I recently came across an interesting image online that caught my attention. It was a picture of a ghost wearing a witch hat riding a broomstick. This playful depiction of a classic Halloween character intrigued me and got me thinking about the concept of Ghosts and witches. Ghosts, commonly believed to be the spirits of deceased individuals, have long been a fascinating subject in folklore and popular culture. They are often portrayed as ethereal beings that are trapped between the realms of the living and the dead. They are often depicted as transparent apparitions, clad in white garments, floating through the air or haunting specific locations.
They are often depicted as transparent apparitions, clad in white garments, floating through the air or haunting specific locations. On the other hand, witches have been a staple in folklore and mythology for centuries. They are often portrayed as women who possess magical powers, casting spells and potions to influence events or perform supernatural acts.
Review: The Rules of Magic
Today I’m sharing my review of The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman. I liked this book in the Practical Magic series even more. For my cocktail pairing I paired The Rules of Magic with a Spiced Cider Punch.
Synopsis
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. Difficult Franny, with skin as pale as milk and blood red hair, shy and beautiful Jet, who can read other people’s thoughts, and charismatic Vincent, who began looking for trouble on the day he could walk.
From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.
The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.
Why I Decided to Read this Book
I committed to reading the Practical Magic series this year. I read the first book last month and was so excited to read this one next. You can read these in any order you want but I am reading them in order of publication.
Rating
My Thoughts
I loved this book! This book is a prequel to Practical Magic and it was published second in the series. I really loved getting the backstory of Franny and Jet (the aunts) who embrace their magic as opposed to try to escape it. We follow their story from when they were kids to all grown adults and it was magical. I mentioned in my Practical Magic review that I wished it had more magic. Well, this one delivered on the magic!
I also enjoyed the writing of this book better than Practical Magic. Maybe I was just used to it but I found it beautiful. I love all three main characters, Franny, Jet and Vincent, and I thought the character development is great. I already miss them so much!
If you are someone that doesn’t read much Fantasy I think this is a great book to read and still get that “magical world” feeling without being too overwhelmed by the fantasy world. I am not a huge fantasy fan and I love these books so much. A lot of people read these books in October for Halloween but I think these are great fall books (not just Halloween). If I had to describe this book in one word I’d say: Enchanting!
Content Warnings
Grief, Death, Car accident, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Homophobia, War, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death
Who I Recommend this Book to
If you read Practical Magic I think you’ll enjoy this one but it can also be read as a stand alone book or read before. The books in the series can be read in any order!
The Drink
Since I shared a matching cocktail for this book on my Instagram, I thought I’d share the recipe here!
PRAISE FOR THE RULES OF MAGIC BY ALICE HOFFMAN
Witches are commonly associated with Halloween, where their presence is celebrated through various symbols, such as the iconic witch hat and broomstick. In the image I encountered, the combination of a ghost and a witch hat on a broomstick adds an interesting twist to the traditional depictions of these characters. It merges two paranormal figures in one, creating a whimsical and mischievous creature. The ghost wearing the witch hat suggests that even in the afterlife, individuals can retain their personality and identity, embracing the supernatural elements associated with Halloween. This image reminded me of the fun and creativity often associated with Halloween. It highlights the playful nature of the holiday, where people can dress up as various characters and embrace the spooky atmosphere. It also showcases the blending and fusing of different mythical creatures, resulting in unique and intriguing combinations. Overall, the image of a ghost with a witch hat riding a broomstick provides a fresh perspective on the traditional notions of ghosts and witches. It sparks the imagination and invites us to explore the boundaries of our beliefs and perceptions. It serves as a reminder of the joy and creativity that can be found in embracing the supernatural and mythological elements of Halloween..
Reviews for "Mysterious Residences: Tales of Ghosts with Witch Hats atop Rooftops"
1. Emily - 2 stars
I was quite disappointed with "Ghost with witch hat rooatto". The story felt confusing and lacked depth. The characters were not well-developed, making it difficult to connect with them. Additionally, the pacing was off, with the plot dragging on in some parts and rushing through others. Overall, I found it hard to enjoy the book and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a captivating supernatural read.
2. James - 1 star
"Ghost with witch hat rooatto" was an absolute mess. The writing was sloppy, with grammatical errors and awkwardly constructed sentences throughout. The plot made little sense and seemed to jump around without any clear direction. The dialogue was stiff and lacked authenticity, making it difficult to believe in the characters' interactions. Overall, this book was a disappointment, and I couldn't bring myself to finish it.
3. Amanda - 3 stars
While I didn't hate "Ghost with witch hat rooatto", I found it to be a mediocre read. The story had potential, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with slow moments that dragged on and action-packed scenes that left me wanting more. The characters were somewhat interesting, but lacked depth and development. Overall, it was an average book that didn't leave a lasting impression.