The Magic Mala: A Story That Changes Lives

by Bob Olson

The Magic Mala (pronounced mah-lah) is the story of Robby Robertson, a down-on-his-luck writer who realizes that he doesn’t know as much about life as he once believed. His desperate financial circumstances lead him to open his mind to new ways of living. After finding some mala beads, Robby is taken on a magical journey that teaches him the secrets to personal manifestation and happiness. If you loved The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, or The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, you are sure to love Bob Olson's The Magic Mala. An inspiring novel that transforms the lives of its readers, this book will leave you fascinated and educated about the universal laws that govern our lives. It’s a story you'll want to read often to remind yourself of its wisdom—primarily, the magic of living a conscious life. More importantly, The Magic Mala will help you recognize the power you’ve always had but didn’t know was your inner ability to create the life of your dreams. What You Will Learn In This Book + How to manifest the life of your dreams + How to communicate with the Universe + How to recognize the beliefs that limit you + How to consciously protect your energy + How to identify spiritual guidance + How to create magic in your life + How to increase happiness & abundance + How to use mala beads for transformation PRAISE FOR THE MAGIC MALA Bob Olson takes us on a magical, heartwarming and spiritually exciting journey, as we follow Robby on a universal quest for happiness that will change him and us forever. A truly life enhancing book that I am honoured and excited to be making into a movie. Ileen Maisel, Producer, Amber Entertainment The Magic Mala is a special book about a couple who learns a life-changing lesson about the power of intention. Synchronistic events, messages from the other side, unexpected encounters with wise teachers, and a path to prosperity using an unlikely tool, will leave you inspired to use what you learn from this story in your own life, too! Cheryl Richardson, New York Times best-selling author of Take Time for Your Life The Magic Mala is a book that caught me completely by surprise! I didn't even know I was searching for the wisdom it imparts, but it immediately spoke to me. I'd say it even woke me up and helped me recalibrate my priorities and energy. The characters are so engaging and relatable—not your typical spiritual guides but all the more genuine for it. The Magic Mala is that rare book that calls me to read it over and over again, each time strengthening my resolve to face and pursue my dreams. In its pleasant and straightforward story lies a powerhouse of uplifting inspiration and authentic ways to find your place in the Universe. It's simply life changing. I'm so thankful The Magic Mala found me! Bessie Gantt, Editor and Writer A magical tale, masterfully told. Good things come to those who know that no one has to wait, and Bob Olson shows us why in this superb, life-changing book. With simple wisdom, impish charm, and down-to-earth appeal, it argues that the life we seek is closer than we think. You'll be convinced once you step through the door this tale reveals. Michael Gerrish, Author Discover what’s blocking you from money, success, romance or even fitness.

Genres: Fiction, Spirituality

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2017

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to review because I was inspired by the message, in spite of the writing. The story was ok but the dialogue was really juvenile and manufactured. It just wasn't believable. And yet, there were some really good nuggets of wisdom that I am grateful for. So, three stars for meeting in the middle.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. The message is inspiring but that is all. Read it for the message and not for the quality of the story. The story is not very convincing.

[Makesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece for any one interested in Manifestation. Bob covers everything related to the so called "Law of Attraction" and more. Definitely this book has to be read multiple times to absorb the content and start practicing in our lifes.

[Melissa Dunstan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This easy to read book opened my mind to mindful meditation and made the whole process seem a lot simpler. I had tried meditation in the past and had always beat myself up because I couldn't get my mind to focus. This book taught me, via a simple fictional story, that the deep meditation wasn't necessary, as was the positive outlook, hope, and gratitude in my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a simple outlook on meditating. I finished the whole book in less than a week and look forward to referencing it for my own meditation practice.

[Glo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read with plenty to think about. Will read again. - - Okay. I think I have read this book at least 5 times now. It really over simplifies the metaphysics which makes the concepts more approachable to all. Over the years, when I get into a slump, I read this book again. It gives me hope and brings me back to basics. It makes me analyze what it is my life is missing and what do I need to achieve that. I wish the author had written more stories like this.

