Before I started reading the book I really asked myself why it caused such a mass hysteria usually only encountered with boy groups or Hollywood films. Large fan communities spread, organized parties for the day the book was published. Not even the enthusiasm for John Grisham's books can stand up to Harry Potter.

How can a series - four by now - of children's books be so successful? Well, I think the answer is: Harry Potter books are not exclusively stories for children.

One reason adults like them, too, is that they are reminded of their own childhood when they imagined - like almost every child did - that perhaps they were someone very special, being able to fly or practise magic.

The other reason: unlike many other children's books, Harry Potter is not written only with a childlike diction. The world of the magicians is described very vividly, affectionately and precisely, and Mrs Rowling thought out so many nice, original things of their everyday life (like Quidditch, which is a sports game as popular as soccer is for our culture).

"Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone" is the first of the series and it starts telling us about this nine year old boy who since he was a baby lived at his aunt and uncle's, who are really mean to him, including their son. He must live in a closet under the stairs and isn't allowed to spend his spare time on hobbies or go with them outside, e.g. to the zoo.

On his tenth birthday he gets a letter which is taken away from him by his uncle before he can read it. From then on he gets more and more letters, all are taken away from him, until he finally is able to read one. In it he learns about his parents, that they were famous magicians who were killed by a bad, powerful wizard.

He didn't get around to kill Harry like he had wanted to; Harry still wears a scar on his forehead from that fight.

Harry also learns that he may attend "Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry", where he meets some new friends, some magic and some strange things...

First I was in no mood to read this book, then I had not enough time, but once I had started I couldn't stop and really enjoyed it - it is very fascinating and thrilling. I just like the way Mrs Rowling describes this world of wizards and witches. All in all, I can recommend it to all who are looking for a nice read!