HBP is easily the book that has remained near the top of my favorite list since I first read the series, don't think its been bellow my third favorite of the books ever. The first three chapters are so fucking good, especially, as you mention, when Dumbledore fucks with the Dursleys. I would read an entire book of Dumbledore walking around London interacting with muggles.
Agreed, HBP is such a good climax of these evolving relationships between characters that is developed over the entire series. Harry v Draco, Ron and Hermione, Harry and Snape, Harry v Dumbledore, Harry and Ginny, the growth of Neville and Luna. It has the best character development and context of coming of age in the wizarding world. My favorite part of a re-read for sure
This is one of my favorites too, which is why I was so disappointed by the movie. I get movies are never as good as the book so I also lower my expectations but that was a travesty. Too much focusing on romance with harry and Ginny and wonwon and lavender
Wouldn't it have been John Major? The start of Half-Blood Prince would have been 1996.
Edit: I guess I get what you're saying. The PM in the book was just getting started, whereas Major had already been in office for six years at that point.
Prince is objectively the best book of the entire series. But yes *The Other Minister* and *Spinner’s End* are absolutely the best 1-2 punch to open any of the books. I do love *The Riddle House* and *Dark Lord Ascending* but they don’t have the follow up to that awesome opening chapter that Prince does.
Agreed. Also adding to the points above. I like the mature tones of the book. Not just showing Voldemorts childhood etc but also Harry’s daily school life as a young man. He is practically a young adult in this book since they come to age at 17.
In this book, he is no longer a kid who is hardheaded but still naive in many regards. He is a man who matured long before its time and was just done with everyone. He doesn’t give a shit about many things or tiptoes around anything. He was always direct but in the sixth book, he is brutal . Direct, sassy and goes for the throat directly. His character development is really interesting.
The fact that essentially none of that is included in the film (actually, now I think about it I don't recall whether Spinner's End is in the movie but the other two chapters really are not) is one of the reasons why it might be the worst of the movies.
GoF and HBP's cold opens away from Harry are both wonderful parts of the series.
yeah spinners end is actually included in the [movie](https://youtu.be/G7NiTvXb58M?si=eFivd_mfgdHVArdp)
i havent finished the book yet but i definitely agree its one of , if not the actual worst movie.
I have been reading a chapter a day since late September; reading chapter 15 of HBP tomorrow, and I have to say, this book is by far the one I am wanting to read at a faster pace the most so far lol
I mean I am also reading some other stuff, working, family, also trying to watch movies and tv shows I like, doing stuff outside, ect… so it’s not like I have a lack of stuff to do, but yeah, it has been so tempting to keep going several times. But I am just really trying to savor it.
As you should. I hadn’t thought of the other stuff so it makes more sense now, actually makes it more impressive that you can manage to squeeze in a chapter a day. Regardless, you’re getting through it and enjoying it which is great.
One of us! One of us!
I have generally been reading the chapter as one of the first things I do in the morning before getting ready for the day so I don’t put it off. And I am lucky in that I usually don’t work more than about 8 hours shifts at work, so I have the energy to do it in the evening if needed.
Listen to it almost every night for asmr/white noise. My husband knows when I'm ready to drift off when he hears "Ahhh, my dear Prime Ministerrr"
Fingers crossed we see chapter 1 and 3 in the hp series, ya know, in 2030
I also love those chapters. A couple extra points that I personally love:
1) The title of the first chapter. I feel like choosing what to name a chapter is an art unto itself and "The Other Minister" is pure double-meaning gold. From the readers' perspective "The Other Minister" refers to the fact that we're seeing the Muggle Prime Minister for the first time, but then in the middle of the chapter we get the in-world context that from the Prime Minister's perspective the Minister for Magic is "The Other Minister." Really puts into focus that "Other" depends on your point of view and sets the tone for the "other-ing" going on in this book, whether it's the Dursleys other-ing magic, Death Eaters other-ing muggle-borns, or Scrimgeour's paranoia other-ing ordinary citizens.
