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In the second book of the series, Harry eagerly returns to Hogwarts and his friends. But the school is shocked as cats, students and ghosts become petrified. Teachers nervously explain to their students how similar attacks happened years ago. The attacks back then ended when Hagrid was forced to part with his familiar, a giant spider, and was forbidden to ever use magic again. Unfortunately, a student died before Hagrid was brought to "justice". If a student dies this time, the school will certainly close. When Ginny, Ron's sister, comes up missing, the Ministry finally acts and takes Hagrid to Azkaban Prison. Ron, Hermione and Harry don't believe it is him, and they set off to clear his name and rescue Jinny before it is too late. I believe anyone who enjoyed The Sorcerer's Stone will also enjoy Chamber of Secrets and for the same reasons. The only thing that changed is the mystery that has to be solved. It is otherwise the same people doing the same things in the same setting. I don't fault Rowling for this. Hogwarts is an overwhelming place, there are lots of secrets that are yet to be revealed even now that the seventh book is complete. To leave the school grounds during the second book would have certainly given the reader a sense of missing something. The same could be said for the characters. They were so charming and fresh that the reader won't grow tired of them after only two books. The time for them to grow up comes all too quickly. This is the first time JK really begins to prepare the reader for the mega plot that is the whole series. She introduces items and themes that will grow in importance later on. Some of them include learning to rely on themselves instead of adults (thanks to the vain Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher), the introduction of a horcrux (the diary of Tom Riddle), the Womping Willow, Aragog the Giant Spider and the Ministry's habit of trying to look like they are doing something instead of actually doing anything (arresting Hagrid on circumstantial evidence). All these and more will have special meaning in later books, but for right now they do just fine as part of the stand alone story. The Chamber of Secrets is a true stand-alone story. A reader can enjoy it without reading any other book in the series. I think JK Rowling's greatest genius is shown by being able to introduce items that are interesting enough in their original context, yet have even greater significance later on. John Holland-author of The Necklace of TerrersylvanousRead full review
Harry is being befuddled by a house elf who is trying to keep Harry from returning to Hogwarts. He does get there in a very unusual way, but he is already in trouble from the start.This second book brings Jenny, Ron sister to Hogwarts for her first year. The story is wonderful, sheer delight for the listener. Jim Dale brings the characters to life, each with a individual voice. This book is as good as the first in presenting the life of Harry at Hogwarts, being in classes to afterclass activities. The trio of Harry, Ron and Hermine, is still the main focus and the relationship is getting stronger. I love the series and have listened to the book at least 10 times, yet I never tire of it.
The Chamber of Secrets is one of J.K. Rowling's darker books and the first time I read it I felt a little concerned about how kids would handle reading it themselves. I could see it prompting a few running leaps into mom and dad's bed during the middle of the night. It does have some funny,scarry and just J.k.Rowling creative moments. Ms. Rowling in my opinion is a brilliant writer. Her books are almost like a combination of Nancy Drew/ Hardy Boys/ Stephen King like for kids (and youthful adults).
This Audio CD is excelant! Although I have read the HP series several times, I enjoy the way Dale interprets the books. He brings the words to life in a way that the average reader or below average reader cannot. All in all a fine product. The reason I bought the Audio CD's was due to the price. To purchase the entire series at Barnes & Noble, the cost was over $300. I bought them (new)on EBAY for just under $120. A very good deal! Another reason I bought them was the fact that I have a reading disability and the audio CD's help me read faster when I read along.
It's full of fun, adventure, a little nerve tinkling and a little comedy. It takes the imagination to whole new place. I enjoyed the book so much I wanted to be able to listen to it while driving on trips or just sit back and relax and listen to the adventure at home if I didn't want to read. It's great to put on at work and listen while one is working. It makes a boring task less boring. I'd recommend the cd library to another.
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