From Magic to Mundane? J.K. Rowling Signs New Book Contract
Author J.K. Rowling recently signed a publishing contract for a new, non-Harry Potter novel for adults. Details are scarce on the upcoming book, but some students have already formed opinions on it:
Max von Thaden ’14, Flemington, N.J. I will try it. I don’t have much of an opinion, though. J.K. Rowling kind of disappointed me with the last few books.
Laura Whitman ’13, Ono, Pa. I love Harry Potter, but the whole reason that I love it is because J.K. Rowling is an amazing author. I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. It only makes sense that she would want to write something else. She shouldn’t have to write just Harry Potter-related things for the rest of her life.
Ben Tansi ’14, Wrentham, Mass. What, is it going to be about a wizard in a retirement community? I don’t know. That would have to be more than seven years.
Crystal Bittinger ’12, Huntingdon, Pa. I think that would be great as long as she sticks to her usual style of good writing. I’d read anything by Rowling.
Robert Dellamotta ’14, West Chester, Pa.: I actually, perhaps surprisingly, never read J.K. Rowling, but I guess it’s somewhat surprising. That’s like Pixar doing a film for adults. After having grown up with Toy Story, I think we’d all be surprised if we saw them do something that actually showed blood, sex, or non-cartoon violence.
~Laura Bitely ’14, Juniata Online Journalist
J.K. Rowling is an amazing author and I loved the Harry Potter series. It was a huge part of my life and taught me so many important lessons about growing up.
Yes, Harry Potter is considered a children’s series. But the running themes and situations as the series progressed were very adult. The themes of loyalty, bravery, friendship, ect. are not just for kids to know. Also, look at the Harry Potter fan base, it goes from little kids to older adults. Rowling is not one to be typecasted because she has the ability to capture the reader’s attention by using real emotions and teaching real-life lessons throughout the fantasy. I think that’s why the series is so successful. Everybody can relate and learn from it in some way.
If she applies the same skills and real quality she did in HP, then her new series is sure to be a hit. I’ll be sure to buy a copy!