This, the very first harry potter book, has spared an unparalelled phenomenon in the world of entertainment. While many feel the relatively light hearted first installment pales in conparison to the dark and realistic fantasy it spawned, I have a different view.

I find this book has a sort of wonder-a magic, not to put too fine a point on it- that later books, and even more so the movies, lack. The book has plenty of fun for an adult or teen reader, but is told through a wonderously childlike viewpoint. I loved it as a child, and it has a nostalgi and refreshing appeal now, as an adult.

Sure to be a classic for many generations to come.