Well, I wasn't interested in the books at first. Even after my friend dragged me into the first movie I wasn't motivated enough to pick up the books. It was only when I had a 13 hour train ride in front of me that I borrowed the first two books and read them in a matter of hours. I immediately asked for the next one when I got home.

I retrospect have to say that CoS is my favorite too. The characters are still likable and not so dumb as they are in later books, no stupid romance and long parts with no Hermione in them, which is always a plus.