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Jane Madison #1
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft
AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION!
A humorous paranormal romance by USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky.
Jane Madison has a problem. Or two. Or three. She’s working as a librarian, trapped in absurd period costumes and serving up expensive lattes in an effort to keep her employer’s budget in the black. She has a desperate crush on her Imaginary Boyfriend, a professor who uses her library. Her doting grandmother is determined to reunite her with her long-absent mother. And now she’s been told she isn’t getting a well-deserved raise — instead, she can live for free in an ancient, dusty cottage on the library grounds.
When Jane settles into her new home, she discovers a hidden chamber lined with books — a world-class collection on witchcraft. She begins to read, never suspecting she has the power to work actual magic. Her first spell awakens a smart-mouthed feline familiar. Her second makes her irresistible to men. Those magical workings draw an overbearing astral enforcer, David Montrose. Will magic solve Jane’s problems? Or only bring her more disasters?
A humorous paranormal romance by USA Today bestselling author Mindy Klasky.
Jane Madison has a problem. Or two. Or three. She’s working as a librarian, trapped in absurd period costumes and serving up expensive lattes in an effort to keep her employer’s budget in the black. She has a desperate crush on her Imaginary Boyfriend, a professor who uses her library. Her doting grandmother is determined to reunite her with her long-absent mother. And now she’s been told she isn’t getting a well-deserved raise — instead, she can live for free in an ancient, dusty cottage on the library grounds.
When Jane settles into her new home, she discovers a hidden chamber lined with books — a world-class collection on witchcraft. She begins to read, never suspecting she has the power to work actual magic. Her first spell awakens a smart-mouthed feline familiar. Her second makes her irresistible to men. Those magical workings draw an overbearing astral enforcer, David Montrose. Will magic solve Jane’s problems? Or only bring her more disasters?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2006
812 people are currently reading
6524 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Klasky
111 books542 followersMindy Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
Mindy's travels took her through multiple careers, including copyright lawyer and law librarian. Mindy now writes full time. Her books fall in a number of genres -- including romantic comedies, paranormal romance, and traditional fantasy.
In her spare time, Mindy knits, quilts, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and two cats do their best to fill the left-over minutes in her days.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 635 reviews
April 18, 2012
I just couldn't get into this book—mainly due to the heroine, but there are structural issues as well.
The main character, Jane, has one reaction to anything that happens in her life: freak out. Magic is real: freak out. I did a spell: freak out. I did a second spell: freak out. The second spell worked: call friend and freak out. Seriously, dial it down, woman, or we're never going to know if something happens that's actually worth a freak out. There can be charm in the heroine who goes from crisis to crisis and never has time to catch up. But a crisis isn't manufactured simply by freaking out, though I've known people who think they are. I don't like being around people like that and that includes as a reader.
It doesn't help that Jane is kind of a jerk even when she isn't freaking out. Jane is pretty catty, internally, about her friend, Melissa (particularly about her organized man-hunt). The friendship also seems pretty one-sided with Melissa just expected to be there to lend emotional support for any and all of Jane's many freak-outs—even the trivial ones. As high-maintenance as Jane is, Melissa deserves a medal… or co-dependence therapy. And don't get me started on Jane’s relationship to her Grandma. Yeah, Grandma hid some stuff about her childhood but it's not like Grandma is evil. Jane exiling her to Outer Mongolia for it was pretty cold (uh, figuratively speaking).
Another problem is that while I made it a little more than a quarter through the book, I was still waiting for it to start. Jane is part of a coven? Don't they have to meet, first? Isn't there some kind of induction ceremony? No? And who are they, anyway? Practicing random magic is "bad"? Says who? Are they scary? And why would they say it's bad? Why do we not know these important details?
Ugh. Eventually I just decided that a book that hasn't started yet after a quarter of the way in probably isn't going anywhere worthwhile in the first place—particularly if I have to go through a billion freak-outs on the way…
The main character, Jane, has one reaction to anything that happens in her life: freak out. Magic is real: freak out. I did a spell: freak out. I did a second spell: freak out. The second spell worked: call friend and freak out. Seriously, dial it down, woman, or we're never going to know if something happens that's actually worth a freak out. There can be charm in the heroine who goes from crisis to crisis and never has time to catch up. But a crisis isn't manufactured simply by freaking out, though I've known people who think they are. I don't like being around people like that and that includes as a reader.
It doesn't help that Jane is kind of a jerk even when she isn't freaking out. Jane is pretty catty, internally, about her friend, Melissa (particularly about her organized man-hunt). The friendship also seems pretty one-sided with Melissa just expected to be there to lend emotional support for any and all of Jane's many freak-outs—even the trivial ones. As high-maintenance as Jane is, Melissa deserves a medal… or co-dependence therapy. And don't get me started on Jane’s relationship to her Grandma. Yeah, Grandma hid some stuff about her childhood but it's not like Grandma is evil. Jane exiling her to Outer Mongolia for it was pretty cold (uh, figuratively speaking).
