Jayson’s Reviews > Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban > Status Update
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Of all the books, most people say this one's their favorite. I believe a big reason why is it hits the sweet-spot between the middle-grade fare of the first two and the dark seriousness of the last four. On the whole, I enjoyed the last four more, as serial installments of the "Voldemort is back" storyline. But of the standalone books, I like this best.
— Feb 13, 2020 12:10AM
Of all the books, most people say this one's their favorite. I believe a big reason why is it hits the sweet-spot between the middle-grade fare of the first two and the dark seriousness of the last four. On the whole, I enjoyed the last four more, as serial installments of the "Voldemort is back" storyline. But of the standalone books, I like this best.
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Jayson’s Previous Updates
Jayson
is 98% done
Notes:
(1) '"[Sirius Black] didn't disapparate!" Snape roared, now very close at hand. "You can't apparate or disapparate inside this castle! This–has–something–to–do–with–Potter! ... They helped him escape, I know it!"'
- Well, Snape's right about that.
(2) Must get to writing my review. How does one distill Harry Potter in a sentence? It's never easy.
— Mar 13, 2020 12:35AM
Notes:
(1) '"[Sirius Black] didn't disapparate!" Snape roared, now very close at hand. "You can't apparate or disapparate inside this castle! This–has–something–to–do–with–Potter! ... They helped him escape, I know it!"'
- Well, Snape's right about that.
(2) Must get to writing my review. How does one distill Harry Potter in a sentence? It's never easy.
Jayson
is 96% done
Notes:
(1) Hermione: "Harry, I can't believe it... You conjured up a Patronus that drove away all those Dementors! That's very, very advanced magic."
Harry: "I knew I could do it this time because I'd already done it... Does that make sense?"
Hermione: "I don't know."
- It's a chicken and egg paradox... where did the confidence come from to begin with?!
— Mar 12, 2020 12:35AM
Notes:
(1) Hermione: "Harry, I can't believe it... You conjured up a Patronus that drove away all those Dementors! That's very, very advanced magic."
Harry: "I knew I could do it this time because I'd already done it... Does that make sense?"
Hermione: "I don't know."
- It's a chicken and egg paradox... where did the confidence come from to begin with?!
Jayson
is 94% done
Notes:
(1) "From what Harry could see of Hermione's face, she looked terrified."
- One major aspect of Hermione lost in the films is how terrified she is all the time. She gets braver each book. It's called character development!
(2) Harry bows to Buckbeak before leading him away. Who says you never learn anything practical in Care of Magical Creatures?
— Mar 11, 2020 12:30AM
Notes:
(1) "From what Harry could see of Hermione's face, she looked terrified."
- One major aspect of Hermione lost in the films is how terrified she is all the time. She gets braver each book. It's called character development!
(2) Harry bows to Buckbeak before leading him away. Who says you never learn anything practical in Care of Magical Creatures?
Jayson
is 91% done
Notes:
(1) Ron's in the hospital, leaving Harry and Hermione to save the day. It was the other way around last book, which is an interesting bit of mirroring.
(2) "[Madam Pomfrey] was carrying the largest block of chocolate [Harry] had ever seen in his life. It looked like a small boulder."
- I have a feeling medicinal chocolate may not taste so great.
— Mar 10, 2020 12:20AM
Notes:
(1) Ron's in the hospital, leaving Harry and Hermione to save the day. It was the other way around last book, which is an interesting bit of mirroring.
(2) "[Madam Pomfrey] was carrying the largest block of chocolate [Harry] had ever seen in his life. It looked like a small boulder."
- I have a feeling medicinal chocolate may not taste so great.
Jayson
is 87% done
Notes:
(1) "Bandages spun up Ron's leg, strapping it tightly to a splint. Lupin helped him to his feet; Ron put his weight gingerly on the leg and didn't wince."
- Far cry from the film, where Ron's a whimpering wreck. Though, I did get a kick out of film-Ron milking his injuries to bait care and attention from Hermione. Book-Ron would never be so bold!
— Mar 09, 2020 12:10AM
Notes:
(1) "Bandages spun up Ron's leg, strapping it tightly to a splint. Lupin helped him to his feet; Ron put his weight gingerly on the leg and didn't wince."
- Far cry from the film, where Ron's a whimpering wreck. Though, I did get a kick out of film-Ron milking his injuries to bait care and attention from Hermione. Book-Ron would never be so bold!
Jayson
is 82% done
Notes:
(1) Lupin seeing Peter on the Marauder's Map is a spit-take I want to see!
