Harry Potter is a genuine phenomenon, and a large part of that is that this book is *perfect*. Rowling description of Potter's entry into the world of Hogwarts, the eccentricities of wizards and magic, the joy of finally finding a place that you belong, is luminescent, iridescence, funny and poignant.

I don't see much point writing a longer review, since everybody knows Harry Potter. I have a lot of problems with the setting, the over-arching plot, and the politics of the characters as the series develops, but this book is amazing, with a lightness and attention to the craft of wordsmithing that are truly amazing.