Sequelitis: Defined as a classic syndrome regarding sequels, especially
those following great beginnings. Its hard for any book or movie (or CD)
thats second in a line to measure up to a great beginning.
Take the Back to the Future movies as an examplePart II
is terrible, and is only truly useful as a bridge. Of course, by the third movie,
everyones gotten over that hump and on to good movie-making again, but
that hump movie is painful.
Unlike Back to the Future Part II, Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets has only a touch of sequelitis. I recently re-read this book without
reading the preceding and following books at the same time, and I very much
enjoyed it on its own, even though it was easier to put down than the others.
The Sorcerers Stone has the advantage of being the first introduction
to the world of wizardry (read
my book review), and things in that world get much more exciting (not to
mention darker and scarier) in the books following the Chamber of Secrets.
Though this second book in this series is truly entertaining on its own, it
just isnt quite as good as the books surrounding it.
Its definitely an enjoyable book when read by itself, though. In case
youre one of the few people who hasnt read it (or seen the movie
yet), heres the plot: in spite of many obstacles and warnings, Harry Potter
makes it back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for a second
termarriving by a flying Ford Anglia when he and Ron miss the Hogwarts
Express. Theres a terribly stylish but inept new Defense Against the Dark
Arts teacher named Gilderoy Lockhart in the mix, who isnt terribly useful
when cats, students, and ghosts get attacked during the course of the year.
Of course, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione are trying to figure out whats
happening along with everyone else at Hogwarts
All in all, its a fun way to spend a few hours and it's an integral part
of the series. By all means, dont try to skip over it if youre reading
through the booksits an important link in the series of events.
But it just doesnt stand out as much as the others.
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