Not your kid’s book

It’s been impossible to raise children in the 21st century without a little magic. And by magic, we don’t mean conjuring up some supernatural powers to get them into the car seat or a special spell to have them sit politely in a restaurant. Nor do we mean the Piggyback Rider kid carrier backpack. We’re talking about Potter. Harry Potter.

From books to movies, Halloween costumes and toys, the story of the magical Harry Potter has been about as omnipresent as, well, air. And the author of those books – one J.K. Rowling has been rewarded mega, super handsomely for her novels, the screenplays and other assorted magical paraphernalia that were the products of her imagination. Her rewards have let her move on from Harry, Hogwarts and He Who Must Not Be Named.

Given how strong a connection parents made to Rowling, Harry and his magical world, we’re interested to see reaction from the release of Rowling’s new book - “Casual Vacancy.” When our kids were reading the Harry Potter series, we went to the bookstores for the midnight releases. On her new book? Uh, not so much.

The reviews are coming in. There’s talk of banning the book. But amid all the buzz there’s this: J.K. Rowlin’s latest book is not in any way, shape or form a kids book. It’s a brutal look at an ugly part of modern-day England.

And so we wonder…is “Casual Vacancy” on your nightstand or e-reader? Is it something you’re even interested in reading? If you read “Casual Vacancy” will it change how you look at Harry and Hermione?