A favorite book of mine...
I really enjoyed reading this the first time and since then have enjoyed reading it over and over. It makes for a very entertaining read and most of the characters (Calcifer was my fave!) are very interesting and easily understood; which is a must for a good book. The book was funny, the plot flowed well and, for the most part, was easy to follow. It is certainly not a masterpiece (not a Bronte or a Shakespeare), and it does have flaws (like an occasionally confusing plot and a rather abrupt ending), but it is a book that makes one laugh and makes one care about the characters, which keeps one coming back for re-reads. The open ending also allows for the reader to make his/her own assumptions about what will happen to Sophie/Howl.Even though this may not be the best book you'll ever read, it is a highly entertaining piece of light reading for in between weightier works. I recommend buying a copy and keeping it in your desk drawer next to your best pen.