Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience

by Eugenia Bone

From a much-loved expert and popular science writer comes this straight-from-the-trenches report on how and why folks from all walks of life are using magic mushrooms to enhance their lives.Interest in psychedelic mushrooms has never been greater – or the science less definitive. Popular science writer and amateur mycologist Eugenia Bone reports on the state of psychedelics today, from microdosing to heroic trips, illustrating how “citizen science” and anecdotal accounts of the mushrooms’ benefits are leading the new wave of scientific inquiry into psilocybin. With her signature blend of first-person narrative and scientific rigor, Bone breaks down just how the complicated cocktail of psychoactive compounds is thought to interact with our brain chemistry. She explains how mindset and setting can impact a trip – whether therapeutic, spiritual/mystical, or simply pleasure seeking – and vividly evokes the personalities and protocols that populate the tripping scene, from the renegade “’Noccers” of Washington who merrily disperse magic mushroom spores around Seattle, to the indigenous curanderas who conduct traditional ceremonies in remote Mexican villages. Throughout she shares her journey through the world of mushrooms, cultivating her own stash, grappling with personal challenges, and offering the insights she gleaned from her experiences. For both seasoned trippers and the merely mushroom curious, Have a Good Trip offers a balanced, entertaining, and provocative look at this rapidly evolving cultural phenomenon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Psychology, Nature, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Eugenia Bone, a veteran food writer who has published in many national magazines and newspapers, is also a cookbook author. She has contributed to many cookbooks and a few literary journals, been nominated for a variety of food writing awards and participated in radio, interactive and online interviews, in addition to appearing multiple times on television. Eugenia teaches and lectures about food preservation. She lives in New York City and Crawford, Colo.

Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eugenia Bone is an American science writer and self-described amateur mycologist. Her 2025 popular science book Have a Good Trip explores the growing popular trend of psychedelic mushroom use. The book acts as a primer on psychogenic mushroom species, dosage, and types of "trips," which is largely sourced from Bone's own experiences and, strangely (for lack of more robust, scientific sources), Reddit. I don't think I've read another nonfiction book that references Reddit so heavily. Bone also explores the sociocultural elements surrounding psychedelic mushroom use, including its indigenous roots, mushroom enthusiasts who culture psychogenic species at home and then try to inoculate them in public or private spaces, and various retreats, conferences, religious practices, and events for which mushroom use is a focal point or enhancer.

As a physician with a medicinal chemistry background, I can't really endorse a book encouraging the use of drugs without the proper testing to evaluate safety, efficacy, side effects, etc., and without formulations available that ensure accurate dosing and known species identity. For decades, psychedelics have had a mainstream stigma around them, though the tide seems to be turning in recent years (maybe it's the Michael Pollan effect after This Is Your Mind on Plants). Hopefully in coming years there will be more rigorous scientific evaluations on these psychogenics to guide usage.

My statistics:
Book 203 for 2025
Book 2129 cumulatively

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much exactly what it’s advertised to be: a lotta info about shrooms! Learned a lot but didn’t feel overloaded

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw Eugenia Bone speak at a Mushroom Festival and really enjoyed it, so I thought I'd dive into this book due to my love of all things fungi. The sections which focused on the experience of taking magic mushrooms and foraging or cultivating them were less interesting to me than the parts about indigenous practices and the use of psychedelics to treat a range of health issues, however there was a lot I appreciated about the book. Primarily, that Bone takes a really practical and thoughtful approach: many people today say 'shrooms are the cure for everything and minimize the potentially negative impact one might have when taking them. While the author certainly cites the potential benefits, she's also equally transparent about the potential risks (triggers for those with underlying health conditions, "wood-lovers paralysis," the importance of integration, etc).

Overall, I found it balanced, informative, and engaging (especially since she reads the audiobook version herself).

[Brian Shevory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Eugenia Bone’s great new book Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience. Bone’s book follows some other more recent books detailing a growing acceptance and use of psychedelics in the general population as well as their application to therapeutic and medical settings like palliative and end of life care for cancer patients. While other books like Ernesto Londoño’s Trippy and Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind focused on different forms of psychedelics, Bone’s book primarily focuses on the use of mushrooms, in particular the Psilocybe cubensis, in various settings, recreationally, communally, spiritually, educationally, therapeutically, and medicinally. I was amazed to learn more about the different uses and applications of mushrooms, and in particular, how technology, especially the internet, seems to have helped facilitate and foster (maybe even cultivate) a growing community of explorers (or sometimes known as psychonauts) who are all seeking different outcomes, whether it is mental well-being, more knowledge of self and self-understanding, or just looking to expand their minds.

