Questions About Practical Magic (Practical Magic, #1)

by Alice Hoffman (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (12)

I absolutely love the movie! And I'm just curious...is the book way better or just better??

Mandie Thompson Personally, I hated the book. For me, it's one of the very very rare instances where the movie is better. For one thing, the two are nothing alike. Th…morePersonally, I hated the book. For me, it's one of the very very rare instances where the movie is better. For one thing, the two are nothing alike. The characters have the same names, and that's about it. I couldn't even finish the book because I didn't recognize even a thread of connection to the movie that I love so much.(less)

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HOLY CRAP!!!!! I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!! Is there any way that this book can be in Giveaways??

Rose Ann If you are desperate to read this book, you can always see if it's available at your public library. …moreIf you are desperate to read this book, you can always see if it's available at your public library. (less)

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I hate the movie; is the book better? Similar in story or totally different? I like the author but I'm not sure about this...

Shima I'd say they're more different than similar. The basic premise is the same but the movie is a bit more lighthearted and includes more of the magic, th…moreI'd say they're more different than similar. The basic premise is the same but the movie is a bit more lighthearted and includes more of the magic, the book is a bit darker and has less of a plot structure.

Personally, I found both the book and the movie to be kind of meh. But I know plenty of people love the movie and dislike the book, so that might bode well for you in the opposite direction?
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I see there is a prequel out to this book. I have not read either of these books, although I have read many of her other books. Should I read the prequel first now? Give me your thoughts readers. :)

Jackie Copper I read Practical Magic when it first came out 20+ years ago. Loved it. Then read the prequel (The Rules of Magic), and immediately re-read the origina…moreI read Practical Magic when it first came out 20+ years ago. Loved it. Then read the prequel (The Rules of Magic), and immediately re-read the original. I agree with Leslie, that the prequel is a better book, with much more character development. I was disappointed to read Practical Magic again and see that the stories and timelines don't really match up. The aunts are supposed to be "ancient" in Practical Magic, but in the Rules of Magic they were young women (early 20's) during the Viet Nam war. So they'd probably only be in their 60s or very early 70s in Practical Magic. The aunts' love stories are the meat and potatoes of Rules of Magic, but in Practical Magic their stories are totally different. So I guess what I'm saying is, read them separately so you forget or don't notice the inconsistencies. Both enjoyable, but not really a continuous story...(less)

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Cheryl Farbanish

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