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aislinn_mcd_harrison's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was one I wanted to keep reading but i didn’t feel I really loved the writing style or even the characters. There was a sadness all through the book that made it difficult to enjoy but I don’t think it had a particularly strong message or view on its theme of love is disaster / love is the only good. Also don’t like books whose endings only set up the next book.
Questions to ask book club:
Is the curse real?
What do you think Alice Hoffman’s writing about youth and beauty and age?
Do you think Franny is consistent?
What do you think of how she portrayed real events like the Vietnam war and the stonewall riots?
Did you like the siblings? Who was your favourite?
This book is a prequel and the ending fairly unapologetically has nothing to do with the book you’ve read and is a preamble to practical magic - did it make you want to read the next one and why?
Questions to ask book club:
Is the curse real?
What do you think Alice Hoffman’s writing about youth and beauty and age?
Do you think Franny is consistent?
What do you think of how she portrayed real events like the Vietnam war and the stonewall riots?
Did you like the siblings? Who was your favourite?
This book is a prequel and the ending fairly unapologetically has nothing to do with the book you’ve read and is a preamble to practical magic - did it make you want to read the next one and why?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Cancer, War, Homophobia, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, Car accident, Death, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, and Sexual content
apoppyinthewind's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Practical Magic is and has been in my top five favourite books for decades so it's a little crazy to me that I'm just reading The Rules of Magic now. I enjoyed it, it had the same style of writing that drew me into Practical Magic decades ago and I read it within a day which ....well, it isn't unusual for me but it's a good sign. If I can't put a book down because I need to know what happens next then the writer is doing a good job in my book.
I'm torn between a 4 or 5. I did truly enjoy it and I can see myself re-reading it again when I'm in the mood for something witchy. I might even pick up a copy to go with the copy of Practical Magic I've been meaning to re-buy (Decluttering remorse 🤦♀️) and yet it is lacking something that Practical Magic holds for me. I can't quite put my finger on it so I may update this review when I do so for now let's say 4.5 stars.
I'm torn between a 4 or 5. I did truly enjoy it and I can see myself re-reading it again when I'm in the mood for something witchy. I might even pick up a copy to go with the copy of Practical Magic I've been meaning to re-buy (Decluttering remorse 🤦♀️) and yet it is lacking something that Practical Magic holds for me. I can't quite put my finger on it so I may update this review when I do so for now let's say 4.5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Cursing, Drug use, and Medical content
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Incest, Police brutality, and Homophobia
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