The HARRY POTTER Series.

This series defined a generation. This series is responsible for a new generation of readers. I know so many people who actually started reading books, fiction and non-fiction only because of J.K. Rowling and the absolute brilliance she created when she wrote what I consider one of the best series in the world with characters that every person in the world can relate to.

I still remember the first time I read the first Harry Potter book, The Philosopher's Stone. I was on my way back from Delhi, making my way to Mumbai on a very long and rather boring journey, and that's the day I started reading one of my favorite books in the world. The magic JKR weaved through her books was nothing short of magnificent. She created history, and I know my kids and grand-kids and even the greats are going to be reading Harry Potter if I get it my way.

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

So begins the story of young Harry Potter who happens to be a lanky, small and under-nourished boy of eleven and how his world changes when he learns that he happens to be a rather famous wizard without even knowing about it. The beauty lies in the fact that while the whole wizarding world fawns over him, he sees nothing special about what he did, other than sheer luck. 

This book taught me about friendship and how you can find it even in all the wrong places. The dynamics between Harry, Ron and Hermione is the setting stone for the next six books. And as cliche as it is, Harry faces his nemesis Lord Voldemort in the end and comes out on top!

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets.

Year 2 in Hogwarts sees the trio face another dark force trying to undermine Hogwarts and kill Harry at the same time. The books talk about a legendary chamber built by one of the founding members of the school, Salazar Slytherin which is home to a monster which can be controlled only by the Heir of Slytherin, who happens to be none other than our favorite bad guy, Lord Voldy. Of course our three meddlesome protagonists get involved and save the school! Yay!

This books actually made me think about how somethings in life can influence you and bring out either the worst or best in you. Too much of anything can lead to your downfall, and Ginny Weasley's trust and innocence becomes the prey Lord V has been looking for to make a grand return which fails due to the heroics of Ron and Harry. 

Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

My favorite Harry Potter book by far. In this book JKR brings in the misjudged and broody Sirius Black and we get to learn a little more about Hogwarts as a school, its secrets and history. What i specially loved about this book is that Harry gets to know his parents a little better and discovers the kind of people they were and their lives at Hogwarts. JKR never sugarcoats it for any of her characters, there is no black and white only shades of grey. We see that everyone has a bad side and a good side, and who we are as people depends on which side we feed. This books also happens to give glimpses of holding grudges and forgiveness and how forgiveness always finds its way back.

Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

For those who thought Hogwarts was the only school of witchcraft and wizardry, wrong you are! An exciting year at Hogwarts with a competition known as the Triwizard Tournament, where people are known to die. Guess who gets picked as the unexpected fourth champion of Hogwarts, non other than our unlucky Mr Potter. This book went into detail about the strains of friendship and trying circumstances for Ron and Harry in which poor Hermione gets automatically involved.
A book where my favorite bad character finds his way back into a body to avenge his defeat thirteen years ago against the Boy Who Lived.
A beauty of a book, shows that even the greatest of people can make mistakes and that irrespective of differences and the green monster that's part of each of us, friends and family always find a way back.

Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Most probably my least favorite Harry Potter book, but no Harry Potter book is bad. This book brings to the forefront Harry's temper and rash behavior like none of the earlier books. There is change and disruption at Hogwarts when the Ministry of Magic starts an Anti Harry and Dumbledore campaign in order to disprove the Return on Lord V, which will obviously cause panic and distrust in the wizarding community. The introduction of one of the most hated characters in the books, Professor Umbridge is a stuck up old toad sent to Hogwarts to make trouble and bring it under the control of the MoM.
The rebellion this woman sparks leads to a secret group with all our favorite characters, running around the corridors at night trying to escape the watchful eye of Umbridge to practice real and useful magic.
A book which started the romance element in all their lives, its so great and funny to read about the cute and nervous Harry going on a date and his first kiss, and the beginning of a romance we were all waiting for.
An epic fight to end the book and the revelation of a prophecy that set into motion all that happened that one night is Godric's Hollow.

Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

The life of Tom Marvolo Riddle, we learn all about what lead to the creation of Lord V and his childhood and the circumstances which lead to his need and compulsion to be bad. A search for the potion genius known only as the Half Blood Prince, who helps Harry's other claim to fame as an unlikely potions genius. Harry learns the truth about Lord V's immortality and the discovery and destruction of horcruxes, which will decide who will live and who will perish in the end. A rather scary and sorry look into Lord V's past made me even think about him actually being humane at one point of time. 
The death of a favorite character which lead me to tears while I read it for the first time and the beginning of the end.

Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Oh what a beautiful way to finish of a series that defined a generation of readers. JKR tied all knots, answered all unanswered questions and the plots she comes up with like the 7 Potters is absolute brilliance. The adventures Harry, Ron and Hermione have during their journey to find the Horcruxes and discovery of the long forgotten Deathly Hallows: the Elder wand, the holder of which cannot be defeated; the Resurrection Stone, the holder of which can summon the dead; and the cloak of invisibility; an heirloom that was passed on to Harry by James. The skill and experience these three seemed to have gained by getting into trouble all those years in Hogwarts can be seen as they tackle magic beyond their years. Dragons, goblins, vaults and escapes, this is a book which has everything you need. A battle between the Dark Lord and the Boy Who Lived in the most appropriate of places, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where both hero and nemesis were defined to be who they are. A twist that leaves everyone with their jaws literally in the floor and tears being shed for the death of some beloved and favorite characters. My favorite Harry Potter book because of the sheer genius of JKR to finish the series at an all time high!

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."