Scan barcode
Reviews
Kitchen Table Tarot: Pull Up a Chair, Shuffle the Cards, and Let's Talk Tarot by Melissa Cynova
katharina90's review
1.0
Based on title and blurb I was looking forward to a simple, laid back approach to tarot suitable for casual at-home use (e.g., at the kitchen table). Instead the author talks mostly about her experience of reading professionally for clients.
While the author initially (briefly) encourages an intuitive approach to tarot that's authentic to you (make it your own, do what feels right), she is actually quite prescriptive and positions whatever works for her as best practice or at least a strong recommendation.
She seems to view tarot more as a tool for prediction (as opposed to a tool for introspection), claims tarot is "freaky by nature" and "scary" without elaborating further, and often references her supposed psychic abilities which she blends with tarot reading. None of this resonates with me.
The author also just comes across as really self-important.
Then there's some cultural appropriation, speciesism, and other things that were offputting.
While the author initially (briefly) encourages an intuitive approach to tarot that's authentic to you (make it your own, do what feels right), she is actually quite prescriptive and positions whatever works for her as best practice or at least a strong recommendation.
She seems to view tarot more as a tool for prediction (as opposed to a tool for introspection), claims tarot is "freaky by nature" and "scary" without elaborating further, and often references her supposed psychic abilities which she blends with tarot reading. None of this resonates with me.
The author also just comes across as really self-important.
Then there's some cultural appropriation, speciesism, and other things that were offputting.
"Cows are stupid. You can hunt them with a hammer. Just sayin'."
-Melissa Cynova
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation
curatedsymposium's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
jrawk's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not always 100% on the same page but really enjoy Melissa's perspective. Perfect name for this warm and inviting book.
tiarala's review against another edition
5.0
In a practice that can be so gatekeepy, this book is incredibly validating. Excellent mnemonics and little stories make learning the cards really accessible. I found myself listening to entire chapters over and over to help memorize the little clues and tricks and they've already helped so much in my readings. And one simple thing — it's okay to use a book for reference in a reading — is so unbelievably powerful. Just knowing that an "expert" (which Cynova clearly is) used her book even when she started reading professionally, is so meaningful. I loved it so much that after borrowing the audiobook from the library I bought my own paperback copy and am using it in my daily tarot practice. I can't recommend this book enough.
ginelise's review against another edition
5.0
I loved how down to earth and funny she is. It added a different perspective of the typical tarot interpretations.
viscountess_black's review against another edition
funny
informative
fast-paced
3.0
This was a fun book to listen to. Light and informative, I'd say it's a good book for beginners and for those who don't feel ready yet to read for other people (other than themselves, friends or family).