J.K.Rowling gave a whole generation of kids an amazing fantasy to dream about (*). Then she wrote this book that has many of the same elements, only without the safe haven of magic (**). Basically, this is a real world where a strange man showing up at your family's doorstep at night is less likely to be a magical school groundskeeper but more likely your family's drug dealer who, by the way, may not be adverse to beating and raping you for good measure.(***) It's the world left for Dudley Dursl...

The Casual Vacancy = Mind Blowing. There is a quote in J.K. Rowling's newly released book, The Casual Vacancy, that sums up the tone of this novel perfectly."The mistake ninety-nine percent of humanity made, as far as Fats could see, was being ashamed of what they were, lying about it, trying to be somebody else. Honesty was Fats' currency, his weapon and defense. It frightened people when you were honest; it shocked them. Other people, Fats had discovered, were mired in embarrassment and preten...

How (not) to read The Casual Vacancy :1. DON'T read it just because it's written by JK Rowling.2. DON'T expect it to be like Harry Potter - i.e, magic stuff. (Read the blurb, nimrod)3. DON'T expect a murder mystery - it isn't one.4. DON'T read it if you are not comfortable with the fact that the woman who might have moulded your childhood, is writing about drugs, teen sex, prostitution, rape etc. - this book isn't for you.5. DON'T compare this with her previous works, for the love of God!When it...

(view spoiler)[ WARNING: CAPSLOCK ABUSE. BE WARNED.Accio new-JK-Rowling-book!...*nothing happens* I'm a muggle. *whimpers* DO YOU SEE WHAT THIS MEANS??? MY WHOLE LIFE IS A LIE!! *BAWLS*That's alright. That's fine. I'LL WAIT. I CAN WAIT! SIRIUS DID HIS WAITING! TWELVE YEARS OF IT! IN AZKABAN!*few minutes later*ARE YOU HAPPY, JK ROWLING? DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU’RE DOING TO MY LIFE? ARE YOU WATCHING? ARE YOU WATCHING ME FALL APART, JK ROWLING? DO YOU ENJOY SEEING ME LIKE THIS?! YOU HEARTLESS WITCH, YOU...

Find more of my controversial reviews at Scott Reads ItAfter rereading my review of The Casual Vacancy I realized it sounded sloppy and very unprofessional. I decided to edit my entire review and start from scratch. I had such high expectations for The Casual Vacancy and I was extremely letdown. I'll admit that the only reason that I read this book is because I adore J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. I was so excited to read a new J.K. Rowling book that I didn't care that The Casual Vaca...

EDIT #2: I'll probably still give this a go out of curiosity. And because I do love our Queen J.K.EDIT: I am extremely disappointed in that cover. *cringe* It screams "no effort." I was excited, but after reading the synopsis and seeing the cover, not so much. Words can't express how excited I am about this book!Oh, yeah and the Dark Lord approves too.

Listen, people. I'm not extremely excited for this book because it's not fantasy. And I don't mean Harry Potter's continuation. Please, as much as I loved HP, I don't need to read about his kids because I cannot get myself to give a damn. The end is the end. I can't see how she can continue that series.Rowling has said that this book is completely different from what HP had given us. It's dark, dreary, a bit personal, and is solely for adults. And even though I love, love, love HP, I didn't preo...

6.11 A casual vacancy is deemed to have occurred:(a) when a local councillor fails to make his declaration of acceptance of office within the proper time; or(b) when his notice of resignation is received; or(c) on the day of his death …Charles Arnold-BakerLocal Council Administration,Seventh EditionBarry Fairbrother, local councillor of Pagford lay dead on the ground in pool of his own vomit. His death creates a situation called ' casual vacancy '. A lot of people of people are willing to fill...

First off, a confession, I was predisposed to not so much like this book. I had read many positive reviews yes; even so, positive or negative, they all shared a common theme. That is to say lack of plot. And I’m here to tell you, it’s all true, although it is not so much a lack as an absence. This is character development at its finest and even Pagford the community, comes forward in that undertaking. As much a character as say Howard, and despite our narrow view of Pagford’s people, we walk awa...

This book is utterly heartbreaking, but real, gritty, and slightly sickening. I had no idea what this novel was going to be about when I bought it yesterday. Being 17, I have grown up living and breathing Harry Potter. It is correct to assume that this novel is an utter contrast to the Harry Potter series. But I think it is a most naive error to try to compare the two works. It goes to JK Rowlings credit that she can produce such varied pieces, and write them so well!I love this novel. I find th...

Update 7/3/2012: Well... I can't lie. That is one seriously disappointing cover.A 2012 release date?!?!?!? SO EXCITED.Enough said.

My desire to read this book stemmed purely from a love of J.K. Rowling's previous work (You-Know-What). I knew to expect something different as it was stated categorically that her new book was for adults. Once the book was out, I heard a number of bad reviews. However I was not disappointed with this book. I can understand the responses because of the theme and some of the scenes are gritty with some unpleasantness, very real-life and honest. In The Casual Vacancy, J.K. Rowling has made a s...

People have complained that there are a whole lot of characters in this enormous 568 page novel, I counted 32, so for the very few people who have yet to read it here is a handy cut out and keep guide.Barry Fairbrother : he dies on page one. He didn’t need to do that. It just made things awkward. Mary Fairbrother : the widow. She didn’t see it coming. Well, nobody did. Their children Declan, Niamh, Siobhan and Fergus – you can forget them, they don’t figureHoward Mollison, a very fat shopkeeper,...