Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)

I had to post a review; in so many of the entries I've read for this series of Harry Potter audio books, the reviewer comments on the plot line of the specific book, not the product itself. Allow me to share my thoughts. Being a fan of the series to begin with, perhaps I'm a little biased, but the listening experience offers a way to enjoy the story like no other. Jim Dale has to be, hands down, the best reader I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. He is so incredibly talented at recreating each of the characters' voices, personalities and emotions, after just a short time the listener can forget she is listening to just one person. Listening to the audio book also allows me to enjoy the story in various settings where the actual book just would not be practical; during a long commute, at work, running errands (mp3), cleaning, walks, etc. The audio book can offer a relaxing experience as well; Dale's voice is soothing, and you don't have to worry about eye strain - after a long day of staring at a computer, sometimes I prefer to just let my eyes rest. I highly, highly recommend the entire series via audio book - start with the first one; you won't be disappointed.

How come they didn't have books like this when I was a kid! An extraordinary book
that you will want to dedicate to memory!

If, like me, you wait to read (or in this case listen to) the book until AFTER the movie is out there are some plot details you find that were left out of the movie. One in particular I think is important but was completely omitted from the film. To keep from revealing too much, I'll simply say there are parts I didn't particularly like but I didn't do the writing. Overall, if certainly expands the franchise and I'm looking forward to the final chapter.

A very good book in the series. This book moved much better than the last one. It also flowed much better from the last book than the movie. In the movie, Harry went from dark, mood and feeling all alone to suddenly upbeat and hopeful in this movie. In the book however, he was still feeling rather down at the begining of this book. Also, the movie most deviated form this book than any other. The Burrow was never set a fire in this book. I also like the Ginny character from the book much better than the movie. She is very outspoken and confident. She is even a good Quiditch player. This book also sets up the last book very well. Harry is now on a mission. I found this book read much better/faster than the last one. One more book to go. Oh, and I still wish these books were released in eBook format.

The Harry Potter series may have started as books for the younger set but grew up with the children that started reading them (both in content and size). Some authors are just better than others in telling a story and J. K. Rowling is among the best. Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince is the sixth, and next to last, book in the series. While the movies are very good, as they progressed through the series, it became impossible to include everything in one film and quite a bit had to be cut. I think they probably did as good a job as they could, but I believe most readers will say that some of the best parts of the books did not make it to the big screen.