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My Own Magic: A Reappearing Act
Despite what appeared to be a glamorous existence full of globetrotting adventures, behind the scenes, Anna Kloots felt invisible in her own life. Consumed by a marriage that left no space for her own desires, she chose to reframe the failure of her marriage as an opportunity to begin again. Now, for every woman searching for her voice, Anna shares her story of starting over by trusting the magic that was always within.
It was Anna Kloots’s innate sense of adventure and love for the unknown that led her to move abroad, travel to eighty countries around the world, start a business, and marry a magician, all before her midtwenties. From the outside, her jet-setting lifestyle alongside her husband looked perfect. But as she explored deeper, and let each destination challenge, change, and shape her, Anna began to realize that perfection was just another illusion.
Though she appeared to have all the freedom in the world, in reality, she was trapped inside a box, slowly disappearing. When her marriage ended, Anna decided to use her unhappy ending as a chance for a new beginning.
Following Anna’s extensive travels from the bustling streets of Jaipur to the canals of Venice to the desert of Dubai, My Own Magic is a true, coming-of-age story about a woman rediscovering the magic that was always inside her. Anna’s memoir is proof that travel can transform you, inspire you, and even save you.
It was Anna Kloots’s innate sense of adventure and love for the unknown that led her to move abroad, travel to eighty countries around the world, start a business, and marry a magician, all before her midtwenties. From the outside, her jet-setting lifestyle alongside her husband looked perfect. But as she explored deeper, and let each destination challenge, change, and shape her, Anna began to realize that perfection was just another illusion.
Though she appeared to have all the freedom in the world, in reality, she was trapped inside a box, slowly disappearing. When her marriage ended, Anna decided to use her unhappy ending as a chance for a new beginning.
Following Anna’s extensive travels from the bustling streets of Jaipur to the canals of Venice to the desert of Dubai, My Own Magic is a true, coming-of-age story about a woman rediscovering the magic that was always inside her. Anna’s memoir is proof that travel can transform you, inspire you, and even save you.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 16, 2023
255 people are currently reading
3560 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
May 18, 2023
Sounds about white. Kloots lives in a fantasy world of false idealization and romanticization. Her story is woefully unrelatable, unattainable, and felt like the facade of an Instagram influencer’s profile translated on paper. The book left me pining for authenticity, struggle, and inner conflict, but the toxic positivity clouded any shred of authenticity this book, and the story of her divorce, could have to offer.
May 28, 2023
I wanted to like this, I really did. Eat, Pray, Love meets Carrie Bradshaw which might sound ok in some ways but this was less interesting and the writing just isn’t as good.
The common thread between Eat, Pray, Love; Sex & the City and My Own Magic is pretty white women having privilege and opportunities that many don’t have. Anna was once asked on social media what her relationship was with her privilege and she gave a defensive answer saying that she worked for everything she has and her parents don’t give her any money. But they did pay for her college. Someone who doesn’t understand the fact that having an education without debt who is able to travel the world and jump on a plane (seemingly without a second thought about accessibility or true financial stress). Anna is also graced with thin, blonde beauty which is also a privilege (pretty privilege). while I don’t blame Anna for things that she was borne with, I do wish she understood her own privilege and understood how incredibly difficult it is for most people in this world to do the things she does.
She attempted to write a profound book about a break-up and finding self worth… great. It’s just that it’s been done many times, and it’s been done a lot better.
The common thread between Eat, Pray, Love; Sex & the City and My Own Magic is pretty white women having privilege and opportunities that many don’t have. Anna was once asked on social media what her relationship was with her privilege and she gave a defensive answer saying that she worked for everything she has and her parents don’t give her any money. But they did pay for her college. Someone who doesn’t understand the fact that having an education without debt who is able to travel the world and jump on a plane (seemingly without a second thought about accessibility or true financial stress). Anna is also graced with thin, blonde beauty which is also a privilege (pretty privilege). while I don’t blame Anna for things that she was borne with, I do wish she understood her own privilege and understood how incredibly difficult it is for most people in this world to do the things she does.
She attempted to write a profound book about a break-up and finding self worth… great. It’s just that it’s been done many times, and it’s been done a lot better.
May 31, 2023
This book reeks of desperation and white privilege. An absolutely excruciating read. Gonna be a return for me 🤡
**Editing to provide additional context: It has come to my attention that Kloots (the author, a social media "influencer" with approximately 260k Instagram followers) has requested that her followers leave Goodreads reviews for this book. It is possible that this publicity is aimed to purposively skew the poor rating (right now, average of 3.08) displayed on this site. This action is just one way that yet another white woman with excess social and financial capital is using her privilege to "manifest" her future.
