Unless you've been disconnected from society for the past few weeks, you've heard about the recent release of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", a play following the thrilling events of the Battle of Hogwarts—nineteen years later. For many Harry Potter fans, the continuing story of magic and mayhem is an exciting one. For others, though, the play seems to take away from the original style of the books and movies. As someone who considers themselves among the Harry Potter nerds of this world, I read the book as soon as I could get my hands on it. Yes, the play differs greatly from the classic seven stories, but this reading experience was wonderfully nostalgic for me. I was taken back to the days when I would spend hours cuddled up with one of the books, submerging myself in a world so complex and unique.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the read so many fans wished for at the end of the final movie. Viewers are given a taste of Harry, Hermione, and Ron as adults with their own families; transitioning to a new chapter in their lives. The new book (or script, rather) picks up where we left off. The reader is introduced to the children of everyone's favorite best friends and we are given a deeper look into their personalities as they get ready to embark on another adventure at Hogwarts. From beginning to end, I was immersed in the writing style I had missed so much. Even with help from playwrights Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, the language is still vividly that of J.K. Rowling. The characters still contain their original essences and every aspect of the story flows perfectly with the world of Harry Potter. I began the play a bit wary of just that—this is a play, not a novel. But I was pleasantly surprised to find it still containing that oh-so-important Harry Potter sentiment. I never thought I'd miss wizarding lingo, but I have never been so happy to read 'Mudblood' and 'alohamora' and 'pumpkin pasties' in my life. I read and reminisced and fell even more in love with Rowling's stories.
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The only downside to such a positive reading experience is the sad truth: this is officially the end of the Harry Potter series, according to Rowling. I find myself wishing the books and films could be brand new again; what a brilliant world this author has created! The good news is that there is plenty of the wizarding world that lives on—in print, onscreen, and even in real life at theme parks across the globe. If you're a fan, I encourage you to read the newest addition despite your uncertainties. There's something special about following this amazing road with Rowling and the characters she's drawn us so close to. It's a story of a lifetime, one to share with generations to come and keep alive. Always.
