How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies: A Lifeline List and Letting Go of Fear

by Lynn Farley-Rose

354 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Lynn Farley-Rose spent her childhood in Devon and then went to university in London. She spent some years working as a research psychologist before a move to Sussex resulted in a complete change of lifestyle. At one point she was responsible for the welfare of thirty-two animals and eight species including her four children. 31 Treats And A Marriage is her first book and arose out of an interest in ways to cope when life throws up challenges. She's working on her second book and writes a regular blog, treatsandmore.com which includes interviews, treats, travel and trivia.

Reviews

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was initially drawn to this book by it's intriguing (and somewhat scary) front cover.

This might sound a little strange, but I have a fear of birds, yet still seem drawn to books with their image on the cover - a little like facing my fear in a safe and comfortable way!?

And it's also a little ironic to find that this book is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears head on.

 

I hadn't appreciated that this was a memoir and it's been an age since I read my last of this genre, so I found it a really refreshing read in-between my usual romances and thrillers.

 

In this book we see how Lynn, the author, realises that the actions she was previously taking to ward off bad luck, were no longer working for her.

With this realisation came a shift in her attitude and she began to make a list of all the fun and exciting things that she's shied away from for all those years.

 

I absolutely love the whole idea of this - especially having suffered from anxiety myself over the years, heightened even more during menopause.

Seeing the freedom that comes with taking that step and facing the fear - and doing it anyway - it's a really quite intoxicating.

 

I loved reading Lynn's account which was motivating and inspiring. It was written in such an easy manner that was like sitting chatting over coffee and I liked that there were some funny parts too.

 

A great read and a reminder for us all to just stop and take stock - often taking that first little step can open up such opportunities and help us to find happiness.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies is a heartfelt, amusing, vulnerable and emotional memoir from Lynn Farley-Rose, which follows Lynn navigating a new chapter in life, post-divorce and finding ways to tackle fears and find herself. To do so, Lynn creates a list of things to achieve by the time she’s 60 - from travelling to Japan to reading all of Jane Austen’s novels.

Lynn’s voice was clear throughout - this was her journey, and whilst others joined her along the way, the anecdotes were grounded in her personal growth. Her growth in confidence, self-belief and contentment was astronomical by the end of the memoir.

I was drawn to Lynn’s tale as someone who also grew up following superstitions - saluting magpies, not putting new shoes on the table. Nothing bad has happened if I’ve missed one (touch wood…), but it’s the ingrained fear and habit that’s difficult to break.

This memoir is filled with emotion. Everyone has had significant events occur in their lives which requires time for self-reflection so I definitely resonated with elements of Lynn’s story. The joy of a memoir is that you don’t need to connect with everything, which I felt at times. No one lives the same lives, but it’s the feelings and experiences we may empathise with.

I particularly liked how the list was viewed as rewards, with Lynn encountering feelings of guilt for not completing them. The list in itself was inspiring, incorporating elements of travel but also to take time to watch that tv programme you keep being unable to find time for. The idea of these being rewards is a positive change of mindset which I can definitely get on board with!

Whilst I probably won’t stop saluting magpies, I will recommend this memoir to anyone struggling with self-belief or those feeling a bit lost. Take time to reconnect with things you enjoy, find new interests and if something isn’t for you, don’t force yourself to do it.

[Steffs.Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC Review✨️

This is a really thought provoking read which has been thoughtfully written with care, wisdom and heart.

It's not my usual type of read but I was very drawn in by the title, cover and synopsis, as I an one to salute magpies and fall into certain 'traps' of life/fears. It's comforting reading a very light touch on a memoir with notches that are relatable and overall journey of wise tellings.

A wonderful insight to Lynn's life and how Lynn overcome her anxiety challenges and approach, combating those fears that once felt like they were holding her back.

"These mindsets need a kick.
They’re bending me out of shape and I’ve let them get away with it for far too long. And so this is where I intend to part company with complete oeuvres and to make Incompleteness my friend. If I’m wondering whether to give up on something I’m not enjoying I’ve told this new companion to ask me two questions –
• Do I need to do this?
• Do I want to do this?
Sometimes I might request more time to make my mind up. But if the answer to either question is yes then I’ll carry on with it. If the answer to both is no then I won’t. Instead, I’ll give myself a pat on the back and do something more worthwhile"

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/4

Thank you so much for the ARC in exchange for honest review
@LoveBooksTours
@LBT.Crew

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following illness, financial ruin, and divorce, Lynn decides to create a list. Not a to-do list, but a treat list. Things to try, places to explore. It leads to a new perspective on life.

I found the structure of the memoir - each chapter focused on an experience from the treat list - as a way for us to see as readers Lynn’s growth along the way.

