I think the answers on
link might help you.
But outside of the Twilight context, Harry Potter is a joy to read. It's true that it might be slightly overhyped, but it's still worth your time to explore. JK Rowling's world is intricate and exciting, and I highly recommend this book to a reader of any age, but especially people who are just whetting their literary appetite. Harry Potter can serve as a "gateway drug" to other great books and get kids hooked on reading-- in a good way! It actually worked for my cousin, who read the Harry Potter books when she was ten, and was reading Jane Austin by fourteen. But if you ask her, she'll tell you that, being one of her first favorite books, she still adores Harry Potter.
I think that, other than quality, it might be a good idea to read the books because they're popular, and sometimes great conversation starters. I've had long talks about the Harry Potter themes with people I just met sometimes.
Like I said on the other answer, Harry Potter is not the best series in the world-- but it is still a fun, magical story filled with interesting themes and characters that will keep you turning pages way into the wee small hours of the morning.