Every few years or so, when I feel in need for a lift in my spirits, I turn to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. Because honestly, if the magical world can't cheer you up then what can? (Oh alright, travelling and shopping helps too!) But if you are looking for some cheer in the quiet solitude of your home, Harry Potter could be your answer as it has been mine for so long.
Reading the whole series puts my imagination and emotions on overdrive. I laugh with the characters and cry with them, I go on their adventures with them. I don't battle evil with them obviously but they will always find a steadfast supporter in me!
The world created by J.K. Rowling might not truly be real but it is a world that saw me through a bulk of my growing years and some really difficult times. And for that my appreciation for this author will always be immense.
While I do love each and every book in the series (Truly! The whole series really comes together beautifully and there is not a single book I feel we could do without), there are some books that I absolutely love revisiting more than others. And in this post I will rank them according to my preference of how much I look forward to rereading them.
Do note that there will be LOTS OF SPOILERS because come on, how can I possibly rank the books without at least discussing some of the characters or plot points. Maybe in another post I might consider ranking them for someone newly venturing into this magical world. Because how could you not have read them yet?
So without further words, let's begin...
I wish to say here that it was tough to place any of the Harry Potter books in this not very desirable last spot. But since I am ranking them, I hardened against the protests of my heart and mercilessly set out to 'feel' the books. And OoP came out the last unfortunately.
Without a doubt, there is a lot going for it - the brief insight into the running of the Order of Phoenix, the introduction of a brilliant supporting character - Luna Lovegood, setting up of Dumbledore's Army right under the watchful eyes of the detestable Umbridge, Fred and George's splendid escape from Hogwarts ...
But then when I looked at the things I don't look forward to reading, the list becomes even longer! From the first chapter, we are introduced to Harry's darker moods, the dementors' attack, his being expelled. Then he goes on to unleash his bad mood onto his closest friends (that for me always makes for a very cringy read). Yes it does make him a more down-to-earth and relatable person. Still doesn't make it pleasant reading.
Umbridge (perhaps the person I hated most in the whole series, even considering Voldemort or Bellatrix) tottered into Hogwarts on her short, stumpy legs and just ruined the whole of Harry's fifth year at school. His detention with her always makes the back of my right hand itch. Harry being banned from playing Quidditch, his uncomfortable romance and just the whole magical community thinking he had gone bonkers further adds to the overall unpleasantness of the book.
Which brings me to the part that never fails to make me cry - Sirius's death. That felt a bit like it came out of nowhere, really. I mean what was the significance of the veiled archway anyway? Besides that it killed Sirius. Totally derailed me and not in a good way.
The last chapter was a near impossible read. Harry dealing with the death of his godfather, desperately seeking answers from a ghost - wanting to know of there was a chance Sirius could still be present among the living.
The part that always gets me bawling again was when he opened the package Sirius gave him and out came a mirror. A mirror he could have used to communicate with Sirius in the first place, a mirror that would have prevented him from rushing off to the Ministry of Magic in some misguided notion that Sirius needed rescuing. A mirror that would have meant Sirius wouldn't have stormed over to the Ministry to aid Harry, wouldn't have battled Death Eaters nor fallen through the veiled arch to his death. No no no! My fragile heart just can't take it anymore.
And so here lies The Order of The Phoenix, the most devastating read of the series and the one I least look forward to reread.
So yes, I believe I got a little carried away in my writing. Promise that from now on the comments on the individual books will be much shorter!
I have a feeling this is the point I am going to get lots of howls of outrage and disbelief. 'She placed my favorite book last!' many will chime in. At which point I might even lose a couple of readers.
Reading the whole series puts my imagination and emotions on overdrive. I laugh with the characters and cry with them, I go on their adventures with them. I don't battle evil with them obviously but they will always find a steadfast supporter in me!
The world created by J.K. Rowling might not truly be real but it is a world that saw me through a bulk of my growing years and some really difficult times. And for that my appreciation for this author will always be immense.
While I do love each and every book in the series (Truly! The whole series really comes together beautifully and there is not a single book I feel we could do without), there are some books that I absolutely love revisiting more than others. And in this post I will rank them according to my preference of how much I look forward to rereading them.
Do note that there will be LOTS OF SPOILERS because come on, how can I possibly rank the books without at least discussing some of the characters or plot points. Maybe in another post I might consider ranking them for someone newly venturing into this magical world. Because how could you not have read them yet?
So without further words, let's begin...
7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)
Without a doubt, there is a lot going for it - the brief insight into the running of the Order of Phoenix, the introduction of a brilliant supporting character - Luna Lovegood, setting up of Dumbledore's Army right under the watchful eyes of the detestable Umbridge, Fred and George's splendid escape from Hogwarts ...
