What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wishing Year: A House, a Man, My Soul A Memoir of Fulfilled Desire
One New Year’s Day, Noelle Oxenhandler took stock of her life and found that she was alone after a long marriage, seemingly doomed to perpetual house rental and separated from the spiritual community that once had sustained her. With little left to lose, she launched a year’s experiment in desire, forcing herself to take the plunge and try the path of Putting It Out There. It wasn’t easy. A skeptic at heart, and a practicing Buddhist as well, Oxenhandler had grown up with a strong aversion to mixing spiritual and earthly matters. Still, she suspended her doubts and went for it a new love, a healed soul, and the 2RBD/1.5 BA of her dreams. Thus began her initiation into the art of wishing brazenly.
In this charming, compelling, and ultimately joyful book, Oxenhandler records a journey that is at once comic and poignant, light and dark, earthy and spiritual. Along the way she Does wishing have power? Is there danger in wishing? Are some wishes more worthy than others? And what about the ancient link between suffering and desire? To answer her questions, she delves into the history of wishing, from the rain dance and deer song of primeval magic to modern beliefs about mind over matter, prosperity consciousness, and the law of attraction.
As the months go by, Oxenhandler is humbled to discover the courage it takes to make a wish and thus open oneself to the unknown. She is surprised when her experiment expands to include other people and other places in ways she never imagined. But most of all, she is amazed to find that there is, indeed, both power and danger in the act of wishing. For soon her wishes begin to come true–in ways that meet, subvert, and overflow her expectations. And what started as a year’s dare turns into a way of life.
A delightfully candid memoir, unfettered, poetic, and ripe with discovery, Oxenhandler’s journey into the art and soul of wishing will inspire even the most skeptical reader to search the skies for the next shooting star.
Praise for THE WISHING YEAR
"This is a wonderful book, full of wisdom gleaned from a year of Noelle Oxenhandler's daring to embrace what she had previously denied herself--her own personal wishes. I highly recommend The Wishing Year for anyone wanting to learn more about what life has to offer when we pay attention to our heart's desires."
– Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big Life
"Do you want to know how wishes come true? Then read The Wishing Year . It's a book that beautifully illuminates the art and mystery of wishing--and it does so in a way that is inspiring, funny, serious, honest, heartfelt, and irresistibly readable."
–Jack Kornfield, author of After the Ecstasy, the Laundry
"The Wishing Year is an elegant exploration of the way thought shapes reality. Writing with great personal honesty and candor, Noelle Oxenhandler's exhilarating prose takes us deep into the pain and glory of being human."
–Mark Epstein, M.D., author of Open to Desire
“Oxenhandler's new book makes it okay to be a smart, sophisticated grow-up who also believes in magic. She dives beneath the new age veneer and deconstructs how wishes really come true.” –Susan Piver, author of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life
In this charming, compelling, and ultimately joyful book, Oxenhandler records a journey that is at once comic and poignant, light and dark, earthy and spiritual. Along the way she Does wishing have power? Is there danger in wishing? Are some wishes more worthy than others? And what about the ancient link between suffering and desire? To answer her questions, she delves into the history of wishing, from the rain dance and deer song of primeval magic to modern beliefs about mind over matter, prosperity consciousness, and the law of attraction.
As the months go by, Oxenhandler is humbled to discover the courage it takes to make a wish and thus open oneself to the unknown. She is surprised when her experiment expands to include other people and other places in ways she never imagined. But most of all, she is amazed to find that there is, indeed, both power and danger in the act of wishing. For soon her wishes begin to come true–in ways that meet, subvert, and overflow her expectations. And what started as a year’s dare turns into a way of life.
A delightfully candid memoir, unfettered, poetic, and ripe with discovery, Oxenhandler’s journey into the art and soul of wishing will inspire even the most skeptical reader to search the skies for the next shooting star.
Praise for THE WISHING YEAR
"This is a wonderful book, full of wisdom gleaned from a year of Noelle Oxenhandler's daring to embrace what she had previously denied herself--her own personal wishes. I highly recommend The Wishing Year for anyone wanting to learn more about what life has to offer when we pay attention to our heart's desires."
– Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Big Life
"Do you want to know how wishes come true? Then read The Wishing Year . It's a book that beautifully illuminates the art and mystery of wishing--and it does so in a way that is inspiring, funny, serious, honest, heartfelt, and irresistibly readable."
–Jack Kornfield, author of After the Ecstasy, the Laundry
"The Wishing Year is an elegant exploration of the way thought shapes reality. Writing with great personal honesty and candor, Noelle Oxenhandler's exhilarating prose takes us deep into the pain and glory of being human."
–Mark Epstein, M.D., author of Open to Desire
“Oxenhandler's new book makes it okay to be a smart, sophisticated grow-up who also believes in magic. She dives beneath the new age veneer and deconstructs how wishes really come true.” –Susan Piver, author of How Not to Be Afraid of Your Own Life
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2008
46 people are currently reading
2050 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 17, 2008
I read this book after receiving it as an early reviewer. The book says that If you loved Eat, Pray, Love then you'll love this. Well I really loved "Eat" but in an entirely different way. "Eat' was a retelling of a spiritual/religious journey, where this book retold a woman's journey in discovering how to want material things and how to wish for them and strive for them. Kind of how to prioritize what’s important in life and that’s it’s ok to want ‘things’.
The author, Noelle Oxenhandler is a divorced mother of one who has a Buddhist spiritual background and lives a simple live where she believes that wishing for material things isn’t done. She does research about wishing and decides to document her process of wishing over the course of a year. Some of her insight into wishing is interesting in that you must do something or wish for something for someone else before you can start towards material wishing for yourself.
I found her best advice to be that if you find yourself worrying about something, then you know it’s time to turn that worry into a wish and do something about it. Not all wishes are just sent off to hope that someone else will do something about it. It seems that by wishing you are motivating yourself to make change in your life.
I would recommend this book, it was thought provoking and very interesting.
The author, Noelle Oxenhandler is a divorced mother of one who has a Buddhist spiritual background and lives a simple live where she believes that wishing for material things isn’t done. She does research about wishing and decides to document her process of wishing over the course of a year. Some of her insight into wishing is interesting in that you must do something or wish for something for someone else before you can start towards material wishing for yourself.
I found her best advice to be that if you find yourself worrying about something, then you know it’s time to turn that worry into a wish and do something about it. Not all wishes are just sent off to hope that someone else will do something about it. It seems that by wishing you are motivating yourself to make change in your life.
I would recommend this book, it was thought provoking and very interesting.
February 6, 2015
I first read this book about six years ago, and I remember very little about that reading experience except that I loved it. This time around, I wasn't feeling it at first--the memoir parts seemed corny, and they didn't sit well next to all the research the author kept bringing in. But things improved as the book went on and I think I ended up loving it just as much this time, except possibly for different reasons. There's definitely a lot of wisdom in this book, never more so than when Oxenhandler--who's an excellent writer--forgets about what the "experts" have to say and speaks from the heart. I think this is another of those books that you'll get something new from every time you return to it.
August 11, 2008
This is a book that I borrowed from the library and when it came in, I started reading it at dinner even though I had at least three other books already going at work plus my stacks at home! Why? It was that intriguing to me that this woman used the power of positive wishing to change her life in positive ways. Reading this book gave me some ideas about relationships in my life and how to change things. Her story is similar to mine in certain ways as well, especially having to do with the loss of her spiritual community. This is the third or fourth book I've read this year in which a writer chronicles her year of self improvement. Maybe in January I'll start one of my own!
April 10, 2013
To be perfectly honest this book was a bit slow going for me.
However, I think the aspect of this book that resonated with me the most is the concept of "practice." To practice gratitude every day, to be willing to take the time to clarify/flesh out your dreams/wishes, to acknowledge the existence of wishes, to actively engage in tangible wishing, and to practice being open to knowing what to do to make it possible, like creating space, for wishes and dreams to manifest. Then there is the idea of recognizing the manifestation of our wishes and dreams, since a lot of times they show up in very unexpected ways. I must always keep in mind that this is a "repetitive attitude" and continually remind myself on a daily basis that dreaming is free and real.
