Hoffman, Alice-- Practical Magic--Relaxed Buddy Read; Starts January 8,2018

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

This thread is open to discuss Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman.


Synopsis
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman.

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.

One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic...

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Laura]

Looking forward to reading this one!

[Brooke]

Me too! And since it is on my Kindle, I don't have to worry about a due date. :-)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oo! I wonder if I can get this in time. It has been on my list forever and after reading The Rules of Magic recently I did want to get to this soon

[Laura]

Maybe you will get it in time. Someone will come back and chat with you if not:-)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

:) I've sent a reserve request to the library and it's looking positive so far!

[Laura]

Anyone ready to start this tomorrow?

[Brooke]

I am! I'm wrapping up one of my "in progress" books tonight so I can start it.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I just picked up my copy from the library :)

I'll be reading pretty slowly though (school holidays - kids at my feet!)

[Laura]

I'll be reading slow too Karen! It's a busy week coming up. Too many meetings for the swim club:-(

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

My husband took the kids to the movies today so I was able to get some reading done ;)

I read the first section, Superstition.

So I did read The Rules of Magic fairly recently and I think this one seems to start off and describe the "magic" side of things much more overtly. I guess that is because in the prequel, their mother is hiding that world from them.
I do enjoy her writing style, even more so for her saying that she does research the spells to make them "realistic".
I feel sorry for the drug counter girl. I am going to assume she will pop up in the story again sometime.

I did have to go back and try remind myself of how old the Aunts would be. Because these girls are the granddaughters of April, right? So the aunts must be in their 60s-70s?

So far I am enjoying it and I'm keen to see where it all ends up. I'm surprised there is no talk of the Owens' curse yet.

[Laura]

p 3-62-Superstition
(view spoiler)[
I am enjoying this so far. The story moves along rather quickly! I really felt bad for the two girls being orphaned and living with their aunts with no rules or structure. I can understand why Gillian left as fast as she could.
I was on the other side regarding the drug counter girl. I didn't feel sorry for her as she tried to hard to manipulate her life.

Definitely a bit hypocritical for the townspeople to avoid the Owens but yet if they want something they sneak over to the aunts.
I 'm looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Sally and Gillian progresses and wondering what will happen to Antonia and Kylie. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Laura wrote: "p 3-62-Superstition
(view spoiler)[
I was on the other side regarding the drug counter girl. I didn't feel sorry for her as she tried to hard to manipulate her life. ..." (hide spoiler)]

I agree to a point. But I wonder what warnings the aunts gave her? And then why help her if they know the outcome? Surely she has been punished enough by now?
Maybe I'm too soft LOL

[Laura]

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Laura wrote: "p 3-62-Superstition

I was on the other side regarding the drug counter girl. I didn't feel sorry for her as she tried to hard to manipulate her life. ..."

I agree to a point. But I ..."

(view spoiler)[ I think when you go to witches for help with your love life than whatever happens, happens... especially when you are trying to make a married man fall in love with you. I had a problem with her going to see them in the first place. (hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

I read the Superstition chapter last night also.

Laura, you and I are on the same page with this one.
(view spoiler)[I don't feel sorry for the drugstore girl. She had more than 1 opportunity to learn her lesson not to interfere with fate/love, and she still chose to go see the aunts. And the aunts made it clear that this was something that you had to take seriously and couldn't be reversed.

I am also interested in seeing what happens to Antonia and Kylie. They have a normal life most of the year, and then 1 week is a free-for-all with the aunts. But now that they are preteen they see a bit of what their mother went through, with other kids avoiding them, etc. (hide spoiler)]

I'm going to try to get through the next section tonight.

[Laura]

I'll have to catch up Wednesday or Thursday with the next section as I bowl tonight and I have to switch back to the current BOM.

I'm sneaking a little Killman Creek time at work since I have my work done!

Reading this book really makes me impatient for my queue for The Rules of Magic.

[Brooke]

Laura wrote: "I'm sneaking a little Killman Creek time at work ..."

Stillhouse Lake is on my list to read this month. I'll probably read it after I finish this book. I've heard good things about it!

[Laura]

It's very good! Definitely read it next! I am a huge fan of a page turning mystery / thriller!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Laura wrote: "Reading this book really makes me impatient for my queue for The Rules of Magic ..."

Ah that answers one of my questions.

I was going to say something based on Brooke's comment, but now I realise it may be a spoiler!

