Journal Entry 1 by choclaholic from San Antonio, Texas USA on Friday, March 26, 2004

My friend BasketsandBooks has told me that the movie of this title has been one of her favorite films. She actually lent me her DVD of it, but I ended up having to return it to her before I got the chance to see it all (since I didn't think it'd be right to take it with me when I moved some 2000 miles away!)

But now I've found this book at a charity sale for less than a buck, so I just had to get it!

Soooo....into Mt. TBR it goes. 

Journal Entry 2 by choclaholic from San Antonio, Texas USA on Monday, June 20, 2005

I've actually been listening to this in audiobook (checked out from the library) at the same time as reading it. I needed some audiobooks to listen to while working on my latest painting project, and this title was one I picked out -- mostly because of the things I mentioned in the journal entry above. But then while painting, I became so completely enthralled by the story-telling that I couldn't wait to find out more. So in-between coats, I picked up my print copy to read further. I ended up going back and foth between print book and audio format in succession to complete my journey through the tale. Except for a little trouble trying to find my place from time-to-time, it was an interesting way to experience the story.

The prose was, at most times, quite lyrical; and the story was so captivating -- and ultimately very satisfying. This was the story of the Owens women of Massachuests, all the way back to Maria Owens of some 200 year ago, but focusing mostly on present day Sally and her youngest daughter Kylie. But it is also the story of sisters and daughters; a story of self-discovery, and of love lost and hope found.

Sally and Gillian were orphaned early in life, and sent to be raised by their elderly Aunties, who possessed the traditional family skills of the wicca. The girls' early social ostracism (because of their neighbors' fear of the witches), made them grow up longing for "normal" lives. Sally, the elder sister, took the ultra-responsible route, whilst Gillian, the "baby", took a rougher road of town-skipping and bed-hopping. The heart of the story takes place in Sally's home of single parenthood, after Gillian's traumatic experiences with one drug-pedaling thug of guy named, of all things, Jim Hawkins. Though Sally thought she could handle even this business of Gillian's accidental man-slaugher of Jimmy, his restless spirit took up residence in their lilac bushes. They all ignored this inconvienice for as long as they could, until a PI came to town looking for Jimmy on a murder rap. Alas for Sally, now here's the one thing she can't control.... as she falls instantly in love -- but because of her deceptions and desperation, he is driven away. Luckily, the Aunties have practical magic that can cure it all -- from excorsising malevolent ghosts, to urging on a burdgeoning love. Think I've told you everything? Nope, I haven't. The beauty in this story is really in the subtle details along the way, that pulls this story into the cohesive whole that it is. I recommend you experience it for yourself.

And now I am finally motivated enough to finish the movie that I started so long ago. I've heard the movie is actually quite different from this tale, and I'm quite curious to see what they've done with it.

Regardless, this copy is available for release now. I hope it finds a happy home! 

Journal Entry 3 by choclaholic from San Antonio, Texas USA on Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Gave to BCer Jenpenny when we met at Kidzville :) 

Journal Entry 4 by choclaholic from San Antonio, Texas USA on Thursday, July 07, 2005

Journal update: So I finally rented the DVD.... and yes, though the movie is essentially the same story as the book, the story TELLING is actually completely different!!! It was really quite fascinating to examine them both. So, if you liked the movie, I suggest you read the book....I think you'll be glad you did! 

Journal Entry 5 by choclaholic at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases on Friday, November 18, 2005

Released 6 yrs ago (6/22/2005 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, --by post or by hand (ie ring, ray, RABCK, trade) -- Controlled Releases

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

RELEASE NOTES:

Just setting the status...