Another problem is that while I made it a little more than a quarter through the book, I was still waiting for it to start. Jane is part of a coven? Don't they have to meet, first? Isn't there some kind of induction ceremony? No? And who are they, anyway? Practicing random magic is "bad"? Says who? Are they scary? And why would they say it's bad? Why do we not know these important details?
Ugh. Eventually I just decided that a book that hasn't started yet after a quarter of the way in probably isn't going anywhere worthwhile in the first place—particularly if I have to go through a billion freak-outs on the way…
February 13, 2022
3 stars because of my boy Neko and his sense of humor. Otherwise, I would give the story only 2 stars. The story was OK, but I was constantly facepalming myself. I have so many questions about the characters' motivation and their actions. I've marked more than 170 quotes from the book where I was literally screaming "Why are you doing this???". I'm afraid that I can't relate to the main heroine and that's the problem. And, ow, there's a Russian ballerina girl... Beautiful and cold... C'mon guys!
June 27, 2008
I love reading 'chicklit', but the problem with the genre is that the more you read them, the harder it is to find the good ones as opposed to those who were just capitalising on the genre's popularity the last couple of years.
I first became interested to read Girl's Guide to Witchcraft because Amazon recommended it to me in conjunction with my interest in Harry Potter and chicklit. It was years ago, and even though I've been meaning to read it, it's always just sitting on my wishlist for years. Until now.
As interesting as the premise is, the book doesn't deliver for me. The lack of direction in the plot makes it feel rather winding. It feels like 3/4 of it is just an attempt to balance introduction to the wonders of witchcraft, the bittersweet sometimes-fun-sometimes-lonely life of a single girl, and the drone of daily activities inserted with a little bit of humour. Things only started happening as it neared the end, and it wasn't much of a plot climax or denouement. Overall, it all reads like a long narrative that builds up towards nowhere, and that was the point that disappointed me.
Even if I should look at it as a 'fun mindless read' chicklit book, the characters aren't strong enough for the readers to be attached to, and in my case, makes it put-down-able.
My review may sound harsh, but I think just because it's chicklit doesn't mean that it can get away with just frivolously narrating the joys and pain of the witty single girl. I still expect a good plot with endearing characters that I care about. Maybe not in an award-winning scale, but a scale where it doesn't make me wish I could get my time back.
I first became interested to read Girl's Guide to Witchcraft because Amazon recommended it to me in conjunction with my interest in Harry Potter and chicklit. It was years ago, and even though I've been meaning to read it, it's always just sitting on my wishlist for years. Until now.
As interesting as the premise is, the book doesn't deliver for me. The lack of direction in the plot makes it feel rather winding. It feels like 3/4 of it is just an attempt to balance introduction to the wonders of witchcraft, the bittersweet sometimes-fun-sometimes-lonely life of a single girl, and the drone of daily activities inserted with a little bit of humour. Things only started happening as it neared the end, and it wasn't much of a plot climax or denouement. Overall, it all reads like a long narrative that builds up towards nowhere, and that was the point that disappointed me.
Even if I should look at it as a 'fun mindless read' chicklit book, the characters aren't strong enough for the readers to be attached to, and in my case, makes it put-down-able.
My review may sound harsh, but I think just because it's chicklit doesn't mean that it can get away with just frivolously narrating the joys and pain of the witty single girl. I still expect a good plot with endearing characters that I care about. Maybe not in an award-winning scale, but a scale where it doesn't make me wish I could get my time back.
May 14, 2007
The motivations for this character's eventual transformation from work-a-day reference librarian to new witch are shallow and murky at best. Also, she is titling the sequel "Sorcery and the Single Girl" when "Hex and the Single Girl" is much, much funnier. Sigh.
July 13, 2012
This may be the shallowest main character for a book I've ever read; the quintessential brat. She has a freak out over the smallest issues, and the freak outs are on a grand scale. She's self centered and while it's obvious she loves her grandmother she makes no effort to disguise her impatience with her grandmothers requests. The main character grows, a bit, during the course of the book but it appears as though any growth is purely self serving.
The story itself is written like a movie. There are cutaways that skip over days and you get a small recap of 'here's what happened'.
I was not the least bit impressed with the characters, the story telling, or the plot development. This is one series that stops at book one for me.
The story itself is written like a movie. There are cutaways that skip over days and you get a small recap of 'here's what happened'.
I was not the least bit impressed with the characters, the story telling, or the plot development. This is one series that stops at book one for me.
