The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic: A Novel

This book was disappointing. Nora is a vacuous English doctorate candidate? How is that even possible? She does develop toward the end of the story, but I was too irritated by her to care. The plot is a cool concept (which is why I read to the end), however it would have been better used on a more developed character. Comparing Nora to Hermione is a HUGE stretch, and frankly an insult to one of the better written female characters in modern-day literature.

A little more than halfway through this novel, and I just can't force myself to read it anymore. It's tedious and uninteresting. The characters are boring, the plot is boring and there's lots of very detailed descriptive information that doesn't add anything to the story.

An interesting attempt, but sorely in need of a good editor. I'm surprised this got published by a major house in its current state of all-over-the-placeness. Part young adult novel, part romance novel, part fantasy novel and part immature novel—all swerving randomly into each other, and yet leaving room for a sequel. Imaginative, but often infuriating and ultimately unsatisfying.

I loved the world Barker created. It is so vibrant and well thought out. I felt invested in her characters' struggles and found myself even shouting/cheering aloud as things happened. I look forward to the second part.

Not your usual fantasy story. If you are looking for fast building adventure...not your book. Ordinary grad student meets extraordinary and her world is turned upside down. Realistic situations without magic always saving the day. Unique and definitely written for female readers. The story builds slowly. Hang with it and you'll find it is worth the read.

I was really wondering if I should continue after fifty or so pages but I'm glad I decided to keep at it and it improved tremendously. Nora learns about magic in her other world and a bit about life, much more than she thought she would. I'm interested in the upcoming two episodes because there was a lot left unanswered.

Despite myself, I enjoyed this book. It started rather slowly and I had to slog through a bit before it became interesting. However,once it picked up I couldn't put it down. Now I'm a little peeved with the ending . I promise I won't give it away, but I hope it means a sequel is in the works.

It was a little slow in background development but the story flowed well. I got the impression that this was a complete novel and not a part 1 of a series. There are too many unanswered questions left at the end of the book not to expect at least one more book to come out and answer them. So the ending was really disappointing to me.

The beginning was soooooo slow, but probably necessary to understand the nuances of the whole story. I felt like I was grinding through the first part hoping for some relief. Then it came ... Looking forward to a sequel.

This was a pretty good read. The author creates a rich world for the heroine to explore. While the pacing of the novel could be a bit slow in the middle, it was fairly entertaining. This novel felt a lot more realistic then some classic fantasy novel. Give it a go if you like frightening fairies, scarred Mr.Darcys, and a more realistic magic castles.

Despite myself, I enjoyed this book. It started rather slowly and I had to slog through a bit before it became interesting. However,once it picked up I couldn't put it down. Now I'm a little peeved with the ending . I promise I won't give it away, but I hope it means a sequel is in the works.

It was a little slow in background development but the story flowed well. I got the impression that this was a complete novel and not a part 1 of a series. There are too many unanswered questions left at the end of the book not to expect at least one more book to come out and answer them. So the ending was really disappointing to me.

The beginning was soooooo slow, but probably necessary to understand the nuances of the whole story. I felt like I was grinding through the first part hoping for some relief. Then it came ... Looking forward to a sequel.

This was a pretty good read. The author creates a rich world for the heroine to explore. While the pacing of the novel could be a bit slow in the middle, it was fairly entertaining. This novel felt a lot more realistic then some classic fantasy novel. Give it a go if you like frightening fairies, scarred Mr.Darcys, and a more realistic magic castles.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I gravitate toward stories in other worlds and this was an immersive and engaging book that did not disappoint. I look forward to the next book that I very much hope will be forthcoming! I have to know what happens next! :)

This book has an interesting approach to fantasy. Although some parts are a little slow I was interested in the characters and enjoyed spending time in the world the author created. The ending leaves a lot of unanswered questions so I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

This is a fun fantasy with an interesting concept; how would a modern young woman adjust to living in a medieval world where magic prevails. I liked how the main character used her need for intellectual stimulation to learn magic in a world where women were property.

This story could have been a wonderful read as it had lots of interesting elements, but it fell so flat for me I didn't finish. It was slow reading. Perhaps it picked up in the middle, but I never made it that far. Was terribly disappointed, as I'd read so much about it.

The main character, Nora is borderline annoying most of the book and when she has a backbone, at times, it seems over reactionary. I plowed through trying to get to the happy ending to be left with a cliff hanger....so over it. At some points, like when she is learning magic, things get interesting and the rescue at the end making it finish able. over all I would say don't waste your time.

This book is a fun concept and had enough substance to keep my interest to the end, but it dragged on way too long and felt like it would never end. It was fun to read, but I definitely won't read the sequel.

The story is fully first person. The back story comes from corrected gossip and Nora's strong desire to understand the people around her and their own stories She wants to be a magic worker and to understand how the magic

This book was very attention grabbing and well written. I didn't want it to end, and though it did end (and not in the way I wanted it to) I have a sequel to look forward to that will come out soon (hopefully).