My favorite.... piece of art?

Well, as I've had to do a review of a movie and a review of a CD, I figured I may as well go for the complete set, this time reviewing a book.

My absolute favorite book (if I can only pick one) is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It's been my favorite book for almost a decade now; I think the first time I read it was in fourth grade. I even own it in two languages. (Harry Potter und der Gefangene von Askaban is going to make my German better one day...)

Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the entire series, but this is the book that stands out. It's during this book that Harry comes to terms with how different he is, and that he's not a child anymore. He also realizes that he's got a family in Sirius, a family that he can love and that he wants to be a part of. That's the biggest reason this book is my favorite: It's the one time when it seems like Harry's life should get better. He stood up to his aunt and uncle, he has a teacher who is normal, despite being a werewolf, who teaches Harry how to ward off the dementors that aversely affect him more than anyone else -- he even was one of his father's best friends. For awhile, it just seems like things are going to work out. Quidditch goes well for most of the season, and he gets a gift from Fred and George that makes it much easier for him to "stay out" of trouble. Malfoy even gets his comeuppance from a hippogrif who won't take his insults.

But of course, he wouldn't be Harry Potter if he had a happy life. His broom gets crushed, his floating head is spotted off castle grounds, word gets out about Professor Lupin being a werewolf (wizards have prejudices, too) and the criminal who framed his godfather escapes. The boy is meant to suffer and struggle, but survive in the end. He's the literary posterchild for doing what's right even in the face of adversity. So thank you, J.K. Rowling for this incredible series.