Small steps - one by one - on the path of growth, healing, letting go, taking risks, facing fears, and being brave. It leads to adventures around the world. How I Learned to Stop Saluting the Magpies is about self-discovery.

I enjoyed reading about the connection of various works literature and art, music, film, historical events and figures, and philosophy to Lynn’s story as well, including Mansfield Park, Middlemarch, Thoreau, the poetry of Yeats, the Kings and Queens of England, Irish history, pilgrimages to Canterbury, hygge, and Mindset by Carol Dweck, Bob Marley, Monty Python, essentialism and existentialism, and Buddhist philosophies.

We see the significance of the references and inspiration in Lynn’s journey and I found it an interesting way to learn more about the artistic, historical, and philosophical references as well.

This memoir reminds us to embrace the present, slowing down, being patient, being mindful as we explore and try new things. It reminds us to embrace the journey - the highs, the lows, the moments we plan, and the unexpected ones. I found the chapters about mindfulness and how focusing on one thing at a time allows for a more enriching experience - we’re more present

The memoir is reflective, not only about Lynn’s journey, but also about how we step out of our comfort zones, try new things, and be present along the journey. I’ve been reading more memoirs recently and recommend this book as well!

Thank you to Lynn Farley-Rose and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.

[MoMo Book Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the type of book I normally pick up, but I’m really glad I did. How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies felt less like a formal memoir and more like sitting down with a friend who’s willing to be completely honest about the good, the bad, and the ridiculous. Lynn has been through some really tough times, but she manages to share them in a way that’s humble, forgiving, and often very funny. I especially liked the whole idea of her list—the little adventures and long-delayed treats she finally gives herself permission to try. Some of them made me laugh, others had me wincing in sympathy, but all of them showed how even small steps can help you move forward. There’s something very relatable in the way she writes about superstition too; I think most of us have a few rituals we cling to, even when deep down we know they’re not really helping. It wasn’t a perfect read for me—there were parts where it meandered and I wanted a bit more focus—but overall it’s uplifting without being sugar-coated, and I came away with the feeling that change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Sometimes it’s enough to just take the next small step.

[LaughterandThunderstorms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and refreshing book to read. The cover is stunning and immediately draws you in.

The book follows Lynn, who, after a series of painful life events, comes to realise that her long-held superstitions no longer provide the comfort or control she once sought. In their place, she embarks on a journey of emotional relearning—developing new coping strategies, reassessing old habits, and ultimately confronting her fears.



Her “list” of adventures and discoveries becomes one of the memoir’s most engaging elements. It ranges from small, easily achievable challenges to larger, thoughtfully planned undertakings, each pushing her further outside her comfort zone. Watching Lynn face these challenges head-on highlights the liberating power of embracing discomfort and moving through fear.



The narrative delivers a full spectrum of emotion—humor, joy, heartbreak, honesty, and sadness—making Lynn’s story relatable and human. As a first foray into memoirs, this book reshaped my perception of the genre and left me eager to explore more titles like it.

[Kelly Hollingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir style book which focuses on a specific period in the author’s life following a run of difficult times including a health diagnosis of someone close, a divorce and financial troubles. She creates a list of fun things she wanted to do and as a way to provide shape to her life. The list was varied and included travel, arts and crafts, walking - solitary and with someone else and even companionable cryptic crosswords. Some of tasks on the list were basic, mundane even and some were real treats. Each were ticked off, big and small. I am a list ticker myself so I related to this!

I loved the travel aspect of the book, with destinations from Johannesburg, St Petersburg and Japan to more local places such as the North Downs and South West Coastal Path. All the while adapting, tolerating, accepting and developing as many of us have to do in various stages of our lives. It definitely gave me food for thought about my own life and list of treats. A great read with a great cover and some delicious looking recipes at the back.

[Rachael Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot to love about this book – there was someone else who had experienced a lot of life changes and was working through these emotions and finding her place in the world again. But there was also someone else who, like me, likes a good list as well as someone who says hello to magpies.

This book is such a gentle, flowing memoir that makes it such an easy bedtime read. There are some chapters that resonate more than others, but I don’t mind this as it feels a bit more like catching up with a friend at different times of the year and listening to one of their stories.

The list might be something that I adopt at some point. I loved how it wasn’t just her doing exciting and Big Things. I liked how the list was moments of just joy bringing activities that we could all bring into our lives.

It’s one of those books that you can look into the deeper meaning or that you can just let you carry away on a gentle journey.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies, this is a memoir which is something I don’t read often, but I’m so glad I did!
It’s a journey of healing and overcoming superstitions. Growing up, she believed that saluting magpies would protect her from bad luck, which is something I grew up with too, my Nan was a big believer in superstitions I still great Magpies now, but after going through so tough times like illness and divorce, she realises that it isn’t helping her anymore.
I love the idea of making a list of fun things she always wanted to do as she completes these she finds she begins to heal.
I found this book both an honest, emotional and funny read and is something that will stay with me for quite some time.
I’m really glad I read it!

