Unofficial Guide to Harry Potter Bk 5

Because I enjoyed the guide for books 1-4, I had to get this guide as well. It didn't disappoint. I enjoyed their writings, their fresh ideas, and their predictions for the next book. Though I didn't always agree with things being said, they did give me ideas on which to think about. Interestingly enough, I found that my thinking is right on target with these Harry Potter sleuths. I can hardly wait for their guide on Book 6. Maybe it will be out before Book 7 is finally released.

I am a fan of Ms. Water's books. My title "A fun and makes-you-think read" says exactly how I feel about her books, including this latest one. It is researched speculation. The idea is the speculations makes you think and come up with your own theories which may agree or disagree with the ideas presented in the book. She comes up with ideas which would never even have occurred to me. That is what makes it fun. If you are a Harry Potter fan (even if you are over the recommended age of 9-12) this is a book for you. We need these books to get through the long waits between JKR's books and this latest one will occupy a lot of wait time. Thanks Ms. Waters

The authors of this book, who also wrote a book analyzing Books 1-4 in the "Harry Potter" lexicon, are true fan of J.K. Rowling's works, and it shows. They take "Order of the Phoenix" apart chapter by chapter, explaining literary and historical references and pointing out nagging questions and mysteries that still must be answered. For instance, Remus Lupin's last name comes from the Latin word for wolf. Obvious choice, since he's a werewolf. (My year of high school Latin has finally come in handy!) But does the use of Remus as the first name, from the mythology of Remus and Romulus, mean that he is doomed to die? While most of their assumptions are spot on, some are a bit over the top. As a friend of mine whom I lent this book to said, if J.K. Rowling did all the things they are attributing to her as she was writing these books, she'd still be writing "Sorceror's Stone" and the world would not have heard about Harry Potter. Despite this, it's a fantastic read. I initially bought the first book to show my sixth-grade son what literature analysis should be like. I ended up reading it instead of him, and enjoying it so much that I am currently in the process or rereading all the "Harry Potter" books so I can find the evidence to determine if Snape is evil or not. I recommend this book -- and its predecessor -- to anyone who anxious to read Book 7 and wants to do some sleuthing of their own while they wait.

Author Galdriel Waters has done a good job with her Book 5 Analysis Guide. Be advised that this book covers only Books 1 to 5, and NOT Book 6 of the series. I consider author Galadriel Waters along with author Daniel Lawrence of the ULTIMATE UNOFFICIAL HALF-BLOOD PRINCE BOOK 6 TRIVIA BOOK to be the two best resources for HP fans and each author has their strong points. Waters discusses character development and concentrates her guide on numerous possible theories concerning HP subplots. Author Daniel Lawrence is known by legions of fans as an expert on actual HP insights, facts and little-known JKR doctrine. My suggestion to HP fans is to first read this guide by author Waters to fully grasp books 1-5 and then immediately read the ULTIMATE UINOFFICIAL HARRY POTTER HALF-BLOOD PRINCE BOOK 6 TRIVIA BOOK by Daniel Lawrence to discover the subtle clues and mysteries found inside Book 6 and GOF Movie 4.

This is a very good review book of the first five books in the series. Good analysis and organization, this book is a good reference to books 1-5 in the series. Like most HP fans, I also recommend the newly published ULTIMATE UNOFFICIAL HARRY POTTER HALF-BLOOD PRINCE BOOK 6 TRIVIA BOOK by author Daniel Lawrence for even more insights and clues to HBP Book 6 and the new GOF Movie 4. I consider Authors Waters and Daniel Lawrence to be the leading experts on HP info. I highly recommend reading the above to become an expert and true fan of HP.