December Challenge - A book published in 2016

[Sara]

We made it to the end of the year! This is the place to discuss our December group read of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2.

I read the book back in August so I won't be reading along, but I will be happy to participate in any discussion!

[Megan]

I read it when it first came out and I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!

[Lindi]

I agree with you both - I can't wait to see everyone's thoughts!

I'm supposed to be going to London next year and I really wish I would have gotten tickets...

[Jillian]

I plan on starting it this week. It seems to have a lot of mixed reviews.

[Juanita]

I just finished Part One. It seems a weak story to me, which is disappointing.

But considering it's a play script, I keep thinking these short scenes and constant set changes must've made for an expensive set design! Wondered how they would stage a live show with magic.

[Sara]

I suspect it's a stronger story on stage. One thing J.K. Rowling is good at is writing rich settings and descriptions. With all that left up to set design we are left out in the cold.

[AF]

I'm about 3/4 of the way through it and I love it. I love all the tie ins to the past (and alternate futures). So happy this is my final book of the challenge!

[Jillian]

I finished Part One/ Act One- (view spoiler)[ I have found it to be pretty disappointing. The play format is not bothering me. I was hoping that there would be a shift from everyone in Slytherin is bad/evil. But so far, it seems that is the idea continuing Albus is different so there must be something wrong. (hide spoiler)]

[Mike]

Finished this last week, and I loved it! I would have liked it to have been more fleshed out, but I understand that this was a script for a play so it was necessarily limited. Perhaps one day JKR will write a novel based on the play.

I always like reading about my cousin. (My last name is Potter, and I have an uncle named James Potter, so I call Harry my cousin.)

Jillian, I understand your concern, but I hope you change your mind before you finish.

[Jillian]

I will have to say it is strange reading this book while also reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to my kids which we are at the 60% point.

Act 1 Part 2 and Act 2 Part 1 (view spoiler)[ I did not care for Act 1 Part 2 and even though I read it last night. I don't remember it well. I did find Act 2 Part 2 interesting. It was interesting to see how the story-line would change if Voldemort was successful. It will be interesting to see how the book ends. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachel]

I read the book much earlier in the year, but I actually really enjoyed it. It is very different from the original series, but considering it was in a different format, it wasn't surprising.