(2) Hermione's awfully naive, assuming every Animagi voluntarily registers with the Ministry. But then, she's new to rule-breaking.
(3) I heard J.K. Rowling say once that being a werewolf was akin to living with AIDS. Really makes you read Lupin's origin story differently.
— Mar 08, 2020 12:10AM
Notes:
(1) Lupin seeing Peter on the Marauder's Map is a spit-take I want to see!
(2) Hermione's awfully naive, assuming every Animagi voluntarily registers with the Ministry. But then, she's new to rule-breaking.
(3) I heard J.K. Rowling say once that being a werewolf was akin to living with AIDS. Really makes you read Lupin's origin story differently.
Jayson
is 79% done
Notes:
(1) "'If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!' [Ron] said fiercely, though the effort of standing upright was draining him of still more color, and he swayed slightly as he spoke."
- Another estimable Ron line/act given to Hermione in the film.
(2) Knowing how the book plays out takes all the edge out of seeing Sirius as a villain.
— Mar 07, 2020 12:10AM
Notes:
(1) "'If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!' [Ron] said fiercely, though the effort of standing upright was draining him of still more color, and he swayed slightly as he spoke."
- Another estimable Ron line/act given to Hermione in the film.
(2) Knowing how the book plays out takes all the edge out of seeing Sirius as a villain.
Jayson
is 77% done
Notes:
(1) I'm getting a definite "Hound of the Baskervilles" vibe at the scene where the Grim pulls Ron below ground.
(2) At the execution scene, both Harry and Hermione fall to pieces. Surprisingly, it's Ron that's the pillar of strength.
(3) The tunnel at the base of the Whomping Willow goes off the Marauder's Map. It's literally uncharted territory.
— Mar 06, 2020 12:15AM
Notes:
(1) I'm getting a definite "Hound of the Baskervilles" vibe at the scene where the Grim pulls Ron below ground.
(2) At the execution scene, both Harry and Hermione fall to pieces. Surprisingly, it's Ron that's the pillar of strength.
(3) The tunnel at the base of the Whomping Willow goes off the Marauder's Map. It's literally uncharted territory.
Jayson
is 75% done
Notes:
(1) Apparently, Ron has giant feet. Could well call him Ronald McDonald instead of Ronald Weasley.
(2) Like Neville, Hermione's boggart is also a teacher. It's McGonagall saying she's failed everything. Unlike Neville, she fails to find the humor in it.
(3) Hermione blushes when Ron compliments her rule-breaking. Weird what passes for sweet-talk.
— Mar 05, 2020 12:10AM
Notes:
(1) Apparently, Ron has giant feet. Could well call him Ronald McDonald instead of Ronald Weasley.
(2) Like Neville, Hermione's boggart is also a teacher. It's McGonagall saying she's failed everything. Unlike Neville, she fails to find the humor in it.
(3) Hermione blushes when Ron compliments her rule-breaking. Weird what passes for sweet-talk.
Jayson
is 73% done
Notes:
(1) Co-ed changing rooms seem like a recipe for disaster.
(2) Penalty shots in quidditch are never adequately explained or described. Is it soccer-style, where the shot's taken from a fixed position? Or is it hockey-style, where the player moves toward the goalkeeper?
(3) Apparently, wizarding trials involve a judge, jury, and executioner.
— Mar 04, 2020 12:29AM
Notes:
(1) Co-ed changing rooms seem like a recipe for disaster.
(2) Penalty shots in quidditch are never adequately explained or described. Is it soccer-style, where the shot's taken from a fixed position? Or is it hockey-style, where the player moves toward the goalkeeper?
(3) Apparently, wizarding trials involve a judge, jury, and executioner.
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Kim
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Feb 13, 2020 12:19AM
I agree, this one is by far the one I love the most.
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Kim wrote: "I agree, this one is by far the one I love the most."Happy to hear that, Kim! 😁👍
Yeah the sweet spot makes sense! My favourite as a kid was actually chamber of secrets out of the kids fare and order of Phoenix as things turn more YA.
Irene wrote: "Yeah the sweet spot makes sense! My favourite as a kid was actually chamber of secrets out of the kids fare and order of Phoenix as things turn more YA."My favorite always seems to change with every reread. The first time I read the series through, my favorite was "Half-Blood Prince." I think because it was all about the relationship drama and I was really into that at the time. The last time I read the series, my favorite was "Order of the Phoenix" because it was the most dense with lore.
