So I’ll admit I’m a bit of a JK Rowling groupie. Joanne is such an inspiration, not only because I’m an avid writer, but also because I’m an avid reader. I loved "Harry Potter" as a kid, and as a teen, and as an adult, and I cannot get enough of Rowling’s books. That being said, not every "Harry Potter" fan is a Rowling groupie like I am. When "Casual Vacancy," Rowling’s first officially published foray into “adult” writing was released, there was a lot of harsh criticism. Some of that came from me, a high school student who was a bit taken aback by the rough language written by the same author that gave me Harry, Ron and Hermione.
By the time I picked up the Cormoran Strike books, I had come to my senses and realized what a fantastic writer Rowling was, rough language or not. If you haven’t read "Cuckoo’s Calling," "The Silkworm," of her latest, "Career of Evil." Fret not, loyal Potterheads. Here are five reasons you need to read the Cormoran Strike books.
1. Cormoran Strike is the hero you need
A war hero with half of a leg missing and a chain-smoking problem, it is impossible to not love Strike. His dark humor, heaving body, and his straight-talking ways are absolutely endearing, even if you want to hate him.
2. Robin Ellacot is the powerful heroine you crave
Not to spoil anything, but once you learn her history in "Career of Evil," you’ll love her even more. She’s a college drop-out with a keen eye for detail, and the ability to deal with Strike’s crap, even for the low-pay. Her loyalty to Strike is precious, and even if you hate her fiancé Matthew, you can’t help but hope Strike keeps her around.
3. JK Rowling is a mystery wizard
Seriously. You wouldn’t think that the author of "Harry Potter" would be able to construct 400 pages of a mystery novel that will keep you guessing til the very end, but she can! I like to think I am an intuitive reader, but I was screaming in shock at the end of "Silkworm." She keeps you on the tip of your toes, and you’ll be left reeling at the end of every chapter.
4. They are easy to read, but still super enjoyable.
The chapters aren’t too long, so you can commit yourself to reading just one chapter and then, all of a sudden, you’ve read six chapters and you want to read twenty more. The language is intense, intriguing, but not too technical. It’s perfect for college students who are sick of reading about organic chemistry and Plato.
5. JK Rowling is Bae
Seriously. Support the BAE that is Joanne by reading every single thing she has ever written. Harry Potter may be her most famous, but you don’t need to stop
