Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

2003, Berkley Trade

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Synopsis: 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.

Why read: Loved the movie.

What impressed me: I loved the characters, the magic and the obviously deeper meaning that family is more powerful than any magical ability. This was an extremely well-written book.

What disappointed me: I really, really loved the movie adaptation and the book just didn't give off the same vibe. It was sort of stuffier, less light-hearted at times and just not all that easy to get through. It was just way more serious than I was expecting or wanting.

Recommended: Yes, but only for those who didn't see and absolutely love the movie.