Proving that not everyone should write all types of books. This is the most boring written book ever. pass it by

Really tried to read this book. Just could not care about the people at all.

Lots of characters to keep track of, but once I got into it I could track them. I found it interesting how she told the teens' stories parallel to the adults' stories and how they intertwined.

Known for her Harry Potter Series, this is J.K. Rowling’s first adult fiction novel. Readers should be aware that there is no magic to be found here. Subjects delved into include poverty, drugs, and broken families. This book has the familiar character development Rowling’s readers have come to enjoy, but with a darker, more gritty feel. Some would even say that the characters in The Casual Vacancy can be described as unlikable. Readers who enjoy interconnectedness of characters and relationships between both adults and teenagers may find this novel appealing.

If you've read any of Rowling's other books (The Harry Potter series) the first 20 pages of The Casual Vacancy is like shell-shock. I felt betrayed and harshly pulled back to reality by the language, blatant sex, domestic abuse, and rape. Then I read more. I committed myself to the town of Pagford- its secrets, lies and manipulations- and I became addicted to its flawed inhabitants. The multitude of characters held my attention raptly as I devoured the pages. I didn't care much for the local politics- or the battle for the Fields and the clinic. It was the people themselves that had me entranced. Yes, this is NO Harry Potter. There is no Hagrid, coming to interrupt their pitiful lives and whisk them off to Hogwarts. And perhaps, that's the purpose of this novel- to bring us out of the clouds, and back from the land of magic. It sits in stark contrast from the novels we grew up with. Rowling has made her statement loud and clear with this book. However, this novel isn't just a statement. It's too well written and the characters too real to exist merely as a 'point'. I honestly hope she writes more. If you are a fan of Rowling's writing, do yourself a favor. Try to get through the first hundred pages, and then make your decision about the story. I'm glad a hung on to the end. Some of the characters changed, which is what made the journey really worthwhile.

Couldn't find a single main character that I cared about. All totally unlikable except for a few peripheral characters.

Enter a small town in a which a member of the council dies and an uproar begins over who will take the empty seat. It was very interesting to figure out how everyone was connected and get glimpses into each of the runner's lives, as well as the lives of their children, who end up involved in their own ways. Very intriguing characters and somehow some mundane days are made exciting simply through J.K. Rowling's superb writing.

Loved it! Rowling can write! I read that this was turned into a mini-series in the UK. Enjoy!

Remember when Britney Spears/Christina Aguilera/ Miley Cyrus etc tried to rebrand themselves from the teeny-bopper to something more "sophisticated" by becoming excessively sexual and vulgar?? Same thing here, plus the characters embody some of the worst qualities in people to make the overall tone of the book very negative.

I just couldn't get into it at all (and no, I've never read Potter before). Just too much gossip and wondering, and circular happenings and I will admit I didn't have the patience for it.