Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I think the thing about Harry Potter is that despite this being the longest book, with arguably the most amount of unecessary detail, I adore that I can stay even an extra chapter longer in this universe. Order of the Phoenix is pivotal in changing the trajectory of the story. This is the book where the wizarding world finally admits what's truly at stake. And as the reader, you get to experience its detailed process of getting there. Another thing I love is how complex Harry's emotions are. I remember the first time reading Order of the Phoenix, I had gotten annoyed with Harry for getting angry so quickly, for having little patience and discipline. But that's realistic. He's only 15 here. And with everything that happens to him, the anger from not being believed or taken seriously, to having to be watched over constantly, with the heavy expectation to save everyone he loves... yeah, I think it's okay that he doesn't know how to handle how he feels. Even more so, Harry's grief and anger at losing Sirius is both heartbreaking and beautifully written by Rowling.

Harry Potter takes a distinctly dark turn in this book. Picking up where the last book left off Harry must deal with what happened at the end of the fourth book. Not only that but many bad things start happening. If you are looking for a soothing book this is not it. I had to put it down as a Certain Woman kept making my blood boil. Harry is also going through adolescences. Though everything that happens to him is really quiet horrible I think that he might have handled it better had he not had teenage hormones to deal with as well.
I really like the depth that we get with Harry's relationship with his Godfather and the development of the godfather's character. You might want tissues at the end of the book though.

I'd be angry too if everyone kept secrets from me. Harry should have broken more shit.
I understand his frustration and I wanna break stuff too. grrrr
I love Luna and Neville. I like that starting here more characters are brought in to help Harry.
Good stuff.

6th time reading illustrated version: My favorite part of this book was when Umbridge gets taken away by centaurs, and I also like when Harry forms Dumbledore’s Army. My least favorite part is when Sirius dies, but I also dislike when Umbridge bans Harry from playing quidditch and takes his broom. My favorite character is Hermione, and I also like Luna and Ginny.

Reread August 2016