[Brooke]

Pg 59-116: Premonitions

(view spoiler)[Ooh - the tension is building! I'm frustrated with Gillian, as I guess I am supposed to be at this point in the story. She is loving having someone look up to her, even if she was warned by Sally to back off. I can't believe she did that to Kylie's hair!

I did feel bad for Sally. She has worked so hard to give her daughters a "normal" life and saved pennies to buy Kylie that locket, and it was barely acknowledged. I'm sure I did that to my mother in my teens, too.

Isn't 13 a big age in the world of witches? Like the age when they come into their powers or something to that effect?

I saw the movie so many years ago that I don't remember what happens, but I am curious to see what (if any) revenge Gillian's dead man takes. (hide spoiler)]

[Alissa]

I’m behind 😳😳 I’m reading Odd Thomas so I’m going to finish Chapter 30 and start this to catch up!!

[Alissa]

I just finished Superstition it makes me also want to watch the movie to see how close it kept to the book.

I’ve read Alice Hoffman before and I like her writing style she has a cool way of making the most unbelievable things seem possible.

(view spoiler)[ I agree with Laura about the drug counter girl that she got what she asked for and can’t be upset about it. The only reason she can’t talk is because she attacked Sally and the aunts weren’t going to let that go.

I think she serves as a reminder to Sally and Gillian what ‘love’ can make someone do. I think she is the reason that Sally and Gillian look at love differently as well as not seeing a healthy loving relationship since their parents died when they were young.


I’m excited for Sally and the girls and Gillian to move back to the house when the aunts pass 😢 it will be interesting to see Sally and Gillian become the Owens’ women or if it is going to skip to Antonia and Kylie. Things that make you go hmmm. (hide spoiler)]

On to read more to see how good my guess is about what is going to happen next.

[Brooke]

Pg 117-192 Clairvoyance

(view spoiler)[It is interesting to see Kylie change in this section of the book. I'm glad that both sets of sisters are finally talking and that Sally knew that the lilacs were what was influencing everyone's moods/decisions. It is too bad that it took a near-rape for Antonia and Kylie to become closer, but now that they are I am excited to see what becomes of them.

I think I am going to have to rewatch the movie when I am done with the book. It has been a while, but I seem to remember the movie being more lighthearted than this. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Alissa wrote: "I just finished Superstition it makes me also want to watch the movie to see how close it kept to the book.

I’ve read Alice Hoffman before and I like her writing style she has a cool way of making..."

Good guesses, Alissa! I'm interested to see if they happen. I 'm also curious as to why Karen 's opinions are different than ours. I think she knows something we don't, not having read The Rules of Magic.
Curiosity killed the cat!!

[Laura]

Premonitions
(view spoiler)[
The younger sister's relationship is quite a bit different than the older sisters.
I can see why Antonia and Gillian do not get along as they are much too alike! Its interesting to see that Gillian has been using knowledge she learned from the aunts in her life but she was the one who took off first. I thought burying her partner in the lilacs was more comical than suspenseful.
I think the "hair scene" was a bit dramatic. I thought Gillian was just trying to help her niece not intentionally harm anyone.

(hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to the next section

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Premonitions

I'm with Laura (view spoiler)[ on the hair scene that it was a bit over the top. But Sally is just so concerned about losing Kylie as she seemingly turns into Gillian. Let's face it, Gillian isn't exactly a great role model!!

Yes the lilacs was a bit comical, but the end of this section was a bit creepy. Brooke must be right about the age. I don't remember either.

I think I watched the movie many moons ago, but I don't remember anything about it.

I'm excited to get to the next section - things are getting very interesting!!
(hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

I haven't seen the movie! I 'll have to add it to the to-do list!

[Laura]

Clairvoyance
(view spoiler)[
If Kylie can feel emotions and see dead people what can Antonia do? Nothing?
I'm not a big fan of Gillian but I 'm glad that she is finding happiness with Ben. I like that both sets of sisters are at least trying to be friends. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Levitation
(view spoiler)[
There were bits and pieces of this book I really didn't like- the pettiness and drama over little things.
I did like that in the end everyone (family) helped each other and were closer.

I like a HEA so I 'm happy that the aunts helped fix the Jimmy problem and that Gillian and Sally both find love.

The magical bits and sayings were an interesting part of the story!
(hide spoiler)]
I give it a 3 star. I'm now 2nd in queue for The Rules of Magic

[Alissa]

Premonitions

I agree with Laura and Karen about (view spoiler)[ the hair scene where Gillian was showing her that she was just as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside.

