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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl

1054 Posts

Anne
Portland Or
USA
1054 Posts

Posted - Mar 17 2007 :  5:00:49 PM  Show Profile
I am a big fan of Alice Hoffman - "Practical Magic", "Turtle Moon", "River King", etc. I just finished her latest "Skylight Confessions" I cried through the first part where Arlyn dies. Alice seems to describe everything in such detail and can make the most unbelievable ideas come to life.

Has anyone out there read any of her books and would like to share their thoughts?

Anne in Portland

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh

bramble
True Blue Farmgirl

2044 Posts



2044 Posts

Posted - Mar 18 2007 :  9:39:53 PM  Show Profile
I read Alice Hoffman's AT RISK when it first came out. What a compassionate and insightful writer. I have enjoyed anything of hers I have ever read, though the book you have mentioned has escaped me! I will have to look for it at the library this week. Each of her books is so different in tone and style that you kind of feel like you are discovering her all over again. Do you feel like that? I think she is similar in some ways to Anne Tyler and Sue Miller, have you read any of their work?

with a happy heart
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl

1054 Posts

Anne
Portland Or
USA
1054 Posts

Posted - Mar 19 2007 :  06:52:18 AM  Show Profile
Bramble -

I have read Anne Tyler. "At Risk" is one Alice Hoffman book I haven't read, guess I need to find that one. The "Skylight Confession" is her latest book and I had to be put on a waiting list to get it - came out just before Christmas.

Anne in Portland

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl

1323 Posts

Debbie
in the Pandhandle of Idaho
USA
1323 Posts

Posted - Mar 19 2007 :  11:33:59 AM  Show Profile
Anne,
Oh my gosh - I absolutely LOVE Alice Hoffman's books. Her writing is so lyrical and magical. The women are so often down to earth, but somehow are mystical and special. I just finished "Skylight Confessions" (from the library) and I did the same thing when Arlyn went. Alice Hoffman gets in to our heads and makes things so believable. I only wish I could someday make prose like hers. What is your favorite book of hers?

"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl

1054 Posts

Anne
Portland Or
USA
1054 Posts

Posted - Mar 20 2007 :  06:54:44 AM  Show Profile
Debbie -

I think "Turtle Moon" and "Blue Diary" are some of my favorite Alice Hoffman books. "Skylight Confessions" was so sad through most of the book, but so good. I really felt for those kids and I even felt bad for John Moody. I just love how she weaves folk tales into the book too - the people who have wings that come to rescue you at the very last minute - such a wonderful idea.

Anne

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl

1323 Posts

Debbie
in the Pandhandle of Idaho
USA
1323 Posts

Posted - Mar 20 2007 :  10:21:15 AM  Show Profile
Anne,
I agree. She does weave folk tales and folklore into her books. I really loved "Probable Cause". I have the movie version of "River King" recorded, but haven't gotten to watch it yet. "Practical Magic" was a lot better than the movie version, but I do really like Sandra Bullock. Alice Hoffman is one of those authors that leave me wanting more and more books from her.

I also really enjoy Martha Grimes and believe it or not, Stephen King. I think his writing has really evolved over the years and he can weave such an interesting story.

"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe

Edited by - blueroses on Mar 20 2007 10:23:07 AM
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jo Thompson
True Blue Farmgirl

603 Posts

Jo
the mountainside of the Chugach in Alaska
USA
603 Posts

Posted - Mar 20 2007 :  12:00:01 PM  Show Profile
I picked up Probable Cause yesterday, really enjoy it when you all recommend authors.......... jo

"life is drab without a lab"
http://homepage.mac.com/thomja/Anchorage/PhotoAlbum15.html
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl

1054 Posts

Anne
Portland Or
USA
1054 Posts

Posted - Mar 20 2007 :  4:02:13 PM  Show Profile
Debbie -

You're right the movie version of "Practical Magic" didn't do the book justice. I have seen the "River King" movie too, but you will have to make up your own mind on that since you haven't seen it yet.

Probable Cause is also a good one and the Ice Queen is another.

Anne

"Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them" Eyeore from Winnie the Pooh
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl

1323 Posts

Debbie
in the Pandhandle of Idaho
USA
1323 Posts

Posted - Mar 21 2007 :  11:48:00 AM  Show Profile
Anne: I just got "Ice Queen" at the library. Can't wait to start.

Jo: Hope you enjoy "Probable Cause".

"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe
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