July 31 is almost here and for all of you Potter-heads, that means two things — it's almost Harry Potter's birthday and it's time to figure out how to read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Despite the confusion surrounding the book for many people (Who's the cursed child? Is this going to be like the rest of the books? Is it a book? Is it a play?), picking up your own copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II isn't as difficult as you might think. According to Pottermore, will be available for digital download and in print copies across the world at precisely 12:01 a.m. BST on Sunday, July 31, the script (in a book format). You can pre-order an actual print publication now at book retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but you can also pre-order the eBook if you prefer to read it on a Kindle or other electronic reading device.
Of course, you can also head into any book store on July 31 and pick up a copy there. (Assuming they haven't run out.) But if you want to relive the best moments of your childhood with a heavy dose of nostalgia, Barnes & Noble will be hosting a countdown party on July 30 at 8 p.m. for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You'll have to check in with your local Barnes & Noble for details, but one thing is certain — you will not be the only adult in a Gryffindor robe waiting to buy a book.
Once you have your hands on it, be sure to take a quick moment to read the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After all, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is considered the eighth story, picking up 19 years after the last book finished. And the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? It's also 19 years after Harry and the gang defeated Voldemort.
Trust me, it's important to re-read that sweet epilogue. You need to let go of all you truly remember about Harry Potter and focus on the adult versions of your favorite trio. It's been 19 years since Snape died, 20 since you lost Dumbledore, and, 21 since Sirius passed away. You have to change your whole mindset before you dive into Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the best way to do it is to revisit the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Once you've done that? It's time to gobble up the eighth Harry Potter book. Maybe pick up some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans or make yourself a glass of ice cold Butterbeer to really set the mood, OK? To kind of quote Sirius Black? "I've done my waiting! Nine years of it!" And the only way to read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is to savor it.