[Maggie Leivas · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much in one book

I will not only be recommending this book to friends, family, and people who cross my path, but I will also be gifting to many. This book is an easy, enjoyable read with an abundance of valuable seeds of wisdom. Thank you, thank you!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story line and found the universal principles messaged within to be presented in not only an understandable way but also juxtaposed against a doubting mind which helped me tackle my own limiting thinking.

[Jeanne Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book written in story form can tell you more than an instruction manual or self-help book. I found the story engaging and inspiring. "Oh, THAT's how that works!"

[Candice · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fiction book that reads like self-help. I wouldn't recommend it!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a great message for people who don't know much about some of the metaphysical concepts of abundance. I like the way it was woven into a fictional account of how someone wakes up.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is written so poorly and is so obviously contrived that it's actually somewhat humorous. Essentially, it is a guide to using the Mala and setting positive intentions, and is almost like a pamphlet.

[Darcy Bellows-Mascorro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, light, read! This is an easy to understand guide to metaphysical principals.

[Steve Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another important book as I go down my spiritual path. Some thoughts might seem "elementary" but I've also been on this metaphysical and meditational journey for more than a few years.

[Kristi Duarte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, because I think it's so important to have more spiritual novels in the world. Given the excellent reviews, for the most part, I thought this would be right up my alley. Unfortunately, the story comes across as too simple, too preachy, and the characters do not have to face any obstacles. At all.

Everything just sails on, as if the novel would have been written by a 15-year old. I also found the wife quite dumb and irresponsible. They don't have money to eat anything but mac and cheese from a box, but she goes out and has a sundae? And they owe several months of rent, but she signs up for a new apartment and just thinks it's OK not to pay her current landlord?

I understand the thought behind it - have faith and everything will work out. BUT, this faith should not include scamming and cheating other people. The universe (or God) doesn't work that way. you have to act in the best interest of all involved.

This book would have been much better as non-fiction. Unless you're new to spirituality, this book will definitely not change your life.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am intrigued with Bob Olsen and subscribe to his podcasts. They are often inspiring and informative. When I purchased this book I had a bit of a higher expectation, thus the 3 star rating. While I believe the basic principles in the book are sound, the story and characters were a bit juvenile. I have been living these principles for most of my adult life and have indeed received the fruit of what I have allowed to enter my thoughts and prayers, both negative and positive so I know first hand that these principles work. Thank you Bob for bringing these teachings to light.

[Cheri Flake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that illustrates truth. It is sometimes goofy but still...truth. It is simplified and again, truth. It uses mala as a way to connect with truth. If you want the truth and you don’t have it yet, or know someone that could use a nice dose of the truth, pick this one up. This book was a gift from one of my favorite people so I am going to give it as a gift now. I am about to pull into the train station in Roma. I am sitting next to a friar. We are on our way back from Assisi. It seems natural to just leave it here...in my seat...for someone else...right?

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the story very engaging and had trouble putting the book down until I had read the last page. I have looked back through to pull my favorite points for contemplation and journalling. Being fiction, it was an enjoyable story as well as gently imparting lessons. This book is not too "woo-woo," for me, LOL.

[Rachel0729 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Parts of it I liked, but was not into all of the God stuff. If it wasn't a book club book and wasn't such an easy read, I would have put it down sooner. Writing style is on a 5th grade level which didn't help.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book and I loved it. It was a bit short however the story was being told and I was learning about positivity and affirmations the entire time.

[Troy Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short read. It has more cheese than a Mexican soap opera, but it gets the point across. I am certainly more versed in manifestation after reading it. I will likely read it again.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming fiction doubles as a guidebook for personal growth through intention. Clear instruction led to the dialogue sounding fairly contrived, but on the whole, I found the story to be entertaining and endearing. It’s an easy read that I completed in a single afternoon, and I finished feeling uplifted and inspired despite my resolute belief that the Law of Attraction (“manifesting” external events via intention) is New Age nonsense.

