by Alice Hoffman
Series: Practical Magic #1
Narrator: Christina Moore
Length: 9 hours and 12 minutes
Genres: Magical Realism
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4,5 cups
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.
PRACTICAL MAGIC by Alice Hoffman originally released in 1995 and soon became a movie, which to this day I make a point of watching every fall. I read the book right before the film released and over time my memories of the book and the movie blurred.
In anticipation of THE RULES OF MAGIC, a book about the Aunts, I decide to grab this on audio and listen. I am so delighted that I did. The story was delightful with its magical realism, lively characters and those aunts had me laughing.
The story was just as charming as I remember with its magical realism, animated characters, and suspenseful story. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen’s Garden Spell will enjoy Hoffman’s writing. If you’ve only watched the movie, the basic story and characters are there, but the execution is very different. Some scenes were added and others cut from the film. It was funny listening as I imagined Sandra Bullock and Nichole Kidman in my head. And let’s not forget handsome Aidan Quinn as Gary.
Hoffman’s writing is beautiful with these passages that deliver insight. When I read the book years ago, the middle dragged, and I will be the first to admit I loved the movie more. I am delighted to say that the audio left me feeling more like I did after watching the movie the first time. The narration just brings the characters to life in a way the book did not.
Christina Moore narrated, and I am delighted to hear she will be narrating THE RULES OF MAGIC which releases October 2017. She did a splendid job with pacing, inflection and creating atmosphere.
Christina Moore's narration brought Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman to life #audio Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Evelina @ AvalinahsBooks
I love that movie as well. But I feel like I liked the movie better! *gasp*
kimbacaffeinate
Nope on this, we agree. The movie added something magical.
Angela @ Simply Angela
You just reminded me that I still need to read this., I love the movie so I’m not sure why I haven’t read the book.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy. I am looking forward to the Aunt’s book 🙂
Lorna
I was just the opposite way back when I read the book. I loved it and thought the movie wasn’t as good. Good, just not as good as the book. But now I’ve seen the movie several times, but only read the book once way before the movie. Glad you enjoyed listening.
kimbacaffeinate
Isn’t that funny. I am excited about the Aunts stories.
KGC
I adore the movie.
kimbacaffeinate
I try to watch it every October..lol
Nadene
I watched the movie and loved it. I never knew that there was a book as well.
Jenea's Book Obsession
I love the movie, so it would definitely be fun to listen to audio book of it. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I think the audiobook enhances the book.
Heidi
I read this a few years ago and I hated it. I was expecting the charm of the movie and I did not like the book at all, which is so unusual, usually it’s the other way around. I barely finished it.
kimbacaffeinate
I was hoping for more. I do think audio made the experience more enjoyable.
Karen Blue
I just read The Rules of Magic and I really enjoyed it. I have seen Practical Magic and I absolutely love the film. I haven’t read the book, but I plan too really soon. This month would be perfect for that book I think. I will definitely get the audio since you recommend it so highly. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I am waiting for the audio but so glad you loved it. I think the Aunts will be fun.
Debbie Haupt
Kim what a fantastic Idea I too love this movie but I haven’t read the book, shame on me.
Shame on me also for not being around lately, trying to get all my reviews turned in, car shopping and dealing with my husband’s many health issues is a full time job. I will be picking this up on audio
kimbacaffeinate
This is one of those weird cases where the movie is better. Audio aided the story here.
Melissa
One of my all time favorite reads and movies. Despite the differences, loved the movie as well. Can’t wait to hold The Rules of Magic in my hands.
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed the movie more but did enjoy this on audio.
Tracy Terry
I knew I knew the title of the book, its just I’m not familiar with this particular cover whether its because its the cover of the audio book or the American release of it anyway.
What sounds like a fun read, Known as a batty aunty by my nieces and nephew, the aunts in this certainly appeal.
kimbacaffeinate
Probably both. Not a huge fan of it.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I have Rules of Magic waiting to be read….it’s been years since I read Practical Magic, but I will always recall Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in the movie.
Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I am holding out for the audio Laurel 🙂
Vanessa @ Blushing Geek
Haven’t heard of this book and the movie but it sounds really good. Great review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Haven’t you watched the movie? Oh my goodness…you must watch it
Wattle
I love the movie! It’s very different from the book (something I was rather disappointed by) but it definitely holds its own. Glad that you enjoyed the audio, I had issues with the novel when I read it; I do wonder if that would be fixed with the audio version. I might check it out when I next delve into audiobooks. Thank you for sharing 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I think the audio gave this a boost. It was different.
kindlemom1
I have yet to read this but I love the movie! I think I would have a hard time reading this now though since I saw the movie first. It never quite works out for me when I do that. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Listen if you do. I adore the movie 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I totally forgot about Practical Magic, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen that movie. I didn’t realize there was a book about the Aunts. It sounds really fun. Thanks for the audio sample!
kimbacaffeinate
It releases/released this month 🙂
Nick
I saw the movie listing on Netflix the other day and thought to myself I need to check it out! I didn’t realize it was a book-to-movie adaptation. It sounds like a really lovely story. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Wow wait, Nick..don’t tell me you’ve never watched the movie? Dude..you have to watch it this month!!!
Geybie's Book Blog
This sounds like a very good, fun audiobook. Glad that you enjoyed it. Awesome review as always. ❤️
Melliane
It looks nice there! I didn’t know aobut this one but the name of the author does ring a bell. I would be curious to see what you think of the sequel.
kimbacaffeinate
Have you ever watched the movie?