Hocus Pocus

Customer Reviews:

Vonnegut Strikes Again.......2007-06-23

This was not given to me or by me as a Christmas gift or any other holiday gift. I checked it out at the local library. I have no idea what my cousins read or if they read for pleasure. We're not close. But I will hasten to make this a review by commenting on the novel. Another cynical diatribe about man's folly, carelessness and random cruelty. Well written, insightful and cautiously humane. Man, Vonnegut was just about the most cynical and sarcastic guy alive who could write well.

Not for the Uninitiated Vonnegut Reader, but Great for Fans.......2007-04-03

Unlike the other Vonnegut novels that I have read, "Hocus Pocus" seems to come dangerously close to biting off more than it can chew -- and for the first half of the book it does. It takes a full hundred-and-fifty pages or so for Vonnegut to get a handle on all of the disparate themes that have crammed their way into this novel: racial strife, economic strife, the state of education in America, the follies of elitism, the de-humanizing effects of war (a Vonnegut favorite), love, sex, marriage, alcoholism, pride, honor, television, genetics and heredity, the outsourcing of American businesses, prison overcrowding, cultural identity ... believe it or not, I could go on. "Hocus Pocus" is too much of a hodge-podge, and it doesn't seem to know what it is trying to say or where it is drawing your attention at first. Thank goodness the second half of the book is a marked improvement. It actually ends up being enjoyable and says a lot of intelligent (if typically Vonnegut) things.

Still, there are some other problems with "HP" that could potentially turn a reader off -- particularly if they are not accustomed to Vonnegut's unique brand of storytelling. Eugene Debs Hartke is not a compelling Vonnegut protagonist; he has the quirky personality, the jaded outlook that comes with experience and the moral ambiguity, but he is surprisingly boring when you consider that he's an ex-soldier renowned for his deft and brutal technique, a sex addict and married to an insane woman to boot. He just doesn't resonate the way a Billy Pilgrim, Kilgore Trout (who makes a sort-of appearance here when one of his short stories turns up, for all you tried and true Vonnegut fans out there), or Howard W. Campbell, Jr. do in their respective stories. And the main themes that Vonnegut is expounding here have been done better elsewhere in his ouevre. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater tackled elitism and greed in a more resonant way, Slaughterhouse-Five dealt with war in a more profound story, Mother Night also features a protagonist literally on trial for his moral ambiguity but delved deeper, and the deliciously madcap Breakfast of Champions is a freight train to disaster that is much more compelling than "HP"'s central prison break.

Having said that, Vonnegut devotees like myself will undoubtedly enjoy this novel anyway -- particularly the last half. But for anyone who is not already enchanted by Vonnegut's quirks as a novelist would do better to start elsewhere (I'd suggest checking out one of the novels I just mentioned in the last paragraph instead).
Grade: B- (but give it a C if you aren't already a Vonnegut fan)

Hocus Pocus.......2007-01-09

This was given as a christmas gift. My cousin asked for this item.

One big yawn of a novel.......2006-12-13

HP is a slow sigh ("cough"), a wheezing deflation, a tedious grind. Vonnegut is a fine writer, to be sure, but his talents are poorly deployed here. I listened to this relentlessly overcast novel on the morning commute of similarly overcast days. I learned not a thing, was entertained not a whit, and was moved nary an ounce. HP is dull, dull, dull -- the dimmest of stars in an otherwise bright Vonnegut sky.

Hocus Pocus.......2006-11-10

This item was mailed to me almost immediately after i purchased it online. It was in GREAT condition and the description that the seller posted was very accurate. I think this is one of my best transactions on amazon.

Average customer rating:

Hocus Pocus
Hocus Pocus? More like Mumbo Jumbo...
Not to be underestimated
This book works
Not the best

Hocus Pocus: Titania's Book of Spells
Titania Hardie
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori, & Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1556704992

Amazon.com

Every witch has a book of spells. What sets Hocus Pocus apart is how Titania Hardie has bundled her useful and effective spells with evocative photographs that make this book a work of art. Gentlemen should be warned that the spells are designed for women, though many can be adapted for use by the determined male practitioner. If you don't intend to practice the spells, however, perhaps you'll think it makes as wonderful a gift as I did.

Customer Reviews:

Hocus Pocus.......2001-04-18

can someone email me i have not read the book but would love info.

cherie_21205@yahoo.com

Hocus Pocus? More like Mumbo Jumbo..........2000-12-04

I wanted to give it less than one star, but there was no such rating on the system. The cover alone was enough to warn me about the validity (or lack thereof) of this book. As I have read several books on Witchcraft/Wicca, the first thing I looked at (after the cover of course) was the love spell(s). The spell/s listed actually required you to take the bodily secretions or hair clippings from your intended victim, & use those things to bind this person to you.

