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Today the world celebrates world book day. That’s kind of in the title of the day though, isn’t it. Many people celebrate in different ways. They just simply read, which is great. Kids dress as their favourite characters from books and go to school dressed as them. And Chris? Well, Chris celebrates by listing his top 7 books on his blog. Why 7, I’m not sure. Just a random number that popped into my head. Anyway, here we go. In no particular order of course.

1) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 

This book is special to me. It was my first step into the world of Hogwarts. I met Harry Potter for the first time, and I don’t think I could have predicted what a huge part of my life a series of books could come when I first got that book all those years ago. Plus, it’s an awesome book.

2) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Again, this book is special to me. I think I could actually start all of these with that line. Chamber of Secrets is great though, I love Lockhart so much.

3) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

I’d say Prisoner of Azkaban is my second favourite book. My favourite movie, second favourite book, yeah. I’m not getting into why the movie is so brilliant here (read all 2000 words on that right here) but the book is just as great. Maybe it’s because I love Sirius and Lupin though, I don’t know.

4) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I’ve never really said good things about the movie version of Goblet of Fire. It’s not that it’s so cheesy, it’s just awful never to one of the better books in the series. Goblet of Fire (Book) is brilliant. SO BRILLIANT. SO SO BRILLIANT. Again, let me redirect you to this blog post, I walk you through it all.

5) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

My copy of Order of the Phoenix is pretty special to me. For some reason, Chris in 2003 (21st June, I remember it well) thought it would be a good idea to write his name and age inside the book. Don’t ever write in your Harry Potter books, silly Chris. Order of the Phoenix though, another brilliant novel.

6) Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince

I said no particular order, and I’ve stuck to it. If I had to pick my favourite from the list though, it would be Half Blood Prince. I love the focus on relationships. Granted, you see the trio have problems in earlier books, Firebolt/Scabbers in book 3, but this time it’s really put to the test. There’s a quote at the of a chapter where Harry’s reflecting on Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle’s friendship. It always brings a tear to my eye.

“As for the fact that Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle appeared to be going their different ways when they were usually inseparable, these things happened as people got older–Ron and Hermione, Harry reflected sadly, were living proof.”

While it’s sad and dark at points (I may or may not have cried while digging out that quote), it’s the funniest of the six as well, Luna doing the commentary for the Quidditch, Ron getting spiked with love potion, Harry and the lucky potion. They do such a great job with these moments (Bar Luna/Quidditch) in the movie version. I’ll save that for world movie day though.

7) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Last but by no means least, it’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I remember getting this book at midnight on the 21st July 2007. Not sleeping and just reading. Being mortified that JK killed off Hedwig that early in the book. JK Rowling wraps up the series perfectly. It’s outstanding, nothing quite like it. I don’t want another Harry Potter book, sure if they release one I’ll be there in a heartbeat, but it’s such a perfect end that anything after would ruin it.

You may treat this post as a bit of joke, but I’m deadly serious. My 7 favourite books in the whole wide world are the Harry Potter books. It’s a timeless tale,  and like I just said, there really is nothing quite like them.