That's interesting, this one and the second one were always my least favourites but I think that might just be because I read them so much less than the later ones which I read over and over again as I waited for each subsequent one to be published 😎I really must do like you & reread the whole series one of these days, I do actually own them all now thanks to a friend who gave them to me for my birthday the year before last 🙈
That's great to hear. Looking forward to your thoughts on them if/when you decide to do a reread. I think anticipation can really add value to the experience. Reading becomes more than just a pastime, it becomes an event, and something to look forward to. Comparatively speaking, it's much more exciting than books where things are more or less wrapped up and finished. I was totally there with you, waiting for each of the books to come out, and enjoyed the later books the best as well :)
My favourite is Chamber of Secrets, I just loved the mistery in it. For, idk, 15 years, this is my ultimate favourite Potter book 🙃
Ararita (Okretačica stranica) wrote: "My favourite is Chamber of Secrets, I just loved the mistery in it. For, idk, 15 years, this is my ultimate favourite Potter book 🙃"Glad you enjoy it so much, Ararita! Completely understandable too. If cozy mysteries are your thing, then "Chamber of Secrets" is where it's at. The structure of it's very much like Rowling's Cormoran Strike detective novels, which I sort of see it as a precursor to :)
Jayson wrote: "That's great to hear. Looking forward to your thoughts on them if/when you decide to do a reread. I think anticipation can really add value to the experience. Reading becomes more than just a pasti..."We'll have to see what I'm up to once I plow through Sanderson's backlist...I have fallen hard down that rabbit hole 😅
Aoife - Bookish_Babbling wrote: "We'll have to see what I'm up to once I plow through Sanderson's backlist...I have fallen hard down that rabbit hole 😅"Well, just take it one rabbit hole at a time and things will eventually get done 😁👍
I remember when I first read this as a kid this book was my least favourite. But when I read it when I was older, I realized there were so many interesting moments in this book! I'd say the second and third are my favourite now. :)
Aoife - Bookish_Babbling wrote: "That's the plan 😂"😄
Maya wrote: "I remember when I first read this as a kid this book was my least favourite. But when I read it when I was older, I realized there were so many interesting moments in this book! I'd say the second ..."Nice to hear that, Maya! It's always interesting to hear which ones are people's favorites and why. My favorite book in the series always seems to change as well. I guess we all bring altered and matured perspectives to each reading experience. Plus, the books are each different enough in themes and tone that they do appeal to different age groups differently.
This is my favourite of the series, and also the last one of the books I really enjoyed. Rowling got a little long-winded after this one.
La Coccinelle wrote: "This is my favourite of the series, and also the last one of the books I really enjoyed. Rowling got a little long-winded after this one."Understandable. I think that's the case with a good number of people. Cinder-block epics aren't for everyone. One person's enrichment of lore is another person's failure to get to the point :)
It’s the same with me. My favorite changes with each reread! My last reread was done by audiobook, but I do own the set- like Aoife, a wonderful friend gifted me the set. Jayson, your gif-filled updates make me want to do a reread with constant updates someday too!
Ooooh please do Annie, we can never see too many HP updates 🤩
Annie wrote: "It’s the same with me. My favorite changes with each reread! My last reread was done by audiobook, but I do own the set- like Aoife, a wonderful friend gifted me the set. Jayson, your gif-filled up..."I'm thrilled to hear that, Annie! Looking forward to seeing that when you get to it 😁👍
Aoife - Bookish_Babbling wrote: "Ooooh please do Annie, we can never see too many HP updates 🤩"I agree. Since more or less everyone's read it, different people's takes and insights are always appreciated :)
Plus when rereading we can really see so many things we missed on earlier reads 👍
Aoife - Bookish_Babbling wrote: "Plus when rereading we can really see so many things we missed on earlier reads 👍"Yes, I can certainly speak to that. I'm picking up so many new things this time around :)
And thanks to you we're all benefiting by proxy 👍
Aoife - Bookish_Babbling wrote: "And thanks to you we're all benefiting by proxy 👍"My pleasure, Aoife 😄
I don't think I have a definite favorite... but probably The Half-Blood Prince. Because of completely sentimental reasons *lol*
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "I don't think I have a definite favorite... but probably The Half-Blood Prince. Because of completely sentimental reasons *lol*"The first time I read the series through, "Half-Blood Prince" was my favorite too. Probably for sentimental reasons as well :)
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "I don't think I have a definite favorite... but probably The Half-Blood Prince. Because of completely sentimental reasons *lol*"The first time I read the series throu..."
