Harry Potter and the Order of the Frickin' Phoenix

So, I know, either you're like, 'yeah, I've read that loads of times, the plot is inscribed upon my heart and will be inextricably linked to my childhood, I have a Harry Potter tattoo, why are you writing about it?' or 'you're a grown-up, why are you reading Harry Potter?'.


If you fall into the latter category, you may as well leave now. Go on, make like a tree. Also, we probably can't be friends.

Are they gone? Are we safe?


I love Harry Potter. I read the books when I need something comforting, familiar and amazingly entertaining. Some people have teddies or keepsakes that comfort them, I have books and the Harry Potter series included in there. Sure, it's less cuddleable, but in terms of pure escapism, it can't be beat.


The Order of the Phoenix is the first of the darker, more ominous Potter books and the point where the reader starts to worry about what's going to happen at the end of the series. The foreshadowing throughout all of the novels, but especially this one, is subtle and underlies much of the minor events of the plot. This interweaving is one of my favourite things about J.K. Rowling's writing style; every time I read one of the books I discover something else that I hadn't noticed before.

In terms of characterisation, it's also the point where Ginny, Neville and Luna really come into the story and become main characters. Neville is my favourite character in the books (Ron takes the biscuit in the films, but that's another story) because he's got the charming vulnerability yet tenacity of the underdog. 


Neville's backstory also comes to the fore in the Order of the Phoenix and makes not empathising with his character impossible but he is still providing the comic relief that has been a part of his role throughout the series.


I think this is the Potter book that I've read the most times and, having just finished it again, I already want to go back to the beginning. 


Have a lovely long weekend!


Lizi xxxx