Why should you read the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman? First of all, best witchy reads out there in my opinion — I will fight you on this. They are such vibes. It’s Hoffman’s unique writing style that *makes* these books. They are not plot-driven or character-driven (even though they each have their own underlying plot and you fall in love with all of the characters). But it’s the entire world Hoffman created that drives the novels — romance, loss, sisterly love, magic (duh), and more.
Oh, and they are GREAT on audio. Highly recommend decreasing the rate you usually listen at because the books are usually dialogue light and description heavy.
WHERE TO START? The books were not published in chronological order, so you have options!
🖤 order they were published: practical magic, rules of magic, magic lessons, book of magic
🖤 chronological order: magic lessons, rules of magic, practical magic, book of magic
🖤 start with which one you think will be your fave (see below)
If you ____, then read….
🖤 did a class project on the Salem Witch Trials and have to visit at least one museum when you travel…. magic lessons
🖤 love movies set in NYC and won’t touch a historical fiction book unless there’s romance in it… rules of magic
🖤 lived for family sitcoms growing up and would totally conduct a seance… practical magic
🖤 favor action movies and have to watch Hocus Pocus every fall… book of magic
The vibe
Practical Magic / The Rules of Magic / Magic Lessons/ The Book of Magic / Slippers / Nail polish / Blanket / Robe / Glasses / Candle / Face mask
The reviews
I think there are a few things you should know about this absolute classic of a novel! The first is that it’s very different from the movie. Like as in — aside from character names and a few parts of the plot — it’s not even the same thing at all. Personally, I love the movie and the book but I don’t think it’s fair to even compare! I mean I absolutely pictured Sally and Gillian as Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman while reading bc love those gals.
The second thing to know is that Alice Hoffman’s writing style is proooobably different from any author you’ve ever read. The dialogue-light, suuuper long chapters are very atmospheric and full of details. Practical Magic covers a lot of ground — from the sisters moving to live with their aunts as kids through their adulthood in their 30s — and you also get a lot from Sally’s daughters Antonia and Kylie. I can see someone getting a little lost in this style writing. It’s not really what I would describe as a plot-driven but it’s not really a character-driven book since there are several featured characters. It’s more like an atmospheric driven book — is this a thing? Can we make it one??
My final thing of note to tell you is that the magical world the Owens family live in is very different from your other fictional magical world. The magic the Owens have isn’t wand waving type stuff. It’s more earthy and natural — bugs that warn of death, rituals to make a man fall in love with you, nightshade to poison your enemies. I truly love it because it feels real! Well as real as magic can feel! Full review.
The Owens family is blessed with magic, but cursed with love. Any man they love is doomed to experience a painful and early death. Set beginning in the ‘60s, the story follows sisters Franny and Jet and their brother Vincent as they live their lives testing fate — and suffering the consequences. This book was such a pleasant escape from reality — both the whimsy of magical powers and potions but also NYC in the 1960s to 1980s. Full review.
Revealing the origin story of the Owens women and their love curse and magical tendencies, Magic Lessons is set in the 1600s. Hannah Owens takes in Maria, an abandoned orphan, and loves and cares for her, which includes teaching her how to use her gift for good. Eventually, Maria follows a man to Salem, Massachusetts, only to discover he’s not at all the man she fell in love with. Instead, he’s a monster set on ridding the world of witches — of anyone who seems even close. Maria’s daughter Faith is stolen from her and Maria’s life turns into a lifelong quest of bringing back a straying child.
Ok I had no clue what I was going to think about this book because I typically don’t like reading something set soooo far back in time, but of course Alice Hoffman nailed it. It’s a pretty long book and it felt like it. I ended up listening to most of the book because actress Sutton Foster narrates it and she does an amazing job! The audiobook is on scribd — which you can try for free for 30 days. Full review.
I think my biggest takeaway from this one was alllll the wrapping up of the things. I got all my loose ends tied up and was just so satisfied with the ending of this series — even though I wish it could just go on forever. Ok, I know it’s been a minute since I’ve read the other three books, but I feel like this one had the most magic going on!
Most of the Practical Magic books I feel like weren’t super plot driven, but Book of Magic surprised me with a villain, a cross-Atlantic chase, and the rise and fall of one character in particular. I think Rules of Magic is still my fave book. And while I do really love Sally and Gillian (forever pictured as Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman), my fave Owens sisterly duo will forever be Franny and Jet. Full review.
BookNerdalie 