1) How does the reviewer Michiko Kakutani seem to balance appealing to general Times readers and obsessed Harry Potter fans at the same time? Which lines appeal to which audience best, in your view?
2) Read the first three paragraphs. How does Kakutani recognize and describe the significance of the Harry Potter series in our culture? What lines do that especially well? Do you think these opening lines speak to both super fans and to casual readers? Why or why not?
3) What references, analogies, or comparisons does Kakutani use in this review? How do these help a general audience understand more about this book?
4) What else do you notice or admire about this review? What lessons might it have for your writing?