Detail of the cover of The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling has enjoyed the best and worst of times as an author. The Harry Potter books have sold millions of copies and generated an enormous fan base of kids and adults for the diminutive blonde with the kohl-rimmed eyes. Are those days gone for good?
Critics, including me, have been scathing about The Casual Vacancy, Rowling's first book for adults. Was I wrong? Do you feel sorry for her?
Let's chat about the book and find out what you think. We are reconvening The Globe and Mail's online book club with The Casual Vacancy on Tuesday, Oct. 9, the day after Thanksgiving.
Should Rowling have stuck with children's literature? The Casual Vacancy is certainly a quick read, but is it a memorable one? Did you find the characters engaging? Are the conflicts and the social problems in Rowling's small town similar to the issues you observe in your community? What about the fights between the kids and their parents? Would you let your kids read the book?
I will post a daily discussion question and jump into the conversation as it develops. Please read the book and join me with your thoughts and opinions here.