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A Gift of Magic
When the old woman died, she left each of her grandchildren something very special. For Kirby, the gift of dance. For Brendon, the gift of music. And for Nancy, the most extraordinary gift of all . . . the gift of magic .
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
72 people are currently reading
2054 people want to read
About the author
Lois Duncan
68 books2,003 followersLois Duncan (born Lois Duncan Steinmetz) was an American writer and novelist, known primarily for her books for children and young adults, in particular (and some times controversially considering her young readership) crime thrillers. Duncan's parents were the noted magazine photographers Lois Steinmetz and Joseph Janney Steinmetz. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Sarasota, Florida. Duncan started writing and submitting manuscripts to magazines at the age of ten, and when she was thirteen succeeded in selling her first story.
Duncan attended Duke University from 1952 to 1953 but dropped out, married, and started a family. During this time, she continued to write and publish magazine articles; over the course of her career, she has published more than 300 articles, in magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal, Redbook, McCall's, Good Housekeeping, and Reader's Digest. After her first marriage, which produced three children, ended in divorce, Duncan moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to teach journalism at the University of New Mexico, where she also earned a BA in English in 1977. In 1965 she married Don Arquette, and had two more children with him.
Duncan was best known for her novels of suspense for teenagers. Some of her works have been adapted for the screen, the most famous example being the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer, adapted from her novel of the same title. Other made-for-TV movies include Stranger with My Face, Killing Mr. Griffin, Don't Look Behind You, Summer of Fear and Gallows Hill.
In 1989 the youngest of Duncan's children, Kaitlyn Arquette, was murdered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under suspicious circumstances. Who Killed My Daughter? relates the facts and conjecture about the still unsolved case.
Duncan's second book about her daughter's murder, ONE TO THE WOLVES: ON THE TRAIL OF A KILLER, picks up where the first book leaves off and contains all the new information Kait's family has uncovered from private investigation.
The 1971 children's book Hotel for Dogs was released as a theatrical movie in 2009, starring Emma Roberts. That book has now been republished by Scholastic along with two sequels, News for Dogs (2009) and Movie for Dogs (2010).
Duncan's Gothic suspense novel, DOWN A DARK HALL, is being filmed for the Big Screen and will probably be released in 2016.
Follow Lois on Twitter: http://twitter.com/duncanauthor
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
http://www.kaitarquette.arquettes.com
Duncan attended Duke University from 1952 to 1953 but dropped out, married, and started a family. During this time, she continued to write and publish magazine articles; over the course of her career, she has published more than 300 articles, in magazines such as Ladies' Home Journal, Redbook, McCall's, Good Housekeeping, and Reader's Digest. After her first marriage, which produced three children, ended in divorce, Duncan moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to teach journalism at the University of New Mexico, where she also earned a BA in English in 1977. In 1965 she married Don Arquette, and had two more children with him.
Duncan was best known for her novels of suspense for teenagers. Some of her works have been adapted for the screen, the most famous example being the 1997 film I Know What You Did Last Summer, adapted from her novel of the same title. Other made-for-TV movies include Stranger with My Face, Killing Mr. Griffin, Don't Look Behind You, Summer of Fear and Gallows Hill.
In 1989 the youngest of Duncan's children, Kaitlyn Arquette, was murdered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under suspicious circumstances. Who Killed My Daughter? relates the facts and conjecture about the still unsolved case.
Duncan's second book about her daughter's murder, ONE TO THE WOLVES: ON THE TRAIL OF A KILLER, picks up where the first book leaves off and contains all the new information Kait's family has uncovered from private investigation.
The 1971 children's book Hotel for Dogs was released as a theatrical movie in 2009, starring Emma Roberts. That book has now been republished by Scholastic along with two sequels, News for Dogs (2009) and Movie for Dogs (2010).
Duncan's Gothic suspense novel, DOWN A DARK HALL, is being filmed for the Big Screen and will probably be released in 2016.
Follow Lois on Twitter: http://twitter.com/duncanauthor
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
http://www.kaitarquette.arquettes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
June 5, 2016
This is an older book, but I can't tell you how excited I was to read it once found. The back cover blurb simply intrigued me - I was into the magic thing as I just came off some other Urban Fantasy, and the thought of the different gifts of dance, music, and magic allured. I also was intriguing by the ending line, was there a creepy part of it or not? I was in the mood for more young adult and again, this is an older edition people likely won't hunt down, but if you run into it, it's highly recommended.
The writing style is formal and almost gothic, distant in style. Not dramatic at all like some of the other gothic stuff, but to fit the atmosphere.
It was like a childlike fairytale and ethereal, yet not childish in any way, either though dealing with younger audiences. Beautifully written, this magical tale was impossible to put down. Literally. I had to put it down after the first few pages this morning to go to work, but finished it in one sitting once picking it up again.
I do wish there was more and it was longer, and the epilogue WAS a bit cheesy. However, there was a clever mishmash of various personalities erupting with marvelous talents, and I dug the mother and all the children. At times I was wondering how dark it would go based on the main characters actions and internal dialogue, but it wasn't as dark and suspenseful as I imagined from the back blurb. More of a drama than anything, but still seeps into the brain all the same. I loved this book and am now curious about more Lois Duncan.
The writing style is formal and almost gothic, distant in style. Not dramatic at all like some of the other gothic stuff, but to fit the atmosphere.
It was like a childlike fairytale and ethereal, yet not childish in any way, either though dealing with younger audiences. Beautifully written, this magical tale was impossible to put down. Literally. I had to put it down after the first few pages this morning to go to work, but finished it in one sitting once picking it up again.
I do wish there was more and it was longer, and the epilogue WAS a bit cheesy. However, there was a clever mishmash of various personalities erupting with marvelous talents, and I dug the mother and all the children. At times I was wondering how dark it would go based on the main characters actions and internal dialogue, but it wasn't as dark and suspenseful as I imagined from the back blurb. More of a drama than anything, but still seeps into the brain all the same. I loved this book and am now curious about more Lois Duncan.
July 24, 2010
I can't remember why I put A Gift of Magic by Lois Duncan on my wishlist but I did. I've started to try to read through that list by locating the books at my local libraries.