And on that note I leave you with the following quote:
"...What's important is that it's a belief that encourages you to pay extremely careful attention to your thoughts, because the stakes couldn't get any higher. If you live your life as though this belief were true, then you're more likely to meet each bump in the road with dignity and grace, just in case it might be the bump that does you in."
However, I think the aspect of this book that resonated with me the most is the concept of "practice." To practice gratitude every day, to be willing to take the time to clarify/flesh out your dreams/wishes, to acknowledge the existence of wishes, to actively engage in tangible wishing, and to practice being open to knowing what to do to make it possible, like creating space, for wishes and dreams to manifest. Then there is the idea of recognizing the manifestation of our wishes and dreams, since a lot of times they show up in very unexpected ways. I must always keep in mind that this is a "repetitive attitude" and continually remind myself on a daily basis that dreaming is free and real.
And on that note I leave you with the following quote:
"...What's important is that it's a belief that encourages you to pay extremely careful attention to your thoughts, because the stakes couldn't get any higher. If you live your life as though this belief were true, then you're more likely to meet each bump in the road with dignity and grace, just in case it might be the bump that does you in."
March 5, 2016
I am a sucker for memoirs of the "year of" variety (e.g., My Year of Meat, The Happiness Project, A Year of Magical Thinking), which was the original reason I randomly plucked it from the library shelf. I was not sure what to expect, but I found it to be one of those books that pretty much guarantees sleep deprivation and anti-social behaviour. What resonated with me was the author's ongoing struggle to reconcile the practice of wishing/desiring with that of detachment/acceptance. Her research and explorations on the issue reveal the overlap and complementarity of the two practices. Recommended for people who believe in the scientific method but often find their heads/hearts in the clouds.
August 3, 2008
While Noelle writes lyrically and paints characters with beautiful brush strokes, 3/4 of the way into the book, I wished I had her phone number so I could call her up and tell her to stop whining.
Noelle intended to start the New Year and see if things like "The Secret" and "Law of Attraction" actually work. And though time and time again, she was met with serendipity, she constantly threw all surprise bouquet's of happiness to the ground and stomped all over good fortune.
Still, a worthy read, simply for the character of Carole, a woman who is living proof of the Law of Attraction.
Noelle intended to start the New Year and see if things like "The Secret" and "Law of Attraction" actually work. And though time and time again, she was met with serendipity, she constantly threw all surprise bouquet's of happiness to the ground and stomped all over good fortune.
Still, a worthy read, simply for the character of Carole, a woman who is living proof of the Law of Attraction.
March 26, 2009
One reviewer described Oxenhandler as a "Buddhist Anne Lamott"--perfect description. Really intriguing premise; I learned so much about the philosophy and beliefs behind our "wish" system. Who knew there could be so much to this? Oxenhandler is having a midlife crisis, but this could pertain to quarter-lifers too. Dovetailed nicely with The Florist's Daughter by Patricia Hampl--and this one is happier. Oxenhandler is coming to the Fairfield Library this summer as a speaker.I can't wait!
July 9, 2009
If I wanted to hear someone ramble, I could just tape myself. While some of the references were interesting, and Noelle has obviously done her homework on the topic of wishing, I found the tone to be whiney (like someone else said) and there was a lot of rambling on from topic to topic. I prefer to espouse to positive psychology, which she refers to negatively at one point, instead of making shrines and using rituals to make your wishes come true....a little hokey for my taste...
November 28, 2023
Finally! I am finally done this book. This took me what feels like a century to read, I admit, that it has taken me a fair bit of time to get through it. This book was not my cup of tea, it was also out of my comfort zone in terms of genre.
I will say that I am proud of having stuck with it from beginning to end, and didn't succumb to the urge of not wanting to continue reading, even if it took me a decade to read.
Who knows, I may read it again in the future, at a time in my life when I most need it.
I will say that I am proud of having stuck with it from beginning to end, and didn't succumb to the urge of not wanting to continue reading, even if it took me a decade to read.
