Practical Magic, a popular romantic comedy film, recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Released in 1998, the movie captured the hearts of audiences with its whimsical storyline and charismatic performances. The film starred Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the central characters, providing a perfect blend of humor, romance, and enchantment. Practical Magic tells the story of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters navigate life's challenges with a touch of magic. However, their witchcraft is not without consequences, as they encounter a curse that dooms all the men who fall in love with them.
Alice Hoffman
For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1680, 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. Yet, the 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 memorable aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.
Alice Hoffman delivers “fairy-tale promise with real-life struggle” (The New York Times Book Review) in a story how the only remedy for being human is to be true to yourself. Thrilling and exquisite, real and fantastical, The Rules of Magic is “irresistible…the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last forty pages, savoring your final moments with the characters” (USA TODAY, 4/4 stars).
Praise
"Reading an Alice Hoffman book is like falling into a deep dream where senses are heightened and love reigns supreme. The Rules of Magic is no exception.”
—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things
“Hoffman delights in this prequel to Practical Magic as three siblings discover both the power and curse of their magic. Hoffman’s novel is a coming-of-age tale replete with magic and historical references to the early witch trials. The spellbinding story, focusing on the strength of family bonds through joy and sorrow, will appeal to a broad range of readers. Fans of Practical Magic will be bewitched.”
—Publishers Weekly starred review
“The Owens sisters are back—not in their previous guise as elderly aunties casting spells in Hoffman’s occult romance Practical Magic (1995), but as fledgling witches in the New York City captured in Patti Smith’s memoir Just Kids… No one’s more confident or entertaining than Hoffman at putting across characters willing to tempt fate for true love.”
—Kirkus Review
“I was enraptured by this fabulous book, which is filled with magic and charm.”
—Terri Smith, Library Reads
“Hoffman’s writing is frank, tender, vivid, and elusive all at once. Full of sorrow and beauty and courage, The Rules of Magic is a delicious, satisfying read.”
—Heather Herbaugh, Mitzi’s Books, Rapid City, SD, Indie Next List
“I got so swept up in this enchanting story and I can’t wait for you all to start reading it!”
—Reese Witherspoon
“This is the kind of book you race through, then pause at the last 40 pages, savoring your final moments with the characters.”
—USA TODAY
Practical Magic: 25th Anniversary Edition (The Practical Magic Series #1) (Paperback)
This is book number 1 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
- #2: The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #2) (Paperback): $16.99
- #4: The Book of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #4) (Paperback): $17.99
Related Editions
- CD-Audio (October 10th, 2017): $19.99
Description
*25th Anniversary Edition*—with an Introduction by the Author!
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic.
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape. One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic.
“Splendid. Practical Magic is one of [Hoffman's] best novels, showing on every page her gift for touching ordinary life as if with a wand, to reveal how extraordinary life really is.”—Newsweek
“[A] delicious fantasy of witchcraft and love in a world where gardens smell of lemon verbena and happy endings are possible.”—Cosmopolitan
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew, The Rules of Magic (A Reese’s Book Club pick), Practical Magic, The Marriage of Opposites, The Red Garden, the Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, and The Dovekeepers. She lives near Boston.
Praise For…
Praise for Practical Magic
“A beautiful, moving book about the power of love and the desires of the heart.”—Denver Post
“Charmingly told, and a good deal of fun.”—The New York Times Book Review
“One of her most lyrical works. Hoffman is at her best.”—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
“Written with a light hand and rhythm. Practical Magic has the pace of a fairy tale but with the impact of accomplished fiction.”—People
“A sweet, sweet story that like the best fairy tales says more than at first it seems to.”—New York Daily News
“[Hoffman] has proved once again her potency as a storyteller, combining the mundane with the fantastic in a totally engaging way.”—The Orlando Sentinel
“Hoffman's writing has plenty of power. Her best sentences are like incantations—they won't let you get away.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Witches and ghosts, spells and sleight-of-hand weave a fanciful atmosphere in Alice Hoffman's tender comedy about clairvoyance, spells, and family ties.”—The Miami Herald
“A cosmic romance leavened with just the right touch of pragmatism and humor.”—Booklist
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Women
- Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary
- CD-Audio (October 10th, 2017): $19.99
Practical Magic: 25th Anniversary Edition (The Practical Magic Series #1) (Paperback)
**Book listings on our website do not always reflect the current availability of books on our store shelves. Check a book's in-store availability above the "add to cart" button. Or to be certain that a book you've found on our website is also here on our shelves, feel free to call us at 615-953-2243**
Practical Magic: 25th Anniversary Edition (The Practical Magic Series #1) (Paperback)
By Alice Hoffman, Alice Hoffman (Introduction by)$19.00
On Our Shelves Now 1 on hand, as of Jan 15 10:06pm (Fiction)Other Books in Series
This is book number 1 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
- #2: The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #2) (Paperback): $16.99
- #4: The Book of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #4) (Paperback): $17.99
*25th Anniversary Edition*—with an Introduction by the Author!
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic.
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape. One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic.
“Splendid. Practical Magic is one of [Hoffman's] best novels, showing on every page her gift for touching ordinary life as if with a wand, to reveal how extraordinary life really is.”—Newsweek
“[A] delicious fantasy of witchcraft and love in a world where gardens smell of lemon verbena and happy endings are possible.”—Cosmopolitan
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew, The Rules of Magic (A Reese’s Book Club pick), Practical Magic, The Marriage of Opposites, The Red Garden, the Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, and The Dovekeepers. She lives near Boston.