Cool! It'll be interesting to see if it holds its place.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "Cool! It'll be interesting to see if it holds its place."I can already tell you that it hasn't. Lol. That was my first read-through. I've since done several re-reads. During the last one, my favorite was "Order of the Phoenix" :)
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "Cool! It'll be interesting to see if it holds its place."I can already tell you that it hasn't. Lol. That was my first read-through. I've since done several re-reads...."
XD
A lot of people say that. For me, Orden of phoenix was a bit... dull. Sure we get all the Sirius stuff but, I don't know, I like more the next installments *shrugs*
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "A lot of people say that. For me, Orden of phoenix was a bit... dull. Sure we get all the Sirius stuff but, I don't know, I like more the next installments *shrugs*"I appreciate "Order of the Phoenix" because it was probably the deepest dive into wizarding lore. Also, it introduced Umbridge, who I consider to be the best, most hateable villain of the series.
This is my favorite; it just felt like it was put together so well. All the plot pieces came together so perfectly.
Audrey wrote: "This is my favorite; it just felt like it was put together so well. All the plot pieces came together so perfectly."Happy to hear that, Audrey 😁👍
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "A lot of people say that. For me, Orden of phoenix was a bit... dull. Sure we get all the Sirius stuff but, I don't know, I like more the next installments *shrugs*"I..."
I suppose it adds a lot to the politics of the wizarding world. Hmm, that's true. And Umbridge! Gosh, I love to hate that woman XD She is truly terrible.
I'll concede the point that because of Umbridge it deserves all the love XD
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "I suppose it adds a lot to the politics of the wizarding world. Hmm, that's true. And Umbridge! Gosh, I love to hate that woman XD She is truly terrible.I'll concede the point that because of Umbri...
"
Yes, Umbridge is certainly underrated, overlooked and overshadowed as a villain in this series. She was all about the little things that make you hate her :)
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "I suppose it adds a lot to the politics of the wizarding world. Hmm, that's true. And Umbridge! Gosh, I love to hate that woman XD She is truly terrible.I'll concede ..."
And, I mean, she kind of accomplish more than Voldermort... from a certain point of view...
Polls showed that people hated Umbridge more than Voldemort.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "And, I mean, she kind of accomplish more than Voldermort... from a certain point of view..."That's interesting to ponder. I suppose Voldemort's takeover was all revolution, no stability. Umbridge imposed a whole totalitarian status quo over Hogwarts for a decent amount of time, with negligible open hostility or opposition.
Audrey wrote: "Polls showed that people hated Umbridge more than Voldemort."People can relate to evil school teachers. Evil, part-human, totalitarian overlords, not so much.
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "And, I mean, she kind of accomplish more than Voldermort... from a certain point of view..."That's interesting to ponder. I suppose Voldemort's takeover was all revol..."
And Voldemort never did accomplish much in that area. Always getting thwarted before he could. Umbridge manage to hold on to power because it was handed to her. But she did a lot with that.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "And Voldemort never did accomplish much in that area. Always getting thwarted before he could. Umbridge manage to hold on to power because it was handed to her. But she did a lot with that."Yes, ultimately Umbridge knew how to play politics to get what she wanted. There was never any subtlety with Voldemort. "Evil" is not a winning brand.
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "And Voldemort never did accomplish much in that area. Always getting thwarted before he could. Umbridge manage to hold on to power because it was handed to her. But she..."Indeed *lol* Who knows what he would have achieved if he had played the politics game. Grindelwald is an example I think.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "Indeed *lol* Who knows what he would have achieved if he had played the politics game. Grindelwald is an example I think."That reminds me, I've not seen or read "Fantastic Beasts" or "Crimes of Grindelwald" yet. I should make a point of doing that once I'm done this reread :)
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "Indeed *lol* Who knows what he would have achieved if he had played the politics game. Grindelwald is an example I think."That reminds me, I've not seen or read "Fant..."
You totally should :D I've just watched "Fantastic Beasts" and I really loved it. Grindelwald seems to be really cunning and actually good at doing what he does.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "You totally should :D I've just watched "Fantastic Beasts" and I really loved it. Grindelwald seems to be really cunning and actually good at doing what he does."Great to know! Should be interesting. I already have the scripts, so I'll probably read those first before I watch the films. I'm always a book-first person when possible :)
Jayson wrote: "Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "You totally should :D I've just watched "Fantastic Beasts" and I really loved it. Grindelwald seems to be really cunning and actually good at doing what he does."Grea..."
Me too. It's always terribly hard to review the book if I have watched the movie first.
Alexandra Elend Wolf wrote: "Me too. It's always terribly hard to review the book if I have watched the movie first."Yes, I feel the same way :)