Bone’s book is divided into different sections, focusing on the background of the use of psychedelic (or entheogenic mushrooms), growing and cultivating one’s own mushrooms, and different types of trip settings. The book’s first two sections are informative, but at times delve deep into the science. I found the parts about how brains respond to mushrooms interesting, but I also had to go over this section a few different times, finding myself a little lost in the technical terms. Nevertheless, Bone uses more practical metaphors and explanations to bring these complex biological processes to a more understandable level for the layperson. Similarly, I found the section about growing and foraging mushrooms not as compelling as the other sections that look at the different applications and settings for trips and uses of mushrooms. It is fascinating to learn about the growing subculture of mushrooms, one that has persisted and grown over the past 70 years. However, as someone not that familiar with mushroom cultivation, I struggled at times to keep some of the terms straight. The best part of the book was the last section, Trip Types, where Bone explores the different communities that have grown over time to engage in the use of psychedelic mushrooms. It was fascinating to see different uses and applications and consider the speculation that mushrooms have been used in religious experiences for thousands of years. Whether it is true or not, different cultures, especially in Mexico and Central America, have made use of magic mushrooms in ceremonial experiences to seek insight and growth. I think it is important to consider this kind of sacred and spiritual application when considering mushrooms. Although recreational use has become more popular since the 1960s, it does seem like the spiritual and ceremonial (as well as communal) use has been a more effective use in learning or growing from a trip. One of the greatest aspects of Bone’s book is that the research is all so new and many of the developments in these psychedelic communities have been so recent. I also loved learning about the various medical applications for mushrooms as a way to treat both mental health issues like depression as well as end of life care for cancer treatments, something that Pollan also explored in his book. One of the other more interesting areas that Bone explores (and experiments on herself as well) is the use of microdosing, taking small amounts of mushrooms that have no perceptual impact, but are meant as a way to enhance creative thinking and performance/focus. These small doses have no real effect on functionality beyond enhancing work or performance. Bone regularly stresses that microdosing should not affect one’s ability to do different activities throughout the day, especially things like driving or cooking. It is interesting to consider, but Bone also makes note that it is hard to consider effective dosing since response to mushrooms varies from individual to individual and there’s really no clear dosing protocols. Furthermore, individual responses can be impacted by family histories of mental illness, which takers may not be aware. Thus, it does seem like a potential risk, but an interesting way to consider improving work or performance. Bone also explores her own use of magic mushrooms, noting in the epilogue that she took more trips for this book than she had in her previous experiences with mushrooms. I really enjoyed her writing about Burning Man, seeing how the descriptions and visions kind of gradually meld into flashes and sights not previously seen.

Bone’s book provides a wonderful addition to some of the other books about psychedelic experiences and how these plants and fungi are becoming more accepted and accessible, as well as their applications to address a broader range of health issues that have previously been challenged by more traditional medicine. Her writing is descriptive and engaging, and she incorporates considerable research into various areas—whether it is the communities that trip together for various reasons, mushroom cultivation, or the ways that mushrooms interact with the brain and nervous system. Furthermore, she writes in an engaging manner that takes complicated and complex ideas and makes them more understandable for a general audience. Highly recommended.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had around 100 pages left and just couldn’t finish the rest, only because it was no longer holding my attention with regards to raves and group trips. Decent otherwise. I’ve read other books on the topic and think maybe I’ve just had my fill. Other people should read this, however.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for an advance copy of this book that seeks to instruct people on the proper use of psychedelic mushrooms, and how to look past the hype of what it might hold for the future of mental health, and focus on what it can do today.

As a person who has dealt with depression for their whole life, I have heard many stories about magic pills, pharmacological, psychedelic, even religons that will lift the cloud I always have around me and make me happy. In addition to curing my depression, there are magic pills to help me deal with my portly physique. Lexapro, Prosac, Fenfen, Ozempic, mushrooms, LSD, MDMA. I have never been a diet pills person, which has probably saved my internal organs a lot of abuse, but I have tried all the different pills and therapies. Hypnosis, biofeedback, antidepressants and more. For the last couple of years starting with quite a few best sellers there has been talk about the drugs used to make people like the music of Phish and The Grateful Dead might do wonders for depression, dealing with trauma, and other crippling mental problems. Most of these books though while dealing with science, also spoke to a certain population that could travel to far distant locals, or find a guy who knows a guy who can get what you need. What I never found was a practical guide, one that is both science and well from someone who walked the walk, and did so locally. Have a Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience by Eugenia Bone is a book that is not only useful and informative, but answers questions that one might not think of, and tries to look beyond all the hype that is promised from these miracle cures.