I think Gillian being there is also a lesson to Antonia of what she can end up being if she doesn’t change her ways.

The situation with the dead guy in the lilacs is going to get crazy from the Little bit I remember from the movie.

I’m very interested to see what is going to happen between Ben and Gillian and then Kylie and Gideon since at first I thought his reaction was going to lead to him realizing he loves her which it may have been and he didn’t know how to express at least that is what I’m hoping for. 🤓 (hide spoiler)]

On to the next section!!

[Brooke]

Levitation
(view spoiler)[I was actually a bit disappointed in the ending. I also like a HEA, but this was a bit too neat & tidy. I did like that the whole family came together for the holiday at the end, but the buildup to the Jimmy problem and how quickly it went away was sort of a let down for me.

The pierced dove in the refrigerator...who was it for? Are the aunts able to do that on someone's behalf without their knowing? Or did the shop girl whose husband died really not learn her lesson and did it again? She did get remarried awfully quickly... (hide spoiler)]

Overall I thought this was a quick read, but I would rate it 3 stars. I've got a couple other books to finish and then I'll be up for The Rules of Magic.

[Alissa]

Clairvoyance

(view spoiler)[ I agree with Brooke and Laura opinions on this section.

I think that ring is the new start to something bad. I hope the situation with Kylie and Sally is the worst of it but I don’t think so.

I like Ben and Gillian together and I never had an issue with Gillian because she has always been there when Sally needed her even if she was far away (as a sister should) and she has never pretended to be anymore than who she is.

Love love that Antonia and Kylie have become the sisters they started off being when they would go the aunts house in the summer. The situation that caused it was awful but could have been worse.

Now I just need Kylie and Gideon to make up and I will be happy. (hide spoiler)]

On to finish!!

[Alissa]

Levitation

I gave it 4 stars. (view spoiler)[ I love stories about families when they are realistic and you can imagine yourself in the mix or where it reminds you of your family. I’m going to call my sister after this😊

I also love a happy ending so I was only disappointed that we didn’t get any more of Gideon and Kylie and I would like a sequel to this one to see a grown up Kylie and Antonia.

I really like the author’s writing style. It made this book an easy read but also kept you intrigued to see what happens next.

I think it was done better here than what I remember from the movie but I’m going to also plan a time to watch it soon!! (hide spoiler)]

I’m excited to read the prequel based on the preview at the end. I have it so whenever you guys are ready to start.

I’m off to finish Odd Thomas!!

[Laura]

There is already a buddy read thread for The Rules of Magic. I 'll join when I can if you want to start without me. I 'm looking at 6 weeks or less.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Alissa]

I’m not in a hurry it wasn’t in high demand at my library so I should be able to keep it awhile. 🤓

We will see how it fits with this upcoming week of tasks!!

[Alissa]

I can wait for you and Brooke to be ready!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Clairvoyance

(view spoiler)[

@Brooke - I agree Kylie is changing, but in a way it is hard to believe she is still 13!
I agree about the Lilacs. Took them long enough!

@Laura. Good question I have wondered about Antonia too.

@Alissa. Yes the ring is not good. I feel like the next section will go into evil territory. I really like Ben and Gillian too.
Yes so good that Antonia and Kylie are getting along again.
Poor Gideon :(

Has anyone else found the f-bombs kind of out of place? The writing is so beautiful and interesting and I kind of feel like it's a bit of a slap in the face whenever they are thrown in there. LOL

(hide spoiler)]

[Brooke]

Karen, I did think that about the language. I have no problem with cursing - I do it myself quite often - but it did feel out of place in this story because of how she writes.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Brooke wrote: "Karen, I did think that about the language. I have no problem with cursing - I do it myself quite often - but it did feel out of place in this story because of how she writes."

I don't have a problem with bad language either, it was more that it didn't seem to fit the rest of the writing? It really came unexpectedly at me!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I finished and I loved it. I actually was left wanting a lot more though, as some of you mentioned.
I think I may have appreciated it more from reading the prequel first? Hard to say.
I would *love* a sequel and also Hoffman in our Author Q&A did say that she would like to write a book about Maria Owens and I think that would be awesome. Hopefully some day she will do that plus a sequel to this one :)

[Alissa]

Completely agree about (view spoiler)[Maria Owens her story has so many directions she could take it.. I would love to see a grown up Antonia and Kylie. (hide spoiler)]