I can absolutely see the argument for reading The Lives of Christopher Chant first, but I still feel that the only place to start the Chrestomanci series is with Charmed Life. I think I'd recommend a stand-alone as a first book, though (and not Fire and Hemlock, even though I love it) - Howl's Moving Castle is a good choice*, or maybe Archer's Goon. Or Deep Secret.(nineveh_uk, if you want to borrow any of them let me know!)

I am feeling quite a bit better this week, thanks.

*I know it does have sort of sequels now, but it feels standaloney in a way I don't think any of the Chrestomanci books does to me.