April 2, 2008
I found this book because it was mentioned in Library Journal. The author is a librarian, and so it the protagonist. So naturally, being a librarian myself, I had to read it. And I was pleasantly entertained by this book. (And I was excited to learn that the sequel was available at my library.)
This book introduces Jane Madison, a young reference librarian working at a special Colonial history library in Washington, D.C. At the beginning of the novel we find her mooning over a college professor who comes in to work every Monday morning (she calls him her Imaginary Boyfriend). She is horrified, then, when the powers that be decide to make the staff wear period costumes while at work. So now she has to try to look sexy in a mobcap. Heh.
The worst thing that happens is that she finds out the board is cutting her salary by 25%! But the good news (?) is she gets to live, rent-free, in the cottage out back. It takes a little elbow grease, but she and her best friend, Melissa, get the place clean and livable.
On her first night in the house she can't sleep, and ends up finding a hidden key that lets her into a locked room in the basement. Inside she finds a bunch of dusty old books. She opens one, and reads aloud, and...something strange happens.
This novel was better than most of what I would call the "chick lit" genre. The plot was carefully constructed, and the characters were well developed. Especially fun are Jane's grandmother, and Neko, Jane's flamboyantly gay familiar.
It was a hoot. Check it out.
This book introduces Jane Madison, a young reference librarian working at a special Colonial history library in Washington, D.C. At the beginning of the novel we find her mooning over a college professor who comes in to work every Monday morning (she calls him her Imaginary Boyfriend). She is horrified, then, when the powers that be decide to make the staff wear period costumes while at work. So now she has to try to look sexy in a mobcap. Heh.
The worst thing that happens is that she finds out the board is cutting her salary by 25%! But the good news (?) is she gets to live, rent-free, in the cottage out back. It takes a little elbow grease, but she and her best friend, Melissa, get the place clean and livable.
On her first night in the house she can't sleep, and ends up finding a hidden key that lets her into a locked room in the basement. Inside she finds a bunch of dusty old books. She opens one, and reads aloud, and...something strange happens.
This novel was better than most of what I would call the "chick lit" genre. The plot was carefully constructed, and the characters were well developed. Especially fun are Jane's grandmother, and Neko, Jane's flamboyantly gay familiar.
It was a hoot. Check it out.
March 22, 2017
Rated 3.5 stars.
September 3, 2013
I should preface this by saying that I don't read much chick lit. Generally not my cuppa. I was intrigued by this because while it is chick lit, it is also fantasy, but not of the standard werewolf type that seems rather prevalent these days. I enjoyed the first bit, but there were several plot points I didn't like, some of the characters never rose above stereotypes, and finally, I thought Jane was quite irresponsible.
The plot points I thought were a bit forced included Jane being expected to come to terms with the fact that her mother, Clara,
Then there are the characters that feel like little more than stereotypes. Most of them aren't too bad, but Neko as the Gay Best Friend got on my nerves. He gives advice on makeup, hair (his boyfriend cuts her hair and does her nails), helps her pick out the perfect formal dress, and gives relationship advice. To make things worse, he's also
But the real reason I could only give this book two stars, and ultimately didn't like it, was Jane. While I liked Jane generally, she is extremely irresponsible with spells. After promising not to
I won't be continuing the series.
The plot points I thought were a bit forced included Jane being expected to come to terms with the fact that her mother, Clara,
Then there are the characters that feel like little more than stereotypes. Most of them aren't too bad, but Neko as the Gay Best Friend got on my nerves. He gives advice on makeup, hair (his boyfriend cuts her hair and does her nails), helps her pick out the perfect formal dress, and gives relationship advice. To make things worse, he's also
But the real reason I could only give this book two stars, and ultimately didn't like it, was Jane. While I liked Jane generally, she is extremely irresponsible with spells. After promising not to
I won't be continuing the series.
September 2, 2015
I found this for free on Amazon. It was a goodie! Well written, funny, lighthearted and even silly at times. There was one thing that confused me...it felt like it should have taken place in England. The author's choice of words ie: Grandma was "Gran", preference for tea, just made me think we were not on this side of the pond. Which would have been fine, except I was supposed to believe (and I kept on forgetting) that the story was taking place in DC. In my head Jane was defintely speaking with a British accent...And no, the ending didn't shock me out of my shoes, it was fairly predictable. But I enjoyed it.
June 23, 2010
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft. Mindy Klasky. 2006. Red Dress Ink. 426 pages. ISBN 0373896077.
Paranormal chick-lit at its finest, Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is absolutely perfect for women looking for a pick-me-up and escape from reality for hours at a time. This book is the first in a trilogy from Mindy Klasky, author of the famed fantasy series Glasswrights' Guild.
