I've had trouble with most of the Harry Potter books for one reason or another, I've either seen the movie and know the ending or I've found some character so aggrivating that I have no desire to really keep reading. While I have to admit I thought a lot of this book to sound whiny I recognize that Rowling is writing from the perspective of a teenager and so I can grant some liberty on that. Out of all the Harry Potter books I've read so far this one has definitely been my favorite although to be honest I'm hoping the next one is a better read and I'm happy to be looking at the end of the series finally.