i initially watched the studio ghibli film for this book many years ago and have been meaning to rewatch the movie. i found out that the movie was originally a book, and told myself i would read the book before watching it again. 

this book was very comfy cozy and i enjoyed reading it in the mornings while playing the howls moving castle soundtrack on my tv. i don’t remember the film being as funny and lighthearted as this book was, especially with the differences in characters. howl is so sassy in the book in quite an endearing way that makes it all the more enjoyable. i also like how we can see sophie’s thoughts and watch as she grows from her timid self conscious start to her confident and radiant end. 

i found out that this book is part of a series and plan on reading the other 2 books that follow. i also plan on reading other works by diana wynne jones, since i did enjoy her way of writing and the world building for this story immensely.