Comments on The Picnic Basket: Once a Witch • Young adult fiction

This book was amazing at really sucking you in and...

2010-11-23T01:19:40.739-05:00

This book was amazing at really sucking you in and relating to that teenage girl in all of us! There are some things in the storyline the author doesn't go into detail about that leaves fans like me hoping for a second book. This book and the author are must haves on any readers top 10 list!

Young teenage girls will love Tamsin’s story, as i...

2010-01-27T14:03:38.639-05:00

Young teenage girls will love Tamsin’s story, as it is filled with what they are yearning for in a storyline: magic and romance as well as what they can relate to: sibling rivalry and the feeling of not fitting in. This book moved slowly for me, but after about the first 100 pages it did pick up. While not one of my favorites, I do think it will fly off the shelf at my library, based on current circulation trends. I give this 3.5 / 5 (average of my thoughts - 3; and what I feel the students will rate it – 4).

I loved this book & look forward to sharing wi...

2009-12-25T20:26:18.119-05:00

I loved this book & look forward to sharing with my middle school readers. There are great possibilities for the series. The characters were believable & complex enough to empathize with them. I enjoyed the urban setting- much different than many fantasy books.

I loved this book and would love to see a follow u...

2009-11-19T15:07:54.377-05:00

I loved this book and would love to see a follow up to Tasmin and Gabriel. The book had the right amount of tension and romance. I read the book in 2 days as I could not put it down. Tasmin is a strong female character not impressed by Gabriel's good looks and charm yet interested in him,and she prooves herself worthy of the challenge before her.

It would be too obvious a word choice to say I was...

2009-11-18T09:41:14.586-05:00

It would be too obvious a word choice to say I was spellbound by the story and characters of Carolyn MacCullough’s coming of age story. However, spellbound in an enchanting pleasant way accurately describes my reading of Once a Witch. It is a spicy blend of sorcery, mystery and just enough of a romantic attraction to keep sparks flying.

Tamsin Green is an odd seemingly Talentless misfit of a witch growing up in an extended family of witches who all have interesting powers. At birth, her grandmother foretold that Tamsin would have great power such as the family had never seen. So, as the years pass it is with much surprise that Tamsin exhibits no talent at all. With great disappointment Tamsin grows up lacking any signs of Talent. She lives in the shadows of her sister Rowena’s grace and glory. One day mistaken identity provides Tamsin the opportunity to prove her value. She accepts a challenge that takes her beyond her corporeal capabilities.

The story evolved around a question the author asked herself about the character Tamsin. What would it be like to be born into a magical family with no magical talent?
MacCullough wondered: “How would she cope in a family like that? What kind of person would that make her be? Her story and her thought process provide young writers with a unique perspective as she provides the scaffold for the story. Further fun can be found at her sites www.onceawitch.com and www.carolynmaccullough.com.

Once a Witch, inspires the reader to examine the unique talent, unique beauty that is often untapped, hidden or unrealized within ourselves. I would highly recommend this novel for middle and high school age students.
5-Strongly Recommend

Wisteria Leigh
Bookworms Dinner

I found this book to be very well written, and the...

2009-11-16T14:15:25.536-05:00

I found this book to be very well written, and the story immediately sucked me in – the teenage angst of being a family misfit, with a beautiful and talented older sister, and of course, the gorgeous hunk who is interested in her despite her perceived shortcomings. When the magic angle kicked in, I was even further engaged with the heroine and story. The plot, though not devastatingly original, would be interesting to most young people today, who seem to be very interested in the supernatural and paranormal. When I first started reading, I believed I could recommend the book for about ages 12 and up, but revised my opinion to believe it would be best for grades nine and up, as the heroine smokes, drinks, lies and disobeys, the antagonist drinks human blood, and even though they are white witches, the family sacrificed a human “for the greater good” in their past. It was exciting up to the last word, and set itself up for an eagerly awaited sequel. I would rate it a “4” for grades 9 and up.

Sandra Hartman
Wedgeworth Elementary Library

Interviewed Carolyn MacCullough (the author) at ht...

2009-11-11T16:46:57.309-05:00

Interviewed Carolyn MacCullough (the author) at http://lucidconspiracy.blogspot.com/2009/11/interview-carolyn-maccullough.html

Figured I'd pop this on here as well:

If Carolyn MacCullough were one of the witches of her own creation, she would definitely be Talented - in the art of writing, that is. With Once a Witch, MacCullough has crafted a captivating story about magic and witchcraft.

