~I have read volume 1 and volume two at the point of writing this~
If you really want to experience The Haruhi Suzumiya Phenomenon then this [the light novels that started it all] Is a defiant must.

Kyon is a normal High School Student.He comes to his first day of high school to experience a normal high school experience.But when his turn to introduce himself is finished,and the teacher goes on to the next one,Kyon-and the rest of the class,are speechless.

"If there are any aliens,time travelers,or espers here,come join me.That is all"

wouldn't you be speechless too?

The anime adaption of these novels only takes some of the story,and even when the huge parts are there,that doesn't mean your getting all of it. For example,Tsuruya-San.She isn't introduced until The Sigh,and doesn't play a huge role, but she is still a character in the story and has a role.I am a fan of her,but am dissapointed at the fact she's been pushed aside in the anime.Some of the chapters where she shines aren't even in the anime,and that makes me angry.

The art,of course,I love.Drawn be Itoh Noizi,Four colour inserts in every volume,and pretty black and white illustrations every now and then,it really makes my day.The characters are great,each is different and i feel like with any of them missing from the story,I wouldn't like it as much.I enjoy reading the two volumes i own (The Melancholy and The Sigh) over and over again,and every chapter is a ride.I'd recommend it to anyone,but this is the type of series that if you like it,you like it, and if you don't,you don't.