A Gift of Magic differs from Duncan's typical young adult thrillers. This one has magical realism instead of a mystery. A mother recently divorced moves her three children into the home she's inherited from her mother. Along with the home the children begin to develop heightened skills: one gets music, one gets dance and the third gets ESP.
Mostly this book is about the children coming to terms with their new lives. They had been used to traveling all over the world and now they are grounded in a small town, in a home they have no emotional attachment to. For the most part the book is slow and different from other Duncan books I've read.
But there's an underlying twist that's foreshadowed throughout. A few details struck me as odd and I have to admit that I kept reading to see if those details would work themselves out. They do in the epilogue. For that tight ending I'm giving the book a perfect rating. If I did partial ratings, I would drop it down by half a star for the some awkward pacing earlier on in the novel.
A Gift of Magic differs from Duncan's typical young adult thrillers. This one has magical realism instead of a mystery. A mother recently divorced moves her three children into the home she's inherited from her mother. Along with the home the children begin to develop heightened skills: one gets music, one gets dance and the third gets ESP.
Mostly this book is about the children coming to terms with their new lives. They had been used to traveling all over the world and now they are grounded in a small town, in a home they have no emotional attachment to. For the most part the book is slow and different from other Duncan books I've read.
But there's an underlying twist that's foreshadowed throughout. A few details struck me as odd and I have to admit that I kept reading to see if those details would work themselves out. They do in the epilogue. For that tight ending I'm giving the book a perfect rating. If I did partial ratings, I would drop it down by half a star for the some awkward pacing earlier on in the novel.
February 15, 2009
WEll... first of all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I thought that it was a little bit short, but the author was very descriptive, and the plot was very interesting. I loved how developed the personnalities of the characters were. Nancy was very serious all of the time, Kirby was always zoning out, thinking about dancing, and Brendon was a troublemaker. I loved how it all worked out in the end, and I loved the "Once upon a time" and "happily ever after" thing. overall rating:one of my favs.
June 10, 2010
I think that this book is saying with great power comes great responsibility. In this story, the main character Nancy, finds out that she has ESP, or extra sensory perception. She has the ability to go back the past, see where people are and what they are doing in the present. She’s able to tell what people are thinking, and she knows what’s going to happen in the future. With these great powers she could easily influence people's lives - what they do and think - and this is a huge responsibility. Nancy once used her ESP for a good thing. She used her ESP to save her brother's life, when he was stranded in the water, in a boat that wouldn't move, she could tell somebody that he was stranded there, and they could go get him.
I can relate to this book, because even if I don't have ESP, i can relate to having a responsibility to do the right thing. Its not as big of a responsibility, but when I have to hang out with my cousin, who is 4, its pretty hard to stop myself from running away. I get very bored watching movies like cars, but I do it anyway. I have to make sure I dont hurt his feelings, by running away. I have to be careful not to use that power for my good too. it would be easy to get him to do things him, like get me water, or a snack.
Nancy has to restrain from using her powers for something that would harm somebody else, which could also be something that would give her personal gain. I know that it would be hard for me to restrain myself.
I can relate to this book, because even if I don't have ESP, i can relate to having a responsibility to do the right thing. Its not as big of a responsibility, but when I have to hang out with my cousin, who is 4, its pretty hard to stop myself from running away. I get very bored watching movies like cars, but I do it anyway. I have to make sure I dont hurt his feelings, by running away. I have to be careful not to use that power for my good too. it would be easy to get him to do things him, like get me water, or a snack.
Nancy has to restrain from using her powers for something that would harm somebody else, which could also be something that would give her personal gain. I know that it would be hard for me to restrain myself.
May 14, 2013
*Plot spoilers*
The storyline was interesting, about their grandmother giving her three grandchildren a gift. She gave Nancy the gift of magic, Kirby got the gift of dance, and Brendon got the gift of music. I thought that was really unique, and was curious to see where it was going to go. But then I found out the kids were so young and it went downhill from there. The girls were in middle school, and Brendon was in elementary school. I hated that they were so young, and I think the story would have been much better had they all been teenagers in high school.
Kirby got on my nerves with her inability to focus on anything but dancing. She didn’t care about boys, friends, school—nothing except dancing. Being good at something is one thing; having to do it all the time is another. Nancy was just a selfish, bratty little kid, and it absolutely sucked being in her perspective. I am way too old for this book, but I kept with it because I didn’t want to quit.
I was disappointed because I expected more of their abilities. They barely did anything with them; I guess since the book was so short they didn’t really have time to develop. Kirby was all about being a dancer; Nancy did some stuff with her gift, but I expected way much more from the gift of magic, and Brendon did barely anything with his. The wrap-up at the end was a little depressing. I hate when authors fast forward and sum up the characters’ lives. It was good to learn that Kirby went on to be a dancer. The author, keeping with her constant theme of babies, had Nancy marry early and have 5 kids. Just swell. And Brendon was the most disappointing of all. He became a helicopter pilot, and only played piano at clubs, filling in for other people or something like that. What a waste. I hated that the kids’ dad and mom split up, and I was hoping that they were going to get back together, because initially Nancy had seen that her dad was at a dinner table with a business partner and being briefed on the assignment, but he hadn’t been writing down any notes and was thinking of them. I thought he still loved their mom and was going to get back together with her. But when it became apparent that Elizabeth was going to get with Tom Duncan I was like whatever. I hated when their dad married that other woman. Ugh! But Elizabeth and Tom ended up together, and I guess that’s good, cuz they’d been childhood sweethearts. Whatever. And they had a kid named Lois, who had the gift of storytelling. Hmm…At first I was like is this a biography of yourself? Cuz why would you use your own name in a book? But then I was like this must be the author’s way of tooting her own horn.
The storyline was interesting, about their grandmother giving her three grandchildren a gift. She gave Nancy the gift of magic, Kirby got the gift of dance, and Brendon got the gift of music. I thought that was really unique, and was curious to see where it was going to go. But then I found out the kids were so young and it went downhill from there. The girls were in middle school, and Brendon was in elementary school. I hated that they were so young, and I think the story would have been much better had they all been teenagers in high school.
