Writer's Block: Birthday Shout-out
To me, it has to be Prisoner of Azkaban. I think Jo is an extraordinarily talented micro-plotter (she does have some probs with macro stuff, but looking at the series as a whole, it's not a huge issue), and it comes out well in that book. There's no extra meat, just an incredibly clever story that's well written. Plus, I love the Marauders & Snape backstory there.
My second fave would have to be Half-Blood Prince. It has a nice balance between a darker storyline and teen hormones (and yes, Hermione is completely her studious, naggy self there - I'd be worried if she never threw a temper tantrum such as the much-maligned bird attack). Even if it's a pretty dark story overall, it doesn't feel that way.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JO! <3
My second fave would have to be Half-Blood Prince. It has a nice balance between a darker storyline and teen hormones (and yes, Hermione is completely her studious, naggy self there - I'd be worried if she never threw a temper tantrum such as the much-maligned bird attack). Even if it's a pretty dark story overall, it doesn't feel that way.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JO! <3