Play Book Tag discussion

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
4 stars

I don't really know what I was expecting. I love the movie and have seen it a ton of times, including when it first came out (I was in college), but it's been a few years since the last time I've seen it.

The book is similar and has some similar themes but is also very different in several parts. Both follow Sally and Gillian, their aunts, and Sally's daughters.

I'm enjoying books with strong female leads and this one is no different. If you've seen the movie but haven't read the book yet, go into it with the understanding that they are two different works and view them on their own separate merits.

I love Alice Hoffman but she is always a slow read for me. She is really the only magical realism that I enjoy and even so, it's a bit of a struggle for me. I would say that she is magical realism light. :)

Overall I enjoyed the story and I'm glad that I finally got around to reading the book.

I too read the book long after I saw the movie - which I love also. I was really surprised at just how very different the book was! However, I have no trouble judging on individual merits as completely separate works. I rate the book very highly as well.

Theresa wrote: "I too read the book long after I saw the movie - which I love also. I was really surprised at just how very different the book was! However, I have no trouble judging on individual merits as comple..."

I actually re-watched the movie in the middle of reading the book, because I couldn't help myself, and still rate both highly.

Charlotte wrote: "Theresa wrote: "I too read the book long after I saw the movie - which I love also. I was really surprised at just how very different the book was! However, I have no trouble judging on individual ..."

Awesome when that happens!