Kirby got on my nerves with her inability to focus on anything but dancing. She didn’t care about boys, friends, school—nothing except dancing. Being good at something is one thing; having to do it all the time is another. Nancy was just a selfish, bratty little kid, and it absolutely sucked being in her perspective. I am way too old for this book, but I kept with it because I didn’t want to quit.
I was disappointed because I expected more of their abilities. They barely did anything with them; I guess since the book was so short they didn’t really have time to develop. Kirby was all about being a dancer; Nancy did some stuff with her gift, but I expected way much more from the gift of magic, and Brendon did barely anything with his. The wrap-up at the end was a little depressing. I hate when authors fast forward and sum up the characters’ lives. It was good to learn that Kirby went on to be a dancer. The author, keeping with her constant theme of babies, had Nancy marry early and have 5 kids. Just swell. And Brendon was the most disappointing of all. He became a helicopter pilot, and only played piano at clubs, filling in for other people or something like that. What a waste. I hated that the kids’ dad and mom split up, and I was hoping that they were going to get back together, because initially Nancy had seen that her dad was at a dinner table with a business partner and being briefed on the assignment, but he hadn’t been writing down any notes and was thinking of them. I thought he still loved their mom and was going to get back together with her. But when it became apparent that Elizabeth was going to get with Tom Duncan I was like whatever. I hated when their dad married that other woman. Ugh! But Elizabeth and Tom ended up together, and I guess that’s good, cuz they’d been childhood sweethearts. Whatever. And they had a kid named Lois, who had the gift of storytelling. Hmm…At first I was like is this a biography of yourself? Cuz why would you use your own name in a book? But then I was like this must be the author’s way of tooting her own horn.
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April 3, 2023This is an odd novel because it’s so squarely tied to the time of its writing, but it’s been kind of falsely updated in unconvincing ways. So for example, at one point a younger brother was probably reading a comic book, but this has been updated to have him play his 3DS. This is kind of silly in a way I will mention at the very end.
So Kirby, Brendan, and Nancy have each been given magical, but ever so slight, gifts. Kirby can dance, Brendan is a musician who doesn’t care about music, and Nancy has some slight telepahy/telekinesis/clairvoyance. They have recently moved to a small town in Florida.
So this is an odd novel because there’s basically no conflict. And for an YA novel that’s weird. Sure, there’s divorce and sure there’s magic, but all the problems are too easily created by the characters’ insecurities and then too easily solved by talking.
There are some good elements related to how a teenager’s sense of emotional well-being can create a false understanding of the world. And in one sense the character’s telepathic abilities give her a false read on the new man in her mom’s life, and it creates a good and severely underdeveloped sense of peril.
But there’s some issues tied to its false updating. One, it just doesn’t make sense since the ending is supposed to suggest that their mother’s new marriage produces a fourth daughter named Lois Duncan, who becomes a writer. Well Lois Duncan is 80 years old now so like probably her older brother never played a 3DS.
Also, the sister is obsessed with ballet. Which, sure is fine, but she’s “the wrong body type” which is a real issue, but because this is a falsely updated novel, they don’t just move her into modern dance, where that’s much much much less of an issue.
Anyway, I listened to this audiobook and realizing I had not listened to all of the Lois Duncan novels available on my Overdrive account. I had heard 3 last year, so now the circle is closed.
So Kirby, Brendan, and Nancy have each been given magical, but ever so slight, gifts. Kirby can dance, Brendan is a musician who doesn’t care about music, and Nancy has some slight telepahy/telekinesis/clairvoyance. They have recently moved to a small town in Florida.
So this is an odd novel because there’s basically no conflict. And for an YA novel that’s weird. Sure, there’s divorce and sure there’s magic, but all the problems are too easily created by the characters’ insecurities and then too easily solved by talking.
There are some good elements related to how a teenager’s sense of emotional well-being can create a false understanding of the world. And in one sense the character’s telepathic abilities give her a false read on the new man in her mom’s life, and it creates a good and severely underdeveloped sense of peril.
But there’s some issues tied to its false updating. One, it just doesn’t make sense since the ending is supposed to suggest that their mother’s new marriage produces a fourth daughter named Lois Duncan, who becomes a writer. Well Lois Duncan is 80 years old now so like probably her older brother never played a 3DS.
Also, the sister is obsessed with ballet. Which, sure is fine, but she’s “the wrong body type” which is a real issue, but because this is a falsely updated novel, they don’t just move her into modern dance, where that’s much much much less of an issue.
Anyway, I listened to this audiobook and realizing I had not listened to all of the Lois Duncan novels available on my Overdrive account. I had heard 3 last year, so now the circle is closed.
February 28, 2013
Before Elizabeth's mother died, she gave her grandchildren three gifts. Kirby would have the gift of dance, Brendon the gift of music and Nancy was given her grandmother's very own gift, which Elizabeth seemed to miss.
Now, many years later, Elizabeth is back in her hometown with her own children and Nancy doesn't like it one bit. Changes are happening and she knows it, as she just has a way of knowing things. Nancy wants to find a way to keep everything the same and at the same time, trying to learn about her gift and deciding what she should do with it.
I thought this book was very interesting. It was a bit slow at first, but after the first chapter or so, the story definitely picked up. And as for the characters, they all had their faults, they were all selfish in someway. I felt sorry for all the characters at different times in the story, but I think I felt the most sorry for Nancy. The changes seemed to be especially hard for her.
I think the book teaches some good messages. One is that we don't always get what we want and even if we know someone is making a mistake, we have to let them live their life.
It's not one of my favorites by Lois Duncan, but it was good. I really liked it.
Now, many years later, Elizabeth is back in her hometown with her own children and Nancy doesn't like it one bit. Changes are happening and she knows it, as she just has a way of knowing things. Nancy wants to find a way to keep everything the same and at the same time, trying to learn about her gift and deciding what she should do with it.
I thought this book was very interesting. It was a bit slow at first, but after the first chapter or so, the story definitely picked up. And as for the characters, they all had their faults, they were all selfish in someway. I felt sorry for all the characters at different times in the story, but I think I felt the most sorry for Nancy. The changes seemed to be especially hard for her.
