Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
By J.K. Rowling
Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 043913959-7
5 stars
I’m moving along nicely with this series. I was surprised, again, by how much more I remember from the movies than the books but that’s what’s making this re-read so much fun.
The short re-cap — Harry starts his fourth year at Hogwarts, gets to see the Quidditch World Cup, finds out that Hogwarts will host the Tri-Wizard Tournament, sees his name thrown out of the Goblet of Fire as a contestant, almost gets killed by a dragon, eats some gillyweed, and sees Voldermort re-born.
As you’ve been warned — spoilers below.
There was a lot about this book I didn’t remember, one being just how mean Snape is to Hermione! I knew it was there but re-reading it again was awful; he is just so harsh to a young girl. As you can see, I’m moving along with my Hate Snape Campaign nicely. There is no redemption for him. I will not forgive him later even when he tries to redeem himself in Harry’s eyes. Nor will I forgive Harry for forgiving him but that comes later and I’m getting way ahead of myself. Another thing about this book I forgot is how profoundly sad it is when Cedric dies. It’s always been a sad moment but I found myself tearing up at those bits this time around. There’s also a lot to laugh at in this book and I like the way Rowling balances the two. Honestly, I can’t wait for the Divination classes to be over. I’m just as fed up with Professor Trelawney as Harry is but I find both Ron and Harry’s homework full of deathly predications to be quite amusing. The ending of this book, while very sad, also gives you that look ahead that makes you want to pull the next book off the shelf and keep going with the story.
I’ve been pacing myself with these books. If I didn’t, I probably would have overdosed on Harry Potter already. It’s been fun rediscovering this story slowly and letting it unfold as it does and I’m glad I decided to go this route instead of for the all at once indulgence. I haven’t read these books in so long that I have forgotten a lot of the little details so each one has held small surprises for me. Those surprises are well appreciated I can tell you.
I’m excited about book five for several reasons: more Sirius Black; more angry Dumbledore; more Mad-Eye Moody; and the Weasley twins!
Just Book Reading 
I think Cedric’s death is really the turning point in the novels; Voldemort is back in power and no one is safe. I was always very touched by his memorial service.
Totally agree. It’s a big turning point in these books.
I just never get tired of the Harry Potter books!
I don’t think it’s possible! 🙂
I completely agree with Clare about that scene being a turning point – it was then that I realised just how dark the series was going to potentially be, and that nothing and nobody were safe. In many children’s series, you can sort of take it for granted that the main characters will be fine no matter what. I love that Rowling didn’t go for that.
I love that she didn’t take the easy way out.
That thing Snape says to Hermione about her teeth is one of the least forgivable (to me) things that he does throughout the books. How are you going to bully a fourteen-year-old girl in such a fashion? Snape is crap!
I know. The teeth comment is unforgivable.