[Bear_in_RoseBear]

I first started reading the series myself last year (I was 42 at the time.) I like the charm of the early books. I've read a lot of people who say the first book was poorly written, but I don't agree; I feel it was written for children and is therefore written in a simplistic style. Unfortunately a lot of people apparently give up after trying the first and/or second books, and don't realize that the writing grows more sophisticated with each book.

I read the last one through in a single 12 hour session... it takes a good book to keep my attention focused like that, for that long. ;-)

[HungarianGypsy]

A lot of people disagree with me, but the first thing I thought of when I read the first book was Roald Dahl. That’s how I got hooked in within the first few pages. Reminded me of the way Roald Dahl started James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

[caseinpoint]

You just a youngun! ;o) I bought the book online and took delivery Monday afternoon. I finished it Wednesday morning cause I got lots of obligations not in my control and I don’t know if I could have spared twelve conscious hours to go through it nonstop. Perhaps if I took a vacation I could do it but right now my life is way too hectic and scheduled. I read it in the stolen hours. It was a nice break and I plan to slowly go through Books 5-7 again in the next few months. And I probably won’t see movie 5 until it comes out on DVD.