But then when I looked at the things I don't look forward to reading, the list becomes even longer! From the first chapter, we are introduced to Harry's darker moods, the dementors' attack, his being expelled. Then he goes on to unleash his bad mood onto his closest friends (that for me always makes for a very cringy read). Yes it does make him a more down-to-earth and relatable person. Still doesn't make it pleasant reading.
Umbridge (perhaps the person I hated most in the whole series, even considering Voldemort or Bellatrix) tottered into Hogwarts on her short, stumpy legs and just ruined the whole of Harry's fifth year at school. His detention with her always makes the back of my right hand itch. Harry being banned from playing Quidditch, his uncomfortable romance and just the whole magical community thinking he had gone bonkers further adds to the overall unpleasantness of the book.
Which brings me to the part that never fails to make me cry - Sirius's death. That felt a bit like it came out of nowhere, really. I mean what was the significance of the veiled archway anyway? Besides that it killed Sirius. Totally derailed me and not in a good way.
The last chapter was a near impossible read. Harry dealing with the death of his godfather, desperately seeking answers from a ghost - wanting to know of there was a chance Sirius could still be present among the living.
The part that always gets me bawling again was when he opened the package Sirius gave him and out came a mirror. A mirror he could have used to communicate with Sirius in the first place, a mirror that would have prevented him from rushing off to the Ministry of Magic in some misguided notion that Sirius needed rescuing. A mirror that would have meant Sirius wouldn't have stormed over to the Ministry to aid Harry, wouldn't have battled Death Eaters nor fallen through the veiled arch to his death. No no no! My fragile heart just can't take it anymore.
And so here lies The Order of The Phoenix, the most devastating read of the series and the one I least look forward to reread.
So yes, I believe I got a little carried away in my writing. Promise that from now on the comments on the individual books will be much shorter!
6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)
Trust me, I do know that this is a fan favorite book and I honestly did consider placing the book higher up the list so I don't have to face the rebukes. But at the end of the day, it is my true ranking! I always felt the least interested in rereading the third book of the series. It might even have beat out OoP for the last place except that OoP was a little too gloomy.
So why is PoA in the far-from-coveted second-last ranking? After all it wasn't a depressing read like OoP, far from it in fact. This third book is one of the more uplifting books of the series. To be honest I can't point to the exact reason why. I just felt like I could have missed reading the book and still follow up with the subsequent book. Major plot points covered - Sirius is Harry's godfather and one hell of a misunderstood man.
If there is one thing I know about the second book of the series it is that it is a better read than the first one. So I was always clear when ranking where to place it in relation to Book 1. Unfortunately, this is not a popular opinion (again!) and this little gem has consistently been ranked at the bottom of most fan's list.
The final installment of the Harry Potter saga had the tough job of tying up all the loose ends from the previous six books and just making sure the greatest, most powerful dark wizard of all time, Voldemort, is defeated beyond all doubt. A tough feat to be sure. But boy, did J.K. Rowling do a freaking amazing job!
From the get-go there wasn't a moment's respite in terms of action. Whether it is getting Harry safely away from Privet Drive or running from the chaos of Bill's wedding and then escaping from the Death Eaters soon after or closely escaping Voldemort at Godric's Hollow and the Malfoy Manor or the breakout from Gringotts on a blind dragon and not to mention the final battle scenes. Phew. LOTS OF ACTION!
But when you reread a book, you already know how the story ends anyway so I wasn't wondering how things would play out the whole time. And guess what? I realize HBP is probably one of the best written books in the series. There is just something about it that felt balanced. Sure it was dark. But there was a fair bit of romance in it too. And a fair bit of intrigue - wondering who the half blood prince was.
This was the book that also made me empathize with Draco, something I never thought would ever happen considering what an ass he had always been. And at the end I always feel sad when I put myself in Snape's shoes, doing what was asked of him despite how difficult it's going to be (this of course, with knowing how Book 7 ends).
So why is PoA in the far-from-coveted second-last ranking? After all it wasn't a depressing read like OoP, far from it in fact. This third book is one of the more uplifting books of the series. To be honest I can't point to the exact reason why. I just felt like I could have missed reading the book and still follow up with the subsequent book. Major plot points covered - Sirius is Harry's godfather and one hell of a misunderstood man.
Enough said, bring me book 4.
5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1)
The book that marked the start of the series and from that first chapter - 'The Boy Who Lived' pushed me to complete the book in record time and hungrily seek the rest of the books! Making me a fan for life! Oh how I wish I could place this higher up on the list.
What happened though, was that J.K.Rowling and her stories just got that much better from here, weaving the magical web so tightly around us that we couldn't help but succumb to it. So here it stays third to last on the list but always holding a very special place in my heart.
