For almost two decades I remained untouched, not oblivious, but untouched by Harry Potter phenomenon. The book came out at the end of my 'fantasy stage' of my reading life. By the time first film arrived I went to see it because my date liked to do so. But that was about it. Over the years managed to more or less get through and get the gist of first two, but always lost interest as it progressed.
Picking up the Philosopher's Stone decades late, I found something I wasn't expecting. Not groundbreaking literature, the magic elements being rather quirky than well thought concept, but rather genuinely nice story. The child-like introduction to the world of magic works and offers fresh breath from different angles. It mixes the mundane with the magical in ways that feel surprisingly natural - a hidden platform at King's Cross, inner working of massive fairytale castle, a mirror that shows your deepest desire. With touch of a dark destiny.
It's a pleasant read I'm happy to have finally experienced. Much better (as it's usual) compared to film version.