Who knows, I may read it again in the future, at a time in my life when I most need it.
January 25, 2018
The front jacket of this book describes this book as "charming, compelling, and joyful." Indeed, and so much more. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in years. I've written dozens of notes in this book, and am continually drawn back to it because it Noelle Oxenhandler is so pragmatic and hopeful. She learns about "putting it out there" by observing the behaviors of her almost mythic friend, Carole, who, says Noelle, "seems to assume her right to earthly happiness." Noelle's determination to pursue earthly happiness for herself makes for a rollicking journey and the characters who people her extraordinary life shine from these pages like finely cut jewels. They are colorful, many-faceted, and beautiful. Noelle's observations of circumstance, good-or-bad fortune, and grace--and the options humans have to respond to those factors that impact our choices and lives is an affirmation of the best of human courage and faith. She faced a tragedy she had a hand in causing and moved through it and through forgiveness for herself to find redemption and renewal amidst the encouragement and support of friends. It was grace for her to share with us, her readers. Noelle's words stay with me. I find myself thinking, "Don't attach to suffering" when I see people who box themselves into situations or circumstances that will lead them to unhappiness--and I tell myself the same. Carole's story of the turtle, and the grace in going slow, rings so true against the frantic pace I so experience in the world around me.
I probably like this book so much because I share most of Noelle Oxenhandler's values, and find myself in a period of transition in my own life. It's so wonderful to find this chronicle of someone else's journey that so beautifully documents what is so good in this world, and affirms that we all deserve to feel joy, and move into change with hope. And that " . . . in the essential, life intervenes to help us (Maurice)."
I probably like this book so much because I share most of Noelle Oxenhandler's values, and find myself in a period of transition in my own life. It's so wonderful to find this chronicle of someone else's journey that so beautifully documents what is so good in this world, and affirms that we all deserve to feel joy, and move into change with hope. And that " . . . in the essential, life intervenes to help us (Maurice)."
June 4, 2009
This was also a memoir but this time by a well-published author (nope- haven't read any of her other books or various articles). I thought the subject matter was very interesting though. She concentrates on a year in her life where she wants to make her wishes for the future and to make a conscious effort to make them become reality. Noelle is a practicing buddhist (a familiar vein with me I guess) who explores her own hesitation about wishing for too much and the societal pressures that are placed on a life of too much abundance. I really enjoyed hearing her perspective and finding out the outcome of her year of exploration. I found I also had a lot in common with her in the way that she thinks as far as being a little skeptical of new agey stuff, but still willing to listen to others and hear their viewpoint. I would def. rec this one, although I wouldn't say that it is a light reading type of book. Oh- and her Aunt Jemima hallucination made me laugh soooo hard. I just couldn't help it. If you read the book, you'll understand what I mean.
September 22, 2008
A Buddhist decides to explore desire, overcome her natural pessimism, and make three wishes for the new year. While grappling with the strong reactions that come up for her as a result of putting her wishes out there, all of which come true, she actively researches the deeper spiritual meanings attached to wishing. Her skepticism and reluctance rescue the book from becoming too New Agey and simplistic.
I especially appreciated her exploring her attachment to suffering, the importance of being clear about what you're wishing for and why, her appreciation of certain cultures, such as in Mexico, that can hold suffering and joy within the same mindset, and her realization that some of the more materialistic wishes could serve as a gateway to more profound desires, as long as one doesn't get stuck or attached. A grounded meditation on living fearlessly, being open to abundance, and reducing aversion to suffering.
I especially appreciated her exploring her attachment to suffering, the importance of being clear about what you're wishing for and why, her appreciation of certain cultures, such as in Mexico, that can hold suffering and joy within the same mindset, and her realization that some of the more materialistic wishes could serve as a gateway to more profound desires, as long as one doesn't get stuck or attached. A grounded meditation on living fearlessly, being open to abundance, and reducing aversion to suffering.
November 28, 2015
In an effort to be more frugal, I borrowed this book from the library. However, I like it so much I have now ordered it from Amazon while still reading my library copy. (I declind the Kindle version because this one of those books that I really need to be able to flip through while reading.)