**Editing to provide additional context: It has come to my attention that Kloots (the author, a social media "influencer" with approximately 260k Instagram followers) has requested that her followers leave Goodreads reviews for this book. It is possible that this publicity is aimed to purposively skew the poor rating (right now, average of 3.08) displayed on this site. This action is just one way that yet another white woman with excess social and financial capital is using her privilege to "manifest" her future.
May 21, 2023
This was truly a HUGE waste of my time and a big mistake purchase on my part. All of the reviews here stating that this book is about an INSANE amount of privilege are 100% accurate.
This book, like Amanda’s, should have never been published and in true shameful fashion, this book has only come to be because of the attention that was brought to these two phony’s due to a tragic death of their family member. Very, very sad - getting my money back on this one.
This book, like Amanda’s, should have never been published and in true shameful fashion, this book has only come to be because of the attention that was brought to these two phony’s due to a tragic death of their family member. Very, very sad - getting my money back on this one.
May 24, 2023
I just finished this book and can't believe there are so many low ratings and negative comments. Like many people, I first learned of Anna during Covid when she was lending support to her sister Amanda while Nick was hospitalized. I don't typically read memoirs by people I know nothing about, so I find it interesting that so many readers seem surprised by Anna's optimism, romanticism, and overall lust for life. If you've glanced at her Instagram account even one time, and liked it enough to read this book, then I truly don't understand the disconnect. The persona we see there is exactly what's conveyed here. However, if you didn't know who she was and just randomly read this, I guess I can understand where you're coming from, but question why you would've tackled it in the first place. I can be a foul-mouthed, sarcastic, twatapotamus, and can't personally relate to her family's all American, squeaky clean, kumbaye dynamic, but I do think it's genuine, which I guess is why it doesn't repel me. And above everything else, the way the family seem to all love and support each other is very touching. Coming from such a solid family foundation has put her in a place of privilege, but it doesn't negate the fact her heart got broken and that she had to rebuild her life, even if she had some support doing so.
I guess what I'm saying is this...if you follow Anna regularly, and like her account, you will likely enjoy this book. If you don't follow her, I suggest you check out her account first to determine if that brand of positivity is appealing to you. But again, even as someone who doesn't look at life as all rainbows and glitter, I still really enjoyed this, and thought it was well written. My biggest gripe was that she didn't use the same adjectives to describe her ex as the ones I was using in my head.
I guess what I'm saying is this...if you follow Anna regularly, and like her account, you will likely enjoy this book. If you don't follow her, I suggest you check out her account first to determine if that brand of positivity is appealing to you. But again, even as someone who doesn't look at life as all rainbows and glitter, I still really enjoyed this, and thought it was well written. My biggest gripe was that she didn't use the same adjectives to describe her ex as the ones I was using in my head.
May 21, 2023
There is nothing “magical” about this book. This is the monologue of a 30-something narcissistic, self-confessed “Disney princess wannabe” who claims to be “authentic” and “inspiring” but is actually anything but.
I tried giving this book an honest chance and waited for the inspiring part to come in but it never happened. Kloots’ favorite word is “me,” only there isn’t any kind of authentic self-reflection or valuable lesson to be found in any of the book’s pages. What you will find is a lot of complaining. It’s hard to relate to the author because she comes across as an immature, self-centered, whiny brat who thinks that, among many other things, anyone can just pick up their lives and move to another continent after a failed marriage. Can we say privileged much? Oh, and the “magic?” There’s no magic (despite her overuse of the word) just a lot of money coming from her parents, it seems, because she never explains how she was able to finance her travels or move to a pricey apartment in a luxurious area in Paris. She thinks she’s relatable but on the contrary, she comes across as extremely off-putting.
To make matters worse, this book is so poorly-written, it’s actually laughable. Kloots claims to be a writer but she is certainly not. I’ve read better essays by middle-school students than this. How this book actually came to be accepted for publication is beyond my comprehension.
A good friend gave this book to me as a gift after she read the “editorial reviews” on Amazon. I couldn’t believe that so-called “industry experts” would actually think so highly of this book after reading it myself. Then I did some research and discovered that these “editorial reviews” have absolutely no credibility since they’re written by Kloots’ friends - fellow influencers and D-list actors - who of course would use their influence to try to boost Kloots’ book sales.
If you’re looking for a well-written, inspiring read, this is definitely not it. Save your money and time and look elsewhere. Don’t make the same mistake my friend did. I actually don’t even know what to do with this book as I wouldn’t even gift it or donate it to anyone as doing so would mean making them go through this torment. It’s really that bad. I can’t throw it away for environmental reasons so straight to the recycling bin it will go.
