Comments on: Book Review: The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

By: Jessica B

Jessica B — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:28:00 +0000

I know I didn’t make it far enough. That’s the biggest reason I have a hard time not finishing books because like you said, the characters come to life further on in the book. By page 25 we are still just being introduced to them all. I’m sad it didn’t work out for me.

By: Aylee

Aylee — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 06:18:00 +0000

Well, I absolutely think you didn’t make it near far enough in the story to truly get a feel for the characters, plot, and writing – which were pure GENIUS, as is the Jo way – but I get that this book just isn’t your thing. It almost wasn’t my thing when I was on page 25 either, but I’m glad I plowed through because I found it was SO worth it. The strong content and language was pretty shocking for me in the beginning, too, but as I grew accustomed to it, I realized it added so much to the grittiness and realness of the story. I mean, I do wish real life wasn’t like that in actuality, but it is and that made the story so much more authentic in my eyes. It’s sad that it didn’t work for you, but you can’t be blamed – I certainly wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who is sensitive to such lewd content! Especially if it would ruin HP for you…

By: melissa @ 1lbr

melissa @ 1lbr — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 22:59:00 +0000

I gave up even being on the library hold list for this one after I read some stuff about it. I just don’t think it will be something I will enjoy, so I’m not even going to bother. I hope she publishes something for kids soon, cause I’d like to read more of her fun stuff.

By: Jessica B

Jessica B — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 19:06:00 +0000

Don’t worry, I won’t let it affect how much I like Harry Potter, either. She is an extremely talented woman and I’m so glad she is at a point in her career that she could write something so gritty and personal like this. I’m kind of sad that it didn’t work out for me.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:34:00 +0000

Same here. Although I’m not sure I’m even that far in the book yet. To be fair, it’s not really my thing, political dramas and stuff. So I knew I probably wasn’t going to be a big fan. But still, I’m sad I couldn’t get more into. I think this will be a DNF for me as well. I’ll read other JK Rowling books later too, just like you said. But I won’t let this one that I don’t like affect my feelings for Harry Potter. She’s allowed to want to write what she wants and feels like. I’m not required to read it or like it. I will always love Harry and everything the books and Jo did for me and for reading. But I really do hope she’ll go back to the stuff I like!

By: Jessica B

Jessica B — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:28:00 +0000

I want to see what you think. Aylee from Recovering Potter Addict loved it. She said it’s very character driven and maybe thats why I struggled with it. If there’s not a lot of plot, I lose interest.

By: Jenni Elyse

Jenni Elyse — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:14:00 +0000

I’m on the wait list at the library because I wasn’t sure I’d like it and I didn’t want to buy it until I know I did.

By: Inky

Inky — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:37:00 +0000

That's so sad. I've seen things like this in other books, but with all these reviews, even though it's JK......:( <3 Inky@ Book Haven Extraordinaire

By: Jessica B

Jessica B — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 17:29:00 +0000

I’m glad it wasn’t just me. I kept feeling like “This is J.K. Rowling! What’s wrong with me?”

By: Leah @ The Pretty Good Gatsby

Leah @ The Pretty Good Gatsby — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:40:00 +0000

This is pretty much how every review for this book goes. I wish it weren’t the case, but it seems like this book is a HUGE letdown. I’m glad I didn’t buy a copy and I’m sorry you weren’t a fan.