Reviews

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

frankensteinscreature's review against another edition

2.0

I am loathe to say it, but in the case of practical magic, I preferred the film by far. There were some more gothic elements I loved in the book, but it was nowhere near as witchy or ghostly as I had hoped and just felt like a generic romance, there was no need for every single woman to get a partner.

I did enjoy the creeping suggestion that all of these relationships are just due to the cunning spells of the aunts, I much prefer this idea of a not so happy ending

gabiiimarieee's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective

3.75

kikireads999's review

lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Truly a middle of the road kinda book for me. I enjoyed myself until about two-thirds in when I realized that nothing interesting was going to happen.

I saw someone describe it as a "cozy" read, and if this is what cozy means then I don't think it's for me. As I said, nothing happened. There was almost no plot; most of the book was spent with the main characters. So it was confusing to me that the character's love interests got NO character development, if it's supposed to be a character-heavy book. They were just there, and then BAM they're in love with Sally or Gillian or one of the girls. No character time of their own, except Kylie's friend who was only interesting because he was described as "unpleasant to be around" or something like that (which I thought was hilarious). I just didn't give a shit about any of the men because they weren't given any time to be their own character. Gary was the worst, holy shit. So dull.

The one thing this book has is DELICIOUS words. All these sentences written about random shit, like munching toads begging for treats, were so delicious I just wanted to eat the words. I can't describe it any other way. So so good, yum yum yum. The writing was simple and addictive, at least until I got bored with the lack of plot.

I enjoyed Sally and Kylie the most—my two relatable queens. I related to Sally's work ethic, sense of responsibility and older sibling-ness, and to Kylie's self-esteem issues. I didn't relate to Antonia at all, and while Gillian was certainly an interesting character, she wasn't personally relatable to me. I thought she was very compelling though, especially her introduction as a lazy young girl who took cat naps in the sun and paid her sister to do her chores. Iconic behaviour and such a great way to show character through these little habits. Her journey of finding a love that didn't consume her but rather doubled the love in her life was beautiful in its simplicity.

I'd recommend this to someone who likes cozy, witchy stories that focus on themes of love, desire and sisterhood. Double points if they don't want anything plot-heavy.

jessreadsohio's review against another edition

dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

5.0

aherrst's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

ottiline's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

avvamapia's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Fatphobia

burningupasun's review against another edition

3.0

So. This... was a book I read, finally. I think part of the issue with my reaction to this is that I have seen the movie MANY times and I love it, and the book is NOTHING like the movie. At all. I mean the names of the characters are the same, and Jimmy is there and he dies, but otherwise... all different, pretty much. In some ways that was good—I loved the older versions of Sally's daughters, for examples. But in other ways, not so much. I was especially not fond of the handling of Sally and Gillian's love interests. This book has a really weird, intense, and frankly unhealthy idea of what true love is. That kind of intense love at first sight, that makes the guys basically want to stalk them? That makes one of the guys even mention wishing he was the kind of guy who would force (aka rape) a woman? Y I K E S.

I... think I'll stick to the movie in the future, lol.

allisaurus_rex's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is my first time reading, but practical magic is one of my favorite movies. I was surprised how different the book is, and really appreciate the changes that were made for the movie (except stevie nicks's updated version of crystal - I wish they'd used the original, but I'm guessing it wasn't possible.) But I'm obviously biased. I appreciated the deeper insight into the family dynamics, particularly the older sister caretaker role. I'll probably read the rest of the series at some point.

jenbo's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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

3.75