Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

DISCLAIMER:
I'm warning you now: when I read books, I tend to focus a lot more on the characters than the story itself. If you want little synopses of novels, then this might be a more appropriate site for you: http://www.rinkworks.com/bookaminute/

With that settled, let's get started.

I just finished this book, the fifth in the series. I've been increasingly impressed by the quality of the books as they go along; the story, characters, and depth get better as the fan base has gotten older, I think. Probably the most important factor in all the Harry Potter books, this being no exception (obviously), is the growth and personality of the title character.

At age fifteen, Harry has been through loads more trials and near-death experiences than most people get in four times that. So, we can safely give him a little buffer of being a bit grumpy sometimes. Yet, I was increasingly annoyed throughout the book as he continuously snapped and yelled at his most loyal and trusting buddies (Ron and Hermione). They were very nice about it all, but it seems like, with all they've gone through together, Harry could be more appreciative of them.

Even with his moodiness, though, ya can't help but like the fella. He screws up now and then, but he is truly noble at heart with an almost relentless desire for the good to win out. We will always support Harry, for he won't hide under his covers and wish for it all to be over. He's going to get out the door and kick some Dark Lord butt!

Speaking of his buddies...I'm really liking the way Ron is growing up. In general, he's been pretty childish up till now, and he still can be kind of a wimp, but he is definitely learning that life is a lot bigger than his own problems. I have to say that his attitude toward Hermione (who he obviously has liked for years) is still middle-school level. :/

There was one character--a new one--who was an absolute success. I'm speaking of Delores Umbridge, the newest in the ever-changing Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position. She is not a success in that she inspires, provides comfort, or exudes goodness. Nope. She is in every way abominable, repulsive, and infuriating. Ms. Rowling has delivered a character who is merely a middle-aged woman, rather chubby and short, but one with which even Professor McGonagall lost her temper! Forget your venomous desires for Snape to "get his." You'll be practically lifting him on your shoulders after this woman!

I did say that I love defining characters a lot more than stories, but there were a few very important themes that I can't resist pointing out.

I really liked the way that governmental control on media and education was shown here. The public and private sectors of wizards are very similar to those of us in the real world, even startlingly so. The Ministry of Magic seizes control of everything they can in an attempt to create "order." They take bribes and pander to the public simply for boosting popularity.

In all this mess, the reader will be tempted to think in the back of his head, "Well, Dumbledore will sort it all out in the end." It's very interesting to me that this is the first in the series to have a specific absence of the headmaster. Harry, much to his chagrin, can't just go take his problems to him and get a wise decision that he must carry out. Dumbledore pops up a few times to unjam a situation, but for the most part, we are left without him as our backup plan.

The Order of the Phoenix definitely surpassed its predecessors in quality and diversity. I know I'm behind in the whole Harry Potter series and that most others will have already read this book, but I'm sure there are still tons of people who could get into this series. It's easy reading, for sure, but amazingly addictive!