I read J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy this past week. This was no novel full of butter beer, portals, or maroon and yellow scarves!
I was sucked into the story from the moment the librarian turned the book over to me. I never read and walk, but found myself so engrossed in the first few pages of the book that I kept reading on my walk home from the library–with the occasional look up to avoid puddles and traffic!
I’m going to pause right here. You’re probably expecting me to say I loved this book. A few days after finishing it, I’m completely undecided about the story. It centers around a small town and a vacancy on the town council. I think Rowling is an expert at character development–I felt compelled to quickly get to the end of this book because I had to know what happened to these folks. But at times the characters/story reminded me of my former neighbors. Serving on the condo board with these folks was a challenge to say the least. So I could relate to the strong personalities and tactics of people trying to get their way.
The ending of the book was so tragic (no spoiler here) that I feel like I need to talk to someone else who has read this book to find out if I’m over-reacting – and caring too much about a book!
Who has read the story? Thoughts?
A couple of links to share:
Tamara features links to low sugar and sugar free desserts – my apple crisp is a recipe in the round-up.
I’m quoted in a post on FatWallet.com about removing gym insecurities.
Apples and Arteries 
this is on my wish list, now I *really* want to read it!
Definitely have read books where I get ‘sucked in’ and then a bit undecided at the end as well. For example I like Jodi Picoult, but she nearly always has a tragic twist ending. Leaves me uncomfortable and not sure how to feel. Maybe that is the point? Have never read the casual vacancy though! I am mostly a fan of sci-fi and fantasy novels 😛 (nerd alert!)
It’s always interesting to read an author’s book when they jump genres. I read the first four HP books, which I enjoyed, but I wasn’t obsessed with them (like my friends ;)).
I saw that book at the library today! It was on the display, and I was like what is that!?! I haven’t read the HP books. I read like a chapter or two of the first, but I think I had already convinced myself that they were overrated.
I would recommend Casual Vacancy. It’s worth the effort!
Now I feel like I need to move it up on my To Read shelf! I’ve been putting it off because I’ve heard such mixed reviews about the book.
I still haven’t read this! I really wanted to as I’m such a huge fan of the Harry Potter books – but I think that almost put me off, if that makes sense… The other thing is, I cover lots of town council politics for my job so I should read this really… 🙂
I think you’d really get a kick out of it given your work!
Interesting…I’m curious to read this. I bet my book club would love it (they tend to like books by big name authors)