The best use for JK Rowling's newest books is to hand it to twats you may know and have them read it for any character they might, themselves, resemble. And if there are, they should change themselves accordingly.
First, you should do it to yourself, of course, because you are being a judgemental prick.
It is obvious Rowling has a hard spot for humanity. And does not judge us (as a whole) very nicely. She is not alone, of course. There are a lot of little sins among our species which does little to recommend us, but I choose to be less pessimistic in our prospects. In contrast to Rowling, I don't believe most people are purposely bastards... they are just stupid and ignorant to their follies. ....mmm perhaps I am more pessimistic.
British culture does not seem to be any better than American culture about being open and honest with others. We never tell anyone our troubles, rarely are we given a chance to listen. So we blistfully bumble along being twats. Some people are truly sociopathic (like Fats Walls), and I know a Howard Mollison in my own community (though I truly hope he is not quite such an arse), but I don't think there are so many Shirleys and Samanthas and Maureens around.
Maybe I am just naive.
Anyway the book is written alright. A little jarring how quick and often it bounces perspective. It'll fit right in with the TV generation. I liked her style of extended (parentheses sections). It is very readable and devourable to book-lovers. All the same, it is absolutely Miserable. Appropriate for our societies in declining democracies parading popularity contests as a stable form of government, but Miserable all the same. There is not a positive note in the whole thing. It has a little flat humor, but it is really just a recommendation to any alien visitors to vaporize humanity before it can do itself anymore harm.
Oh, and stop Tar Sands, too, if you're there, aliens...
