3.96 AVERAGE


Easy read, gives you something to think about.

I read this as a big fan of BTS . . . full disclosure.

I really enjoyed most of this. The Ruth story felt a bit random, but I think we all have those "came out of nowhere" experiences, and I definitely have stories from my own life that sound strange out loud when I recount them. Many of the lessons the author learned from Ruth are lessons I've learned in one way or another, and I enjoyed reading how those lessons impacted the author throughout his life. The last third of the book, on the other hand, felt a bit arrogant and difficult to relate to. The final few chapters all felt like they were wrapping up the book only to continue to another chapter, and I felt like I was "done" reading the book and skimmed the last couple of chapters.

I see where the inspiration for "Magic Shop" by BTS came from with this book. It was a quick, mostly relatable read and I did reflect on my own life as I read the first half. Overall, I don't think it's a book I'll revisit, but I am glad I read it!

This book is amazing. I only give out 5 stars if it is a book that I believe has changed / made a serious impact on my life.

It is both entertaining and inspiring. It is a real life look at the power of visualization, meditation, and achieving your goals and dreams. I highly recommend reading this for anyone interested in: being successful, achieving dreams, neurology, getting what you want in life, or being entertained - that pretty much covers everyone. One of the best books I have read this year.
challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

An easy to read book but not an easy subject. As the author frequently mentions, one needs to open their heart to be able to fully gather what life has in for us.
There are many books on mindfulness but not so many written by a neuroscientist who supports the idea there is a connection between our brain and our heart and which needs to be explored. It may be the Dalai Lama to say it too, but not so many scientists. That’s the point! And from this point of view only - a great read. A great breakthrough also.

As I said, it’s written more from a mindulness perspective and less from a scientific one which is a pity in my opinion, seeing the capacities of the author. It lacks in scientific studies and references, but for one who is really interested they are to be found doing an individual research in the subject. The book is like a door if you want, a confirmation that maybe it’s not all bollocks.
emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

What a marvelous book. Self awareness is a seldom used skill. But, Doty uses this skill with the precision of his surgeon's scalpel. He looks at the boy he was, and the man he became and flinches, taking us on his journey to the man he evolved into.
A good reminder, to look without fear at who we are and contemplate who we want to be.
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

I loved it from beginning to end. Such a Powerful book, I felt each chapter deeply on my bones and I can't wait to practice all these in hopes of finding the lesson he was too able to find. Simply wonderful 
emotional hopeful medium-paced

"The energy of the universe is within us. It is in that stardust that makes up each of us. All that power of creation. All that power of expansion. All that beautiful, simple, synchronized power. Energy can flow from one place to another. And it can flow from one person to another."

This book deserves all the stars in the sky. This may sound impossible but I have never heard nor seen this book online. I've never read any reviews or recommendations that went my way yet somehow, I found this book while I was looking at my local bookstore. I didn't plan on buying anything that day and yet I was intrigued at the contents and decided to try and take a risk.

Was this the universe's own way of sending me a message? I have been going through a hard time in my life as of recently and reading about Jim's life and all the tricks Ruth taught him made me feel emotional, seen, and loved. It was as if the book had found me just when I needed it the most.

This may be a memoir but it felt like reading fiction. I loved every moment of reading all the words in this book and I may not be a very forgiving, and compassionate person but it made me want to try. It made me want to become a better person not for others but for myself - for my peace of mind, and my happiness.

I have related to the majority of difficult topics and stories that were discussed in the book and it made me think that I wasn't alone. I'm sure that others would have the same story as me and others may have it worse - and while I am in the middle of trying to find meaning and purpose in my life, I am sure that I would become the person who could also bring light and heal others after I am also done healing myself.

If you haven't read this book yet, do it. You won't ever regret it.

"Everyone has a story, and I have learned that, at the core of it, most of our stories are more similar than not. Connection can be powerful. Sometimes just a brief meeting can change someone's life forever."