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A review by yourstrulyemi
Into the Magic Shop by James R. Doty
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This is a deeply moving book about a neurosurgeon’s journey to find what is it that makes life fulfilling and worthy to live. It’s certainly not money, fame and status as the author learned it the hard way, but something that costs nothing to give yet is the most beautiful gift anyone could ever receive: kindness and compassion.
Yes, this book is an interesting read for everyone, regardless of their occupation, but I think it’ll be especially refreshing for medical students such as myself. The author losing sight of why he wanted to be a doctor in the first place and taking paths that couldn't be farther from his dreams, is something that can happen and happens very often to students as well. Especially given how competitive this field is.
Now moving onto the core subject of the book, which is the manifestation and, according to the author, the magic that apparently fixes everything. I must admit, this is the part I disagree with the most because of the sheer lack of scientific evidence from Dr. Doty. I was intrigued when he mentioned that he started to research the actual benefits of Ruth’s teachings and yes, relaxing, indeed has great benefits on the body and the mind, this part is not rocket science. But what about the manifestation itself? Has he conducted any studies about it, how many people tried it and how many were successful? It feels incongruous to deny some well-supported facts for the most important part of the entire book.
Besides, having experienced a similar phenomenon in my life, I think it all boils down to luck. I’ve seen many people work hard yet not get the results they wanted, and those who put in much less effort than them but still miraculously succeed in life. It’s luck or destiny, however you prefer to see it. I’m religious, so I take it as being destined to be at the place where we are supposed to be.
Now far from me the idea to undermine positive thinking, it does some wonders and contributes to one’s success, although it isn’t the sole factor. However, finding one’s own magic shop to trade one’s fears and worries about dreams and future should be something that’s taught and available for everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it.
Yes, this book is an interesting read for everyone, regardless of their occupation, but I think it’ll be especially refreshing for medical students such as myself. The author losing sight of why he wanted to be a doctor in the first place and taking paths that couldn't be farther from his dreams, is something that can happen and happens very often to students as well. Especially given how competitive this field is.
Now moving onto the core subject of the book, which is the manifestation and, according to the author, the magic that apparently fixes everything. I must admit, this is the part I disagree with the most because of the sheer lack of scientific evidence from Dr. Doty. I was intrigued when he mentioned that he started to research the actual benefits of Ruth’s teachings and yes, relaxing, indeed has great benefits on the body and the mind, this part is not rocket science. But what about the manifestation itself? Has he conducted any studies about it, how many people tried it and how many were successful? It feels incongruous to deny some well-supported facts for the most important part of the entire book.
Besides, having experienced a similar phenomenon in my life, I think it all boils down to luck. I’ve seen many people work hard yet not get the results they wanted, and those who put in much less effort than them but still miraculously succeed in life. It’s luck or destiny, however you prefer to see it. I’m religious, so I take it as being destined to be at the place where we are supposed to be.
Now far from me the idea to undermine positive thinking, it does some wonders and contributes to one’s success, although it isn’t the sole factor. However, finding one’s own magic shop to trade one’s fears and worries about dreams and future should be something that’s taught and available for everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend it.