BOOK CLUB
"Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading." —Lena Dunham
We’re thrilled to introduce the Shambhala Farm Book Club — a new gathering for thoughtful conversation, soulful inquiry, and community connection. We’ll meet every other month to explore books that touch on the themes of spirituality, yoga, and inner growth—stories and teachings that inspire us to live with more awareness, compassion, and presence. Whether you’re a lifelong seeker or just beginning your journey, this book club is a welcoming space to share reflections, ask questions, and connect through meaningful conversation.
The Rules Of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Wednesday, October 29th at 5:45 PM
About the Book
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman is a luminous prequel to her beloved novel Practical Magic. Set in New York City in the 1960s, it follows the Owens siblings—Franny, Jet, and Vincent—as they come of age in a world that has already decided their fate. Born into a family of witches, they inherit both extraordinary gifts and a centuries-old curse that ensures tragedy for anyone they dare to love. Hoffman weaves together the atmosphere of the era with the timeless themes of family, destiny, and the longing for freedom.
Each sibling’s journey is distinct yet entwined. Franny, the fiery eldest, struggles to contain both her power and her heart; Jet, the gentle beauty, searches for love despite the risks; and Vincent, charming and restless, lives on the edge, testing fate at every turn. Their paths carry them from the bustle of Manhattan to the quiet of Massachusetts, from first loves to heartbreaking losses, all while navigating the heavy inheritance of the Owens family’s past.
At its core, the novel is about the enduring bonds of family and the courage to live authentically in the face of fear. Hoffman’s writing brims with lyrical magic, blending folklore, history, and emotional truth into a story that feels both mythic and deeply personal. Readers are reminded that while rules can guide and curses may linger, love—in all its complicated forms—remains the most powerful force of all.
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is a bestselling American novelist celebrated for her lyrical prose and seamless blending of the everyday with the extraordinary. Over the course of her career, she has written more than thirty works of fiction, including Practical Magic, The Dovekeepers, Here on Earth, and The Marriage of Opposites. Her stories often weave together elements of folklore, history, and magical realism, creating worlds that feel both grounded and enchanted. Known for her ability to capture human resilience and the complexities of love, Hoffman’s novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and adapted for both film and television.
Beyond her writing, Hoffman has been an influential voice in the literary world, praised for her ability to craft strong, complex female characters and explore themes of family, survival, and transformation. She studied at Adelphi University and later at Stanford, where she earned a master’s degree in creative writing. Her work has earned her a devoted international readership, and she continues to be recognized as one of the most imaginative and enduring voices in contemporary American fiction.