I think the book teaches some good messages. One is that we don't always get what we want and even if we know someone is making a mistake, we have to let them live their life.
It's not one of my favorites by Lois Duncan, but it was good. I really liked it.
July 14, 2008
All I can say is that Lois has had her day, and I am glad to be finally finished with this little project of mine. There is nothing wrong with Lois Duncan, and she has written a few really good books. Duncan had phenomenal success at a time when not that many books for teens were being published. So, I intend no disrespect when I say that I am no longer a teen and am more than finished with these books. I have learned a few things from this project, though.
1. There are too many great books in the world to spend time reading books just because I thought I had a good idea and said I was going to.
2. I do love young adult literature, but I can not have a steady diet of it. I'm left with a mental stomachache.
3. I do love suspense stories and have not outgrown the little thrill I get from creepy, slightly-paranormal stories. I just need to find the grown up versions.
This one was not as creepy as the rest of Duncan's books, which was a bummer. But was probably better written than the ones I've recently read. I dunno - maybe not. Too much Duncan lately to know for sure.
1. There are too many great books in the world to spend time reading books just because I thought I had a good idea and said I was going to.
2. I do love young adult literature, but I can not have a steady diet of it. I'm left with a mental stomachache.
3. I do love suspense stories and have not outgrown the little thrill I get from creepy, slightly-paranormal stories. I just need to find the grown up versions.
This one was not as creepy as the rest of Duncan's books, which was a bummer. But was probably better written than the ones I've recently read. I dunno - maybe not. Too much Duncan lately to know for sure.
August 13, 2021
Meh. Should've stuck with Wrinkle in Time.
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May 29, 2009this book was full of magic which by the way matches the name that it was given. I enjoyed reading this book because it was very magical and i could relate to it! this book was mostly about a family with divorced parents and kids called Kirby, Nancy, and Brendon. During these family's life they are living in Florida home of the beaches and crabs where Nancy and her sister and brother are attending a new school and making new friends making it feel like they are completely normal!what is special about this typical family is the fact that they all received a special gift from their grandmother who died. She gave Kirby the gift of dance,Brendon the gift of music, and for Nancy the gift of magic.Later on Elizabeth learns that her high school "sweetheart", Tom Duncan lives just down the beach from her home.Nancy is determined to put back her parents and keep Tom Duncan away from her mom. Circumstances lead her to read about ESP, a special gift that the principal is interested about knowing, which is what Nancy was born to do...read minds!Kirby recognizes her talent of dancing as well as former dancer instructor madame vilar who recommends for Kirby a scholarship. Brendon takes to the piano without reading music and noticing his talent. This book was full of supernatural events that helped the reader understand the story more better!
August 17, 2013
First read this book in elementary school, many times. Gave it 5 stars because it has stayed with me all these years, any time I come across an ESP reference. Big difference in reading it now as an adult. Back then, I loved Nancy and felt so sorry for her, being ignored by her sister and worried about her parents. But now, I just saw a self-centered brat who is extremely judgmental and thinks she knows what is best for everyone. I disliked her. The story completely held up. Moral of Nancy's story: with great power, comes great responsibility. I'll read it again in 10 years! .
November 28, 2021
I was an avid reader of Lois Duncan's books in middle school, and I'm pretty sure I devoured every book of hers my school library had to offer. I was excited to start reading this one. I liked it well enough. There were parts of it that were a little cheesy for me as an adult reader. Middle school me probably would have loved this book, though! It almost felt more heart-warming than the creepiness that I recall from her books. I felt the plot was a bit predictable. It kept me interested enough to finish the book quickly, however.
September 29, 2025
This is a classic coming of age tale with sci-Fi/magic meshed into the storyline. How does it look to develop powers in the middle of adolescence? I remember reading this book at ten years old and being in awe of the concept of magic. L.D. Has an incredible way of writing that made magic not only seem VERY possible, but also genetic, and practice-able (not a word but needs to be created for this book), in the sense that the author attaches realistic scenarios and practices to the application of telekinesis, telepathy, etc.
There were actual brain exercises in the book that mirrors what a real test in clairvoyance may look like, and I would practice daily. This book influenced and shaped my ideas on “magic” and to this day, I believe that magic is 100% possible because of this book.
The author’s writing is captivating; you’re immediately swept into a world where the characters are your friends and you’re tagging along on this journey in discovering what others see as science but what you, in growing adolescence can only describe as magic.
There were actual brain exercises in the book that mirrors what a real test in clairvoyance may look like, and I would practice daily. This book influenced and shaped my ideas on “magic” and to this day, I believe that magic is 100% possible because of this book.
The author’s writing is captivating; you’re immediately swept into a world where the characters are your friends and you’re tagging along on this journey in discovering what others see as science but what you, in growing adolescence can only describe as magic.
July 25, 2025
An older, very sweet and interesting YA book about a family whose children inherited gifts from their grandmother.
The oldest received the gift of dance, the youngest the gift of music, but the middle child received the gift of magic.
This, I think, is a perfect blend of magic and realistic fiction, magical realism.
Set in a perfectly ordinary Florida setting of the time, the three children begin to adjust to life after their parents' divorce. Kirby devotes herself to dance, Brendon immerses himself in trouble, and Nancy tries to hold on to control of her life even as it is irrevocably changed.
Honestly, this was just a really solid YA book that I'm glad to read. I originally owned a copy of this book, and intended to read it for the longest time, but ended up passing it on when I decided it was too deteriorated, and put it on my goodreads tbr, thinking I'd get it from my local library. Come to find out, the local library didn't have it either! But with the interlibrary loan I was able to get a copy, and it was an easy, enjoyable read.
The oldest received the gift of dance, the youngest the gift of music, but the middle child received the gift of magic.
This, I think, is a perfect blend of magic and realistic fiction, magical realism.
Set in a perfectly ordinary Florida setting of the time, the three children begin to adjust to life after their parents' divorce. Kirby devotes herself to dance, Brendon immerses himself in trouble, and Nancy tries to hold on to control of her life even as it is irrevocably changed.
