Follow the adventures of Sophie, the oldest daughter of three, who is sure she will never amount to anything because everyone knows it is the youngest siblings who become rich or have adventures in all the best tales.

Yet a chance meeting and a case of mistaken identity will soon find Sophie cursed and out in the world cavorting with dangerous witches and wizards, giving her more adventure than she ever dreamed.

As with all works by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle is a quick read that draws you into the world almost immediately. It's a lot of fun.

If you wish to see the animated film -- directed by Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) and released in 2004 -- it closely follows most of the major components and the feel of the book and characters, but do expect some deviations. I loved both!