As a practitioner, I know that this is simply wrong. It goes completely against the principles of "harm none" and "free will." You can't "make" someone fall in love with you, no matter what anybody may tell you. All relationships must be fostered over time.

For romance or friendship, try going to a bookstore or coffee shop--and actually striking up a conversation. It's very simple and it actually works!

Not to be underestimated.......2000-08-07

This was my first book on magick, though not my introduction. I loved the spells and found the ones I tried to work. I especially recomend 'The mad tea party' on page 52 and 'Three woven ribbons to strengthen the bond'on page 31. The book is a delight to read and to look at as it has beautiful pictures and a lovely cover. All of Titania's books are very dear to me. There are two reasons why I gave the book four stars instead of five: first of all I missed the basics on witchcraft; what does the religion mean and exists of; what do wiccans believe and Titania didn't explain in depth why you have to perform certain spells in certain moon cycles. The second reason: on another bookshop site I read a few reviews on Titania's books written by teenagers who used her spells to surround themselves by 'hot guys'. Those persons completely missed the message. I hope Titania will make the true message more clearer in her next book. The four stars I gave the book are fully deserved. It is a wonderful book but before starting on these spells, read a little more about wicca, Titania's book 'Enchanted' and 'Teenwitch' and 'To ride a silver broomstick' by Silver Ravenwolf are wonderful starters!

This book works.......2000-07-20

Once upon a time there was a young witch who desparately needed a mode of transport other than the bus. As the universe designed, into her lap fell this particular book with spells for all purposes, including money. At first glance it seemed that the book was all gloss and pretty pictures beautiful on a bookshelf but not necessarily of any use. Then she spotted a spell that would, if it worked, be exactly what she needed. This best suited spell looked as though it would be most difficult to perform because some of the items required were not readily availble, and not easy to attain. Of course the optimum timespan to perform the spell was fast disappearing. Then as if by magick all the items she was missing appeared..via friends and great timing...so she performed the spell releasing all the energy she could muster to the universe and in 3 days she had a brand new car and she drove around to her hearts content happily ever after :)... so there you go.. the book has validity, the spells work, and not just on the little things in life. A very useful witches tool The End :)

Not the best.......2000-06-23

The book was ok. Only on explaining things. It dwells too much around Wicca and one certain religion, when you can be any religion when doing spells. The ingredients are waaaay too hard to find and the spells are probably only for experienced older witches. I would say buy the book Everyday Magic by Dorothy Morrison..it's much better and has more and better working spells!

Average customer rating:

Talented Author!
Much better choices for the $
A Sweet , Humorous Read
We need more books like this!
A whole lot of Fun!!!!

Hocus Pocus
Teresa Roblin
Manufacturer: Cerridwen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1419955527
Release Date: 2007-01-31

Product Description

Shy and quiet Amanda Santorelli is unhappy watching the world go by around her. When her well-meaning but wacky aunt casts an assertiveness spell on her, Amanda's orderly world is turned upside down. Unable to control herself, Amanda blurts out whatever is on her mind every time someone asks her a question. Trying to outwit the spell only makes matters worse. With no control over her own mouth, it's only a matter of time before someone discovers the object of her secret obsession. Mark Abbott is happy with the way his unassuming assistant runs his office. But all of a sudden she's become a new person - both in attitude and apearance - and he's not sure he likes the effect on his orderly work routine. With each passing day, he finds himself waiting to see what will come out of her mouth next. Before long, he can no longer deny the truth - the new Amanda is seriously making him reconsider is vow never to mix business with pleasure. Mark doesn't know if it's love - or if he's just a victim of Hocus Pocus.

Customer Reviews:

Talented Author!.......2007-08-21

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Reader Views (8/07)

Mouse is a perfect description of Amanda. She is afraid to live, afraid someone will notice her, so she tries to hide her body and personality. Assistant to the CEO, she is an efficient, intelligent, and beautiful woman under the frumpy, one-size too big clothes she wears to the office each day. Her boss Mark is at the center of her fantasies. Unfortunately, he never seems to notice her as a woman and he does not believe in mixing business and his personal life. When Amanda overhears him refer to her as a "mouse" she is both hurt and angry. When Aunt Lilly finds a book of spells in the attic, she decides to come to Amanda's assistance. Amanda no longer has control of her mouth; she must speak what she is thinking. Without Amanda's knowledge, her sister and aunt get rid of all her frumpy clothing and buy her a whole new wardrobe of sexy, stylish clothes, including bras and thongs. It was impossible for Mark not to notice the difference. He finds her new assertive manner a distraction. He thinks he wants the old Amanda back. Determined, he attempts to find a way to break the spell. Aunt Lilly is not finished yet. She has a plan.

