Four reasons why you should read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

At exactly 7.01am yesterday, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth book in the famous Harry Potter franchise, was released much to the delight of Potterheads around the world.

I was among the few lucky Potterheads who gathered at a local bookstore to celebrate the launch, while bonding with other Muggles over games and snacking on Harry Potter themed food.

With all the buzz about the latest book, you might be wondering if it is worth reading. After all, it’s not actually a novel. It is a script. So, I read the book cover to cover over the weekend to find if it is worth the hype.

Here are four reasons why you should read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

1. Jack Thorne can actually match J.K. Rowling’s writing style

When Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was first announced, many people were sceptical because J.K. Rowling was not the main writer for the beloved story. In fact, a fairly unknown writer, Jack Thorne, was heading the production.

Many fans questioned if Jack had what it takes to bring Harry Potter to another level. However, Jack did not only meet expectations. He exceeded them.

Jack matched Rowling’s writing style and gave us aspects of the story we didn’t even know we wanted to begin with.

If you’re worried that Jack Thorne might ruin your childhood, trust me. He will not.

2. The book pulls you right back into the world of Harry Potter

From the first chapter, one thing that kept coming back to me was how I felt so at home. After seven books, it’s hard to not feel like Harry Potter is a part of who you are.

It felt so right to be back with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of gang. In other words, it was like a much needed homecoming to Hogwarts.

It certainly helped that there were many references to classes the trio took as children (think flying on a broomstick), the Triwizard Tournament, and famous love interests (Viktor Krum, anyone?).

Read this book because it is guaranteed to bring out loads of warm and fuzzy feelings in your heart.

3. Everything is explained, and you don’t have to struggle with recall

The final Harry Potter book came out in 2007, and the movie franchise ended six years ago. Do you feel old now? I know I do.

If you are like me, you’ve probably forgotten some aspects of the book. I don’t blame you if you can’t remember what Polyjuice Potion does, or which spell makes objects explode. Or if you’ve forgotten names like Amos Diggory.

Thankfully, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child recognises how long it has been. Unlike other books that expect you to recall on your own, it quietly explains everything that you probably forgot without making it too obvious.

Yes, you can totally skip Google while reading this one.

4. You will actually feel like you are in the play

Right now, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is only playing in Palace Theatre in London. While there are rumours that the show might be travelling around the world, it only seems likely in America.

In essence, this book is your only chance, at least for the next few years, to get a chance to relive your childhood. Unless you plan to fork thousands to fly to London, just get the book.

If you had second thoughts about reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child initially, I hope my list has convinced you otherwise!