Jane Madison is an awkward, single librarian with the problem (so typical and prevalent in chick-lit novels) of finding the perfect man. Speaking of which, Jane has been mooning over "Imaginary Boyfriend" Jason Templeton for ages without any reciprocated feelings. When Jane moves into an old cottage behind the library, she discovers a hidden trove of ancient magical books that - voila! - make her realize she's got witchy powers. Just imagine what happens when the possibility of love spells abound!
Jane's character is made out to be the ultimate cliched, nerdy librarian, but you can't help but like her in all her blundering awkwardness. Supporting characters Neko and Melissa, Jane's homosexual familiar and best friend respectively, add extra spice to the novel in their own hilarious ways. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is supremely humorous and light, so in addition to just being plain enjoyable, the book is perfect for that down-and-out mood lift!
Because Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is first in a trilogy, the beginnings of some great character developments are in the making. I'm really looking forward to reading the following novels in the series entitled Sorcery and the Single Girl and Magic and the Modern Girl.
Read more book reviews at http://dreamworldbooks.com.
Paranormal chick-lit at its finest, Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is absolutely perfect for women looking for a pick-me-up and escape from reality for hours at a time. This book is the first in a trilogy from Mindy Klasky, author of the famed fantasy series Glasswrights' Guild.
Jane Madison is an awkward, single librarian with the problem (so typical and prevalent in chick-lit novels) of finding the perfect man. Speaking of which, Jane has been mooning over "Imaginary Boyfriend" Jason Templeton for ages without any reciprocated feelings. When Jane moves into an old cottage behind the library, she discovers a hidden trove of ancient magical books that - voila! - make her realize she's got witchy powers. Just imagine what happens when the possibility of love spells abound!
Jane's character is made out to be the ultimate cliched, nerdy librarian, but you can't help but like her in all her blundering awkwardness. Supporting characters Neko and Melissa, Jane's homosexual familiar and best friend respectively, add extra spice to the novel in their own hilarious ways. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is supremely humorous and light, so in addition to just being plain enjoyable, the book is perfect for that down-and-out mood lift!
Because Girl's Guide to Witchcraft is first in a trilogy, the beginnings of some great character developments are in the making. I'm really looking forward to reading the following novels in the series entitled Sorcery and the Single Girl and Magic and the Modern Girl.
Read more book reviews at http://dreamworldbooks.com.
April 4, 2013
I kept getting annoyed with Jane as she idolized her Imaginary Boyfriend (aka the IB). But then I remembered her age,and my own frustrating tendency to idolize, pedestalize, or otherwise create my own version of someone- without necessarily looking beyond those rose-colored glasses and giving myself a chance to see the person, not as a reflection of my dreams, but as a real, flesh and blood person complete with all the grit and gristle that makes us human in the first place. Not fair to the person or to myself. So perhaps my annoyance with Jane is a bit more self-directed than a matter of her being an annoying, immature twit with no common sense when it comes to relationships. Reading this story was a lot like watching an episode of I Love Lucy, cringing because you know she's making a mistake, but needing to watch just to see how she gets out of whatever new pickle she's gotten Into this time.
That said, I laughed through a lot of this story, cringing aside, and had to jump right into the next, just to see what happened next.
That said, I laughed through a lot of this story, cringing aside, and had to jump right into the next, just to see what happened next.
November 23, 2017
I enjoyed this book so much! I liked the majority of the characters a lot. Jane is a favorite and I am so invested in what happens to her. I want to begin reading the next book now. I like that no one is perfect in the story. I love all the emotions that Jane went through. Nothing was glossed over. It is one of the most honest, true to life paranormal story I have read in awhile. I love being taken away by fantasy and had forgotten how good it can feel to meet a character you can relate so well to. At times this book had the feel of Practical Magic for me. (That is good as that book is a favorite with my girls and me.) I'm not big on books I love being made for the screen. It is so iffy on how they will turn out that it scares me. However this is a series that I think would be truly fun to see made for the screen. I laughed way too often reading this book. It has definitely made my list of favorite reads for this year.
There are mature scenes though nothing explicit in this book for those who want that information.
There are mature scenes though nothing explicit in this book for those who want that information.
August 23, 2017
I had such high hopes for this book. I mean, what could be better than a librarian who discovers the fun and frivolity of magic? Sounds like a winner to me. Boy, was I disappointed. Jane, the MC, bothered me from the get-go and it only got worse the more I read. I mean, c'mon Jane, do you have to freak out over every little thing? Skip this one but read other books by Klasky. She's a good storyteller.