"Hocus Pocus" by Teresa Roblin is a delightful read. The plot is remarkable and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. Ms. Roblin successfully uses romance and humor to capture the reader's interest. The scene with the muffin is too funny. I laughed until I cried. The characters are tremendously funny, especially Aunt Lilly, my favorite. She is delightfully eccentric, stirring things up everywhere she goes. Ms. Roblin is an extremely talented author. I will be watching closely for more books by Teresa Roblin. I highly recommend "Hocus Pocus" to fans of romance.

Much better choices for the $.......2007-07-05

I thought this book would be either better or longer (i.e. using standard type size) given the expense, but it was just a larger font. While it was OK - it was only OK. The characters were not very well developed, and there was a LOT of repetition. Not terrible but not good - just fair - and at 40% more, go with a different book.

A Sweet , Humorous Read.......2007-05-30

This was the first book I read by this author. She did a wonderful job with this story. I read it in one sitting. The muffin scene had me loudly laughing out loud. Aunt Lilly and the other wacky old ladies are a fantastic support characters. The story moved along nicely. I look forward to reading more by this author.

We need more books like this!.......2007-03-16

I read this book after a very stressful week at the office. It was exactly what I needed: a good dose of healthy, intelligently and crisply written comedy. Definitely, we need more books like Roblin's Hocus Pocus. Daniel Costa, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

A whole lot of Fun!!!!.......2007-03-13

If you like your romance spicy and filled with magic - Teresa Roblin is the author for you. Can't wait to read more!!

Dog Spirit: Hounds, Howlings, and Hocus-Pocus

Average customer rating:

Okay for Junior High School
The canine spirit is revealed in fact and history
A MUST for Dog Lovers

Dog Spirit: Hounds, Howlings, and Hocus-Pocus
Patricia Telesco
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Wicca | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Cat Magic: Mews, Myths, and Mystery

ASIN: 0892818069
Release Date: 2000-08-01

Book Description

An enthralling, illustrated look at the dog's prominent place in myth and magic by the highly acclaimed author of more than 30 books on magic and folklore.

• Presents the canine connection to magic, including amulets, charms,spells, and rituals.

• Explains how to determine your dog's personality through astrology,as well as dog symbolism in dreams.

• 120 color and black-and-white illustrations throughout make this a wonderful gift book.

In Greece the dog was a symbol for courage and devotion; in China dogs have represented good fortune and joy since Fo-Hi began encouraging their breeding in 3400 B.C. An entire volume of the sacred Zoroastrian text, the Zend Avista, is devoted to the care and breeding of dogs, and dogs were regarded as the preeminent symbol of loyalty in medieval Europe. In contrast, the dog's wild relatives, such as the much maligned wolf, have long been regarded as symbols of humanity's darker side.

Dog Spirit explores the different roles dogs and their canine relatives have played in the religious and magical traditions of societies throughout the world, emphasizing the importance of dogs as totems, companions, and even gods. Patricia Telesco provides astrological guidelines for determining your dog's personality and examines the role of dogs in dream interpretation and magic rituals. Personable, soulful, and the very spirit of loyalty, dogs have throughout history held a special place in the human heart and imagination that no other animal can claim.

Customer Reviews:

Okay for Junior High School.......2006-01-29

But not for an adult. Many, many errors, lots of clipart illustrations, general bunkum. I'm returning it to Amazon for a refund (and I never go to that trouble!).

I suppose if I'd read about the other books she'd written, I never would've made this mistake.

Better - get yourself a canine companion, and learn from her!

The canine spirit is revealed in fact and history.......2001-02-16

Dog Spirit provides a focus on the different roles dogs and their relatives have played in the religious and magical traditions of societies around the world. Astrological guidelines are presented for determining a dog's personality, chapters examine their participation in spiritual ceremonies and celebrations, and the canine spirit is revealed in fact and history.

A MUST for Dog Lovers.......2000-11-15

This is a great "coffee table" type book that anyone can enjoy even if they're not "into" magick. Contains Lots of wonderful color illustrations and an amazing variety of history, lore, health issues, breed beliefs and even websites!

Hocus Pocus: Halloween Crafts for a Spooktacular Holiday

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Halloween Craft Book
Wonderful Hallowe'en Fun!
One of the best halloween craft books
Most creative Halloween craft book in years!

Hocus Pocus: Halloween Crafts for a Spooktacular Holiday

Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1564774910

Book Description

Host a magical Halloween with this collection of frightfully fun crafts! Most of these projects can be completed in an afternoon, from shimmering beaded spiderwebs to party crackers that open with a loud "pop!" to reveal a gush of goodies.

• Use easy sewing, stamping, and painting techniques to make 20 projects

• Decorate with mosaic lanterns, cauldron-shaped candles, and a festive banner for the front door

• Conjure up the perfect party with stylish invitations, etched glasses, pumpkin placemats, and candy-coated pretzels

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Halloween Craft Book.......2007-09-06

This is a great book for halloween crafts, full of creative ideas! There are wonderful pictures for each project. The directions are clear and make each project seem easy. I find it geared more towards kids, which is fine since I am looking for books for both children & adult party ideas.

Wonderful Hallowe'en Fun!.......2006-11-14

I received this book as a gift from a friend, and my whole family just loves it! Lots of crafts for everyone from invitations to bubbling cauldron candles. Materials for all the ideas in this books are very easy to find at your local craft/art/hardware supply store. Buy one for yourself!, buy one for a friend!

One of the best halloween craft books.......2005-10-24

I have a few other halloween craft books but this is one of the best. Most of the crafts were easy enough for my children to do and great for school parties.

Most creative Halloween craft book in years!.......2003-11-01

If you're looking for something really different, check out this great book. I've made a few of the cards, the pumpkin placemats and the party crackers. There are so many great ideas in here, you won't know where to start!

I collect Halloween books and it's always a treat to find a good one. Several came out this year, but this one really takes the cake! Directions are clear, projects are just terrific. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Best book ever

GREAT BOOK FOR CHILDREN

Hocus Pocus: Junior Novelization (Junior Novel Series)
DISNEY PRESS
Manufacturer: Disney Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1562823736

Customer Reviews:

Best book ever.......2000-10-04

This is a story about three witches that try to take childrens souls to live longer.The witches are the Sanderson sisters.they are very mean.Thay try to chase poeple.

GREAT BOOK FOR CHILDREN.......2000-04-30

This book is by far the best children's book about witches and magick that I have ever had the pleasure of sharing with my children. If you are sick of your children coming home after school and watching TV or playing video games then this book will surly get them reading instead. If you are familiar with the movie Hocus Pocus, this book follows basically the same plot line but not really. It does have some twists and turns along the way. I recommend this book for all those young readers out there in BookWorld.

Hocus Pocus: A Bridge Book With a Difference

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Hocus Pocus: A Bridge Book With a Difference
Erwin Brecher
Manufacturer: Panacea Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 095399550X

Communicating God's Word in a Complex World: God's Truth or Hocus Pocus?

Average customer rating:

Serious Hermeneutics
Not For the Missionary

Communicating God's Word in a Complex World: God's Truth or Hocus Pocus?
Lamin Sanneh
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0742514471

Customer Reviews:

Serious Hermeneutics.......2006-05-11

Shaw and Van Engen's book is an excellent presentation of a hermeneutic of contextualization. The authors demonstrate the importance of context--the author's, the interpreter's, and the audience's--in the recommunication of God's word to various peoples. Anyone interested in communicating God's word accurately and effectively needs to read this book and understand the principles Shaw and Van Engen explain and illustrate.

Not For the Missionary.......2004-05-01

I'm getting my masters in intercultural studies at an evangelical seminary and had to do a book review on this book. Highly theoretical, it makes simplistic concepts complex and lacks practical methods of cross-cultural communication. It's written for a scholarly missiologist, but not for the common missionary. Insights didn't jump at me as in most of my readings on cross-cultural communication. If you're looking for a practical, insightful book on sharing Christ in a cross-cultural setting, look elsewhere, for His glory.

Average customer rating:

A great book from my childhood...

The Hocus-Pocus Dilemma
Pat Kibbe
Manufacturer: Backinprint.Com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0595165699

Book Description

When B.J. Pinkerton discovers she has ESP, she decides to go into the fortune-telling business. B.J. pursues her talent feverishly. Not one person in her family is left untouched by her dubious powers. Even Willie, her dog, is enrolled in the Happy Kennels Obedience School, and flunks. She has become a jinx and a bother. “There’ll be no more hocus-pocus in this house,” Mom says. An end to ESP for B.J.? She’s just getting warmed up!

B.J.—along with her uncommon family—provides young readers with a truly funny story.

The Hocus-Pocus Dilemma was an International Reading Association’s Children’s Choice.

Customer Reviews:

A great book from my childhood..........2001-06-11

I read this book when I was 8 or 9...it was so funny and charming I still remember the characters and the plot at 32...I am introducing this book to 3 youngsters in my family...I'm sure they will enjoy it as the story is timeless.

Average customer rating:

Great fantasy and very entertaining

Hocus Pocus Dilemma

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews:

Great fantasy and very entertaining.......1999-06-25

everyone that reads this book will instantly become attached and will never be able to put this book down!

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