HP and the Cursed Child: Is it worth the read?

I only wonder this because it wasn't exactly written by JKR. Please let me know, did you like it? Does it stay faithful to the characters? Is it worth my time? Or should I be content with the original series and stop there? I ask because I have about a million books on my TBR pile, so I have to be picky.

Also, is it written like a play or like a novel?

It looks like a script. I saw the book at the library before it was officially out. :)

I got my copy of the book at a midnight release and started reading it and I enjoyed what I read. It is written like a play. I enjoy plays and so far this hasn't disappointed. I haven't continued the book just because I have other books that I started earlier and would like to finish before I read this new book. I will let you know more after I have finished it.

I think it's worth it, but you'll want to have realistic expectations going in. It doesn't hold the same magic as the series, nor should it, IMO. You'll need to bear in mind that it is the script of a play, which means that action happens and time passes off-stage, and there isn't the depth that we had in the books. The characters are familiar, but different, as they're older (which I also think is as it should be). It has a very different feel to it, which I appreciated, as it remained distinct enough from the original seven books that I didn't feel it threatened or altered the power of the series, but was a fun addition to the canon. You can read my full review., if you wish. :)

Thanks grk, I had read your review. I'm still considering reading it, but I'm not sure I want to bump it up on my list.

I just finished it about 20 minutes ago and, as a serious HP fan, thought it well worth the read. >5 grkmwk: is right. You will not get the depth and nuance of a book, but I start envisioning what it would be like to sit in the audience and see the play and found that that helped quite a bit to overcome my initial reluctance of reading a play. The storyline is intriguing. There were a couple of places where I actually got choked up a bit.

>7 karenmarie: That is how I am planning to read the book as if I am watching/listening to a play and sitting in the audience.

>5 grkmwk: Well put.

I started a spoiler thread for discussion of the book: http://www.librarything.com/topic/228659

A group of friends and I did a cold reading of the play the day of release. We got through the first two acts and I finished just straight reading the second two that day. Definitely has a different overall feel than the books, but you can tell JK did have a hand in it. As others have said, the characters have grown and matured... Definitely worth the read.

yes , in my opinion i would say is that it will be worth the read, cause there are kids at my place ( twins ) whom i know love to read the harry potter books . I my self had a couple of books but ended up giving the pre school library.

>10 gilroy: You did a cold reading? What a cool idea! (No pun intended.)

>12 foggidawn: it was fun! A little weird because we didn't have enough to fill all the parts, but still fun. I think at one point, I was reading dialogue to myself. :)

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll have to pick up a copy sooner rather than later!