Book Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I've really been enjoying revisiting the Harry Potter series through the audiobooks. The previous four titles were pleasant, but it was truly in this book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (JK Rowling), that I began to anticipate all that was to come and have my heartstrings start to tug as I remembered what was about to transpire.

I've suggested in conversations that Neville is one of my favorite characters, and it is in this book that he secured that honor. The visit he takes to St Mungo's reveals a part of his character that switches him from his previous status of convenient source of amusement at his expense to a maturing student who feels deeply.

My husband did the lions-share of reading the books aloud to our oldest daughter, but periodically I stepped in when he was busy. I happened to be able to read aloud the chapter at St Mungo's, and I admit I couldn't do it without my throat tightening and some tears trying to emerge. I spoke at length with my daughter why this has such an emotional reaction for me, as his complicated relationship with his parents resonates with me as I see it through my lens of my interactions with my own mother who struggles with mental illness. Neville's graciousness and genuine love for his mother chokes me up every time.

Many complain about how whiny Harry Potter is in this book, and while that's true, I will always have a fondness for it because this is where we see Neville as a more rounded, sympathetic character.

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