In an attempt to revisit the Harry Potter series and also get other things done, I decided to listen to The Chamber of Secrets on audio whenever I was cleaning or feeding my new addiction, crocheting (yes, I'm turning into a 27-year-old-grandma). I had heard many good things about Jim Dale's performance, and he did not disappoint. Once I got used to his style, I got sucked into the story the same way I would have if I had been reading it myself. I highly recommend giving one a listen! 
 Now onto the story itself...I feel like everyone and their mom has read Harry Potter, but just in case, there may be spoilers ahead. 
 Chamber of Secrets gets a bad rap. Whenever I see lists ranking all the HPs, it is down toward the bottom, and you never hear someone say it's their favorite. It may get overshadowed by the bigger and meatier ones later in the series, but it's importance is very underrated. While I'm not one to rank these books (how is that even possible!?), after revisiting it, I definitely don't think it gets enough credit. For one, this book sets the tone for the rest of the series by being really dark and creepy (and sometimes straight up terrifying - bodiless voices whispering "blood" and "kill", murderous spiders the size of elephants, and a snake that can kill with it's eyes? My preteen self must have had nightmares). It also sets up many really important things that pop up later in the series - The Whomping Willow, Polyjuice Potion, Gryffindor's sword, and horcruxes, to name a few. We of course have no idea what horcruxes are at this point in the series, but to go back and realize just how well thought out the whole series was from the very beginning is simply awesome. 
 All that aside, I love CoS for it's boldness (Rowling definitely did not sugarcoat the scary nature of the attacks) and for continuing to highlight many of the main character's traits. We see Harry being just as brave, loyal, and freakin' confused as ever (the poor kid has no idea what lies ahead). He's still figuring out who he is and what that means, and he comes a few steps closer in CoS. Hermione is back as her usual know-it-all self, but with a hint of a rebellious side as she campaigns to make the Polyjuice Potion. I still remember freaking out the first time I read this, when Harry and Ron see her petrified in the hospital wing. The Trio's love for one another is just the best. I love Ron in this book - he really comes into his own. He has his usual clueless/hilarious moments, but his loyalty to Harry as everyone accuses him of being the Heir of Slytherin was second to none, and he puts himself in great danger multiple times to help his friends/family. There were hints of Ron's bravery and loyalty in Sorcerer's Stone (i.e. the chessmatch) but he really proves himself in CoS. 
 Beyond the Trio, we get to see more of the Weasleys (best wizard family ever). It was interesting reading CoS knowing how Ginny's and Harry's relationship would evolve. Another memory I have of reading CoS for the first time was being utterly devastated when McGonagall says Ginny has been taken into the Chamber and so so relieved and happy when Harry rescues her. Some doubt the Harry/Ginny ship, but I felt it from this very book. Lastly, this is a very important book for the character of Hagrid. I love that the Trio was able to successfully clear his name. While they were scared and confused, they never wavered from thinking Hagrid was the kind and loving person he actually is. Without their dedication to him (which he rightfully earned) he would've been screwed. 
 Other thoughts - 
 Gilderoy Lockhart was the worst in the best way. What a hilariously awful character. 
 Dobby...what an annoyingly lovable little dude. 
 I wish the Burrow was a real place. 
 How the heck did Ron pass classes with his jacked-up wand!? 
 I love that the Forbidden Forest has added a magical car to it's ranks. 
 Tom Riddle as the student version of Voldemort was so creepy and so good. Tom Marvolo Riddle=I Am Lord Voldemort was mind-boggling to me the first time I read it. 
 Onto the Prisoner of Azkaban...