HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

Reading about Harry Potter at Hogwarts School must be a treat, or why would all J.K. Rowling's books continue to top the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller lists? It's pretty obvious that her storytelling is magical, but it's also obvious that Jim Dale's reading of it gives its "magic" an entirely new dimension. His captivating voice "summons" boggarts and werewolves, giant spiders and floating ghosts. This, the third book, is scarier than the others as Harry must face an escaped murderer who has tracked him down to Hogwarts. The narrator shows no mercy for his listeners as he hisses and snarls and cackles through one creepy scene after another. But he is also--and often--laugh-aloud funny. Rowling and Dale together are "word magicians"; without potions or spells, they weave enchantment. J.C. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 00]