Rooted in both psychology and enchantment, with tips for reflecting on, and acting in, everyday life. ( )

“Recently, I happened across it again, by chance – if you believe, which I do not, that stories ever come to you by chance.” I don't think I happened across this book by chance.

Sharon Blackie explores the philosophical and psychological history of *disenchantment*, and how Western society came to be so thoroughly and determinedly disenchanted with the world. In the face of the trauma this has caused (in the form of increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and physical manifestations of stress), she offers up an alternative: *enchantment*, or falling in love with the world and all its complexities.

Don't underestimate this work. It's not "woo-woo", a term she uses a few times in reference to escapist, magical, potentially silly ways of thinking. Blackie has a strong background in neuroscience and doesn't hesitate to dive into academic texts spanning psychology, philosophy, and folklore.

This book was incredibly meaningful to me. As soon as I read the comparison of Woman A vs. Woman B, I started trying to implement some of these ideas into my own life. I do feel like I've fallen prey to the isolation and meaninglessness that result from such determined individualism, human supremacy, and pessimism. I hope that I can bring myself to a better place now that I've recognized where those feelings may come from.

There are little exercises throughout the book that tie into what she's talking about. Some of them can be quickly written down in a journal; others are more involved and will take time. I've done some of the easy ones and intend to do most of them eventually. ( )

Dr. Sharon Blackie writes a book that many psychologists would not encourage most to believe and that is the power of mythology, fairy tales, and magic. She describes her connection to nature and how she creates her own enchantment within life over years she has practiced.

What interested me in this book was the title and I was very interested in a doctor who as a scientist also believes in magic. I know from experience these kind of doctors are hard to come by. As someone who does believe that we create our own magic or enchantment in our lives, I sometimes lose belief and or doubt in magic in life. So I was at the time of reading this looking for some hope and something relight that spark that anything is possible.

As I continued to read the book Dr. Blackie made some interesting points about fairy tales and the ones you relate to or see yourself as. That in particular really made me think of why I think do or things about myself. But for the most part, the book did not really teach me anything new or help me to see myself in a better way, which is more what I need. I feel like we read about her finding her own contentment in nature and relationships but not really explaining how to find that happiness for yourself. I just needed more from the book.

I do think Dr. Blackie has some interesting points and I think I would have a couple of questions if we ever met. Even though I was not satisfied with the knowledge I received from this book I would read another by her. ( )

A lovely guide, with a minimum of woo, on how to live a more connected, embodied, and ethical life. As the author lives primarily in Ireland, a deal of the advice and general tone feels impractical to this American (look, health insurance is a thing), but that doesn't diminish the overall benefits. ( )