I guess the biggest issue with this book is its length - it is too short and the story ended as quickly as it began. Which is completely understandable of course, considering it was initially published with children as the target audience. It just so happened that adults fell in love with the book too. Because really, how could they not?
I guess the biggest issue with this book is its length - it is too short and the story ended as quickly as it began. Which is completely understandable of course, considering it was initially published with children as the target audience. It just so happened that adults fell in love with the book too. Because really, how could they not?
Luckily there are six more follow-up books and so in my rereading whenever I reached the end of PS, it is usually with great eagerness to pounce on the next book, which coincidentally happens to be ranked one up on this list.
4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
If there is one thing I know about the second book of the series it is that it is a better read than the first one. So I was always clear when ranking where to place it in relation to Book 1. Unfortunately, this is not a popular opinion (again!) and this little gem has consistently been ranked at the bottom of most fan's list.
To me CoS always felt a little like a mystery book, kid's version. Because there is duh, a mystery at the heart of the book. And I have always loved a good mystery! Students getting mysteriously Petrified, no one knows who is responsible, there is danger all around, who is next? Who stole the diary from Harry?
It's about answering the question of 'who' first then 'why' next. And J.K.Rowling provided readers with a compelling mystery that kept us guessing until the end and then resolved it beautifully for us.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
From the get-go there wasn't a moment's respite in terms of action. Whether it is getting Harry safely away from Privet Drive or running from the chaos of Bill's wedding and then escaping from the Death Eaters soon after or closely escaping Voldemort at Godric's Hollow and the Malfoy Manor or the breakout from Gringotts on a blind dragon and not to mention the final battle scenes. Phew. LOTS OF ACTION!
There are close saves and danger at regular intervals. Deaths at the snap of the finger it seems. A mysterious ally and that surprising twist (with Snape). It seems like J.K.Rowling did her best to pull out every trick in the hat and it worked on so many levels. DH is a fitting end to a series that gave us so much. And it is a book I look forward to reading even though I know I am close to the end. Boo.
To be honest, when I first read the book I didn't like it all that much. The book is pretty dark especially on first read. Plus I was kind of spoilt about a certain MAJOR character's death which sucked big time! All the while I was reading it I just kept wondering how that character will die which of course kind of ruined the whole experience.
2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Book 6)
But when you reread a book, you already know how the story ends anyway so I wasn't wondering how things would play out the whole time. And guess what? I realize HBP is probably one of the best written books in the series. There is just something about it that felt balanced. Sure it was dark. But there was a fair bit of romance in it too. And a fair bit of intrigue - wondering who the half blood prince was.
This was the book that also made me empathize with Draco, something I never thought would ever happen considering what an ass he had always been. And at the end I always feel sad when I put myself in Snape's shoes, doing what was asked of him despite how difficult it's going to be (this of course, with knowing how Book 7 ends).
There are just many small moments that makes HBP special even if it does end rather sadly (though nothing beats Book 5 for gloomy endings). Just give this one another chance, it might rise in your own ranking.
Fun, FUN, FUNNN is what I associate with the GoF and whenever I want to read a book that gets me all hyped and excited, I run to this fourth book of the series! What with the excitement of the Quiddich World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, J.K.Rowling just up-ed the adventure factor in this book!
Sure, it has really dark undertones to it that emerges at unexpected moments (the dark mark after the World Cup comes to mind), the rise of Voldemort (and the death of a supporting character). But that has been foreshadowed since the first book - we always knew Voldemort was going to come back so why not in this book. Just takes the book to a whole new higher level in my humble opinion with the right dose of light and dark moments.
And the most delicious aspect of the book - its first chapter! Sometimes I take out the book just to read that one chapter. Sends shivers down my body. In a good way. Truly a great introductory chapter!
1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
Sure, it has really dark undertones to it that emerges at unexpected moments (the dark mark after the World Cup comes to mind), the rise of Voldemort (and the death of a supporting character). But that has been foreshadowed since the first book - we always knew Voldemort was going to come back so why not in this book. Just takes the book to a whole new higher level in my humble opinion with the right dose of light and dark moments.
And the most delicious aspect of the book - its first chapter! Sometimes I take out the book just to read that one chapter. Sends shivers down my body. In a good way. Truly a great introductory chapter!
Here, that first chapter was done differently from the first three books. It didn't start with Harry. It didn't even start off positively. For the first time ever, we hear and then see the most feared wizard of all time and we witness him coldly make a kill. We are chilled. We are filled with a feeling of foreboding. But most of all, we are just too intrigued to even think of stopping our reading. And now I have done it! I need to revisit the whole series again. And boy, do I look forward to it.
**SO there you have it. The Harry Potter books ranked according to my personal preferences! Are they similar to your own preference? I would love to hear your thoughts so do share your own ranks!
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