It is the true story of a skeptical woman's experiment in wishing for three things in her life: to buy a house, to find a significant other, and to get a deeper spiritual connection. The author discusses many different approaches to wishing and the law of attraction and her struggle to take the whole concept seriously. Even though she disses Wayne Dyer (who I adore) on p. 89, I am still really enjoying the book.
I'm currently about halfway through it and plan to continue reading at a leisurely pace through the holidays. This is a good book to read before the New Year.
It is the true story of a skeptical woman's experiment in wishing for three things in her life: to buy a house, to find a significant other, and to get a deeper spiritual connection. The author discusses many different approaches to wishing and the law of attraction and her struggle to take the whole concept seriously. Even though she disses Wayne Dyer (who I adore) on p. 89, I am still really enjoying the book.
I'm currently about halfway through it and plan to continue reading at a leisurely pace through the holidays. This is a good book to read before the New Year.
January 1, 2009
I didn't have very high expectations for this book but it was ok. Noelle Oxenhandler is a good writer which makes the book compelling to read.
Summary: Ms. Oxenhandler, a self professed skeptic and pessimist, buys a bunch of books about "the power of wishing" (yes, apparently this is its own sub-genera) and reads them so you don't have to.
Although as the book goes along it becomes apparent that her brand of skepticism is somewhat less harsh than mine, or at least less rigidly confined by scientific realities. She makes wishes following her books' advice and all her wishes come true. The moral of the story is that by consciously wishing for something you make a commitment to yourself to take steps so that it is more likely to actually happen.
Summary: Ms. Oxenhandler, a self professed skeptic and pessimist, buys a bunch of books about "the power of wishing" (yes, apparently this is its own sub-genera) and reads them so you don't have to.
Although as the book goes along it becomes apparent that her brand of skepticism is somewhat less harsh than mine, or at least less rigidly confined by scientific realities. She makes wishes following her books' advice and all her wishes come true. The moral of the story is that by consciously wishing for something you make a commitment to yourself to take steps so that it is more likely to actually happen.
August 22, 2009
I wouldn't have expected a book about wishing would take itself so seriously. No matter how much research you do to provide as many viewpoints as possible it's always going to remain anecdotal not scientific evidence. So why not have more fun with it? She concludes little more than that wishing is focused attention. No!! Really?!! What a shocker, though thankfully not THE shocker.
That said, in the midst of the book I lost my wallet while on a walk and immediately put my hand over my heart and said PLEASE RETURN MY WALLET RIGHT NOW (8 syllables being the key). One hour later there was a knock on my front door and a kind Samaritan returning my wallet. Coincidence? Probably.
It was great fun nonetheless.
Shame the book wasn't.
That said, in the midst of the book I lost my wallet while on a walk and immediately put my hand over my heart and said PLEASE RETURN MY WALLET RIGHT NOW (8 syllables being the key). One hour later there was a knock on my front door and a kind Samaritan returning my wallet. Coincidence? Probably.
It was great fun nonetheless.
Shame the book wasn't.
May 31, 2009
I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a charming exploration of "wishing/desiring" in the author's life as well as down through the ages. The 12 chapters follow the 12 months of a year that begins with 3 wishes. The author includes quotes on the subject of wishing from dozens of sources from St. Paul, to Emily Dickinson, to Carl Jung. She also references other authors/books which I liked. She explores (both cynically and comically) whether there is any power or magic in wishing: in her personal life, the lives of people she knows or meets, and in the world at large. It is a fun adventure and I'm glad I got to read about it.
May 19, 2012
I know, I know ... This Ohioan needs another self-fulfillment book written by a world traveler who lives in the sunny clime of California or Hawaii like a hole in her head. But darned if I didn't sit down, walk around and read Noelle's story over two days. And I would like Noelle know that my reading coincided with a spate of two sunny days. Here, we're liberal with the definition of spate. Ha, ha.
I haven't told you about the book only its impact on me. Read it for yourself.
I
I haven't told you about the book only its impact on me. Read it for yourself.