My Rating: 2 stars
My Rating: 2 stars
February 26, 2016
Gratis gedownload via kobo. Wel een leuk verhaal, maar niet heel sterk
March 27, 2018
Some parts were definitely better than others. While certain scenes were a little long, the overall pace of this book was good. Although I’m not feeling the rush I sometimes do when I finish some series books where I immediately want to know what’s next in store. Perhaps I’ll pick up the next book while browsing the library.
October 16, 2023
Part of my sPoOkY sEaSoN witchy romcom kick. @Nikki, i believe this proves the existence.
Biggest disappointment: I thought the smart-mouthed feline familiar would be more of a cat.
Enjoyed Jane, loved the library job and cottage, the entire introduction to magic made sense (though was accepted a bit too calmly), and i did not see the romantic issue coming at all. The continuous " my Boyfriend, Jason" made me lol.
Biggest disappointment: I thought the smart-mouthed feline familiar would be more of a cat.
Enjoyed Jane, loved the library job and cottage, the entire introduction to magic made sense (though was accepted a bit too calmly), and i did not see the romantic issue coming at all. The continuous " my Boyfriend, Jason" made me lol.
October 21, 2012
Mindy Klasky is not a very good writer. Half of the sentences she uses seem as though she threw them in there as an afterthought. Her sentence structure ranges from rambling to staccato as we're "treated" to a wide range of Jane's bizarre mood swings.
The main things that bothered me?
1. The characterization of Neko. The complete stereotype of a gay man. Oh, look! He knows more about eyeliner and clothing than dumpy Jane! And the constant "hissing" and whatever else? Okay, we get that he used to be a cat. No need to beat us over the head with it every two seconds.
2. Jane's treatment of Melissa. Melissa is her best friend, but it seems all Jane does is treat her like shit. She mocks her about her dates and love life, settles disagreements with a game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors", and constantly calls Melissa up in a frenzy about her boy "troubles". Jane constantly needs Melissa's help for mojito therapy and cooking/baking, yet she gives her nothing in return.
3. Jane's treatment of her mother. She is such a sullen little brat when she meets her mother. The part where her grandmother tells her to snap out of it because having never had children, of course she doesn't understand how much her mother loves her was the best part of the book. Of course, Jane doesn't take kindly to differing opinions. She's convinced her mother hates her, and is a kook. But oh wait! It turns out they both have magical powers! Guess she's not so wacky and awful after all!
4. Jane's clear mental illness. She's been "observing" (stalking) a library patron for nine months, calling him her Imaginary Boyfriend. Then, after a convenient magical spell makes him pop a boner for her historical costume she's forced to wear at work, he asks her on a date. From this point on, she calls him her Boyfriend. Yes, it's capitalized every time. Never mind that he has only kissed her twice-once before her kitchen erupted in flames, and another one by the shitter after their lunch. Romantic.
Just because you went on a date with one guy one time does not make him your boyfriend. If that were the case, Melissa would have hundreds of boyfriends by now. But, silly Melissa! She just attracts awful, laughable guys. Jane attracts gorgeous men who fawn all over her! Who cares if it's because she's a witch and cast a spell on them? He ordered GARLIC BREAD at lunch. Clearly, this means he's comfortable enough around her to date her! Never mind that he never actually -asked- her to be his girlfriend yet...
5. Jane's irritating habit of reverting back to acting like a spoiled five-year-old. Jane pisses off David by being her usual dickish self, and David calmly says that he's done teaching her magic if that's what she wants. Jane says, and I quote, "So, do you want me to apologize? Is that it? I'm sorry, and I want you to be my teacher again?" How does this girl get through life if this is really the way she thinks friendships work? She is so oblivious to the feelings of everyone around her, unless those feelings involve being hopelessly in love with her.
6. Jane's a major creeper. (See mention of her stalking above). After one lunch date, she runs into Jason at a gala, and in the middle of a slow dance, whispers in his ear that she wants him to meet her entire family at a family reunion in two weeks. He agrees, but it's still weird. She flits from David to Jason and back again, and thinks nothing of it. Meanwhile, she's a condescending dick to her "best friend" who goes on multiple first dates a week looking for the right guy. At least Melissa's trying to find the -right- guy, not just a guy who will stick his tongue down her throat after a garlicky lunch and buy her marshmallows...
I'm actually not quite finished reading the book yet. Jane and Jason have yet to go to THE FARM for the family reunion. What will happen? Will Jason discover she's a witch and "leave" her? Will he reveal that he has powers too and marry her? Will they have a threesome with the Russian girl he claims he's not sleeping with? Will David really leave Jane to fend for herself, or will he be reeled back in with her winning personality?
This book is such a trainwreck that it's almost delightful. So, I gave it two stars.
UPDATE: I finally finished the book. Can I just say how happy I am that Jason was married to the Russian? I really wasn't expecting that. I thought Jane was going to end up with David happily ever after, but that didn't happen either. I'm also glad she realized that Melissa isn't actually a pathetic woman to be pitied after all. Still though, nothing exceptional enough to give it three stars.
