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Discussion Guide

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

For fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, this instant New York Times bestseller is a debut novel that explores the shields we build around our hearts to retain our own magic.


Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.

 

With the news of their grandmother's impending death, Sadie's estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie's world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn't sure she'l have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.

 

As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?

 

Readers who love the magic of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and the sense of community found in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will enjoy this warm, witchy novel.

 

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Alcove Press.

Book club questions for The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

The concept of the curse of four heartbreaks (and the other family members’ curses) plays a significant role in the story. How do you interpret the idea of a curse accompanying one's magic? Do you think it adds depth to the protagonist's character and journey?

The book explores the theme of family secrets and their impact on the characters' lives. Discuss the role of Seth, Sadie's twin brother, and the secrets he brings to light. How do these revelations affect Sadie's understanding of her family and her own identity? What about Gigi’s secrets?

Sadie is torn between her magical abilities, her romantic feelings for Jake, and the overwhelming urge to protect her brother. How does the author portray this conflict, and what does it reveal about Sadie's character? Do you think she made the right choice in the end? Why or why not?

The impending death of Sadie's grandmother acts as a catalyst for the events in the book. How does the imminent loss affect the characters' relationships and their outlook on life? Discuss the portrayal of grief and its transformative power in the story.

The book combines elements of magic and a sense of community. How does the author incorporate these themes into the narrative? In what ways do the magical elements contribute to the overall story and character development?

Sadie and her grandmother share a strong bond, and her grandmother has been a central figure in the family for generations. Discuss the significance of intergenerational relationships in the book. How does Sadie's relationship with her grandmother influence her decisions and growth?

The book is described as a warm and witchy novel. How do you feel the author balanced the magical elements with the overall tone and atmosphere of the story? Did the magical aspects enhance your enjoyment of the book?

In what ways do you see influences from Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls in the book? Did these references resonate with you as a reader? How did they contribute to your understanding of the story or characters?

Reflecting on the title, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic, what do you think the author is trying to convey? How do the themes of heartbreak and magic intersect in the narrative, and what lessons, if any, do the characters learn from their experiences?

Throughout the book, Sadie, Raquel, and Seth have open conversations about mental health. The story emphasizes the importance of therapy and seeking professional help. Do you think the portrayal of therapy in the book is realistic and meaningful? Why or why not?

Jake McNealy plays a pivotal role in Sadie's life and her journey throughout the novel. How does the author portray Jake's growth and transformation from his initial departure from town to his return? What aspects of his character remain consistent, and what changes over the course of the story?

Explore the theme of forgiveness in relation to Jake's character. How do the characters, particularly Sadie, navigate the process of forgiving and letting go of past hurts? Discuss the significance of forgiveness in the context of healing, both in personal relationships and within oneself.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic discussion questions

“Debut author Randall explores the courage it takes to deal with grief and dare to love.” —Publishers Weekly

 

An enchanting tale of love and loss, heartbreak and hope that bewitched me from get-go! Breanne Randall combines exquisite prose and vivid worldbuilding to create an utterly charming novel filled with magic, mystery, and mouthwatering recipes. If you’re in need of a bit of magic and a heaping dose of hope, look no further than The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic. Fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen will flock to this enchanting novel. Breanne Randall’s magical debut is sure to cast a spell on its fortunate readers.” —Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

 

Heartbreaking and enchanting in turn: readers will want to climb into this book and never leave!” —Hazel Beck, author of Big Little Spells and Small Town, Big Magic