I
March 10, 2009
This book was really entertaining, eye opening and just pleasant to read. I have not read many memoirs before but this one got my thinking that I might enjoy this genre more than expected. I have already recommended this book to my mother. Reading this book was like sitting down with a girlfriend and listening to her personal journey. It was a well written and relevant book for anyone who is wishing for just little bit more out of life.
July 31, 2009
I picked this up at our local library, knowing nothing about it, and was so, so glad I had. Noelle Oxenhandler is wise and funny and thoughtful, and she writes about wishing (a subject that so easily could become ridiculously new age-y and about 3 inches deep) with heart, intelligence, and a healthy dose of cynicism. I loved this book so much I felt sad to return it to the library, and had to buy myself a copy.
March 24, 2009
A rational, level-headed woman near 50 decides to take an eccentric friend's advise and put her desires "out there." They include: a home, a man, and the deepening of her spirituality. All happen while she scientifically researches the nature of wishing. This true story is interesting and inspiring.
June 30, 2019
I liked the premise and the promise of this book. Noelle shares her personal journey with wishing. She introduces you to the concept and her mentors and then her process. But, for me, it was a slow read and I could not get excited about her process. I must admit I abandoned this book after a few chapters. The theory is interesting but the actualization of it was too slow and tedious.
September 19, 2010
Yes, it's a book about wishing for what you want. But, some digressions aside, the author focuses on examples of how the process works, including some cases where it's worked, though not necessarily in the way expected. Recommended (for those with an open mind).
October 3, 2016
The author came off as flaky and self-absorbed. It grew tiresome after awhile.
January 12, 2017
I didn't really want to read this book but since my book club did, I gave it a try. And I was surprised by how much I liked it. A really nice mix of philosophy and personal stories.
January 6, 2024
Boken handlar om hur författaren Noelle som helhjärtad pessimist ska testa att genomföra ett experiment om önskans kraft. Kan hon få 3 stora önskningar att slå in under ett års tid? [Hitta en man, köpa ett hus, hela sin själ.]
Just på ämnet önskningar tror jag det var fördelaktigt att hon var aningens skeptisk själv. I boken nämns exemplet - och nu minns jag inte helt exakt hur det var - men att man på vissa (buddhistiska?) bröllop brukar slå sönder ett glas för att jämna ut vikten mellan tur och otur. Om glaset går sönder så slipper vi kanske några andra missöden. För att inte riskera att ”ha för mycket tur”. Ungefär. Och det sammanfattar väl lite Noelles inledande inställning till önskningar och manifestationer över lag. (=pessimistisk, rädd att be om för mycket)
Noelle lever ett helt annat liv än vad en annan gör - både gällande religon och var i världen man bor (amerikanare, och vill minnas att hon var buddhistisk, men åtminstone mer hängiven åt sin tro än vad en annan är.)
Inledningsvis tyckte jag det skapade en viss distans; en viss oförmåga att fullt ut relatera till det hon skrev. Oxå pga att det va så väldigt propert (men målande) språk. Men man vande sig efter ett tag och till slut tyckte jag mest det var befriande att få ”se livet” ur ett så annorlunda perspektiv.
Tyckte boken i helhet var ögonöppnande. Jag själv kopplar mycket till Baader-Meinhof-fenomenet och confirmation bias och sellective attention. Med andra ord; vi hittar det vi tänker på, för att vi (undermedvetet) letar efter det.
Intressant ämne och bra handling. Kul att se saker från annat perspektiv. Rekommenderar om man tycker önskningar och sånt är spännande. Lite omständig språkstil.
3/5
Just på ämnet önskningar tror jag det var fördelaktigt att hon var aningens skeptisk själv. I boken nämns exemplet - och nu minns jag inte helt exakt hur det var - men att man på vissa (buddhistiska?) bröllop brukar slå sönder ett glas för att jämna ut vikten mellan tur och otur. Om glaset går sönder så slipper vi kanske några andra missöden. För att inte riskera att ”ha för mycket tur”. Ungefär. Och det sammanfattar väl lite Noelles inledande inställning till önskningar och manifestationer över lag. (=pessimistisk, rädd att be om för mycket)
Noelle lever ett helt annat liv än vad en annan gör - både gällande religon och var i världen man bor (amerikanare, och vill minnas att hon var buddhistisk, men åtminstone mer hängiven åt sin tro än vad en annan är.)
