as Voldemort finally resurrects in a body that is his. Harry is nearly killed by the Dark Lord, and Cedric—a Hufflepuff who was selected to compete in the tournament by the Goblet—is killed. I was reading as fast as I could at the end of the book. My eyes couldn’t move fast enough!

I knew Cedric would die, but that was the only spoiler I knew from this book. I was shocked to find out who put Harry’s name in the Goblet, and the twists and turns amazed me. I loved how JKR expounded on Harry’s character. A few of my favorite scenes include the first task, where Harry has to survive a dragon, and the Yule Ball was very fun. However—sorry, not sorry—Dobby, Winky, and the house-elves really annoy me. Also, I don’t trust Cornelius Fudge with an inch of my life. 

Favorite quote: “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” —Sirius Black (Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns)

Thank you for joining me on the first part of my Harry Potter journey! I saw a video a few months ago that said the first four books of Harry Potter were mysteries and the last three books were war stories. I am, needless to say, on the edge of my seat as to what is going to happen next. I know it’s not going to be good. I hope you’ll be here next week to read my thoughts on books 5, 6, and 7!