The book begins with the author sharing the details of her last trip on mushrooms. Bone did this surrounded by a group of friends opening herself up to the world, especially nature, and all it could revel to her. Bone goes to into the effect of mushrooms on the brain, the chemicals released, why one has experiences, sometimes good sometimes bad. Bone also looks at the possible uses to treat mental issues, but really makes no promises. For all the hopes, psychedelics are sill illegal, and Bone discusses how getting into clinical trials can be difficult. Bone looks at cultivating and foraging for mushrooms, but this can be quite dangerous in a lot of different ways. There are discussions about retreats, and how for all the cost, and the promise, how dangerous and how much of a rip-off these can be. Bone looks also at the science involved, how years of restrictions have really set back research, and what might be possible.

There was much I liked about this book. One was the fact that Bone makes it quite clear this isn't a miracle pill. Bone looks at the research and points out the benefits of controlled trips, with trained professionals, in proper settings do have a habit of wearing off. Some have great trips that help their lives, some do not, and things do not change. Bone is a very good writer, detailing her life in Mycology, and her experiences, foraging, tripping and researching. Bone has a very nice writing style instructing and showing without being to dry or even worse know-it-all as I have seen in quite a few books about psychedelics. I feel I learned far more, and more importantly have tempered a lot of my hopes of what be to come. Which I find very helpful.

A book that would be helpful for the burgeoning psychonaut, or for those who want to know more about alternate ways of dealing with mental issues. This is an excellent book to start with, as the writer has a very good understanding of the subject, and an even better understanding about people who are drawn to this. A very interesting and hopeful read.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past sixty years there have been waves of interest in magic mushrooms and psychedelic experiences. For most of this period, possession and distribution of such things has been frowned upon by the legal authorities. Many people have claimed to have enjoyed profoundly moving experiences which have led to many benefits while using psychedelic mushrooms. Others have had terrifying experiences.

In Have A Good Trip: Exploring the Magic Mushroom Experience (galley received through early review program), Eugenia Bone thoroughly examines any and all things related to psilocybin. And I mean thoroughly examines any and all things. She describes everything we know about how and why psilocybin produces psychedelic effects in the brain. She sets forth the different types of experiences which can be had based on how much is consumed. She explores the modern history of mushroom exploration and use as well as what can be known about more ancient antecedents. She forthrightly explains her own experiences and the experiences related to her about people on various trips. She explains how trips can go well and what benefits could be had and for how long. And she is just as forthright about the trips that go wrong, some of the reasons which may be behind it, and how much more research is necessary about such things. She considers the forms of community and support engendered by mushrooms, and the prospect of the business of mushrooms and incorporating trips into a psychiatric and therapeutic framework. She also considers the religious and spiritual connotations of mushrooms and psilocybin trips.

I was interested in the work on account of whisperings I have heard about how psilocybin might provide some benefit to those experiencing autoimmune conditions. As a Christian I have many reservations about the use of psilocybin, especially in a recreational context. It is possible psilocybin could open the brain and mind in healthy, freeing ways. But could it also be a means by which one encounters the realms of the evil and demonic? Where does psilocybin fit into the pharmakeia of it all - as medicine or as sorcery? Such will no doubt have to be a growing conversation as society becomes more open to potential therapeutic applications of psilocybin.

[James S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings.

The good:
- the author is not totally without skepticism about psilocybin and the many, many quackeries that surround it
- she did a lot of research on this book
- it's readable and approachable
- sections of the book made me reconsider my own biases against shrooms
- some of her own experiences with shrooms are interesting

The bad:
- although the author occasionally demonstrates skepticism toward some of the extravagant claims made for shrooms, more often she comes across as a true believer. The book has a heavily pro-psychedelic slant.
- while the author includes a section on bad trips, she admits that she herself has never experienced one. You have to wonder how this book would be different if she had.
- the author makes an effort to include science in this book, but she also includes lots of highly dubious information from pseudoscientific and/or heavily biased sources.
- the author includes a long and heavily detailed section on how to cultivate your own psilocybin mushrooms. Seeing as how they are illegal in most of the world and potentially highly dangerous, it makes one question the author's morality and intentions.
- while the author repeats over and over that psilocybin creates a feeling of solidarity, many of her anecdotes do not feel relatable at all. Going on an expensive drug retreat to Jamaica? Living a swanky life in NYC? Having hundreds of friends all over the world?
- the author refers to people as "folks" and "fellows"; this gets old after a few dozen uses
- she frequently cites sources such as reddit, going so far as to include entire comments made by users on that website

So overall, while I learned a few things about mycology and psilocybin, this book did not exactly dispel many of my suspicions about this drug: namely, that its serious dangers have been underreported, that the drug has been buried under mountains of new-age/hippie grandiosity, that its potential to heal is largely primed by expectations and placebo, and that much of the appeal of the drug comes not from its innate qualities but from its illegal allure. I think that however you feel about psilocybin going into this book will probably be how you feel about it afterwards.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after watching mycologist Dr. Gordon Walker do a live read on social media, which resulted in a temporary shadow ban on TikTok. I was curious about how just reading from a book on talking about the neuroscience of a certain chemical during a live could result in disciplinary action.