Inledningsvis tyckte jag det skapade en viss distans; en viss oförmåga att fullt ut relatera till det hon skrev. Oxå pga att det va så väldigt propert (men målande) språk. Men man vande sig efter ett tag och till slut tyckte jag mest det var befriande att få ”se livet” ur ett så annorlunda perspektiv.
Tyckte boken i helhet var ögonöppnande. Jag själv kopplar mycket till Baader-Meinhof-fenomenet och confirmation bias och sellective attention. Med andra ord; vi hittar det vi tänker på, för att vi (undermedvetet) letar efter det.
Intressant ämne och bra handling. Kul att se saker från annat perspektiv. Rekommenderar om man tycker önskningar och sånt är spännande. Lite omständig språkstil.
3/5
August 3, 2020
I found this book from a search for another (Money and the Soul's Desires) at the library and, simply because its cover that reminds me of Lucien's Birthday Poem by Ellie Schoenfield, I decided to borrow it. Infinitely readable - I started out reading just one chapter a day (around 20 pages) but bumped it up to 2. Thankfully NOT a primer in Law of Attraction teachings, but the thoughtful research and narrative of a skeptic who approaches it more from the role of literature, psychology, and Buddhist practice. Personally I've just been through a long-enough (and welcome) period of COVID sequestration that's allowed me to power through a relentless desire to square and put away all old business and render things (especially my home) as elegant as possible. In this, I've seen that many ideas, interests, projects, and old desires have dried up and become dead chaff to blow away, with relatively few kernels remaining. I thought it was kind of strange that my desires have become so few and unfervent, and how deeply I'd integrated my own Buddhist training that the secret of happiness is not-wanting, to simply and fully appreciate what I had. But contraction also leads to stagnation; contraction is an absolute necessity, but you can get stuck in it and life is about expansion. This book is NOT a self-help book (thank God), it's her story, but it helped me turn over the ignition again.
August 19, 2019
Not quite what I expected. A little dense but lots of insights. The second half of the book was where I felt more like I got her point and there was more “action” and less deep thought about stuff. By the end I had copious post-it tabs marking things I wanted to transcribe into my reading journal. So much to ponder. Within the text the author mentions so many books that informed or illustrated her points but there is no appendix at the end to facilitate further reading!
Definitely worth reading, but now my head hurts...too much input.
TBR challenge: July- bookcase #8
Definitely worth reading, but now my head hurts...too much input.
TBR challenge: July- bookcase #8
November 16, 2019
It would be easy to take this book lightly, as a testament to white privilege, but to do so would miss the writer's point and obscure much of the book's value. I see this book as a hero's journey. Noelle Oxenhandler sets out on a quest, though she's not sure whether the aim is a worthy one. She meets allies, faces challenges and questions, and ultimately thinks and feels her way through to a satisfying result. I've read "The Wishing Year" twice, and both times it has encouraged me to take my soul's dreams seriously and be brave in pursuing my own path. That's a book worth reading, I think!
November 16, 2023
I really thought I was going to love this one. The writing is good and there’s an interesting layout, but… the writing felt overindulgent and self-absorbed. I just didn't connect with the author, and felt that this memoir was more for show than it was an honest reflection. The technique was clever, but I grew bored of her ramblings about so many random things and didn't enjoy how she’s constantly trying to teach us things. I would rate higher if this were an essay, but a whole year of this in almost 300 pages… I'm exhausted!
October 13, 2021
"At the very least, a wish is a form of focused attention," says the author at the end of this book. A book that describes a year in which she wishes for three things: a house, a man, and spiritual enlightening and all of these wishes are fulfilled. The author rambles on a bit too much for me but the story was too intriguing to give up. Is there power in thoughts and words? Perhaps it can't hurt to try the experiment for myself.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews