Where would life take you if you'd dare to ask yourself the right questions? Follow Macallah, a spiritual being, on her path to self-fulfilment. Eager with an insatiable lust for life, Macallah sets upon an unexpected adventure that takes her to the very edge between safe and the unknown. It's a story of diversity and love as she stubbornly pushes forward and wins her own battles, one by one. We must find our true self in the vast powerful calmness of our being and we must accept that it is us who are responsible for the state we're in and it is us who must be the change. We must accept that we are a part of the problem and we must be a part of the solution. Beautifully unrefined, it’s a real soul scratching story that delivers the very essence of the concept: being in the now.
Many good insights; would have appreciated a warning about the same-sex sex scenes
‘You know, I’ve learned a long time ago that every story has two sides. We can only hurt ourselves by judging others."
2.5 stars This was a cozy type of read- not much stakes but a story of self-discovery and learning to accept others as they are. There are paragraphs and paragraphs of reflections on life- probably why the author called the story a fable. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I found it interesting.
It has many positive messages, about believing in yourself, living in the present, and not judging others. However, I didn't see the sex coming (more on that in a moment) and the execution of the story could use refinement. Specifically, the telling (rather than showing) and the head hopping that confused me several times. Like, how would she know that? Oh, the author moved into another character's head.
Here's a passage with both: "She felt familiarly calm by his side and unusually eager to spend more time with him. He noticed that she had a different view on life, different than most people. Project-wise, he was pleased with all the questions she asked him and happily shared his experiences with her. Early into their conversation, an urge within made him perceive her as a warrior rather than a girl. Macallah shared how she finds her peace practicing transcendental meditation and even though he was hiding his excitement on the matter, she felt his interest."
Dialogue was realistic for the most part, and a few jokes which I laughed at. There were, however, places where a character would talk for paragraphs on end. Maybe this is how fables are written?
There was also not one, but 2 explicit scenes where a female character stimulates another female character to a sexual orgasm. Maybe there was more but I started skimming for the fear of yet another scene. This was really not what I thought would be in this book given the blurb and not what I wanted to read. But I resisted DNF or one-star the book and read the rest while tying to be as open-minded as possible. The book does carry a good message of re-opening our eyes to the beauty that is life and "unlearning" much of the mechanical thinking and fear we have been conditioned to feel. But same-sex sex scenes. Future readers be warned.
I appreciate the author's authentic exploration of her values, and for this, I respect her.
"Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light" is a magical realism contemporary novel by Maya Realm.
I loved this book because initially, I thought it was going to be a very spiritual book. However, the author not only managed to keep the book engaging through the plot and the use of a diary to make it more interesting, but also turned the story into one that brought me a lot of joy, which I wasn't expecting.
While this book offers a sense of wonderment and magic through its story, it also prompts us to question ourselves and open our minds to new ideas while embarking on a unique journey that covers various issues. It's the kind of book you read on a rainy day while sipping on hot tea, when you feel like life could be better.
After I finished reading this book, I was left with a sense of inspiration and motivation. I would highly suggest keeping a highlighter or notepad at the ready because there are many quotes that will speak to you. One example is:
"We hurt ourselves much more than others can ever hurt us. We tend to justify all of the resentment and the chaos of the mind crucified between the past and the future. That is what needs our attention, that's what's eating us alive from within."
Overall, I loved this book, and I highly recommend it to any reader out there because it's something different, fictional, yet profoundly helpful at the same time.
"Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light" by Maya Realm beautifully merges contemporary magic realism with a profound exploration of identity, relationships, and life's complexities. Through the captivating journey of Macallah, the novel delves into the universal quest for self-discovery, offering a compelling narrative that transcends the ordinary.
Realm's prose gracefully intertwines the tangible and the fantastical, immersing readers into Macallah's world with an ethereal elegance. The narrative effortlessly navigates themes of gender identity, relationships, and personal growth, drawing readers into a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
While the book's layered complexity might demand patience, it rewards readers with a transformative journey. Realm's story acts as a mirror, encouraging introspection and reflection on life's intricacies. "Roam Within" is more than a tale—it's a spiritual odyssey that challenges perspectives and prompts a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Despite occasional narrative intricacies, the book offers valuable wisdom and an emotional tapestry that resonates long after the story ends. It's an enchanting and enlightening read, inviting open-minded individuals to embark on a soul-stirring adventure and find resonance in Macallah's compelling quest for self-awareness.
Maya took us on trip with Maccallah and Jake that was quit interesting and definitely exhilarating. From losing her grandfather Maki, getting her mom's diary , going on the boat trip with Jake's deeply felt accident to going to the island where her mom lived. That island was fascinating. I was right there with her feeling all her experiences... Meditating, feeling the ocean on her skin , eating from the land, foraging to her sexual experiences with Jake and with Wayan. I am so glad she got to find herself and did live on the island for a short time. It was magical and the entire book was exhilarating.
'Roam Within' is an enchanting tale that is written with bold strokes of the author's magical pen.
Macallah's journey is as captivating as it is spiritual. It is deep and certainly not for surface readers. Themes like purpose, relationships, self-discovery, gender identity and sexuality are dealt with with remarkable ease and sensitivity.
Realm's eloquent prose flows from his magic pen and grabs you by the neck forcing you to pause and reflect and read to the end. A truly remarkable work!
A great book for all. Some today, some tomorrow, some in a few lifetimes. Great book, all the same! There are lots of great authors, but only a few that we’d love to sit down with and have some great conversations. Maya Realm is definitely one of those. Taking such an expansive yet elusive subject and turning it into prose that can be absorbed to some degree by all. Kudos!