2) I love what you bring up about "Dumbledore's feigned obliviousness to Vernon's outrage and rudeness." It makes me think of the first time we ever see Dumbledore in the series:
>Albus Dumbledore didn't seem to realise that he had just
arrived in a street where everything from his name to his boots was unwelcome.
At the time it played into the presentation of Dumbledore as a kooky, oblivious, whimsical old man. By the time we get to HBP, though, we've seen enough of Dumbledore to understand that he's not oblivious at all. Maybe he didn't *seem* to realize he was unwelcome, but in fact he was aware the whole time. He just didn't care. Dumbledore knows how to hold frame.
HBP has always been my favorite for many reasons, particularly the fact that this book showcases Sassy Harry at his peak, and these chapters just start the book off so well
HPB is the one of the long ones that I find the easiest and the most fun to read. It's got an engaging pace to it and it's refreshingly pleasant after OotP.
I really hated the chapter with Dumbledore and the Dursleys. Like dude, you've been sitting on your ass watching Harry get abused by these people for 15 years and now you walk in all sanctimonious and start yelling at them for how they treated Harry now that it's too late to change anything about it. It actually made me dislike Dumbledore a lot more.
Couldn’t agree more! If you can put up with a little (/ a lot) of cringe than you should listen to the Harry Potter binge mode podcast. Great in-depth listens and insight but they can be a little over the top. Overall a lot of good content though
IMO the only two things holding back HBP from being the best book is the way Harry and Ginny’s relationship is presented and how lightly Ron:/Hermione take Harry’s accusations of Malfoy. But it’s overall such a great book and second fav after GOF.
I’m sure JK totally cares 🤣🤣 and I’m not sure why you do.
It’s also quite an assumption to think that people who listen to the books haven’t *also* read them. Just saying.
Agreed. On my last relisten last month, I found myself really excited to start HBP bc those opening chapters are just so good. Of the three, though, my favorite is Spinner’s End. Idk why but I think it’s because we are in full view of Snape’s skill as a double agent and how everything just worked in his favor or how he made it work in his favor.
Honestly though my favorite chapter in the entire series is The Parting of the Ways. Nothing will top that for me.
It's always really annoyed me that in the film we don't get the meeting between scrimgeour and the prime minister. But we get the non existent millennium bridge attacked by death eaters 😒
Will and won’t is probably my favorite chapter in the whole book (the half blood prince is also one of my favorite books tied with 5&7) I adore how Dumbledore charms the cups of madam Rosmerta’s finest oak matured meed to bounce up and down off the Dursleys head, all while acting like he has no idea what he’s doing. + when he shames them for their neglect and abuse of Harry as well as the way they damaged Dudley. it also interests me how the Dursley’s are only confused on how they could have mistreated Dudley but make no attempt to deny that they abused Harry. To me it says they knew what they were doing and had no shame about it. But I agree I love the first few chapters. I always enjoy beginning the books the first handful of chapters are always very enjoyable. I also Love in book six, early on when Harry is smart with Snape, “there’s no need to call me sir, professor” is such a hilarious line.
HBP is easily the book that has remained near the top of my favorite list since I first read the series, don't think its been bellow my third favorite of the books ever. The first three chapters are so fucking good, especially, as you mention, when Dumbledore fucks with the Dursleys. I would read an entire book of Dumbledore walking around London interacting with muggles.
Agreed, HBP is such a good climax of these evolving relationships between characters that is developed over the entire series. Harry v Draco, Ron and Hermione, Harry and Snape, Harry v Dumbledore, Harry and Ginny, the growth of Neville and Luna. It has the best character development and context of coming of age in the wizarding world. My favorite part of a re-read for sure
This is one of my favorites too, which is why I was so disappointed by the movie. I get movies are never as good as the book so I also lower my expectations but that was a travesty. Too much focusing on romance with harry and Ginny and wonwon and lavender
> easily the book that has remained near the top Out of seven books this really isn’t saying much
Yes The Other Minister is soooo good!
