Okay, so I finally did it. I *finally* read the first book in the Harry Potter series, after years and years of vowing to move it closer to the top of this never-ending stack of books I've absolutely promised that I'll finally read this year. (I've still yet to read The Hunger Games or Twilight either, but those will be coming soon too -- for *real* this time! Yeah, I've said that before? I digress -- no promises, ever!) 
 So, I really had no idea what to expect from this one. On the one hand, I have the millions of glowing reviews assuring me that no reader could *possibly* not love Harry Potter. On the other hand, I have my own personal biases which dictate that I'm really not all that fond of action-y type YA books, especially starring a younger male heroine. It's a coin flip at this point, right? 
 Well, I didn't hate it. And I didn't love it. It was cute, and there were definitely parts that kept me flipping ahead. But, there were also parts that had me bored for sure. 
 A few random points. 
 - There were too many secondary characters wandering around, and I really just started to zone out. When we got to the big climax -- the whodunnit of this one -- I found myself thinking.. oh? And who is this dude, again? 
 - There was too much time devoted to what seems to be an utterly useless sport. The majority of the game and players don't matter, right? Just get the gold ball and the other points are useless? 
 - Why is it so easy for everyone to do magic here? And to uncover these supposedly super-complex tricks and traps? I guess I'll learn this in later books? The kids are genetically presupposed to be good at magic, or they're just otherwise chosen and happen to mutter the right words in sequence? 
 I'm guessing the bad guy gets tougher, or there wouldn't be so many more books. And I'm told this first one is just a simplistic world-building thing -- that the others are darker, more complex, and more emotional. So, if I'm so lukewarm on the first one, is there a chance I'll fall in love later down the road? 
 There definitely is a cuteness here that is appealing. Although I've now read a ton of stories about magical or otherwise paranormal kids secluded away at a special school, I know this one came well before the other series I've perused -- giving it's own little brand of special. For folks who get drawn into fantasy worlds, I'm sure this one is enchanting .. with it's own little relatable nerdy young boy as a workable guide for the rest of the journey. 
 I think I'll give book 2 at least a fair chance and decide from there.