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Women
- Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary
Praise for Practical Magic
“A beautiful, moving book about the power of love and the desires of the heart.”—Denver Post
“Charmingly told, and a good deal of fun.”—The New York Times Book Review
“One of her most lyrical works. Hoffman is at her best.”—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
“Written with a light hand and rhythm. Practical Magic has the pace of a fairy tale but with the impact of accomplished fiction.”—People
“A sweet, sweet story that like the best fairy tales says more than at first it seems to.”—New York Daily News
“[Hoffman] has proved once again her potency as a storyteller, combining the mundane with the fantastic in a totally engaging way.”—The Orlando Sentinel
“Hoffman's writing has plenty of power. Her best sentences are like incantations—they won't let you get away.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Witches and ghosts, spells and sleight-of-hand weave a fanciful atmosphere in Alice Hoffman's tender comedy about clairvoyance, spells, and family ties.”—The Miami Herald
“A cosmic romance leavened with just the right touch of pragmatism and humor.”—Booklist
Practical Magic: 25th Anniversary Edition (The Practical Magic Series #1)
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic.
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape. One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic.
“Splendid. Practical Magic is one of [Hoffman's] best novels, showing on every page her gift for touching ordinary life as if with a wand, to reveal how extraordinary life really is.”—Newsweek
“[A] delicious fantasy of witchcraft and love in a world where gardens smell of lemon verbena and happy endings are possible.”—Cosmopolitan
However, their witchcraft is not without consequences, as they encounter a curse that dooms all the men who fall in love with them. The film's celebration of its 25th anniversary rekindled interest and admiration from fans around the world. Directed by Griffin Dunne, Practical Magic showcased stunning visuals, from the beautiful seaside town setting to the enchanting moments of spellcasting.
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew, The Rules of Magic (A Reese’s Book Club pick), Practical Magic, The Marriage of Opposites, The Red Garden, the Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, and The Dovekeepers. She lives near Boston.
Praise for Practical Magic: 25th Anniversary Edition (The Practical Magic Series #1)
Praise for Practical Magic
“A beautiful, moving book about the power of love and the desires of the heart.”—Denver Post
“Charmingly told, and a good deal of fun.”—The New York Times Book Review
“One of her most lyrical works. Hoffman is at her best.”—San Francisco Chronicle Book Review
“Written with a light hand and rhythm. Practical Magic has the pace of a fairy tale but with the impact of accomplished fiction.”—People
“A sweet, sweet story that like the best fairy tales says more than at first it seems to.”—New York Daily News
“[Hoffman] has proved once again her potency as a storyteller, combining the mundane with the fantastic in a totally engaging way.”—The Orlando Sentinel
“Hoffman's writing has plenty of power. Her best sentences are like incantations—they won't let you get away.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Witches and ghosts, spells and sleight-of-hand weave a fanciful atmosphere in Alice Hoffman's tender comedy about clairvoyance, spells, and family ties.”—The Miami Herald
“A cosmic romance leavened with just the right touch of pragmatism and humor.”—Booklist
The movie's vibrant color palette and atmospheric soundtrack further enhanced its mystical appeal. Practical Magic not only captivated audiences with its magical elements but also explored themes of love, sisterhood, and self-discovery. The film's portrayal of strong, independent women defying societal norms resonated with many viewers. It showcased the power of family bonds and the importance of embracing one's true self. Over the past 25 years, Practical Magic has gained a devoted following, with fans organizing events, screenings, and discussions to commemorate its anniversary. The film's enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless charm and its ability to transport viewers into a world where magic and love intertwine. Practical Magic's 25th anniversary serves as a reminder of the film's enduring legacy. It continues to inspire and empower audiences with its message of love, acceptance, and the beauty of embracing one's uniqueness. As fans reflect on the film's impact, they are reminded of the power of magic, both on-screen and in their own lives..
Reviews for "Practical Magic's Timeless Style: Celebrating 25 Years of Fashion and Witchcraft"
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really looking forward to the 25th anniversary edition of "Practical Magic," but unfortunately, I found it to be quite disappointing. The story didn't captivate me like it did the first time I read it years ago. The characters felt flat, and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the writing lacked the charm and magic that made the original book so special. Overall, this edition fell short of my expectations and failed to recapture the magic of the original.
- John - 1 out of 5 stars - I have to say, I was incredibly disappointed with the 25th anniversary edition of "Practical Magic." The story felt disjointed and confusing, with significant plot holes and lack of cohesive development. The characters were underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect or care about them. Furthermore, the writing style was jarring and inconsistent, causing me to lose interest in the book. Overall, I found this edition to be a poor representation of the original story and would not recommend it.
- Michelle - 2 out of 5 stars - As a fan of the original "Practical Magic," I was excited to revisit the story in the 25th anniversary edition. However, I must say, I was left feeling let down. The pacing felt off, with the story dragging in some parts and rushing through others. The characters lacked depth and complexity, making it difficult to invest in their journey. Moreover, the edition seemed to add unnecessary details and scenes that disrupted the flow of the original narrative. Overall, this edition failed to capture the enchantment and allure of the original book.
- Alex - 1 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for the 25th anniversary edition of "Practical Magic," but unfortunately, it fell flat. The story felt repetitive and lacked originality. The characters were uninspiring and lacked depth, making it difficult to root for them. Furthermore, the writing style was bland and failed to evoke any emotions or create a vivid atmosphere. Overall, I found this edition to be a pale imitation of the original story, and it left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
- Emma - 2 out of 5 stars - I was not impressed with the 25th anniversary edition of "Practical Magic." The story felt rushed and lacked the depth and complexity that made the original book so captivating. The characters seemed one-dimensional and were difficult to connect with, which made it hard to care about their fate. Additionally, the writing style was pedestrian and lacked the enchantment of the original. Overall, I found this edition to be a lackluster attempt to commemorate the anniversary of a beloved book.