I especially wish things had been much more conclusive with Jane and how she got her powers. It's assumed her grandmother has some, and her mother has some (which seems to be the only reason Jane deems her bearable), but her grandmother freaks out about the very mention of magic. I realize there are more books in the series after this. Maybe things will be resolved then, if I can bring myself to read another one of Klasky's books.
The main things that bothered me?
1. The characterization of Neko. The complete stereotype of a gay man. Oh, look! He knows more about eyeliner and clothing than dumpy Jane! And the constant "hissing" and whatever else? Okay, we get that he used to be a cat. No need to beat us over the head with it every two seconds.
2. Jane's treatment of Melissa. Melissa is her best friend, but it seems all Jane does is treat her like shit. She mocks her about her dates and love life, settles disagreements with a game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors", and constantly calls Melissa up in a frenzy about her boy "troubles". Jane constantly needs Melissa's help for mojito therapy and cooking/baking, yet she gives her nothing in return.
3. Jane's treatment of her mother. She is such a sullen little brat when she meets her mother. The part where her grandmother tells her to snap out of it because having never had children, of course she doesn't understand how much her mother loves her was the best part of the book. Of course, Jane doesn't take kindly to differing opinions. She's convinced her mother hates her, and is a kook. But oh wait! It turns out they both have magical powers! Guess she's not so wacky and awful after all!
4. Jane's clear mental illness. She's been "observing" (stalking) a library patron for nine months, calling him her Imaginary Boyfriend. Then, after a convenient magical spell makes him pop a boner for her historical costume she's forced to wear at work, he asks her on a date. From this point on, she calls him her Boyfriend. Yes, it's capitalized every time. Never mind that he has only kissed her twice-once before her kitchen erupted in flames, and another one by the shitter after their lunch. Romantic.
Just because you went on a date with one guy one time does not make him your boyfriend. If that were the case, Melissa would have hundreds of boyfriends by now. But, silly Melissa! She just attracts awful, laughable guys. Jane attracts gorgeous men who fawn all over her! Who cares if it's because she's a witch and cast a spell on them? He ordered GARLIC BREAD at lunch. Clearly, this means he's comfortable enough around her to date her! Never mind that he never actually -asked- her to be his girlfriend yet...
5. Jane's irritating habit of reverting back to acting like a spoiled five-year-old. Jane pisses off David by being her usual dickish self, and David calmly says that he's done teaching her magic if that's what she wants. Jane says, and I quote, "So, do you want me to apologize? Is that it? I'm sorry, and I want you to be my teacher again?" How does this girl get through life if this is really the way she thinks friendships work? She is so oblivious to the feelings of everyone around her, unless those feelings involve being hopelessly in love with her.
6. Jane's a major creeper. (See mention of her stalking above). After one lunch date, she runs into Jason at a gala, and in the middle of a slow dance, whispers in his ear that she wants him to meet her entire family at a family reunion in two weeks. He agrees, but it's still weird. She flits from David to Jason and back again, and thinks nothing of it. Meanwhile, she's a condescending dick to her "best friend" who goes on multiple first dates a week looking for the right guy. At least Melissa's trying to find the -right- guy, not just a guy who will stick his tongue down her throat after a garlicky lunch and buy her marshmallows...
I'm actually not quite finished reading the book yet. Jane and Jason have yet to go to THE FARM for the family reunion. What will happen? Will Jason discover she's a witch and "leave" her? Will he reveal that he has powers too and marry her? Will they have a threesome with the Russian girl he claims he's not sleeping with? Will David really leave Jane to fend for herself, or will he be reeled back in with her winning personality?
This book is such a trainwreck that it's almost delightful. So, I gave it two stars.
UPDATE: I finally finished the book. Can I just say how happy I am that Jason was married to the Russian? I really wasn't expecting that. I thought Jane was going to end up with David happily ever after, but that didn't happen either. I'm also glad she realized that Melissa isn't actually a pathetic woman to be pitied after all. Still though, nothing exceptional enough to give it three stars.
I especially wish things had been much more conclusive with Jane and how she got her powers. It's assumed her grandmother has some, and her mother has some (which seems to be the only reason Jane deems her bearable), but her grandmother freaks out about the very mention of magic. I realize there are more books in the series after this. Maybe things will be resolved then, if I can bring myself to read another one of Klasky's books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2024
3.5 stars. This book had its moments. Not sure if I’ll read more in the series or not.
June 10, 2014
There were so many things I loved about this book - Jane is a librarian (holla!) And the author, Mindy Klasky is a librarian as well - you go girl! This book has had some excellent attention to detail and we reap the benefits on every page.