Thank you @zooloosbooktours for having me on this tour

#LynnFarleyRose
#HowlLearnedtoStopSalutingMagpies
#ZooloosBookTours

[Sara-Jane Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful memoir following the author’s journey of self discovery after divorce.

I am a superstitious person too so the title immediately caught my attention. The author is very relatable and after years of following the superstitions she realises that they aren’t helping so sets out to find new coping strategies and confront her fears.

I loved that the author made a list of things that she wanted to reward herself with before she turned 60. It was such a great mix of things on the list and I loved the honest and emotional journey we go on with her.

At times my focus did drift, I think mainly when historical & political topics were touched on, as they aren’t my cup of tea. Otherwise this was a really lovely story, that will inspire you to go and try something new that you’ve been putting off doing.

I rate this 3.5⭐️ (rounded up to 4 on Amazon/GoodReads).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies, Lynn Farley-Rose shares her journey of letting go of fear and superstitions. Growing up, she believed that saluting magpies would protect her from bad luck. But after facing hard times like illness and divorce, she realises that this magic isn’t helping her anymore. At her lowest point, she makes a list of fun things she always wanted to do. As she tries new experiences, like traveling across America and confronting her fears, she starts to find healing. This memoir is both funny and honest, showing how she learns to forgive herself and move toward joy. It's a touching reminder that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to unexpected happiness.

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies by Lynn Farley-Rose is wonderful and unique memoir.

As a child, Lynn learned that if you saluted a solitary magpie, it would bring you good luck. But after a series of events that could be described as nothing but bad luck, Lynn decided to flip the script on this practice.

She had a list of adventures, some big and some small, that she wouldn’t bark upon, no longer waiting for the ideal time. She didn’t immediately stop saluting magpies, but she had lots of adventures and could slowly feel fortune’s tides changing.

I highly recommend this book. Lynn story is at times heartwarming and at other times heartbreaking but her humour and willingness to dive right back in make this a very worthwhile read.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatable and honest memoir from Lynn, showing both vulnerability and positivity when it comes to moving on, letting go, and facing fears. It's a gentle reminder to notice the simple things in life, to hold onto hope, and to find light even during change.
I particularly loved the lists woven throughout the book. As a list writer myselt, I found this so inspiring — it's encouraged me to start writing more lists of fun things and future hopes.
There's something comforting and grounding about putting dreams and small joys down on paper.
I was originally drawn to this book because of the title — |also salute magpies (much to my husband's amusement! ). That little superstition made me smile before I'd even turned the first page.

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @zooloosBT for letting me be part of this tour. When I first saw the cover and the title of How I Learned to Stop Saluting Magpies, I was drawn to it instantly. I loved the pretty colors; they made me think of when I was little, and still now, I salute magpies, and I wanted to know how she did this. How I Stopped Saluting Magpies is a self-help book/memoir. I enjoyed this book immensely and enjoyed following Lynn journey with the ups and downs of her life. This is a fascinating and inspirational read. I felt like I could relate to Lynn at times throughout the book. Beautifully written and engaging from start to finish, 5 stars

[Kirsty Fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I would describe as a comforting book. As someone who loves a list and prides themselves on being organised (whilst feeling slightly chaotic inside) so much of this felt instantly familiar to me.

The snippets throughout on topics like people-pleasing genuinely made me chuckle in recognition. There’s a warmth and honesty in the reflections that makes you feel both seen and gently called out at the same time.

The “treats” woven through the book have also given me self-reflection, anyone for a streak of compulsive completionism?! 😂

I sincerely hope the author enjoys ticking off her “70 before 70” list 👏🏻

[KizzasBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following Lynns journey and reading how she navigated her life after a huge change; patch herself back together, and try to figure out where she fit now, especially when Lynn also happen’s to be a fellow list obsessed human was wholesome.

What really stuck with me, though, was the reminder to actually slow down and live in the moment. It teaches you to be patient with yourself, to try new things and to appreciate the journey: the highs, the lows, the carefully planned bits, and the surprises.

The main thing I’m taking away from this book is being present in all the moments.

Thank you at Lynn and Love Book Tours for this gifted copy 🙌🏽

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It was different from what I usually read. Lynn's knowledge and honesty were refreshing. I liked the cover with the magpie on the front. I won't lie, I am very superstitious with them! I don't salute though, I wink. I liked the writing and enjoyed it. I thought the book was well written and flowed nicely. I thought the book was helpful, too. I learned from it, which is always good. Lynn's stories within the book were interesting to read. I recommend this.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly uplifting memoir, written from the heart. ❤️