The Practical Magic series
The Practical Magic series is one that many of us have fallen in love with, and rightfully so. In recent years, more books were added to the series, extending the storyline, and allowing readers to gain a more intimate understanding of the characters, their lives, and the history of the Owens’ family. In total, three other books have been added to the series to accompany the original book, Practical Magic, released in 1995. The recent additions to the Practical Magic series add a great amount of depth to the characters we know and love, allowing us to really get to know them and brings the story of the Owen’s witches to a gentle close (well, unless more books come out, of course!). To begin your adventure with this magical series, first decide which order you will read the books in.
What Order Should I Read the Practical Magic Books?
You can read the Practical Magic books in chronological order (starting with Maria Owens and ending with Kylie and Antonia as young adults) or in the order that they were released. Chronological order goes as follows: Magic Lessons, The Rules of Magic, Practical Magic, and The Book of Magic. While release order is as follows: Practical Magic (1995), The Rules of Magic (2017), Magic Lessons (2020), and The Book of Magic (2021).
Since many of us either saw the film or read the original novel, Practical Magic, there is something truly lovely about knowing the modern generation of Owen’s witches and then tracing their lineage back. Release order allows you to first have some investment in the generation of witches that the series is mainly focused on and then learn about their family history, the aunt’s circumstances, and the story behind Sally and Gillian’s parents and grandparents. On the other hand, chronological order flows seamlessly from the original Owens witches to the modern practitioners, providing a solid foundation and understanding of their family curse and generational patterns. I, however, find release order to be the most enjoyable!
What are the Practical Magic Books About?
The Practical Magic books follow the experiences of the descendants of a witch named Maria Owens. Maria, who was deeply betrayed in love, cast a spell against all in her bloodline in order to protect them from love in the future. While her intentions were meant to safeguard them, later generations of Owens witches deal with great suffering and loss due to their curse. The curse causes them to make great and heart-wrenching sacrifices; they often lose themselves attempting to reverse their curse; or else reject their magic and love altogether.
The witches we are most familiar with, Jet and Franny, and Sally and Gillian, share some striking resemblances that continue through the bloodline. There are two sisters born to each generation, one with red hair and one with black, one very rational while the other is more free-spirited, and they tend to suffer tragic loss whether that be loss of a lover, of parents, or a loss of self. While Maria’s curse causes them great pain, we also see the strength and resolve the curse brings out of them. They are each forced to face deep truths about their patterns and emotions in order to heal, to face their true power, and to acknowledge the power that comes from being different.
There is no remedy for love but to love more.
-Henry David Thoreau
Final Word
This beloved book and film series is rumored to have a 2nd movie in the making, so be sure to brush up on your knowledge of the Owens or wait to be pleasantly surprised when the new film is released. Here we will discuss some of the differences between the new film and recent books, but in the meantime check out our article covering some of the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the Practical Magic book and the Practical Magic movie (Spoilers Ahead!). You can also check out individual articles discussing each book at length or an overview of all four books here, enjoy!