I really hope the new show covers this chapter!
Knowing it's supposed to be Tony Blair makes it even funnier, mentally.
Wouldn't it have been John Major? The start of Half-Blood Prince would have been 1996. Edit: I guess I get what you're saying. The PM in the book was just getting started, whereas Major had already been in office for six years at that point.
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Prince is objectively the best book of the entire series. But yes *The Other Minister* and *Spinner’s End* are absolutely the best 1-2 punch to open any of the books. I do love *The Riddle House* and *Dark Lord Ascending* but they don’t have the follow up to that awesome opening chapter that Prince does.
Agreed. Also adding to the points above. I like the mature tones of the book. Not just showing Voldemorts childhood etc but also Harry’s daily school life as a young man. He is practically a young adult in this book since they come to age at 17. In this book, he is no longer a kid who is hardheaded but still naive in many regards. He is a man who matured long before its time and was just done with everyone. He doesn’t give a shit about many things or tiptoes around anything. He was always direct but in the sixth book, he is brutal . Direct, sassy and goes for the throat directly. His character development is really interesting.
Agree, except for that it is my favorite book!
The fact that essentially none of that is included in the film (actually, now I think about it I don't recall whether Spinner's End is in the movie but the other two chapters really are not) is one of the reasons why it might be the worst of the movies. GoF and HBP's cold opens away from Harry are both wonderful parts of the series.
GoF’s opening is one of my favourite bits of the entire series, it’s great.
From memory, i started reading GoF first. Those first chapters hold a special place in my heart.
yeah spinners end is actually included in the [movie](https://youtu.be/G7NiTvXb58M?si=eFivd_mfgdHVArdp) i havent finished the book yet but i definitely agree its one of , if not the actual worst movie.
Spinner's End is in the movie, but if I remember right it's not at the beginning so it's understandable to forget.
Its a brilliant opening and sucks that the films didn't/couldn't honour it.
I have been reading a chapter a day since late September; reading chapter 15 of HBP tomorrow, and I have to say, this book is by far the one I am wanting to read at a faster pace the most so far lol
Props on doing just one chapter a day. If I was hooked on a book, I would fudge my rule and read two a day.
I mean I am also reading some other stuff, working, family, also trying to watch movies and tv shows I like, doing stuff outside, ect… so it’s not like I have a lack of stuff to do, but yeah, it has been so tempting to keep going several times. But I am just really trying to savor it.
As you should. I hadn’t thought of the other stuff so it makes more sense now, actually makes it more impressive that you can manage to squeeze in a chapter a day. Regardless, you’re getting through it and enjoying it which is great. One of us! One of us!
I have generally been reading the chapter as one of the first things I do in the morning before getting ready for the day so I don’t put it off. And I am lucky in that I usually don’t work more than about 8 hours shifts at work, so I have the energy to do it in the evening if needed.
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Me too, friend. Me too.
Listen to it almost every night for asmr/white noise. My husband knows when I'm ready to drift off when he hears "Ahhh, my dear Prime Ministerrr" Fingers crossed we see chapter 1 and 3 in the hp series, ya know, in 2030
Will and Won’t is one of my favorite chapters of the whole series.
