15.Apr.2008 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Just finished the 2nd of Potter’s book a short while ago. Not gonna spend much time reviewing this. Again, like the first book it’s enjoyable reading. I found it slightly more boring though, because it spent almost a good half of a book re-introducing the characters and scenes, before something started to happen.

I watched the movie ages ago, but I totally couldn’t remember the details of the story (in fact, none of the HP movies was that memorable to me, except probably the first one). I just remembered there was a flying car, and the big snake at the end. Actually I didn’t even remember there was a big snake. I kept wondering about what monster lied in the chamber of secrets, until it was revealed. So it’s good in many ways, because of the surprise elements here and there as I went through the book. The same with the rest of the movies, I can’t remember any of the story elements at all (I did watch each and every one of them). So I’m looking forward to reading the books as if it’s my first time to be in touch with the stories :). I do remember that there’s Harry’s uncle came into the picture in the third movie, and some kind of time traveling. That’s it. Don’t ruin it for me. I’m going for the third book!

I re-watched the 2nd Harry Potter movie and definitely enjoyed it much more after reading the book, as oppose to just watch the movie without reading the book like what I did the first time. Movie unavoidably often omits a lot of details, which makes people who are totally clueless go “HUH?”. By reading the book first you are familiar with the details and storyline, and can then fully enjoy the visuals and the other interpretation medium of the story.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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First line

Not for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive.

Last line

And together they walked back through the gateway to the Muggle world.