Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling (2000, Paperback)

In the second book of the series, Harry eagerly returns to Hogwarts and his friends. But the school is shocked as cats, students and ghosts become petrified. Teachers nervously explain to their students how similar attacks happened years ago. The attacks back then ended when Hagrid was forced to part with his familiar, a giant spider, and was forbidden to ever use magic again. Unfortunately, a student died before Hagrid was brought to "justice". If a student dies this time, the school will certainly close.

When Jinny, Ron's sister, comes up missing, the Ministry finally acts and takes Hagrid to Azkaban Prison. Ron, Hermione and Harry don't believe it is him, and they set off to clear his name and rescue Jinny before it is too late.

I believe anyone who enjoyed The Sorcerer's Stone will also enjoy Chamber of Secrets and for the same reasons. The only thing that changed is the mystery that has to be solved. It is otherwise the same people doing the same things in the same setting. I don't fault Rowling for this. Hogwarts is an overwhelming place, there are lots of secrets that are yet to be revealed even now that the seventh book is complete. To leave the school grounds during the second book would have certainly given the reader a sense of missing something. The same could be said for the characters. They were so charming and fresh that the reader won't grow tired of them after only two books. The time for them to grow up comes all too quickly.

This is the first time JK really begins to prepare the reader for the mega plot that is the whole series. She introduces items and themes that will grow in importance later on. Some of them include learning to rely on themselves instead of adults (thanks to the vain Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher), the introduction of a horcrux (the diary of Tom Riddle), the Womping Willow, Aragog the Giant Spider and the Ministry's habit of trying to look like they are doing something instead of actually doing anything (arresting Hagrid on circumstantial evidence). All these and more will have special meaning in later books, but for right now they do just fine as part of the stand alone story.

The Chamber of Secrets is a true stand-alone story. A reader can enjoy it without reading any other book in the series. I think JK Rowling's greatest genius is shown by being able to introduce items that are interesting enough in their original context, yet have even greater significance later on.

John Holland-author of The Necklace of Terrersylvanous

J. K. Rowling is a woman with a tremendous imagination. If you are a teen or tween or perhaps even child (though the imagination of a certain age may not take well to the story) you will enjoy this story of the young age set. It is the classic theme of good versus evil. Love against hate. It is by no mistake that this series has garnered the attention that it has. Most would agree that these stories are well laid out and presented. Some say Rowling's writing has improved with each successive novel she produced. I wouldn't deny that. It would further stand to reason that this novel is early in the adventure and early in development of her writing style. I would insist that this is still a terrific read. If by any chance you are on the fence regarding reading this series, get off the fence and start reading. I'm willing to wager you won't be disappointed.
This story occurs in the second year of Harry's education at the wizarding school of Hogwarts. It tells the tail of Harry and his two friends', Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger, mishaps and adventures as they learn to wield magic. They do so in order to guard against evil in general and Lord Voldemort in particular who makes his attempts to regain power and more importantly a physical manifestation. All of Harry's acquaintances make further appearance in the novel and their stories are expounded upon.
Oh, please note that these novels are not only for the young but are equally enjoyable to the adult mindset as well.

I'm enamored of the entire Harry Potter series. The world the J.K. Rowling created appeals to me. For the longest time, I didn't read the series, because they are geared towards children, and as I'm approaching 30, I no longer qualify for that title. But I'm finding more and more not to let a book be pigeon-holed as mearly for the intended audience. Just because I'm not a child, doesn't mean I can't enjoy a story about children. The world of Harry Potter, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry most especially is one that I would have loved to have grown up in. I love the development of the relationships in this the second book. I relate to the Weasley children, because I too wished for more pocket money as a child. Everyone encountered bullies growing up, and can enjoy booing the Malfoy's , father and son. I bought this book, because I read aloud to my husband, who's love of literature isn't quite on par with my own. He enjoys the Harry Potter books, though he pretends not to. I'd recommend, (and do ) to anyone with even a little bit of whimsy left in their heart, be they young or old.

THIS SECOND BOOK IN THE HARRY POTTER SERIES "HAPPY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS" AGAIN TAKES US TO HOGWARTS WHERE HARRY, HERMOINE AND RON FIND THEMSELVES UNKNOWINGLY BATTLING AGAINST THE DARK ARTS. SOMEONE AT HOGWARTS HAS OPENED THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS AND TERRIBLE THINGS START TO HAPPEN TO THE STUDENTS. CAN HARRY AND HIS FRIENDS GATHER ALL THE CLUES TO FIND OUT WHO IS BEHIND ALL THIS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE? AN EXCELLENT READ AND SO VERY ADDICTING, DOWN TO THE VERY LAST PAGE!!

When my kids first asked me to watch Harry Potter I was sure I wouldn't like it. WRONG!! I watched the movie and started reading the books. I was not disappointed in the least! I became a new fan. Chamber of Secrets was no different from Sorcerer Stone! Love it! I recommend you get this book after you have read the first! The only disapointment you will have is that you have come to the end of the book! Read them all! You will have a hard time putting them down. I do hope the author comes out with sequels with their children!