After reading all four of the current Harry Potter books, I believe it is safe to say we all have our favorites. Many of our favorite lists may look the same, yet many may look different. We all like different things, can connect with different things, and see things in a different light. The following is just my personal list of favorites.

1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

PoA is my favorite because it introduces my two favorite characters in the series: Professor Lupin and Sirius Black. The plot is excellent with an ending that no one could expect. We learned so much about Harry's past as well as his parents. We learn a great deal more about the rest of the wizarding world, including the Ministry of Magic.

2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

I think CoS is great because of the complex mystery involved and all the clues surrounding it. Many people overlook this book and may put it last on their list, but I loved it. I was shocked by the new information about Hagrid and Voldemort that was uncovered towards the end.

3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I enjoyed GoF because we learned even more about how the wizarding world was before Harry was born and before he was introduced to the wizarding world. I also enjoyed seeing more of Sirius. The best parts of this book include the end when we see Voldemort rise again, the head spinning twist at the end with Crouch, and the great deal of foreshadowing that is making us all wait in anticipation for book 5.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorceror's Stone

I enjoyed PS/SS a great deal, too, mainly because of the mystery involved with Snape, but also because we get introduced to the magical world of Harry Potter, which started the whole thing.

I hope you enjoyed how I ranked these great books. They all have great parts to them, but some have more than others. You may rank these books differently than me, but that is what is so great about Harry Potter.

December 2002