There are great plot twists, light-hearted magical fun to spice it up, good pace and solid relationships between Jane and her Gran, her best friend Melissa and to the new flip side of her life with her familiar Neko and warder David. And I'm giving special mention to comedic timing. You've simply no choice but to love a character with a healthy dose of wit - especially when combined with her ability to fall into embarrassing situations. It's a wonderful gift when a book can be this entertaining on so many levels.
For me personally, I truly enjoyed reading about another librarian's daily life in a different library setting (they are a reference library with poor traffic so to boost their numbers they put in a coffee bar...Mm! Mm!).
The romance was kept suspenseful for the most part but very light in content. In fact, it is left somewhat unfinished for us and Jane at the end, but there are high hopes for book two in the series.
This book was just pure and simple FUN and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. Too bad I don't have my own magic wand to make it happen this instant...I wonder if, like Jane, my pampered chef wooden spoon would suffice?
There are great plot twists, light-hearted magical fun to spice it up, good pace and solid relationships between Jane and her Gran, her best friend Melissa and to the new flip side of her life with her familiar Neko and warder David. And I'm giving special mention to comedic timing. You've simply no choice but to love a character with a healthy dose of wit - especially when combined with her ability to fall into embarrassing situations. It's a wonderful gift when a book can be this entertaining on so many levels.
For me personally, I truly enjoyed reading about another librarian's daily life in a different library setting (they are a reference library with poor traffic so to boost their numbers they put in a coffee bar...Mm! Mm!).
The romance was kept suspenseful for the most part but very light in content. In fact, it is left somewhat unfinished for us and Jane at the end, but there are high hopes for book two in the series.
This book was just pure and simple FUN and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. Too bad I don't have my own magic wand to make it happen this instant...I wonder if, like Jane, my pampered chef wooden spoon would suffice?
November 3, 2017
I tagged this as Young Adult even though the main character is twenty-nine because that's the emotional level exhibited by her and most of the other characters. The book is amusing, and fine if you're looking for something lighthearted and easy to read in between heavier and more weighty tomes. Be warned that the main character is immature and about as experienced when it comes to relationships as a thirteen-year-old girl, thus the YA listing. First she is engaged to a man who controls her every move, then she decides a handsome man who regularly visits the library where she works is her "Imaginary Boyfriend." Somehow she thinks that by helping him with his research, she knows everything about him. Not quite.
The witchcraft angle is trite and not particularly interesting, although the addition of a warder makes it a little different (I suppose - I almost never read this type of book, haven't read any of the Harry Potter books).
Bottom line: Nice, amusing diversion with very little substance.
The witchcraft angle is trite and not particularly interesting, although the addition of a warder makes it a little different (I suppose - I almost never read this type of book, haven't read any of the Harry Potter books).
Bottom line: Nice, amusing diversion with very little substance.
May 31, 2015
The main character Jane Madison is extremely childish which felt weird because we're the same age. She refers to her Imaginary Boyfriend's friend a "proto-feminist controlling bitch" and a Russian Ice Queen. Honestly, I should've figured out her type when she called her ex boyfriend's lover the "British Slut" like her boyfriend has no blame in the affair. She's very shallow and has the biggest reactions over the smallest things. Jane also lashes out only at David often for no reason when he is only helping her to learn her basic magic. She didn't really grow in the novel and only seemed to like herself after receiving a makeover from her familiar/gay "best friend"'s boyfriend. Neko was immediately set as stereotypical painfully flamboyant gay friend who only serves to give Jane shallow advice on her appearance (like one of his first lines was bashing on her shoes??). Jane was pretty unlikable as a character but the novel at least sparked my interest in learning about crystals...
February 11, 2011
I was first drawn to this book because of the cover.... then I read the blurb on the back.
Jane (our new witch) just seems to fall into situations at the drop of a hat. She is drawn to men who are definitely not right for her and isn't too comfortable because of it.
The mix of her budding witch craft, her flamboyant familiar, and the warder who comes knocking at her door when she unknowingly completes her first spell just makes you feel like you fell down the hole with Alice or went to OZ with Dorothy. I'm looking forward to spending my weekend reading the next 2 books in this funny and endearing series.
Jane (our new witch) just seems to fall into situations at the drop of a hat. She is drawn to men who are definitely not right for her and isn't too comfortable because of it.
The mix of her budding witch craft, her flamboyant familiar, and the warder who comes knocking at her door when she unknowingly completes her first spell just makes you feel like you fell down the hole with Alice or went to OZ with Dorothy. I'm looking forward to spending my weekend reading the next 2 books in this funny and endearing series.
