I read part of this book probably 15 years ago but my dad took it back to the library and I never bothered checking it out again. Then on impulse I bought it at the bookstore the other day. I am glad that I did. It is delightful, humorous gem of a book. Howl is marvelously vain and Sophie is fantastically unaware of her own abilities. I have not laughed so hard at book in a long time. I am so glad I tried this book again.