Honestly, this was just a really solid YA book that I'm glad to read. I originally owned a copy of this book, and intended to read it for the longest time, but ended up passing it on when I decided it was too deteriorated, and put it on my goodreads tbr, thinking I'd get it from my local library. Come to find out, the local library didn't have it either! But with the interlibrary loan I was able to get a copy, and it was an easy, enjoyable read.
June 20, 2021
Doing some rereading of stuff I read as a kid. Honestly not sure if I read this particular one as a kid or not. I thought she wrote thrillers? This was not a thriller at all, nor do I think even as a 8 year old I would have thought it was though it’s hard to remember back to what your perspective was as a kid. I would have found the divorced parent part engaging….
“How can you give up like that – without any reason? How can you give up the thing you want most in the world?”
“Because wanting doesn’t make things so“ Tom Duncan said gently. “We all can’t have things exactly the way we would like them. There comes a time when we have to except the fact and build our lives in new directions.“
“How can you give up like that – without any reason? How can you give up the thing you want most in the world?”
“Because wanting doesn’t make things so“ Tom Duncan said gently. “We all can’t have things exactly the way we would like them. There comes a time when we have to except the fact and build our lives in new directions.“
July 26, 2022
The storyline was interesting and had potential as the story starts off with their grandmother giving her three grandchildren a gift.
She gave Nancy the gift of magic, Kirby got the gift of dance, and Brendon got the gift of music but it left me feeling underwhelmed, even though I can't fault the writing which I thought was good, fast-paced, and easy to read. It feels like this novel itself could've been longer to explore other themes and issues that the characters face in this story.
The whole aspect of "magic" and Nancy, Kirby, and Brendon possessing these unique abilities almost to the point of being protégés in their field with little to no training, could've been explored and explained further, but wasn't, which left me disappointed as I'm still asking the question, how? Are they magical by nature? or is it purely the next stage of human evolution with certain people possessing these abilities?? I don't know.
I didn't hate it but I didn't totally love it either, if I had read this when I was younger, I can see my past self loving this book but reading it now I wish that the characters were older or that the author fleshed out the characters more than she did to give them more complexity instead coming off as one dimensional.
Though one aspect that I did like was how young people see the world and it's very true that some of the time, they only see within their world or little box and an event occurs where that individual's emotional rollercoaster and learns some important life lessons and I didn't like the ending that was rushed and could've been fleshed out more.
She gave Nancy the gift of magic, Kirby got the gift of dance, and Brendon got the gift of music but it left me feeling underwhelmed, even though I can't fault the writing which I thought was good, fast-paced, and easy to read. It feels like this novel itself could've been longer to explore other themes and issues that the characters face in this story.
The whole aspect of "magic" and Nancy, Kirby, and Brendon possessing these unique abilities almost to the point of being protégés in their field with little to no training, could've been explored and explained further, but wasn't, which left me disappointed as I'm still asking the question, how? Are they magical by nature? or is it purely the next stage of human evolution with certain people possessing these abilities?? I don't know.
I didn't hate it but I didn't totally love it either, if I had read this when I was younger, I can see my past self loving this book but reading it now I wish that the characters were older or that the author fleshed out the characters more than she did to give them more complexity instead coming off as one dimensional.
Though one aspect that I did like was how young people see the world and it's very true that some of the time, they only see within their world or little box and an event occurs where that individual's emotional rollercoaster and learns some important life lessons and I didn't like the ending that was rushed and could've been fleshed out more.
January 27, 2022
I would have given this story 3 stars.
For me it was enjoyable as Lois Duncans story's often are.
For me the whole story was the book equivalent to that TV show you put on because its a comfortable familiar watch. It's not a groundbreaking TV show everyone talks about it is just easy and good fun.
However the ending bumped it straight up to a 4 star! I won't give it away but true or not the end sent a shiver up my spine in a great way!
I plan on reading every Lois Duncan book.
For me it was enjoyable as Lois Duncans story's often are.
For me the whole story was the book equivalent to that TV show you put on because its a comfortable familiar watch. It's not a groundbreaking TV show everyone talks about it is just easy and good fun.
However the ending bumped it straight up to a 4 star! I won't give it away but true or not the end sent a shiver up my spine in a great way!
I plan on reading every Lois Duncan book.
July 28, 2018
Less of a supernatural thriller and more of a family drama tinged with magical realism. But Duncan's eye for details and the emotions of both teens and children makes it an enjoyable read. Particularly good for teens dealing with divorce.
August 14, 2024
So, the updated references were interesting! I read this as a kid and re-read for a book club and was so confused when the 3DS was mentioned haha. I almost wish they would have just left the book alone because the conversation alone dates it. That aside, I love the premise of the book and even though it’s short, I felt invested in the characters. I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt.
May 11, 2022
Excellent book
December 4, 2017
Lois Duncan is able to pack a very 3-dimensional cast of characters into a pretty small book—I’m impressed. Reading this felt like a nostalgic trip back to junior high, despite me not having much in common with the characters other than having been an angry, angsty preteen like Nancy.
Also, I wish kids still said cute stuff like “for rats’ sake!” and “cripes!”
Also, I wish kids still said cute stuff like “for rats’ sake!” and “cripes!”
February 20, 2022
A wonderful book about not having control over others life choices.
June 19, 2018
I can imagine that I'd have liked this book a lot at a younger age. The story line would have intrigued me back then, at age 10 or so. It still did intrigue me, but the writing wasn't very good, the characters, particularly the mother, spoke in stereotyped stilted ways, "Now, Dear, remember to wash your hands."
January 6, 2022
Splendid! I enjoyed reading it again after many years. Very well written.
October 16, 2018
Audiobook
Story: C+, Narration: B
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
When Elizabeth's mother was dying, she told her daughter that she was leaving her house to her because she'd need it one day. She also left less tangible gifts to her grandchildren (including the yet unborn grandson): Kirby would get the gift of dance; her twin, Nancy would get her grandmother's powers (the ability to read minds, the ability to see the past and future, etc.), and Brendan would get the gift of music. Elizabeth was too fraught to hear/remember most of this, but it all came true years later when Elizabeth split from her globetrotting foreign correspondent husband and returned to her Florida hometown with the children.