I tried giving this book an honest chance and waited for the inspiring part to come in but it never happened. Kloots’ favorite word is “me,” only there isn’t any kind of authentic self-reflection or valuable lesson to be found in any of the book’s pages. What you will find is a lot of complaining. It’s hard to relate to the author because she comes across as an immature, self-centered, whiny brat who thinks that, among many other things, anyone can just pick up their lives and move to another continent after a failed marriage. Can we say privileged much? Oh, and the “magic?” There’s no magic (despite her overuse of the word) just a lot of money coming from her parents, it seems, because she never explains how she was able to finance her travels or move to a pricey apartment in a luxurious area in Paris. She thinks she’s relatable but on the contrary, she comes across as extremely off-putting.
To make matters worse, this book is so poorly-written, it’s actually laughable. Kloots claims to be a writer but she is certainly not. I’ve read better essays by middle-school students than this. How this book actually came to be accepted for publication is beyond my comprehension.
A good friend gave this book to me as a gift after she read the “editorial reviews” on Amazon. I couldn’t believe that so-called “industry experts” would actually think so highly of this book after reading it myself. Then I did some research and discovered that these “editorial reviews” have absolutely no credibility since they’re written by Kloots’ friends - fellow influencers and D-list actors - who of course would use their influence to try to boost Kloots’ book sales.
If you’re looking for a well-written, inspiring read, this is definitely not it. Save your money and time and look elsewhere. Don’t make the same mistake my friend did. I actually don’t even know what to do with this book as I wouldn’t even gift it or donate it to anyone as doing so would mean making them go through this torment. It’s really that bad. I can’t throw it away for environmental reasons so straight to the recycling bin it will go.
May 22, 2023
To give you an idea of the level of massive privilege at play here—the author never once asked her husband how much money was in their joint account. Not once. This is someone used to having money, and plenty of it, at her disposal at all times.
The fact that this book exists at all is an example of privilege. It’s poorly written and offers nothing that the average reader can use as any kind of inspiration or how to guide. It reads like the personal journals of the author. If the author did not have name recognition due to a family pandemic tragedy, this book wouldn’t exist. I feel badly for talented writers who will never have the chance to get a book published and yet something like this is on the shelves.
The fact that this book exists at all is an example of privilege. It’s poorly written and offers nothing that the average reader can use as any kind of inspiration or how to guide. It reads like the personal journals of the author. If the author did not have name recognition due to a family pandemic tragedy, this book wouldn’t exist. I feel badly for talented writers who will never have the chance to get a book published and yet something like this is on the shelves.
July 16, 2023
I feel bad. Because she honestly sounds like a nice person. But the prose is immature, passive aggressive, and just not good writing. I'm not really sure how this book got published, and who the publisher thought would relate to this? Maybe for a young adult audience? With chearleadery chapter after chapter with cliché after cliché. Yikes. I was kind of embarrassed for her at points. She just comes off whiney and entitled. I'm not really sure what adult would want to read about this? Who would get insight or depth from her idealized and fluffy ideas about rainbows, glitter, and magic as a practical approach to living real life? It reads like a young tweens cute little journal. Which ironically is where she pulled a lot of material from for this book. It's just so cringeworthy without any self awareness about her privilege, and her utter lack of depth or maturity. A light short story-esque anecdotal project that seems more like a middle school writing project than an actual published book. As the spoiled petulant baby of the family she just cannot shake the need to be coddled and adored. The amount of tears, whining, and emotional drama she admits to bringing into her marriage stressed me out. He seemed steady, even tempered, and appeared to carry the full load of all the adult responsibilities in their partnership. I simply cannot relate to somebody who never bothered know the balance and inner workings of their joint finances. Her love for Paris is super clichè and touristy. I can not imagine what locals think of this loud American dancing through the streets or sitting on her lap top in cafes writing her book. That's such a taboo for the French! She brought her French boyfriend on her book tour about her OWN magic? And then she ACTUALLY said she couldn't have done it without him! Isn't that the exact opposite of this book? Just not relatable at all.
July 12, 2023
I wasn't going to write a review because I really like AKloots but was bothered by something she put in her IG stories. She said at the end of her book tour that she won't read all the negative reviews by "bullies" on here. I've been a goodreads user for 8 years and truly believe this a good community. I come here to read reviews after I read a book to pick up the nuggets I missed in books. The reviewers on here are so much smarter than me and give much better evaluations of books than I ever could and I learn so much more about the book by reading the reviews afterwards.
What I noticed is that during her book tour her book was only filled with 1 star reviews, and that has to be only the people that pre-ordered the book. The people that pre-order an influencer's book are people that follow and like her. The reason this book got so many negative reviews is that she didn't actually advertise accurately what this book was going to be and we ALL mistakenly assumed it was going to be an Eat Pray Love travel adventure story. It's not, the WHOLE book is about her divorce and the vast majority of us don't care about the nitty gritty of her marriage problems.