After a few chapters, I understood why. The book discusses parts of mycological culture that have historically been reserved for close door conversations. From how the brain uptakes the chemical and processes it, to the process of foraging and cultivation, and even how to get yourself into a clinical trial, Bone is an excellent, no nonsense storyteller and a great investigative writer. She immerses herself in the community, and in so doing allows the reader to experience firsthand what it is like. She also is extremely mindful (and in my opinion, ethical) about protecting her sources from potential repercussions stemming from her work. If you’re new to any of the topics covered in this book and curious, she plainly lays out the good, bad, ugly, and unknown.

I would recommend this book for someone newer and curious about the experience. While I enjoyed this book and I find that it does exactly what it says it will do, I also found it to be a bit broad, touching on many different aspects of the experience. As a high level overview, it is great, but I was hoping for something a bit deeper, with a bit more science to it. Bone says the science is still out on much of this stuff, which is probably true, but disappointing.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this with the NYMS book club, hosted by the author in her Soho loft. Eugenia is the real deal, a journalist with impeccable integrity who researched this book because of her growing concern about the rise in popularity of psychedelics, mushrooms in particular, and people's lack of knowledge about how they work and the harm they can cause if used improperly. This is a science book for non-scientists who want the basics plus a little deeper dive before they go trying or recommending psychedelic therapy, or even before exploring mushrooms just for fun. Eugenia's book is deeply sourced, relying on scientific studies and personal accounts alike to help the reader parse the wild claims out there versus true benefits for people that mushroom research is showing.

[Des Larsen || AdventuresOfToday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing a bit about mycology but not much about psychedelic mushrooms at all, and learned a fair bit along the way. From the physiological process of how "shrooms" do their "magic" to the legalities and indigenous origins, and cultivating, as well as clinical trials and retreats. This book toed the line between science journalism and memoir, personally I wish it had leaned more one way or the other, but it was still a captivating read regardless. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a "door opener" that touches on a handful of topics about psilocybin.
This eArc was provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions shared are my own.

[caliwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re interested in exploring using psychedelics as medicine, therapy, or spiritual support then this book is the perfect place to start. Bone made it an easy to read entrance into different testimonies, successful and not so successful studies, and current medicinal progress.

I have been able to pivot my studies and practices deeper and been more thoughtful about my research and practice through planted stepping stones throughout this book. Bone creates a great path for you to dive deeper into this side of psychedelics, if you choose to.

If you do choose to go this path, start with Have A Good Trip.

[Angela Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, comprehensive, non starry-eyed deep dive into all things surrounding Psilocybe, a genus of gilled mushrooms that grows worldwide, many species of which contain the psychedelic compounds psilocybin and psilocin. She goes into anthropological history, cultural importance, chemistry, community, and most interesting to me, the therapeutic applications, especially for folks who are terminally ill, suffering from addiction, PTSD or treatment resistant depression. Very well written and engaging.  Bonus points for a particularly beautiful cover.

[Rae Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book was so helpful and informative! I was expecting a summary of a lot of info, but this covers EVERYTHING in a super non-biased way as well. Highly recommend even if you’re just generally interested in mushrooms cause you will learn a ton about their uses mentally, physically, spiritually, and in group settings, or alone; along with their connection to religion, community, telepathy, and so much more. I loved this!

[Kirsten Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exploration of psilocybin use- examining the evolving perceptions of users, the motivations behind psychedelic experiences, and the broader social, psychological, and spiritual implications, including the cultural appropriation involved in the Western adoption of Indigenous practices.

[Zachary Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

50% very interesting information based on empirical data and historical or cultural context.

50% absolute quackery without reasonable scepticism

There's a lot of great information in here but I worry that someone will read this uncritically and have negative outcomes.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting and informative

[Joe Sharkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Great resource for delving deeper into this area.

[Jeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Renée Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best and most accessible book on psilocybin, tripping, mycology, and community.

[Alison]

"I have long held the belief that no plant is illegal."

[Eden Sipperly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this and the information provided! However little was new for me. This would be a great book for a novice curious about psylicybin benefits, process, etc.

[Gail Kennon · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable overview of magic mushrooms today and how one might participate.