At first, it appeared that Kirby was the only one whose gift had manifested, since she was obsessed with dance, but Nancy's talents later become stronger. Both sisters have trouble fitting in at their new school. Kirby doesn't really care since she's absorbed with her classes from a renowned ballet teacher, but Nancy struggles. She's also the one who misses her father most and is convinced that, one day, her parents will reunite. Brendan (whose gift for music never really comes to much) is probably happiest as he finds the perfect partner in crime to pal around with.
Things take a turn for the worse when Kirby suffers from a possibly career-ending broken leg, something that Nancy feels responsible for, and sinks into depression. Things are also worse for Nancy when she's accused of cheating at school. The guidance counselor (who's in love with Elizabeth) and a local psychiatrist (the dad of Brendan's pal) try to test her for ESP, but she (purposely) fails spectacularly and refuses to continue. Things come to a head when a letter arrives from the father telling them he's remarried. At the same time, Nancy, who's on her own, has a realization that Brendan is in trouble on the water. (He and his pal built a boat to go out to a sandbar--the boat/pal drifted off and Brendan was stuck on the small patch of sand that was quickly being submerged under the rising tide.) The only person Nancy could think of to turn to is the guidance counselor, and Brendan, and later his friend, are rescued.
Nancy has a change of heart about her mother's relationship with the guidance counselor. Kirby decides to take up dance again. They all live happily ever after.
I had mixed feelings about this book. There were multiple POVs, but Nancy seemed to be the one who had to learn the most lessons--primarily that her "gifts" came with responsibilities, to accept change, to not meddle in other people's lives, etc. Kirby had to learn to accept the loss of her gift of dance, but it was later restored to her. Brendan didn't seem to learn anything.
Also, I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable. Brendan was fun, but her was pretty oblivious of the consequences of his actions. Nancy was a crotchety old woman in a teenager's body. The dad was a selfish ass.
I guess I was expecting a different kind of book based on the title.
Story: C+, Narration: B
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
When Elizabeth's mother was dying, she told her daughter that she was leaving her house to her because she'd need it one day. She also left less tangible gifts to her grandchildren (including the yet unborn grandson): Kirby would get the gift of dance; her twin, Nancy would get her grandmother's powers (the ability to read minds, the ability to see the past and future, etc.), and Brendan would get the gift of music. Elizabeth was too fraught to hear/remember most of this, but it all came true years later when Elizabeth split from her globetrotting foreign correspondent husband and returned to her Florida hometown with the children.
At first, it appeared that Kirby was the only one whose gift had manifested, since she was obsessed with dance, but Nancy's talents later become stronger. Both sisters have trouble fitting in at their new school. Kirby doesn't really care since she's absorbed with her classes from a renowned ballet teacher, but Nancy struggles. She's also the one who misses her father most and is convinced that, one day, her parents will reunite. Brendan (whose gift for music never really comes to much) is probably happiest as he finds the perfect partner in crime to pal around with.
Things take a turn for the worse when Kirby suffers from a possibly career-ending broken leg, something that Nancy feels responsible for, and sinks into depression. Things are also worse for Nancy when she's accused of cheating at school. The guidance counselor (who's in love with Elizabeth) and a local psychiatrist (the dad of Brendan's pal) try to test her for ESP, but she (purposely) fails spectacularly and refuses to continue. Things come to a head when a letter arrives from the father telling them he's remarried. At the same time, Nancy, who's on her own, has a realization that Brendan is in trouble on the water. (He and his pal built a boat to go out to a sandbar--the boat/pal drifted off and Brendan was stuck on the small patch of sand that was quickly being submerged under the rising tide.) The only person Nancy could think of to turn to is the guidance counselor, and Brendan, and later his friend, are rescued.
Nancy has a change of heart about her mother's relationship with the guidance counselor. Kirby decides to take up dance again. They all live happily ever after.
I had mixed feelings about this book. There were multiple POVs, but Nancy seemed to be the one who had to learn the most lessons--primarily that her "gifts" came with responsibilities, to accept change, to not meddle in other people's lives, etc. Kirby had to learn to accept the loss of her gift of dance, but it was later restored to her. Brendan didn't seem to learn anything.
Also, I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable. Brendan was fun, but her was pretty oblivious of the consequences of his actions. Nancy was a crotchety old woman in a teenager's body. The dad was a selfish ass.
I guess I was expecting a different kind of book based on the title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
None of the covers are any good. The girl on the cover of the LFL edition that I read looks nothing like the character, and her appearance matters. But that's ok, because the book really isn't any good, either.
For example, it's sexist in that girls are only normal if they think about boys and want to become housewives, and like dainty jewelry too. And boys love to be rowdy and fight and take chances, simply because they're boys. Also dated in technology, belief in ESP, etc.
Well written. I can see the appeal, and I can guess why the author was so popular. I bet some of you loved this when you were young; I might have, too. But there are plenty of better books for tweens to enjoy now.
For example, it's sexist in that girls are only normal if they think about boys and want to become housewives, and like dainty jewelry too. And boys love to be rowdy and fight and take chances, simply because they're boys. Also dated in technology, belief in ESP, etc.
Well written. I can see the appeal, and I can guess why the author was so popular. I bet some of you loved this when you were young; I might have, too. But there are plenty of better books for tweens to enjoy now.
November 19, 2020
Have you ever had a book mirror your life so much it’s spooky?
A Gift of Magic is a children’s paranormal book. It was first published in 1971 and I read it in 1999 when I was about ten years old. It got re-released in 2012 and after looking up the synopsis to make sure it was the same book I remembered, I decided to get it and read it again.
A Gift of Magic is about a girl named Nancy who has ESP. Nancy’s sister, Kirby, has the gift of dance, and her brother, Brendon, has the gift of music. The three children were given their gifts by their grandmother before she passed away.
I remember relating really closely to Nancy the first time I read this. She’s the oldest, with a younger sister and younger brother, which is the same family structure as my family. She’s small, quiet, sensitive, and serious, all qualities that reminded me of myself at that age. She can read minds, check in on people remotely, move items, and talk to ghosts. Her talent causes her as much trouble as it is useful, though, because she can’t control when she’s using it.
