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bibliophilicwitch's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
The title of this book and the highlighting of crystals indicated to me they would be featured more heavily yet this book did exactly what it said as a deeply personal collection of essays on a variety of themes. Basically, the crystals serve as a theme for the book and a prompt for each essay. I found it to be well written and interesting, but the author's personality and perspective are utterly reversed mine making it frustrating to not have conversations. I guess I just don't read a lot of essay collections. If the synopsis and its themes seem appealing this is likely worth picking up.
ekfmef's review
4.0
On one hand it's a very cool book that works very well within the skeptical witchcraft framework, the book basically asks the question 'what should I reflect on when I desire [stone quality x]'. Saxena explores each stone from a geological, historical/mythological context and then we also get a nice modern reflection eg on dismantling the patriarchy, setting boundaries, the imposter syndrome, racism,etc.
On the other hand, it doesn't go very deep and sometimes it reads more like a memoir/autobiography than a book about stones. I did enjoy reading it, it's the perfect light reading after a long ICU shift.
On the other hand, it doesn't go very deep and sometimes it reads more like a memoir/autobiography than a book about stones. I did enjoy reading it, it's the perfect light reading after a long ICU shift.
oddandbookish's review
5.0
I received this book for free from the publisher (Quirk Books) in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
So first off, I just want to mention that this is not a guidebook on crystals. If you are looking for a guidebook about different crystals and their properties, then I would suggest picking up another book.
This book was an excellent collection of personal essays that connects the properties of certain crystals to the author’s own experiences. The author weaves the history and properties of the crystals into the essays very well. Sometimes with essays like these, they can become too textbook like when describing factual information. Here, it all felt very natural and not forced. The author has a very effortless and conversational writing style which makes reading the essays a breeze.
My favorite essays were the ones on Pearl, Pyrite, Carnelian, and Obsidian. I liked that there were similar themes in some of the essays. For example, she discusses her mixed race heritage in a few of them. It made the collection cohesive.
I also liked the brief mentions of tarot cards and astrology. Crystals, tarot, and astrology often go hand in hand so I was glad to see the connections.
Design-wise this book is stunning. Quirk Books knows book design so well. There are cute illustrations before each chapter and the edges of every chapter are color coded to correspond to the crystal.
The one thing the book was missing was a short concluding chapter. It had an introduction, but a concluding chapter with some final thoughts would have tied it all together neatly.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it if you like personal essays. Even if you have absolutely no interest in crystals, the essays are still relatable and thought provoking.
I give this book 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
So first off, I just want to mention that this is not a guidebook on crystals. If you are looking for a guidebook about different crystals and their properties, then I would suggest picking up another book.
This book was an excellent collection of personal essays that connects the properties of certain crystals to the author’s own experiences. The author weaves the history and properties of the crystals into the essays very well. Sometimes with essays like these, they can become too textbook like when describing factual information. Here, it all felt very natural and not forced. The author has a very effortless and conversational writing style which makes reading the essays a breeze.
My favorite essays were the ones on Pearl, Pyrite, Carnelian, and Obsidian. I liked that there were similar themes in some of the essays. For example, she discusses her mixed race heritage in a few of them. It made the collection cohesive.
I also liked the brief mentions of tarot cards and astrology. Crystals, tarot, and astrology often go hand in hand so I was glad to see the connections.
Design-wise this book is stunning. Quirk Books knows book design so well. There are cute illustrations before each chapter and the edges of every chapter are color coded to correspond to the crystal.
The one thing the book was missing was a short concluding chapter. It had an introduction, but a concluding chapter with some final thoughts would have tied it all together neatly.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it if you like personal essays. Even if you have absolutely no interest in crystals, the essays are still relatable and thought provoking.
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