October 22, 2009
I enjoyed this book and the story. I love Neko! It's a nice, light, easy read for breaking up the tougher reads. I'll definitely read more of the series to see how Jane's makin' out with her witchcraft.
January 4, 2018
I most definitely wanted to love this book... but I really couldn’t. I didn’t like Jane; I wanted her to be a confident and strong woman... which I really only got towards the end. I feel I’d prefer Neko’s story!
May 29, 2020
So, I sorta liked it, and I sorta didn't, but I think I liked it more than I didn't like it. Normally, I'm a sucker for this kind of trope, where the main character not only discovers magic but find that they're special, but in this case, it was a lot harder for me to get into than most.
A single librarian, with a crush on her unattainable patron, moves onto the library's estate, discovers a basement full of magic books, and learns she has magic inside of her. With this power comes confidence and people start to notice her, yet she must decide what's going to be the most important thing in her life, magic and family? Or gaining a suitor's love.
Up until the last quarter of the book, I was sure that I wouldn't continue the series, but I kind of got into it at the very end so I might put book 2 on my list after all and see if it gets better. The plot (though predictable) was ok, but the characters could use a bit more development, but I liked them enough to give them another chance.
A single librarian, with a crush on her unattainable patron, moves onto the library's estate, discovers a basement full of magic books, and learns she has magic inside of her. With this power comes confidence and people start to notice her, yet she must decide what's going to be the most important thing in her life, magic and family? Or gaining a suitor's love.
Up until the last quarter of the book, I was sure that I wouldn't continue the series, but I kind of got into it at the very end so I might put book 2 on my list after all and see if it gets better. The plot (though predictable) was ok, but the characters could use a bit more development, but I liked them enough to give them another chance.
April 24, 2020
Actually 3.5 stars
Jane Madison has been having a rough time of it lately. The man she has a crush on can barely remember her name, her estranged mother wants back into her life after decades, and worse, the funding for her job as a research librarian has been cut and she can't afford her rent anymore. Thankfully, the library has agreed to let her live in a little cottage they own (to make up for slashing her salary). Much to her surprise, the cottage's basement is filled with magic books -- and she can make them work. Jane is a witch.
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft doesn't have the best ratings on Goodreads, but I thought it was a good book. While Jane is overly emotional, and prone to overblown freak-outs, she is going through a lot (with her estranged mother and her sick grandmother and her newfound powers and changes in her job). The rest of the characters are bit too superficial, and could use more development, but maybe that will come in the future books. The book is cute, if not brilliant, and definitely worth reading.
Jane Madison has been having a rough time of it lately. The man she has a crush on can barely remember her name, her estranged mother wants back into her life after decades, and worse, the funding for her job as a research librarian has been cut and she can't afford her rent anymore. Thankfully, the library has agreed to let her live in a little cottage they own (to make up for slashing her salary). Much to her surprise, the cottage's basement is filled with magic books -- and she can make them work. Jane is a witch.
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft doesn't have the best ratings on Goodreads, but I thought it was a good book. While Jane is overly emotional, and prone to overblown freak-outs, she is going through a lot (with her estranged mother and her sick grandmother and her newfound powers and changes in her job). The rest of the characters are bit too superficial, and could use more development, but maybe that will come in the future books. The book is cute, if not brilliant, and definitely worth reading.
February 20, 2018
Full of magic, mayhem and mojitos
When Jane accepts the offer of moving into the Cottage on the premise of the library she works at little did she known it would change her life forever.
She soon discovers She is a witch after awakening her familiar Neko a cat in human form. Jane soon learns spells have consequence and her heart is also torn between her imaginary boyfriend and her Warden.
I really enjoyed this book and its my first time reading Mindy Klasky, I can't wait to read more
When Jane accepts the offer of moving into the Cottage on the premise of the library she works at little did she known it would change her life forever.
She soon discovers She is a witch after awakening her familiar Neko a cat in human form. Jane soon learns spells have consequence and her heart is also torn between her imaginary boyfriend and her Warden.
I really enjoyed this book and its my first time reading Mindy Klasky, I can't wait to read more
July 29, 2022
The story was alright. I do love Neko and I like Melissa too. Jane is stubborn in her decision to pursue a man who had little interest in her in the first place until he realizes that Jane really likes him. The story got a tad boring when it came to them two in the middle. If it was just about Jane, Neko, Melissa, and David it might have been better. The writing isn't bad though.
May 11, 2020
Pretty good! Kinda corny but also charming and fun. I'm not wild about hereditary magic plotlines, but this one does have some complex family themes going on so I'll forgive.
May 2, 2021
Fun
I can't wait to read the next book in this series because I enjoyed this book so much. Loved the characters, the plot, the writing!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series because I enjoyed this book so much. Loved the characters, the plot, the writing!
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