Kirby is similar to my sister as well. She’s laid back and dreamy. Kirby wants to be a professional ballet dancer, but she doesn’t have the tall, skinny body type that her teacher says she needs to achieve her goal. Despite that, she’s really passionate about dance and the scene where it describes her dancing is moving.
Brendon is similar to my brother in some ways, too… he used to sometimes walk out of classes in kindergarten and Brendon has the same issue when he’s attending school for the first time. Brendon has the gift of music. He doesn’t want to study with a teacher, but he can play anything by ear.
Something I had forgotten from when I first read this is that Nancy’s parents had just gotten a divorce at the beginning. I think I might have been too young in third grade to really understand what a divorce was, which is probably why I forgot that aspect. The situation with the parents in the book was actually really similar to the situation that my parents were going through in in real life. When we were growing up, we moved every three to four years because of my dad’s job, and it took a toll on my parents’ relationship.
In A Gift of Magic, the father is a journalist who travels internationally, staying in hotels and moving countries every couple of weeks. After following him around for years, the mom decides to break up with him and move back into her grandmother’s house in Florida. Nancy takes the divorce really hard, acting out and trying to prevent her mother from getting close to her old high school boyfriend. Kirby and Brendon don’t seem bothered by it and that only makes Nancy feel more angry and alone.
Nancy does come off as a brat sometimes, but I feel bad for her because she’s pretty isolated. Her dad left, her mom is distracted by heartbreak and new romance, Kirby is obsessed with dance to the exclusion of all else, and she and Brendon don’t get along. Because she’s hurting, she blocks everything out and focuses entirely on her studies and doesn’t make any friends at school. The kids were all homeschooled for years before starting regular school, so they all struggle with making friends—even Brendon only made one friend, and he’s more of a frenemy.
The way this book treats talent and skill is interesting. The children are each given their talents, but they vary in whether they decide to use them or put their time and effort into something else. Nancy is ambivalent about her talent; she likes using it but she’s afraid it could be dangerous or garner too much attention. Her talent is too strong, so she hides it so she doesn’t seem like a freak. She hesitates to accept any kind of instruction because she’s afraid others will put her powers to their own use so she develops her skills in secret.
Kirby, on the other hand, wants to be recognized globally for her talent and is willing to undergo intense training, but she has to fight against external forces in order to do it.
Brendon doesn’t really use his talent or pay much attention to it, so it’s kind of just a cool thing he can do and he doesn’t struggle with it at all (except that he can’t stand to hear Nancy playing piano badly).
The reason I didn’t give it five stars is that some of the ideas in it would be considered toxic or outdated today. It has really strong gender roles and stereotypes in that boys are expected to prove their masculinity by fighting and doing dangerous things. Brendon gets into a fight with another boy on the first day of school and they turn quickly from mortal enemies to friends. I think this could give young readers the idea that they should try to make friends by getting into fights with others, which is not healthy.
I know friendship isn’t really the focus of this book but the author never addresses how Nancy’s own attitudes about the other kids at her school might be holding her back from making friends. Instead of taking the initiative to talk to people herself, she waits for the other kids to approach her, and when they don’t, blames it on them being cliquish. I know it’s scary to approach new people and comforting to relate to a character with the same struggles, but this mentality can be really limiting and feed into a cycle of self-perpetuating isolation. Children often turn to fantasy as a substitute for real friendship, but I think authors should avoid justifying the turn away from reality because it can stunt kids’ social and psychological development.
Additionally, even though the children use their talents differently, the emphasis is squarely on talent and hard work comes secondary (Kirby works really hard, but she does that because she has the talent for dance in the first place). Talent is a big part of skill, but focusing too much on talent can give the wrong impression that people should only focus on things they’re talented in, or if something isn’t easy at first brush they should give up (but on the other hand, if you believe and are told you have a talent for something you might be more likely to stick with it even when things get rough… so there’s pros and cons to both ways of thinking about the origins of skill).
The family dynamics are super realistic and Lois Duncan mentioned in the interview that follows that she based their personalities on those of her own children. She breaks the fourth wall a little bit at the end by writing herself into the story, which is kind of cheesy by today’s standards but it also winnows down that barrier between the book and real life, making the reader wonder how much of it was real.
That ending was probably one of the first times I realized that writing was a job that people could have, and it might have influenced me to choose that career (for better or worse, haha).
Author Trivia: Lois Duncan also wrote I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as Who Killed My Daughter? and One to the Wolves, about her daughter Kait Arquette’s murder, which may have been related to an insurance fraud syndicate.
A Gift of Magic is a children’s paranormal book. It was first published in 1971 and I read it in 1999 when I was about ten years old. It got re-released in 2012 and after looking up the synopsis to make sure it was the same book I remembered, I decided to get it and read it again.
A Gift of Magic is about a girl named Nancy who has ESP. Nancy’s sister, Kirby, has the gift of dance, and her brother, Brendon, has the gift of music. The three children were given their gifts by their grandmother before she passed away.
I remember relating really closely to Nancy the first time I read this. She’s the oldest, with a younger sister and younger brother, which is the same family structure as my family. She’s small, quiet, sensitive, and serious, all qualities that reminded me of myself at that age. She can read minds, check in on people remotely, move items, and talk to ghosts. Her talent causes her as much trouble as it is useful, though, because she can’t control when she’s using it.
Kirby is similar to my sister as well. She’s laid back and dreamy. Kirby wants to be a professional ballet dancer, but she doesn’t have the tall, skinny body type that her teacher says she needs to achieve her goal. Despite that, she’s really passionate about dance and the scene where it describes her dancing is moving.
Brendon is similar to my brother in some ways, too… he used to sometimes walk out of classes in kindergarten and Brendon has the same issue when he’s attending school for the first time. Brendon has the gift of music. He doesn’t want to study with a teacher, but he can play anything by ear.
Something I had forgotten from when I first read this is that Nancy’s parents had just gotten a divorce at the beginning. I think I might have been too young in third grade to really understand what a divorce was, which is probably why I forgot that aspect. The situation with the parents in the book was actually really similar to the situation that my parents were going through in in real life. When we were growing up, we moved every three to four years because of my dad’s job, and it took a toll on my parents’ relationship.
