J.K Rowling definitely doesn't need me to write a book review of her Happy Potter series—Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is great by the way, a solid 5 stars—but what I want to do is approach this review from a different direction. I'm a published author who would love to have her books turned into film. I know, right? Who wouldn't?
I first read the Harry Potter stories in 2011. At the time, I remember thinking I was coming to the fan party late. Once I started reading though, like everyone else, I fell in love with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hogwarts. Since then I have watched the films probably a dozen times and will no doubt watch them another dozen before I'm through. I can't help but have a soft spot for the kid who lost his parents, then lived with his odious aunt, uncle, and cousin—in the closet under the stairs no less—and who was still a scrapper. The Prisoner of Azkaban continues Harry's story at a time when he finds out he's not completely without family. He has Ron and the Weasleys of course, Hermione, and his friends in Gryffindor House, but he's found a new family member; a godfather, his dad's best friend. Getting to a happy ending for Harry takes the reader on unexpected twists and turns, but what an exciting journey it is.
The thing I noticed most this time around was how much more detail is in the books. It makes perfect sense since scriptwriters have to pick and choose which details will help move the visual story along; while authors have the privilege (and joy) of putting in all the details that make a written story beloved. Now that I'm reading the series after watching the films, I'm enchanted by the extra details that enhance Harry's story. Do I like the book version of The Prisoner of Azkaban better than the movie? I have to say I like them equally.
Again, a book with great characters and wonderful world-building. There's loads of action. Even the second time around, it was hard to put Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban down.
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XO Susan
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