It's always super-exciting to see new spins on old concepts, but it's especially awesome to see one about witches, in light of the recent decade. MacCullough has definitely churned out some pretty original spins here. Tamsin's world is quite an enthralling place, and the fact that it's set right in our real world - and still remains, credible, provided the reader suspends skepticism - makes it that much more impressive.

A few lines of dialogue here and there aside, Tamsin's voice is definitely one of the highlights of the story. It's quirky, fun, vulnerable, strong, and dimensional, all at once. Which of course in turn speaks volumes about Tamsin as a character. Gabriel did feel a little meh or overdone here and there, but nevertheless interaction between the two was always a pleasure. Tamsin's [rather extended] family and "the stranger" were very well done as well, each with unique attributes that made them stand out and be memorable. Especially the antagonist - he was just overall very natural. Another really cool aspect of the characterization is that quite a few of the characters either change, grow, or develop over the course of the tale, and that's always amazing to see.

Once a Witch is a bit like a roller coaster. It starts off a little slow (in fact, personally, perhaps the Prologue could've been incorporated straight into the story and have it start with the first chapter instead), but then the story, the tension, the suspense, builds. And accelerates. And then it hurtles towards the climax. And let's just say the climax does not disappoint - all that build-up is well worth it. The "ending" sets itself up very nicely for a sequel, Always a Witch. Considering the interesting realm MacCullough's plotted and the concepts that (could) be dealt with in upcoming volume(s), it'll definitely be intriguing to see where this'll go.

With Once a Witch, MacCullough has crafted a spellbinding and enthralling tale.

I found Once A Witch to be a satisfying novel that...

2009-11-06T21:13:23.355-05:00

I found Once A Witch to be a satisfying novel that kept me thinking long after I had finished the book.
I felt that there were a few moments in the book where you thought the author would revisit later, but never did. The time travel sequences left a few open ended questions, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing!
I did not mind the use of Wiccan religion until the end and I feel like some parents may not approve of their child reading this book.
Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because of the likeable characters and the intriguing and unique storyline. I think the content seems more geared towards high school aged, but the level of story feels more like an appropriate middle school aged book.
Overall, an easy read-that doesn't disappoint!

Carolyn MacCullough expertly crafts main character...

2009-11-03T13:09:50.209-05:00

Carolyn MacCullough expertly crafts main character Tamsin Greene as an atypical yet completely typical 17 year-old girl. Whether one's Talents are mundane or magical, every teen (and adult!) girl can relate to Tamsin's moods and manners.

Once a Witch will cast a spell on readers of any age. The story is pretty tame - no inappropriate language, sex or drug issues although there are scattered mentions of drinking. It delights by combining elements of light romance, mystery, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The ending is not overtly predictable yet satisfying nonetheless.

My only criticism is secondary character Agatha. Readers know she is important to Tamsin because Tamsin says so, but we aren't shown the strength of the relationship through their interactions. Additionally, what happens to Agatha once Allistair was "vanquished"?? Or is there a sequel that will answer my question?

Definitely a 5 out of 5... highly recommended

Carolyn A.
Young Adult Librarian
West Windsor, NJ

This was a VERY fun, quick read. Tamsin is a reso...

2009-10-26T14:48:45.028-04:00

This was a VERY fun, quick read. Tamsin is a resourceful, engaging character who the author surrounds with oddball supporting characters. It is so refreshing to find a heroine who can think for, and rescue, herself!

Once a Witch hooked me from the beginning. It dis...

2009-10-24T14:46:37.934-04:00

Once a Witch hooked me from the beginning. It discusses things like not fitting in and wanting to get away from a crazy family. A lot of YA kids feel this way, but in the end Tamsin realizes that she needs family and her family needs her.
The only complaints that I have it the under age drinking and smoking. I believe could have been left out and still have had a great story.

I recommend this book for YA, but I will not be putting it on my book shelf for my 6th graders to read. But will be telling the high school librarian that she needs to have it on her shelves.

Once A Witch will appeal to adolescent readers wit...

2009-10-22T09:44:24.212-04:00

Once A Witch will appeal to adolescent readers with an interest in the supernatural. Among those readers, this book will be popular and readers will eagerly await the sequel. As a classroom teacher, I'd rate this as a Picnic Basket 3, neutral, good for a picnic but not worthy of an outing planned around it.

Tamsin's struggle to be accepted in her family regardless of her Talentless condition will resonate with young readers. Her adventures into Finding the object for which the professor is searching will keep all readers turning pages until the satisfying conclusion when Tamsin's dreams of being accepted and Talented are realized.