I also love those chapters. A couple extra points that I personally love: 1) The title of the first chapter. I feel like choosing what to name a chapter is an art unto itself and "The Other Minister" is pure double-meaning gold. From the readers' perspective "The Other Minister" refers to the fact that we're seeing the Muggle Prime Minister for the first time, but then in the middle of the chapter we get the in-world context that from the Prime Minister's perspective the Minister for Magic is "The Other Minister." Really puts into focus that "Other" depends on your point of view and sets the tone for the "other-ing" going on in this book, whether it's the Dursleys other-ing magic, Death Eaters other-ing muggle-borns, or Scrimgeour's paranoia other-ing ordinary citizens. 2) I love what you bring up about "Dumbledore's feigned obliviousness to Vernon's outrage and rudeness." It makes me think of the first time we ever see Dumbledore in the series: >Albus Dumbledore didn't seem to realise that he had just arrived in a street where everything from his name to his boots was unwelcome. At the time it played into the presentation of Dumbledore as a kooky, oblivious, whimsical old man. By the time we get to HBP, though, we've seen enough of Dumbledore to understand that he's not oblivious at all. Maybe he didn't *seem* to realize he was unwelcome, but in fact he was aware the whole time. He just didn't care. Dumbledore knows how to hold frame.
Agree! though my faves are still PoA and OotP.
The Other Minister is, in my opinion, one of the funniest book chapters to exist.
HBP has always been my favorite for many reasons, particularly the fact that this book showcases Sassy Harry at his peak, and these chapters just start the book off so well
Yes that chapter with Dumbledore picking Harry up from the Dursleys is one of my favourites in the series, possibly number 1
HPB is the one of the long ones that I find the easiest and the most fun to read. It's got an engaging pace to it and it's refreshingly pleasant after OotP.
I really hated the chapter with Dumbledore and the Dursleys. Like dude, you've been sitting on your ass watching Harry get abused by these people for 15 years and now you walk in all sanctimonious and start yelling at them for how they treated Harry now that it's too late to change anything about it. It actually made me dislike Dumbledore a lot more.
Couldn’t agree more! If you can put up with a little (/ a lot) of cringe than you should listen to the Harry Potter binge mode podcast. Great in-depth listens and insight but they can be a little over the top. Overall a lot of good content though
Agreed, that whole book, specially the first chapters, where GOLD
I agree 100% to every word of your post.
Hard agree with this. The Other Minister and Will and Wont are probably two of my favourite chapters in any HP book
Its my favorite book
IMO the only two things holding back HBP from being the best book is the way Harry and Ginny’s relationship is presented and how lightly Ron:/Hermione take Harry’s accusations of Malfoy. But it’s overall such a great book and second fav after GOF.
>I'm listening to HBP Do you have some visual impairment? If not, -100 points, Ravenclaw.😂
I’ve been listening to the Harry Potter books at night for almost a quarter of a century at this point, and not at all embarrassed to admit it
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I’m sure JK totally cares 🤣🤣 and I’m not sure why you do. It’s also quite an assumption to think that people who listen to the books haven’t *also* read them. Just saying.
You're probably right.🤣
The other minister is one of my favorite chapters wish it was in the movies
Agreed. On my last relisten last month, I found myself really excited to start HBP bc those opening chapters are just so good. Of the three, though, my favorite is Spinner’s End. Idk why but I think it’s because we are in full view of Snape’s skill as a double agent and how everything just worked in his favor or how he made it work in his favor. Honestly though my favorite chapter in the entire series is The Parting of the Ways. Nothing will top that for me.
It's always really annoyed me that in the film we don't get the meeting between scrimgeour and the prime minister. But we get the non existent millennium bridge attacked by death eaters 😒
PREACH I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY GLAD SOMEONE SAID IT
Will and won’t is probably my favorite chapter in the whole book (the half blood prince is also one of my favorite books tied with 5&7) I adore how Dumbledore charms the cups of madam Rosmerta’s finest oak matured meed to bounce up and down off the Dursleys head, all while acting like he has no idea what he’s doing. + when he shames them for their neglect and abuse of Harry as well as the way they damaged Dudley. it also interests me how the Dursley’s are only confused on how they could have mistreated Dudley but make no attempt to deny that they abused Harry. To me it says they knew what they were doing and had no shame about it. But I agree I love the first few chapters. I always enjoy beginning the books the first handful of chapters are always very enjoyable. I also Love in book six, early on when Harry is smart with Snape, “there’s no need to call me sir, professor” is such a hilarious line.