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Practical Magic cover art

Practical Magic

Written by: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Christina Moore
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Publisher's Summary

Alice Hoffman's enchanting witch's brew of suspense, romance and magic - now a major motion picture from Warner Bros.

When the beautiful and precocious sisters Sally and Gillian Owens are orphaned at a young age, they are taken to a small Massachusetts town to be raised by their eccentric aunts, who happen to dwell in the darkest, eeriest house in town. As they become more aware of their aunts' mysterious and sometimes frightening powers - and as their own powers begin to surface - the sisters grow determined to escape their strange upbringing by blending into "normal" society.

But both find that they cannot elude their magic-filled past. And when trouble strikes - in the form of a menacing backyard ghost - the sisters must not only reunite three generations of Owens women but embrace their magic as a gift - and their key to a future of love and passion.

Funny, haunting, and shamelessly romantic, Practical Magic is bewitching entertainment - Alice Hoffman at her spectacular best.

©2012 Alice Hoffman (P)2012 Simon & Schuster, Inc

What the critics say

"Huffman's best since Illumination Night. ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Practical Magic

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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Enjoyed it

While I really have enjoyed the book I hate to admit for the first time I may have enjoyed the movie more. However that being said I am glad I listened to the book and I do recommend it.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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nothing like the movie but just as great

makes me really question where the movie came from because this story is nothing like that. same characters but so much more info and so much different circumstances that it's shocking. loved the movie and also the book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not like the Movie - not a bad thing though

Like many books Hollywood has touched, this book is no exception. I was such a fan of the movie, I wanted to read the book. Boy was I surprised. Key elements are there, but the tale is much more complex and takes place over a longer period of time. I'm not disappointed, it was great to listen to. Best not to compare it too closely to Hollywood's rendition, though or you'll be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

I definitely struggled to finish this book. Practical Magic seems to have been written with a completely different idea or inspiration from Maria's origin story.
Not worth the listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A Wonderful Story

Once again, Alice Hoffman weaves a beautiful story with her words and beautiful character development. I love so many of her books but Practical Magic is one I will read/listen to over and over. it continues to delight and charm me.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Feel-good, heartwarming with Strong Female Leads

Practical Magic evokes feelings of sunshine on a rainy day. It is a simple story about the bonds of sisterhood and family with a hint of magic. I appreciated the detailed imagery the author provided and the perfectly flawed characters.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Always wanted to read this as I loved the movie

The book is very different from the movie. They took out bits and pieces of the book to make the movie. But I very much enjoyed the experience of listening to this story regardless. I’m going to get the next one in the series now and I’ll be listening to them all I think. The author is great and the performance of the audio book was enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Magical Murder Mystery & Family Drama

I enjoyed this book & the story of two sisters whose lives have been affected by magic & mystery. This is a rare example where I enjoyed the movie more than the book! I must admit I saw the movie first though & that might have coloured my perception.

The writing is still good though as weaves the tale of very different sisters & their family along with a bit of a magical murder mystery. I did not enjoy the narration as much as I have in other books. Overall a diverting tale that kept me engaged throughout & a fun story.

#Audible1

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved it!

I saw the movie years and years ago but never realized it was a book. Loved the story and enjoyed how much more detail it had versus the movie.
My only complaint was the narrator. It sounded like she had something in her mouth the entire time and her expression was quite over the top most of the time. I was able to look past it and enjoy the book, but sometimes it was difficult.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Just meh

This is a book in the rare category where the movie was better. It’s quite a bit different than the movie. Although it’s still enjoyable, just not my favorite

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