Product Description: The Dursleys were so mean that hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.
And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.
But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself?
Amazon.com Review: What makes the Harry Potter series so successful? Maybe it's the fact that J.K. Rowling doesn't write children's books, she writes children's stories, more in the tradition of the Brothers Grimm than Dr. Seuss. The exploits of Harry and his friends captivate even the shortest attention spans by engaging the imagination with vivid characters and fast-moving action, instead of trying to merely catch the eye with colorful pictures or pop-up effects. Not surprisingly, the Potter tales sound wonderful read aloud, and adapt to the audiobook format extremely well. Broadway actor Jim Dale's impressive vocal range gives each character in the book its own distinctive voice--a considerable task, given the pantheon of witches, warlocks, ghosts, ghouls, dwarves, and elves that Harry encounters in his second outing. And thankfully, since the book is read unabridged, no one's favorite character is omitted. Engaging for children without being childish, the audio version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is worthy addition to the deservedly popular series. (Running time: 9 hours, 7 CDs) --Andrew Nieland
Excellent "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" starts out with Harry Potter, back at the Dursleys' for summer break. The Durseleys have not changed and are still not nice to Harry. Then, a flying ford filled with Weasleys shows up and Harry is off to visit with the Weasleys utill school starts.
The author manages to change the story line quite a bit from the first HP book and we are immersed in another series of Harry Potter adventures. This time, the dangers get a bit more sophisticated. Eventually, all ends well.
While this book is written for children, the characters are beginning to develop and the story is broadened beyond the confines of the first book. Also, there is a start to deepening our knowledge and understanding of the evil that threatens Harry's magical world.
This is an excellent fantasy adventure. I recommend the book.
Second favourite in the series! This is my second favourite in the series after Book 6.Splendid book,still addictive and brilliant!
Good Did not come with the Dust Cover but was in excellent shape and came on time.
Step 2 in a 7 step program After reading the first book and diving headfirst into this one (like I did) you notice how the story itself is so well put together because it's like there was never a seperation. This starts where book 1 left off. And unlike book 1, where you can tell the main focus of the story was to develop who it is you're reading about and get planted into their lives, this book begins the slow yet ultimately satisfying dark plunge that the series as a whole is going to take.
During and after reading this you will come to understand that the rollercoaster of friendship, magic, prophacies, and ressurecting evil wizards is shaping up to be one hell of a ride.
Thrills, Chills, Ill Wills & The Wiz Kids' Sleuthing Skills A wonderful sequel to "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone". The first book introduced the reader to the world of wizardry. While Ms. Rowling's debut work was filled with wonderment, suspense and gee-whiz fun, the second installment is a little darker. It also answers a few questions which remained dangling at the end of The Sorcerer's Stone. In addition, colorful, new characters are introduced; some of the familiar characters are fleshed out more; and fresh mysteries pertaining to the whole Hogwarts' realm make this book an extremely entertaining read for all ages. Read the books in sequence and enjoy the ride. My guess is that Ms. Rowling's series still will be popular long after all of us are dead and buried.