Welcome to our weekly roundup of the top reads that you won't want to miss! This week's theme: witches. Now that it's almost time for halloween, there is no better time than the present to read up on some fantastic books about witches. We won't go so far as to say to put your pointy hat on, but you get it. Time to get those black cats out.
"Practical Magic" by Alice Hoffman
A mesmerizing tale set in a New England town, where the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, grapple with their family's enchanted heritage. Raised in a household brimming with magic, they face a curse: any who love an Owens woman meet a tragic fate. Sally opts for a conventional life to evade this legacy, while free-spirited Gillian embraces her powers and love, leading to a tumultuous journey. Their paths diverge, but destiny tests their bonds, urging them to comprehend love, loss, and the true magic within. Hoffman's evocative prose weaves a story of sisterhood's enduring power, exploring the extraordinary magic found in the ordinary—a bewitching journey of self-discovery and love across generations.
Excerpt:
The aunts gave away their black clothing, but they never wore anything but black again.
Our rating: ★★★★☆
"Circe" by Madeline Miller
Born to the powerful sun god Helios, yet possessing a human heart, Circe is an outcast among the gods. Yearning for companionship and love, she discovers her extraordinary gift of witchcraft. Through vivid storytelling and captivating prose, Miller paints a rich tapestry of Circe's journey—her struggles, transformation, and encounters with famous figures of Greek mythology. From her exile on the island of Aiaia to her fateful encounter with Odysseus, "Circe" is a breathtaking exploration of power, identity, and the desire for belonging, weaving together the threads of ancient mythology to create a spellbinding narrative that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Excerpt:
"When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist."
Our rating: ★★★★★
"Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire
Gregory Maguire reimagines the timeless classic "The Wizard of Oz" by shifting the spotlight onto the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. Maguire weaves a dark and complex tale, peeling back the layers of Elphaba's life and showcasing the events that shaped her into Oz's most misunderstood antagonist. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and social prejudice, Elphaba's story unravels, revealing her upbringing, friendships, and her struggle for acceptance in a world that fears her extraordinary abilities. With a touch of magic and a dose of reality, Maguire crafts a mesmerizing narrative that challenges preconceived notions, exploring themes of good and evil, prejudice, and the complexities of human nature. "Wicked" is a captivating journey into a land of Oz that will forever change the way you perceive the iconic tale.
Excerpt:"People are peculiar. They have a way of seeing what they want to see and hearing what they want to hear."
Our rating: ★★★★☆
"The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice
A hauntingly atmospheric and intricately woven tale that explores the mysterious and magical legacy of the Mayfair witches. Centered around the powerful Mayfair clan, the story delves deep into their dark and supernatural history, spanning centuries. At the heart of it is Rowan Mayfair, a brilliant neurosurgeon unaware of her witch lineage until she discovers her remarkable powers. Rice's vivid prose transports readers to lush, Gothic landscapes as she meticulously unravels the family's secrets, delving into the struggles, seductions, and ethereal forces that define their lives. "The Witching Hour" is a mesmerizing exploration of witchcraft, destiny, and the age-old battle between good and evil, leaving readers entranced and eager for more.
Excerpt:
"The red-eyed bat with the pale, moon-colored wing entered through the open window and caught the ceiling."
Our rating: ★★★★☆
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling introduces readers to a young orphaned boy, Harry Potter, who discovers that he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. Unbeknownst to him, Harry possesses extraordinary magical abilities and an intriguing past tied to the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. He embarks on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he forms unbreakable bonds of friendship, discovers his lineage, and unravels the mysteries surrounding his scar and the powerful Sorcerer's Stone. Rowling's enchanting narrative brings to life a world filled with magic, courage, and the triumph of good over evil, captivating readers of all ages and setting the stage for an epic and beloved fantasy series.
Excerpt:
"You're a wizard, Harry!"
Our rating: ★★★★★
"The Witches" by Roald Dahl
Young protagonist, a nameless boy, stumbles upon a gathering of witches led by the Grand High Witch who hatches a diabolical plan to eradicate all children in England. Dahl's whimsical yet dark narrative reveals the quirks and dangers of these supernatural beings, emphasizing their hatred for children and their ruthless plots. With Dahl's trademark humor and vivid imagination, the story unfolds as the boy, with the help of his eccentric grandmother, must thwart the witches and protect the children of England. "The Witches" is a delightfully eerie adventure that celebrates bravery and cleverness, appealing to readers young and old with its blend of magic, mischief, and a sprinkle of Roald Dahl's signature charm.
Excerpt:
"It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like, so long as somebody loves you."
Our rating: ★★★★★
There you have it, this week's top reads with descriptions and excerpts. Grab a copy of these captivating books and embark on a literary adventure like no other. Happy reading and until next week.
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