This book belongs on library and classroom shelves everywhere. Pick up a copy and enjoy the journey!

Cynthia Winfield
Middle School English

I was excited to get Once a Witch, however, once I...

2009-10-21T13:22:54.148-04:00

I was excited to get Once a Witch, however, once I started reading, I was disappointed. At times the book became quite confusing and would cause me to go back to see what I missed. The biggest disappointment to me was the underage drinking, smoking (chain smoking), language, and the sexual innuendo. I thought maybe there would be a lesson to be learned from these poor behaviors,but I was wrong. Why do authors do this? Your novel can stand on its own without throwing these inappropriate issues into the mix. To me, these issues ruined the book for me. I give this book a 2 out of 5.

Once a Witch is the story of a teenaged girl named...

2009-10-21T12:05:31.407-04:00

Once a Witch is the story of a teenaged girl named Tamsin who belongs to a family of talented witches. At her birth, she was ordained to be one of the most powerful witches ever. Birthday after birthday goes by and no talent appears. She feels dejected and left out and doesn't join in on family/community gatherings. An opportunity arises one day while she is tending to her family's store to prove herself and she jumps at the chance. The rest of the book is all of the trouble she gets into as a result of this action. As other bloggers have said, the ending leaves the possibility for a sequel or for it to develop into a series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I agree with prior reviews that this should probably be recommended for 9th grade and above due to some subject matter. It doesn't delve into any serious witchcraft, which should aleve some concerns about allowing young adults to read the book. The writing was smooth and flowed nicely for Colleen MacCullough's debut. She writes like a pro.

Rating 5/5
Deidre Durance
Alma/Bacon County Public Library
Alma, Georgia

Tamsin has spent most of her life trying to get aw...

2009-10-20T07:02:36.927-04:00

Tamsin has spent most of her life trying to get away from her family. It isn't much fun when you are the only one with no "Talent". She just feels like such a loser. When Alistair Callum confuses Tamsin for her talented sister Rowena she doesn't correct him. She knows she should, but it feels good to finally be wanted by someone. Little does Tamsin know Alistair has something sinister in mind and she has played right into his hands. Not only that she has delivered everything he wants including people she loves.

Also in this story is a budding romance between Tamsin and her childhood friend Gabriel. He had just come back into her life and will be her counterpart for the adventure to discover herself, her talent, and her family's history.

I enjoyed this YA novel. I think it ends with the definite possibility of having a sequel which I wouldn't hesitate to read. I do think the storyline was similar to other fantasy/witch books I have read before. One part (which I can't really tell you without feeling like I give part of the book away) even reminds me of Twilight even though there aren't technically vampires. If you read this and have no idea what I am talking about just ask. I think the mix of family, romance, fantasy, and adventure would appeal to many teens. Especially with all of the interest in witches, vampires, zombies right now.

You can find more information on the book at www.onceawitch.com or www.carolynmaccullough.com. This is actually Ms. MacCullough's third book and the other two look very interesting as well. If you visit her website you can read an excerpt of each of them.

Thanks to The Picnic Basket for providing me with this ARC. They do request that I provide a number rating on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest rating. I would give this book a score of 3.75. It isn't a must have it now read, but I feel more than neutral about it. It had a nice fast pace and drew you into the story very quickly.

5- Strongly Recommended This book was a joy to re...

2009-10-19T09:20:10.536-04:00

5- Strongly Recommended

This book was a joy to read and moved quickly. My students will be surprised by the turn of events and intrigued by the fantastical inventions made by the author. As an high school English teacher, I was excited to see several of the daily vocabulary words that I will be teaching my students this year. Despite being an exciting and enjoyable read it has literary substance. When recommending this book to students, I will keep in mind that it is a fantasy novel with a female protagonist, which will appeal mainly to the girls in my classes.

Once a Witch By Carolyn MacCullough I really enj...

2009-10-16T07:04:08.710-04:00

Once a Witch

By Carolyn MacCullough

I really enjoyed this book! It's about a girl who's family are all witches and have Talents that manifest when they are eight except for her family hides her Talent from her and she goes on thinking she's the only one in the family who isn't Talented until one day an evil/dark witch comes along and tricks her into helping him. She gets caught up in trying to help him and realizes she does have a Talent. It's actually a well-woven tale and I was definitely reading to see what would happen next. And there is a romance going on which I really liked. Give me romance, give me an assertive guy, give me something actually happening versus her just wanting something to happen and I'm happy with the romance in a book. Because this book seems like it will become a sequel I think she didn't intentionally put more into the book and instead focuses on what witchly challenges the main character may have to face next. All in all, I did like this book. I actually think it would make a splendid movie! I definitely think high schoolers would like this book, it's probably okay for middle schoolers but there is some drinking and smoking that was a little weird to me so I wouldn't necessarily push it on my middle schoolers.

