It's a surprisingly well-written story. The characters are largely three-dimensional with plenty of hints at events happening in the background that lend to the atmosphere. What really caught my attention is that Rowling successfully writes at the level of her main protagonist, Harry Potter. He starts off as a child just about to enter adolescence and her description of the world matches what a child of his age would be able to comprehend. The level gradually increases with each book as Harry matures and increases his own understanding, also becoming gradually darker and more fraught with peril.

I recent re-read the series and was again impressed by the progression of both the writing and the main characters. I'd say it's worth the effort.

The movies don't do justice to the books, in my opinion. They aren't bad as supplemental material after reading the books, but in my experience people who start out by watching the movies first are less likely to engage in the books. I can almost guarantee it's worth the effort. The first 2 books are short, light reads and feel very much like children's books; they are by no means extraordinary (though on subsequent reads, Chamber of Secrets has felt more and more charming). But once you read the third book, I will be really surprised if you aren't hooked. I don't think it's great literature or exceptionally well written.... it's just so delightfully fun and engaging. The characters are all incredible, the universe is so intricate it feels real, and so many pieces of the puzzle come together so well so often. It's an experience like no other. I would be open to holding off the readings until September! I could not recommend the series more.

I have the audiobooks that are pretty much on loop, so I have "read" (listened) to them all the way through a number of times. Currently in HBP (my favorite), so I'll probably back at the beginning by the end of the month. I'll save my next startup for when/if we decide to read through as a group!