I initially thought this was a spiritual self-help guide, but I found myself captivated by a fascinating and thought-provoking story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I read this book mostly outdoors, and I believe it let me immerse into this story completely. If you love the stories about spirituality, I srongly reccomend this fiction work!
Roam Within by Maya Realm takes readers on a captivating journey of self-discovery through the eyes of Macallah. The story revolves around unanswered questions in Macallah's life, which she believes will be revealed at the right time. After receiving a diary on the eve of her grandfather's passing and before embarking on a fishing trip, Macallah sets off on an adventure that intertwines magical realism with a tale of three generations of women finding their own paths.
The book skillfully weaves together different narrative styles, particularly through the diary passages, which create a distinct sense of reading someone else's personal notes. Maya Realm's descriptive language brings the settings to life, painting a vivid utopia that enchants readers. Through the journey of the characters, the author imparts teachings on hope, magic, joy, and happiness—qualities that we all strive for.
Roam Within serves as an inspiring invitation for readers to embark on their own spiritual journeys and seek fulfillment in life. It provokes thought, uplifts spirits, and encourages a broader perspective. The book's language and imagery beautifully depict a world that captures the longing of many readers.
In essence, Roam Within is a thought-provoking, uplifting, and artistically crafted book that uses magical realism to explore the possibilities of a more fulfilled way of living. It invites readers to question their own lives and embrace the search for meaning and happiness.
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light is a thoughtful and enchanting novel that explores profound themes through the lens of a young woman's adventurous spirit. Maya Realm's adept storytelling and rich character portrayals make this book a memorable read. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever embarked on a journey to find themselves and their place in the world. The novel's emotional depth and lyrical prose make it highly recommended for fans of introspective adventure tales.
I must say I was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected journey into spiritual beauty & lessons of being. We could all learn something from this tale of multi-worlds.
This story is so real and unreal at the same time. The lessons that could be learned in life, through actual participation and openness are profound. I've book marked so many places that I can't wait to read and absorb again with more consciousness and purpose .
An eye-opening self-discovery book that is genuinely intriguing. This book is about Macallah's extremely personal struggle to transform and become a better version of herself. The lessons in the story are designed to provide you with direction and purpose on the path to complete fulfillment and empowerment. I heartily suggest this book to anyone seeking spiritual direction and an exciting tale of personal development.
Magical realism masterfully blends the everyday with the fantastical, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. Typically centered around male protagonists, Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light breaks this mold, presenting us with Macallah, a compelling female lead.
Written by Maya Realm, Roam Within is more than just a tale—it's an invitation to embark on a voyage of self-realization. Through Macallah's eyes, we delve deep into themes of passion, adversity, and personal growth. This spirited protagonist not only lives life with fervor but also grapples with its unpredictable twists, offering invaluable insights along the way.
From the onset, the narrative captivated me. It felt as if Maya Realm was extending a personal invitation, beckoning readers to accompany Macallah in her quest for truth and affection. This storytelling finesse ensures that the tale resonates deeply, offering reflections on love, life, and relationships. It was particularly refreshing to see Macallah represent the aspirations and challenges faced by many young women today. Furthermore, the narrative artfully touches upon nuanced topics such as spirituality, religion, and women's issues.
Roam Within: Macallah and the White World of Light is a gripping story that women can relate to and find parts of themselves within these pages. The essence of the tale—its emphasis on self-exploration and spiritual growth pulls readers in and holds their attention till the end. For those seeking a profound and different kind of magical realism, Roam Within is an unforgettable and worthy read.
🤍I felt a bit gloomy and I knew it was the most accurate time to pick this book, this book just light up my soul, it’s a very heart warming and engaging tale of exploring your self along with the main character and knowing new things and embarking on a journey like never before.
I really felt like myself while I was reading it, more of all I’m a water baby and I was able to connect with so much while reading it, Macallah is just a character I needed to know who became my best friend throughout and Grandpa Maki has to be again a character I was connected with, like the little things they really matter and when I say this, you guys really need to pick this book to know what I mean.
Each chapter is so crisp and ends with something that instantly looped me with the next chapter, I didn’t want to stop once I started it, the language, the friendliest conversations and the energy the book holds is truly incredible.
I guess it’s created with so much love that even the pain is presented in the form of love, the best thing is, it’s not so intense and it’s actually so soothing. Definitely a book that brings the happiness of going with the flow to be the person who we truly are.
Loved the spirit of the story! Macallah is gonna be my favourite, always! Definitely recommended.
With the book Roam within, author Maya Realm has established one fact for sure— a quest for self-discovery doesn't always have to be reclusive in nature. It can be fascinating adventure that explores your multifaceted self.
This book has some lovely quotes in it, but is unfortunately filled with grammar mistakes and peculiar use of language. It definitely requires localisation into English.
There isn’t a particularly prominent plot, but if you are looking for a book more akin to a self-help novel than a narrative then look no further. It’s very clear that the author is coming from a spiritual background, and her personal expression is reflected in all her characters. Unfortunately this means all the characters are eerily similar and feel quite unrealistic. If you are looking for a read that is inoffensive and incredibly low stakes then this is a good choice.
A thought-provoking journey through the complexities of identity and self-discovery, woven into a contemporary magical realist narrative. With a strong female lead and luminous prose, the story captivates as it delves into personal growth, and diverse relationships. Though the layered narrative may challenge some readers, this transformative novel is a must-read for those seeking an ethereal exploration of the human experience.
A story of a spiritual journey that leaves the reader questioning aspects of their own life. I appreciate the life affirming and spiritual nature of the story. With stronger editing, I believe the message of the book would resonate more powerfully.
A delightful story with guidance for the soul. Sometimes it’s hard to explain “awakening” or “awareness”, and telling a story that allows people to relax and be open to the idea that there’s more to us than what is visible , is a great way to do it. A fun read!