Overall: 4 out of 5

I loved the beginning of Once a Witch and thought ...

2009-10-14T22:02:53.852-04:00

I loved the beginning of Once a Witch and thought that it was going to be one of my favorite books. Then and maybe it was because I read it in chunks the language and storyline just didn't fit. I didn't get it. I would give it a 2 out of 5.

I am not one to usually read this type of genre, b...

2009-10-13T18:30:02.915-04:00

I am not one to usually read this type of genre, but this book really kept me intersted. The story moved a bit fast in places, but not enough to confuse the reader. The story was made believable by the setting and the typical teen actions of the main characters.

I was a bit put off by the underage drinking and smoking - I would probably not recommend this for a catholic school library.

I would give it a 4/5 - and recommend it to the 'older' teen reader.

I enjoyed reading Once a Witch and wanted t...

2009-10-06T16:02:59.998-04:00

I enjoyed reading Once a Witch and wanted to find out what happened. I would have liked a little more tension to the romance between Tamsin and Gabriel. I definitely thing that it will appeal to young adult readers. The little bit of mature language seemed a bit out of place, since it was only in one or two scenes. Overall, I liked reading this book and will read the sequel to find out what happens to Tamsin and her family. 4 out of 5

I just finished reading this book. I thought it w...

2009-10-05T22:39:03.438-04:00

I just finished reading this book. I thought it was very well writtena and can say that if you know someone who likes this type of genre, they will like this. The story was engaging and I think it will be a hit. Enjoy! I would give it a 4 out of 5.

I have never been a big fan of all of the magic-y ...

2009-10-05T17:24:12.166-04:00

I have never been a big fan of all of the magic-y books (Twilight, etc. ) except Harry Potter, and Once A Witch did not change my opinion.

Tasmin comes from a family of witches, and at birth her grandmother proclaimed that she would be the most talented of them all. Unfortunatly, she never gets her powers, unlike her sister Rowena. Rowena has it all: beauty, charm and talent.

At 17, Tasmin is at boarding school in Manhattan, NY, where she is "normal." During the summer, she has to work at her family's book/magic store. When an adventure approaches her, she takes the opportunity to prove that her family has talent, only to have something sinister arise.

Many students like this book, but I wasn't fond of it, with it's underage drinking, drugs, and sex. I'll give it a 2 out of 5, but I still highly recommend having it on the bookshelf, since it is such a popular genre.

Witches are almost a dime a dozen now, in YA liter...

2009-10-05T09:00:02.028-04:00

Witches are almost a dime a dozen now, in YA literature, but this witch stands out above most. Tamsin comes from a very long line of witches. It was prophesied that she would be the greatest of her time but. . . nothing happened; she seemed to be just a normal girl. Everything started to become clear when she promised to “find” something for a stranger. Finally, her powers became clear, but could she use them to save her sister and her world?
Well crafted, this novel will grab the reader from the first chapter and hold on until the very end. Characters are well developed and there is certainly lots of action and suspense. The authenticity of the language of teens is universal. Perhaps a little lighter in tone and subject matter than some of MacCullough’s other works– although still dealing with themes of personalities and fitting into society – this is a great read! Offer it to those readers who relish the weird world of witches, “other worlds”, and time travel – they will find it to their liking. This is a quick read but there are lots of elements to munch on, even when the book is done.

Rating: 2

Kay Bowes, Youth Services Librarian
Brandywine Hundred Library
Wilmington, DE

Just a quick update: The students at my school ar...

2009-10-04T00:24:34.745-04:00

Just a quick update: The students at my school are checking this out as quickly as I put it back on the shelf. When asked their oppinions, I have received only positive comments with the hope of a sequel! Great job!

Denair Charter Academy
Denair, CA

This book is one book that I must say is a definit...

2009-10-03T01:48:43.528-04:00

This book is one book that I must say is a definite must-have in any library's YA section. Tasmin is such a great character and I must say that so many kids these days feel they dont' fit in with their families, so she is that much more endearing.

The story is extremely well written and has a great plot line - my only hope is that it will have a sequel as the ending left me burning to read more.

Definitely recommend, I devoured the book in about 3 hours!

5 out of 5 stars!