On The Shelf

Again, a Wizard Summer

There8217;s less than a week to go before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince invades our bookshelves. JK Rowling8217;s publicists have once again primed her readers into charged anticipation, so this is as good a time as any to catch up with some of the earlier instalments. Here are the best three so far:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Potter 3 was the last book when Rowling showed even a semblance of an attempt to keep her books short and be kind to tender wrists. This was also a turning point in the saga when the narrative turned dark, and Rowling will have done well in Potter 6 if she can manage to introduce another concept as chilling as the Dementors.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Potter 4 is still a cracking good reread, and the unexpected death of one of Harry8217;s acquaintances still shocks. This is also a growing-up novel, with Harry and Ron suddenly given to rash acts to impress cheerleaders. It confirms their pal, Hermione, as a budding liberal, taking up the cause of school overworked employees.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher8217;s Stone
This is where it all began. Instead of agonising over which major character will be killed off in Rowling8217;s penultimate Potter book, get lost in this introduction to Hogwarts, the Dursleys, and the school train.