WWW RI Women’s Book Club: The Rules of Magic

Our May Women’s Wilderness Weekend of RI Women’s Book Club will discuss The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman.

For the Owens family, love is a curse that began in 1620, when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.

[CREDIT: Goodreads.com] May’s WWW of RI Women’s Book Club will discuss “The Rules of Magic” by Alice Hoffman.

From the start Susanna sets down rules for her children: No walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic. And most importantly, never, ever, fall in love. But when her children visit their Aunt Isabelle, in the small Massachusetts town where the Owens family has been blamed for everything that has ever gone wrong, they uncover family secrets and begin to understand the truth of who they are. Back in New York City each begins a risky journey as they try to escape the family curse.

The Owens children cannot escape love even if they try, just as they cannot escape the pains of the human heart. The two beautiful sisters will grow up to be the revered, and sometimes feared, aunts in Practical Magic, while Vincent, their beloved brother, will leave an unexpected legacy.

The purpose of our WWW of RI Book Club is to reconnect with ourselves, other women, and nature. The focus of our book selections centers on Women authors writing about women’s stories, connections, history, nature, and overcoming adversity.

The Rules of Magic is one of four books in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic Series.

If you would like an additional book to read before this book club discussion, we encourage you to check out Magic Lessons. Chronologically it comes before The Rules of Magic. Here are some details of all four books:

• Magic Lessons – 3rd book written. Story of early Owens ancestors through the Witch Trials.
• The Rules of Magic – 2nd book written. Backstory of the Aunts from Practical Magic.
• Practical Magic – 1st book written. The Owens sisters Sally and Gillian. Film released in 1998 starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
• The Book of Magic – 4th and final book written in the series. Movie expected in 2027

[CREDIT: Pixabay]

Anyone in the WWW of RI community is welcome to participate regardless of your attendance at our weekend events.

WWW of RI Book Club Participation Guidelines:

• • Please obtain a copy of the book, either by borrowing from the library, borrowing from someone you know, or purchasing. Read the book on your own, prior to our discussion date. Audio books are good too.
  • We will meet in person to discuss the book.
  • Please read the book, or at least attempt to read it so you can contribute to the discussion.
  • Everyone reads at their own pace, and that is fine. If you finish the book in two days or only get half way through, anyone with interest in the book club can be included.
  • Any and all conversation is welcome at the book discussions but please be courteous and kind. You can disagree with someone, but always do so respectfully.
  • You do not need to participate every month to be part of the book club. Read what interests you and attend when you can.
  • Book suggestions are highly welcome. Please let us know what you are interested in.

Book Club Discussion for The Rules of Magic will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3pm.

The following book is the next official book for our book club:

July 26, 2026 – The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Please reach out to Jessy at jessyjakul@gmail.com if you are interested in participating.