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Journalism of Courage
Again, a Wizard Summer
There’s less than a week to go before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince invades our bookshelves. JK Rowling’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 Harry’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 Philosopher’s Stone
This is where it all began. Instead of agonising over which major character will be killed off in Rowling’s penultimate Potter book, get lost in this introduction to Hogwarts, the Dursleys, and the school train.
