The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman - December 2017

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

This was such a close vote this month! Our winning group read for December is The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. Please discuss here and remember to use spoiler tags as needed, as everyone may start at different times and reads at different speeds.



Find your magic

For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.

Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.

From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.

The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

I just finished read one and thought it was really good. I have not read Practical Magic, which this book is the prequel to. Actually, I haven't read any of Alice Hoffman's previous books. I'm going to have to change that. I thought this one was entertaining and enjoyable.

[Debra Diggs]

I read The Rules of Magic a short time back and loved it. I kept picturing the aunts from the movie (Practical Magic) as I read it. It made the story more enjoyable. It would be great if a Rules of Magic movie was made.

[Jessica]

This is a case where I wish you could give 1/2 stars on Goodreads - I enjoyed this book, but didn't quite like it to 4 star level, wish I could have given it a 3.5 rather than a 3!

I felt like I was always waiting for something bigger to happen than what actually was. I think that may be more to do with the fact that I listened to this book rather than reading it, and the narrator had a very mellow, smooth voice. It was nice to listen to, but I don't think the excitement of some of the events translated.

[Bonnie]

I have read all of Hoffman's books and this was one of my favorites. I always look forward to her next novel!

[Brigia]

I loved reading this book! I especially enjoyed the different characters and thought the story was really insightful.

This was my first book by Alice Hoffman, too, but I've immediately added Practical Magic to my want-to-read-shelf.

[Kristie, Moderator (Retired)]

Brigia wrote: "This was my first book by Alice Hoffman, too, but I've immediately added Practical Magic to my want-to-read-shelf. "

I did that too!

[Shannon]

i read this but it wasnt my favorite i heard that her pratical magic book is better then the movie so i will have to read it soon

[Debra]

I was let down by this book. So many people I know loved it and while reading, I kept thinking "what am I missing?" I had very high expectations after seeing so many 5 star reviews. I liked the book - didn't love it.

[Sharon]

I'm just waiting for a copy to become available for me from the library.

I just watched Practical Magic (for the millionth time) yesterday, so the timing is especially fitting. I've read that book, but wasn't as big of a fan. Looking forward to reading this one!

[Olivia]

I'm late to this discussion. I *really* slacked off with my reading at the end of last year.

This book is on my TBR. I have read almost every one of Hoffman's books, aside from maybe 3 or 4. For those of you new to her, her writing style and formulas are similar in most of her books. There is usually heartbreak, death, tragedy, and you really grow to love her characters. I typically cry at least once through her books. And they all have magical realism.

If you are looking to read more of her work, I think these are by far her best books:

The Story Sisters
Turtle Moon
Second Nature

[Olivia]

Bonnie wrote: "I have read all of Hoffman's books and this was one of my favorites. I always look forward to her next novel!"

Hi Bonnie! Do you know of any other good magical realism novelists?
I know of Isabel Allende, but I would love to find other magical realist authors to read aside from just these two.

[Sharon]

Olivia wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "I have read all of Hoffman's books and this was one of my favorites. I always look forward to her next novel!"

Hi Bonnie! Do you know of any other good magical realism novelists?
I ..."

Sorry to jump in, but I'd have to recommend Sarah Addison Allen's novels!

[Olivia]

Sharon wrote: "Olivia wrote: "Bonnie wrote: "I have read all of Hoffman's books and this was one of my favorites. I always look forward to her next novel!"

Hi Bonnie! Do you know of any other good magical realis..."

Thank you! I've found a book of hers I'd like to try out. :)