------In light of J.K. Rowling's recent bullshit, I've decided to remove my ratings entirely from all of her books. I had previously decided to leave the 5 star ratings up due to my enjoyment of them as a child (when I was the actual target audience). While I loved the world she created (and still do), the stories within that world have obvious problems and flaws/inconsistencies/gaping plotholes that have become more apparent as I've gotten older and become more widely read and aware of the world.-------

Yes, I was one of those kids who eagerly devoured each HP book as they came out. I absolutely loved them . My daughter is nearly 8 and she's also come to love the series. For that reason, I'm leaving my 5 star rating on here, despite the fact that I wouldn't give it that rating today.

Now, having read the books innumerable times, I am also capable of seeing the problems. This book isn't as bad as later installments but there are flaws and plotholes to be found. From basic worldbuilding issues--like the low standards for teachers in terms of not only the quality of education students receive but also in terms of teachers singling out and even outright bullying students--to plot problems--

what takes Dumbledore sooooo long to return from London when he apparently knows there's a giant threat at the school?

If you're coming into this book as an adult there are plenty of reasons not to enjoy this book. If I were to post a rating of my current level of enjoyment when reading these books, book one would get a low 4. Enjoyable, but plenty of problems.