Reaction to Rereading the First Three Harry Potter Books!

This summer, one of my goals was to reread the Harry Potter series!  I've done this multiple times already but it's always a new and exciting experience diving into the world again.  And this time, I was diving back in with two friends!  We've been reading the books together and just finished the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and I have some thoughts on the first three books, friends.  

Fair warning, there will be spoilers for all three books throughout the post.  If you haven't read this series already, go do it!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling 

Okay, so I love this series and all the books in it, but I found I actually struggled a bit with this one.  I know, I know.  I was getting really distressed by how difficult I found it to get through this one!  I mean, it's not like it's boring; there's magic and awesome feasts and making new friends and scary villains.  But I realized that so much of the first book is just backstory and laying the foundation for the rest of the series.  As much as I love all that information, I wanted to get into the main story.  I forced myself to read all of it though; no skimming or anything.  I want the full experience this reread!

Another thing I noticed while reading this one is how mean Harry and Ron are to Hermione.  I always realized they were rude before but I was honestly a bit horrified while reading about it this time around.  It got to the point where they were just straight up bullying her and it made me really uncomfortable.  As much as I love the trio, I would have liked to see a little more love from the boys to Hermione during this book.  I mean, she obviously cares so much about them, and it especially shows in the end when they're going through the different obstacles; she's really concerned about both of them and it makes me sad that they don't always show that same concern.  

Overall, I enjoyed this was but grew a little tired of reading about the history and background of the world when I already know all about it.  It was worth it to read all the way through, though, especially because I was able to pick up foreshadowing in a couple of spots for later novels in the series.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

This one ALWAYS FREAKS ME OUT.  I just cannot handle the creepy snake hissing and talking all throughout the castle pipes.  I don't know how Harry was able to stand hearing that voice or WHY HE WENT LOOKING FOR IT.  But I guess that's why he's in Gryffindor and I'm in Ravenclaw.  But for real, am I the only one that is creeped the heck out by this book? 

There was definitely still some foundation laying going on it this one but the actual story began to pick up when we got more information about Voldemort and his past as Tom Riddle.  He has such an interesting back story; I find it really cool how J.K. Rowling drops hints and tidbits about it through the entire series before revealing it in its entirety in the last few.  

Also, I found Lockhart to be SO.  ANNOYING.  in this book.  He's always been irritating but I genuinely couldn't stand reading about him this book and I have no idea why Dumbledore would hire him?  He obviously has no real knowledge of the dark arts and has gotten by cheating and cursing other people; why would Dumbledore allow him to teach at Hogwarts, especially a subject that is so vital?  I don't understand it.  

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

I was so excited to finally get this this book.  In my mind, this is where the story really kicks off and I absolutely loved it.  This book used to be my favorite in the entire series, and while it's not anymore, it still it loads of fun to read.  One of my favorite parts of it are the Quiddich matches; Lee Jordan's commentary is amazing and so hilarious.  Reading it always makes me wish they would have been able to include it in the movies!  

I love Sirius so much but reading this book, particularly the end, is always so heart breaking.  Harry and Sirius were so close to being able to live together and rely on each other and be a family and I hate that it was ruined for them.  I don't know how Harry and Hermione could stand watching the events unfold a second time after using the Time Turner -- even rereading it and knowing what was going to happen, I was still hoping they'd somehow find a way to recapture Pettigrew.  

Lupin is easily one of my favorite aspects of this novel because of what an awesome person and professor he is.  He's definitely one of the best professors the school has ever seen and it's so sad to see how he's discriminated against for being a werewolf, despite the fact that he actually has the merits for the job. 

I'm starting the fourth book tomorrow and I'm so excited for this one -- it's my favorite as of the last time I reread the series so I'm looking forward to seeing if that opinion holds true.  What do you think of the first three books in this series?  Have you ever read them (or reread them)?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!