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susan_song's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
zoeycdamico's review against another edition
4.0
Such a nice, light read, so pleasant and still very engaging
calebmatthews's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good! I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the story was fast-paced. I also have grown to like how Hoffman puts in little tidbits of magic throughout her stories. When you see a beetle, you know a little bit about what's about to happen and I appreciate that. I felt like this book was a little like a tv drama at times, which is great since HBO just optioned it. Looking forward to watching it too!
stevesitter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
cheerbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
CBR Bingo - I LOVE THIS
This is the first time I am participating in Cannonball Read Bingo and I am ALL IN BABY. I'm not sure if I'll be able to swing a blackout by the end of October but my personal goal is to fill out the whole thing by the end of the year. Let's do this thing!
And what fun to review Alice Hoffman for my first Bingo pick! She has been one of my favorite authors since high school and I have been eagerly and nervously anticipating the prequel to the beloved Practical Magic. The last book I read by her, Skylight Confessions, I didn't love and during my review reflected that Hoffman seemed much the same (that novel was from 2007) and maybe it was I who had changed. Perhaps my tastes had changed and she was no longer one of my favorites? I'm glad to report that was not the case: I really enjoyed this book!
For those that are familiar with the book Practical Magic, or the delightful film starring Sandra Bullock as Sally and Nicole Kidman as Gillian, this novel takes us back when the aunts of Bullock and Kidman (played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) are young. We learn the backstory of Aunt Frances and Aunt Jet, and learn more of the rich history of the Owens family. We see sparks of the aunts who already know and what will be, their powers already on display, but having read the book (or seen the movie) you have a unique vantage point? How did the aunts come to live in the house, practicing witchcraft? And, more importantly, whatever happened to Vincent, their brother, who isn't even in Practical Magic?
It's always a challenge to reboot or revisit beloved material, and Hoffman does so deftly. The whimsical spirit of the first book is captured with Hoffman signature tone of darkness tempered with hope, and we learn much more about beloved characters, while still staying true to them. It's been a hot minute since I read Practical Magic, so I'm interested in how I'd feel giving that another go, but I'm going to be enthusiastically recommending anyone who likes Hoffman, liked Practical Magic, or could use a bit of magic in their summer.
This is the first time I am participating in Cannonball Read Bingo and I am ALL IN BABY. I'm not sure if I'll be able to swing a blackout by the end of October but my personal goal is to fill out the whole thing by the end of the year. Let's do this thing!
And what fun to review Alice Hoffman for my first Bingo pick! She has been one of my favorite authors since high school and I have been eagerly and nervously anticipating the prequel to the beloved Practical Magic. The last book I read by her, Skylight Confessions, I didn't love and during my review reflected that Hoffman seemed much the same (that novel was from 2007) and maybe it was I who had changed. Perhaps my tastes had changed and she was no longer one of my favorites? I'm glad to report that was not the case: I really enjoyed this book!
For those that are familiar with the book Practical Magic, or the delightful film starring Sandra Bullock as Sally and Nicole Kidman as Gillian, this novel takes us back when the aunts of Bullock and Kidman (played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) are young. We learn the backstory of Aunt Frances and Aunt Jet, and learn more of the rich history of the Owens family. We see sparks of the aunts who already know and what will be, their powers already on display, but having read the book (or seen the movie) you have a unique vantage point? How did the aunts come to live in the house, practicing witchcraft? And, more importantly, whatever happened to Vincent, their brother, who isn't even in Practical Magic?
It's always a challenge to reboot or revisit beloved material, and Hoffman does so deftly. The whimsical spirit of the first book is captured with Hoffman signature tone of darkness tempered with hope, and we learn much more about beloved characters, while still staying true to them. It's been a hot minute since I read Practical Magic, so I'm interested in how I'd feel giving that another go, but I'm going to be enthusiastically recommending anyone who likes Hoffman, liked Practical Magic, or could use a bit of magic in their summer.
madisonlcollins0917's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-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
jenru9613's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
ashleybakerwrites's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really loved this book. Even more than the first one. There were ups and downs of course, but I rarely find myself THIS invested in a family drama. Cannot wait to read the next one. I love practical magic- haven't read the book yet. But this is shaping up to be one of my favorite series ever.
lit_lady's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
lilredkdn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0