The last book I read was Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark by Cassandra Peterson, after all she is my girl crush. I did a very brief review for Auxiliary Magazine. For as funny as Elvira is, her book reflects her sense of humor but also the extreme ups and downs of show biz. It was a little heavy, so I wanted to read something lighter. That's how I ended up with Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. Ironically, I only recently saw the movie for the first time. You know me, I much prefer blood and guts to a dramatic love story. I found the movie entertaining though, and heard that the book was very different. Why not give it a try?
Compared to the lighthearted movie, the book is more serious and deals with relationships. (So much for getting away from heavy stuff. At least these characters aren't real, like Elvira!) Relationships between sisters, partners, and parental guardians and how they grow and change over time. Since I saw the movie first, I kept picturing the characters as the actors that played them. I think they were well cast.
The book takes place in the suburbs, and the aunts and spells pay a very minor role compared to relationships and accidental murder. That being said, it ends on a happy note, there's lots of black cats, and it has even spawned 3 more books based on the Owens family. I recommend it for a quick read.
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