When I found out JK Rowling had written another book, I was ecstatic. Then, I read the synopsis for The Casual Vacancy and thought to myself, “Only for JK Rowling,” meaning the story didn’t sound like my usual cup of tea, but I’d give it a go because it was written by JK Rowling.
I started reading The Casual Vacancy about two week ago. I wasn’t too optimistic about liking it because of the synopsis and some reviews I had read, but I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t hate it. Still, after reading 118 of the 503 pages, I’ve decided to move on and stop reading The Casual Vacancy … at least for now.
Before I started, I had read several reviews, some praising JK Rowling for her gritty tale about human nature and some declaring it to be utter trash. I knew there’d be a lot of language and sexual references going into it, but I still wanted to experience The Casual Vacancy for myself.
As I read it, I realized that while I didn’t care for the language, the sexual references didn’t bother me as much as I thought they might because I didn’t think they were very graphic. They just seemed like typical thoughts and conversations people have about sex. Some people may disagree with me, especially those who live in my state and/or are members of my religion, but maybe I’ve just been around more people who talk openly about sex. Or, maybe, I’m just more willing to admit that people talk about sex. Sometimes it’s crude, sometimes it’s not. No big deal. If the sexual references had become more graphic, then it would’ve bothered me because, personally, I feel like erotica or genres like it are literary porn and I’m not one to engage in porn of any kind.
So why did I stop reading the book then? Honestly, it was because it was too slow. I actually loved the huge cast of characters because it made for a very interesting look at human nature and gave many different insights into this little town of Pagford. And, I enjoyed the characters themselves, even though most of them had selfish, condescending, holier-than-thou, negative attitudes. I thought it was kind of refreshing to see that side of human nature.
I wish this book was a faster read. And, I wish something more significant, other than Barry Fairbrother’s death, had happened in these first 118 pages. Basically, I wish there was a reason for me to keep going because I really wanted to know the point of JK Rowling’s new novel. Is it just a story about human nature? Or, is there more to it? At this point, I don’t know. And, because there wasn’t enough for me to go on by the 118th page and because I’m just coming out of a reading slump that I don’t want to throw myself back into, I’m putting The Casual Vacancy aside, perhaps for now, perhaps for always.
If you’ve read The Casual Vacancy, or attempted it, what did you think or why did you stop reading it? If you haven’t read it, but want to, let me give you one piece of advice: Forget that JK Rowling wrote this and only read it because it sounds like it’s something you’d enjoy. If you only want to read it because it’s JK Rowling, then you may be disappointed.
About Jenni Elyse
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Thanks for the synopsis of the 118 pages. I guess I don’t need to stress about not reading this one.
No problem. I definitely wouldn’t stress about not reading it.
I tried to read it too. I don’t think the writing was horrible, just not my bag of chips. Also, I felt like part of the problem was that it is very “english” which can sometimes be distracting.
Sorry you’ve had a reading slump, I hope you find something to pull you out of it soon.
Did you see Provo libraries author announcement? It’s going to be a great signing.
Jen
Yeah, it is very English. I liked it and didn’t like it at the same time, so I know what you mean.
I’m actually doing much better with my slump this year. I made a promise to myself that I’d give books 100 pages to decide if I want to keep reading it. Otherwise, I’d stop.
So, I put my promise into action with The Casual Vacancy. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t pushed through, lol.
I didn’t. *goes to check* Are you talking about the Dark Days tour? Or, Kathy Reichs? Either way, I’m way excited!
Both! But the Dark Days they announced today and I am super excited. I’m going to have to finally go get a Provo Library card so I don’t have to hope they have any tickets left for the general public. Have you read any Kathy Reichs?
I haven’t read any of Reichs’ books yet, but I love Bones and I’ve wanted to read the series and try out her YA series. I’m going to have to try to get one in before March! And, you totally should get a card so you can come to both, or I can always lend you a ticket too. I don’t mind.
I was interested when I heard she had written another book, but after learning more about what it was and stuff, I decided I wasn’t interested. Too bad you didn’t like it too much. Oh well! On to better things!
I can understand your disinterest. Honestly, I probably shouldn’t have picked it up just because it’s not my usual cup of tea. But, I’m glad I gave it a go and after a conversation I had with Jessica Day George, I may give it another go further down the road. Maybe.
But, yes! On to better things!
You made it further in than I did. I could even get through the first 100 pages. I found it to be slightly boring, but I think that has something to do with the fact that I had some trouble keeping everybody straight in my mind. So many characters! I wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t lose myself in the tale. I’m kind of bummed I paid full price for it. Such a bummer.
I would be bummed too. I decided not to buy it just in case I didn’t like it since I had read the synopsis and the reviews before hand. I’m glad I didn’t buy it.
You made it further than me too… I started and stopped twice… I would like to finish it, but that is for a rainy day when I am out of books- which certainly won’t be ANY time soon!
I’d like to finish it too at some point. I just don’t know when, lol.