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.

[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.

[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

[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.

[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

[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. ❤️