In A Gift of Magic, the father is a journalist who travels internationally, staying in hotels and moving countries every couple of weeks. After following him around for years, the mom decides to break up with him and move back into her grandmother’s house in Florida. Nancy takes the divorce really hard, acting out and trying to prevent her mother from getting close to her old high school boyfriend. Kirby and Brendon don’t seem bothered by it and that only makes Nancy feel more angry and alone.
Nancy does come off as a brat sometimes, but I feel bad for her because she’s pretty isolated. Her dad left, her mom is distracted by heartbreak and new romance, Kirby is obsessed with dance to the exclusion of all else, and she and Brendon don’t get along. Because she’s hurting, she blocks everything out and focuses entirely on her studies and doesn’t make any friends at school. The kids were all homeschooled for years before starting regular school, so they all struggle with making friends—even Brendon only made one friend, and he’s more of a frenemy.
The way this book treats talent and skill is interesting. The children are each given their talents, but they vary in whether they decide to use them or put their time and effort into something else. Nancy is ambivalent about her talent; she likes using it but she’s afraid it could be dangerous or garner too much attention. Her talent is too strong, so she hides it so she doesn’t seem like a freak. She hesitates to accept any kind of instruction because she’s afraid others will put her powers to their own use so she develops her skills in secret.
Kirby, on the other hand, wants to be recognized globally for her talent and is willing to undergo intense training, but she has to fight against external forces in order to do it.
Brendon doesn’t really use his talent or pay much attention to it, so it’s kind of just a cool thing he can do and he doesn’t struggle with it at all (except that he can’t stand to hear Nancy playing piano badly).
The reason I didn’t give it five stars is that some of the ideas in it would be considered toxic or outdated today. It has really strong gender roles and stereotypes in that boys are expected to prove their masculinity by fighting and doing dangerous things. Brendon gets into a fight with another boy on the first day of school and they turn quickly from mortal enemies to friends. I think this could give young readers the idea that they should try to make friends by getting into fights with others, which is not healthy.
I know friendship isn’t really the focus of this book but the author never addresses how Nancy’s own attitudes about the other kids at her school might be holding her back from making friends. Instead of taking the initiative to talk to people herself, she waits for the other kids to approach her, and when they don’t, blames it on them being cliquish. I know it’s scary to approach new people and comforting to relate to a character with the same struggles, but this mentality can be really limiting and feed into a cycle of self-perpetuating isolation. Children often turn to fantasy as a substitute for real friendship, but I think authors should avoid justifying the turn away from reality because it can stunt kids’ social and psychological development.
Additionally, even though the children use their talents differently, the emphasis is squarely on talent and hard work comes secondary (Kirby works really hard, but she does that because she has the talent for dance in the first place). Talent is a big part of skill, but focusing too much on talent can give the wrong impression that people should only focus on things they’re talented in, or if something isn’t easy at first brush they should give up (but on the other hand, if you believe and are told you have a talent for something you might be more likely to stick with it even when things get rough… so there’s pros and cons to both ways of thinking about the origins of skill).
The family dynamics are super realistic and Lois Duncan mentioned in the interview that follows that she based their personalities on those of her own children. She breaks the fourth wall a little bit at the end by writing herself into the story, which is kind of cheesy by today’s standards but it also winnows down that barrier between the book and real life, making the reader wonder how much of it was real.
That ending was probably one of the first times I realized that writing was a job that people could have, and it might have influenced me to choose that career (for better or worse, haha).
Author Trivia: Lois Duncan also wrote I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as Who Killed My Daughter? and One to the Wolves, about her daughter Kait Arquette’s murder, which may have been related to an insurance fraud syndicate.
July 24, 2015
This is a YA book that was written (1972) long before they had that category. I read this book around 7th or 8th grade and it struck some kind of something with me because I read it many many times in the six years after I got it.
This would be my first re-read since I got out of high school. It did bug me a little that the book has obviously been touched up for modern times (e.g. the addition of email and text technology) but I can live with it.
Our story follows a family of three children directly after their parents divorce. These three children have been given "gifts" by their long dead grandmother. One child has the gift of dance, one child the gift of music and the last child the gift of E.S.P. (remember this was written in the early 70's). The main plotlines deal with how the kids deal with their parents divorce, their new living situations and how they deal with their gifts (which they don't know they've been given).
I'm now a 44 year old father and I appreciate this book for different reasons than I did when I first read it at age 13 but I still loved it. I see now that it is a little predictable but it did not lessen my enjoyment. Whole heartedly would recommend this.
This would be my first re-read since I got out of high school. It did bug me a little that the book has obviously been touched up for modern times (e.g. the addition of email and text technology) but I can live with it.
Our story follows a family of three children directly after their parents divorce. These three children have been given "gifts" by their long dead grandmother. One child has the gift of dance, one child the gift of music and the last child the gift of E.S.P. (remember this was written in the early 70's). The main plotlines deal with how the kids deal with their parents divorce, their new living situations and how they deal with their gifts (which they don't know they've been given).
I'm now a 44 year old father and I appreciate this book for different reasons than I did when I first read it at age 13 but I still loved it. I see now that it is a little predictable but it did not lessen my enjoyment. Whole heartedly would recommend this.
August 19, 2008
This is a story about a family whose grandmother gave her grandchildren "gifts"--Kirby got the gift of dance, Brendon got the gift of music, and Nancy got something else that she's not sure what it is. She doesn't know much about ESP, but when she reads up about it and realizes it describes what she can do, she's both kinda afraid and kinda interested in developing it. But then, of course, it ends up hitting her that she might have a responsibility that comes with her unusual talent, and she's not sure what to do when it seems to become bigger than she is. This is really well-written. You totally get inside this character's head. I loved it as a young girl and really related to the main character.
June 10, 2015
This is one of my absolute favorite books. The book focuses on a main character with psychic gifts that are well known and supported by her family-- a nice touch for a YA novel. The story chronicles her self-discovery, worries, skills. Excellently developed characters. Could not recommend more highly.
If you liked this book, I recommend:
Shadowland
Violet Eyes
So You Want to Be a Wizard
If you liked this book, I recommend:
Shadowland
Violet Eyes
So You Want to Be a Wizard
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews