Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Review

So I'm a bit late on this world event...but I did read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

It was definitely different from the other Harry Potter books, mostly because it was focused on Harry's son but also because it was in play format. Readers seemed surprised by the differences in this style of writing. The thing is, Rowling didn't actually write it. Sure she worked on it and planned out big plot points, but Jack Thorne is the official playwright.

Something that I've heard that I completely agree with is it seems more like fan fiction. And it totally does.

It's the same characters that we know and love with similar problems and lifestyles. But the story itself seems more like a suggestion of their futures, not their futures set in stone. This may have to do with the presence of time turners, but I took the story as someone's idea of what might have happened to all the characters I've grown up with.

That being said, I really liked it.

It had all the magical quirks of living in a modern world as wizarding folk. It had the same strong friendships and sense of reckless adventure. There were big mistakes and acts of heroism. And that's what Harry Potter is all about. Life isn't simpler because you have magic, if anything it's more complicated. But you learn and love and grow. Just like us normal people, which is why we love these stories.

So don't take it too seriously, just relax and enjoy another glimpse of the wizarding world.

Blithe and Bonny Roommate Article

I've had roommates that became my best friends...and ones that were not so friendly.

http://www.blithebonnies.com/lifestyle/how-to-live-with-roommates

Blithe and Bonny Theatre Article

I have participated in theatre for most of my life, and love it.

http://www.blithebonnies.com/lifestyle/the-benefits-of-theatre

Blithe and Bonny Art Article

While I was in London, I got to take an amazing art class and go to museums and galleries. It was an incredible experience. I go through some of my favorite pieces in this article.

http://www.blithebonnies.com/lifestyle/april-18th-2016

Blithe and Bonny Article about Twins

I've been having so much fun writing for Blithe and Bonny. This article is one of my favorites, because I have a twin sister.

http://www.blithebonnies.com/lifestyle/twins-double-the-trouble-double-the-fun

Growing Up Normal

Sometimes, I look back on my life and think about things I could have accomplished if I had pursued acting as a child. I could have been in movies and television series and been famous and traveled the world. Maybe. Probably not.

I think of kids who grow up in the spotlight and how they've turned out. They had so much attention. They had a bit of fun, but a lot of hard work and situations that demanded they be adults rather than children. They had to work hard and be on their best behavior.

I was not a well behaved kid. I was a great teenager, but as a kid I was a mess. So it's probably a good thing few people saw me face plant a plate of ice cream at a birthday party when I was nine. Or shudder as I wore giant rainbow t-shirts when I was ten. I'm glad no one other than my guy friends freaked out when I turned twelve and morphed into a fifteen year old. I was free as a teenager to crush hopelessly and pathetically after shaggy haired musicians and dancers. No one recorded the flippant remarks, shallow jokes, or clever comebacks that were so well worded but not always kind.

I have had the freedom to grow and learn at my own pace, without fear of inflicting the wrath of social media. I only piss people off in small numbers and in person. It works pretty well for me.

The Graveyard Book: book review

I got to see Neil Gaiman in Austin recently, and I could not have been more excited. In order to receive his infinite wisdom and clever witticisms I prepared by reading more of his books, including The Graveyard Book.

He mentioned The Graveyard Book during his lecture, and compared it to The Jungle Book. Instead of a child being raised by animals in a jungle, he is raised by ghosts in a graveyard. The comparison made me laugh because I couldn't believe I hadn't already made that connection.

First of all, I love British graveyards. The best ones are next to really old little churches, and have headstones with old Latin poems and phrases. I could totally see a kid running around those places, playing with ghosts and learning history.

Also, this kid's name is Nobody because he looks like nobody but himself. I suppose once you've been dead a while, you get tired of names.