Olson’s message, which also includes spirit guides, divine plans, and a personal afterlife of some kind, manages to be tolerable because he heavily emphasizes the most credible aspect of New Thought: the power of positive thinking. Modern science and philosophers converge on this point: our experience truly is what we make of it, and when we change our thinking, we change our personal world. That alone is a powerful truth, and in my opinion, no further magic is required.

Why are Olson and his ilk so tempted to take this further and claim powers over the external world? When we do, it leads to all kinds of ridiculous fears about our negative thoughts causing negative events. For this reason, New Agers flee from negative thoughts and “negative people” like they’re a catchy disease (as so clearly exemplified in the novel). Fleeing from negativity only feeds it. For true healing, we must acknowledge our thoughts without judgment, diving deep within to challenge the subconscious beliefs underneath. And when our brother is stuck in his own ruminative cycle, instead of shunning him (which is likely to make his day worse), how much more loving would it be to attempt some inspiration!

Regardless, Olson’s description of the mala practice is the best I’ve ever heard. Discarding all the bits about manifesting external events, I followed along in my mind, sliding imaginary beads as I repeated my gratitude for my many blessings. That exercise had a visceral impact, and I do intend to repeat it with specific goals in mind, not because it will change the world around me, but because it has the power to shape ME. I just purchased my first set of mala beads. Thank you Bob.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't the type of book I would normally choose, but my boyfriend's mom got it for me for Christmas, so I felt obligated to read it.

Pros: It made me take a critical look at what I am thinking and talking about every day. If positive people are happier people (which I think they are), then it's important and beneficial to mindfully practice positivity. This book was a good reminder of that.

Cons: It was SO. CHEESY. From the plot to the dialogue, this is just not a well written book. Period. Also, some of the concepts in the book contradict each other, and the explanations are weak.

Overall, I have no desire to read any more on the subject, but you never know what she'll get me next year.

[Carna Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book quite quickly, it was a simple read written in a fiction way but introducing quite in depth concepts of manifestation and metaphysics and answering many of the sceptical questions people have about these topics in an uncomplicated way through the lives of the characters.

I enjoyed it and it piqued my interest to explore this further. I teach mala making and meditation and it taught me new ways to consider how we use them and the way we might misunderstand the power of things.

thought provoking.

[Bookerina Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic mala reminded me of The Alchemist and The Celestine Prophecy. It had a dreamy feel to it. I think it is a book that should be read a few times with a highlighter in the hand. Keep in mind that studies in metaphysics have proven that manifestation is real and that our only limitations are our brains. I will surely keep on practicing.
https://bookerina.com/the-magic-mala-...

[Kristin Abbate Reim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did this as an audible book for our summer road trips. Now I want to buy it to keep as a reference for myself. This book has inspired me to slow down and take control of life when it gets chaotic. I’ve been inspired to look into methods of mindfulness and meditation in my own life and even in my classroom.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written so that even those who are young and those who may not be elevated readers may enjoy it and learn from its wisdom. This book has changed my life. It taught me about taking the negative in my life to the curb and allowing the positive to shine in instead. Positive things have started happening in my life just like the characters in the book. I truly enjoyed this book.

[Lauren Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read and a simple introduction to concepts like manifestation/law of attraction, intuition, intention setting, gratitude practice, meditation, and visualization. Writing style is not that great, pretty simple and often cliche, but perhaps more accessible and easier to read than some non fiction works on the subject. A good, basic overview.

[Anna Rude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best writing style, a bit simplistic. That being said, if you are interested in Law of Attraction, meditation, the metaphysical you should definitely read this book. It's a wonderful and simple explanation in the form of a story.

[Riobhcah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give five stars for the message of this book and two for the writing. The idea that you create energy - and that one attracts this energy is something I have believed for a long time, but the quality of writing in this book is so awful. What else can one say.

[Angela Bethell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Universal knowledge the World needs!

This book has helped me to remember what I had been taught earlier in my life. Since my husbands passing 6years ago I 've been Spiritually and emotionally dead. Thank you Universe for Bob Olson and bringing his book into my life!