Hocus Pocus

By: Disney Press

4/5 Black Candles

***Possible Spoilers Below***

If you've seen the original Hocus Pocus film, then you've basically read the first book. No complaints from me! But, just know that the book is almost word-for-word the movie, but with the added benefit of reading Max's point of view. If you're strapped for time, or have no interest reading the same story you know, I would say you could skip the first portion. However, I personally LOVED reading the book version of the movie! Hocus Pocus is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I was ecstatic when I saw they made the book (I just didn't have time to read it until this year...).

The Sequel occurs 25 years later, and it follows Max and Allison's daughter: Poppy. Poppy is the same age her father was when he summoned the Sanderson Sisters. Poppy knows the story, but out of embarrassment, she asks her mom and dad and her Aunt Danny to never speak of those events. Mostly, because she doesn't believe the story. Her parents and aunt oblige, but nothing can stop the town from retelling the original Sanderson Sister execution story every Halloween.

Allison does her best to protect Salem from curious teens. The Sanderson House is no longer a museum, but Allison still holds the key. In an attempt to impress her crush, Isabella, Poppy steals the key and chaos ensues. The two, along with Poppy's best friend, embark on a journey to save the city, and Poppy finally understands the fear of her parents.

Honestly, I understand why people hated the sequel. I think much of my love came from pure nostalgia and how wonderful I thought the first half of the book was. I thought it was nice that Disney attempted to add some diversity to the "new cast," but sometimes it seemed to blatantly placed. Like the attempt to have "token characters" was the main focus of the entire story. This is one aspect that really bothered me. I appreciate the attempt, but it really didn't flow in a natural to read way.

Aside from that, I really didn't dislike this sequel! I think people are a little too harsh. Was it written like a weird fan fiction? Yes. Did I expect much more? No. Sometimes I think we just need to take things for what they are. This book was meant to play on our nostalgia and offer us a little something more. It wasn't meant to be a literary masterpiece. If a literary masterpiece is what you're looking for, then look elsewhere. If an easy to read, fun glimpse back at your childhood is what you're looking for, then grab this book ASAP!