Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter book 5)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 896 pages
Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to a much changed Hogwarts. The Minister of Magic has planted a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, one who is a Voldemort supporter and will not teach them how to defend themselves. The students must meet secretly to learn defense, and fight back in their own ways as their school is taken over.
Book Review (spoilers)
The Harry Potter fandom was quick to deride this book as “emo Harry goes to Hogwarts” when it was first released, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional state in which we find our hero as the book opens. He doesn’t get happier as the story progresses, but to me, this has always been an authentic depiction both of a kid Harry’s age in general, and the emotional toll of what Harry’s been through specifically. Once again we get to see his relationships deepen, particularly his relationship with Sirius Black, and once again we get to see him step up as a leader of his fellow students. Towards the end, things take a turn for the very sad, and the impact on Harry and his closest friends of these events will guide their actions for years to come.