I thought the book would have one paragraph about her marriage, or at most one chapter. I remember during the pandemic she read sad passages from the book so I figured maybe those would be flash back stories throw in throughout. And with all the delays with her book, maybe the publisher scrapped most of it. I didn't know this book would follow her diary entries of all her problems with her husband, that's just not interesting to people. I can only imagine what Jay thinks having a whole book dedicated to him. Notice AKloots only says what's wrong with him but never tells us what he found wrong with her.
We all follow her on instagram for her travel content and thought this book would be filled with interesting travel stories and only travel stories after all she's been to 80 countries. I've read all the reviews here, and the way to grow as a person, especially since AKloots said she's writing a second book on her life starting in Paris, is to read the feedback on your book so you can make the next book better.
What I noticed is that during her book tour her book was only filled with 1 star reviews, and that has to be only the people that pre-ordered the book. The people that pre-order an influencer's book are people that follow and like her. The reason this book got so many negative reviews is that she didn't actually advertise accurately what this book was going to be and we ALL mistakenly assumed it was going to be an Eat Pray Love travel adventure story. It's not, the WHOLE book is about her divorce and the vast majority of us don't care about the nitty gritty of her marriage problems.
I thought the book would have one paragraph about her marriage, or at most one chapter. I remember during the pandemic she read sad passages from the book so I figured maybe those would be flash back stories throw in throughout. And with all the delays with her book, maybe the publisher scrapped most of it. I didn't know this book would follow her diary entries of all her problems with her husband, that's just not interesting to people. I can only imagine what Jay thinks having a whole book dedicated to him. Notice AKloots only says what's wrong with him but never tells us what he found wrong with her.
We all follow her on instagram for her travel content and thought this book would be filled with interesting travel stories and only travel stories after all she's been to 80 countries. I've read all the reviews here, and the way to grow as a person, especially since AKloots said she's writing a second book on her life starting in Paris, is to read the feedback on your book so you can make the next book better.
May 21, 2023
I started as a fan of Anna’s on Instagram, I loved her creative photos and abundance of curated travel content. I am recently divorced and recently moved to Europe so I recognized a connection. But after listening to the audiobook, I today unfollowed. She complains about not having pumpkin pie in London for THANKSGIVING (spoiler, she literally cries at a party because of it.) She cosplays Lady Antebellum for fun. Billionaire cruises laughing at their politically incorrect jokes… she’s got a vibe and it belongs in the past. If you have ever wondered how the truly ignorant and privileged get to experience life, than this is your book. Otherwise I think it could have been summarized in a blog. Also the fancy book tour is quite strange for how little substance this book has to offer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
Oh dear!
Like most, I started following Amanda to lend support when Nick was in hospital. Would see Anna on some of these videos and admired her for giving up her life to come support her sister. But it looks like she has been well rewarded for that!
The book is just so odd. Its like reading a boring diary. I dont understand why she got this deal and how the book made the final cut?
Also, all these claims that she was born to do all this travelling are so untrue! Google her ex husband (who must be laughing so much) and it was HIM who was doing all the travelling and she then went along with him to over 70 of these places. She has fabricated so much.
Her book - I had to keep skimming and in the end I decided I am sending it back as wouldnt even give to a friend.
All this "I love my mummy and daddy" is just far too much. I read that she had been smooching and big time kissing with her Swann BF at one of the book signings and so went onto her social media and she herself has posted that up! I cant see JK Rowling ever posting up videos online of her snogging her toyboy lmao! So so weird and cringeworthy.
I think that to summarise, Anna has absolutely jumped on the Nick bandwagon and like her sister has massively benefited financially by his death and its shameless, just shameless.
Anna didnt even attend his funeral nor did the sisters go to Nicks mothers funeral which was very recent - instead both were on holiday no doubt from the funds of the GoFundMe that brought her over $1million.
Dont waste your time!
Like most, I started following Amanda to lend support when Nick was in hospital. Would see Anna on some of these videos and admired her for giving up her life to come support her sister. But it looks like she has been well rewarded for that!
The book is just so odd. Its like reading a boring diary. I dont understand why she got this deal and how the book made the final cut?
Also, all these claims that she was born to do all this travelling are so untrue! Google her ex husband (who must be laughing so much) and it was HIM who was doing all the travelling and she then went along with him to over 70 of these places. She has fabricated so much.
Her book - I had to keep skimming and in the end I decided I am sending it back as wouldnt even give to a friend.
All this "I love my mummy and daddy" is just far too much. I read that she had been smooching and big time kissing with her Swann BF at one of the book signings and so went onto her social media and she herself has posted that up! I cant see JK Rowling ever posting up videos online of her snogging her toyboy lmao! So so weird and cringeworthy.
I think that to summarise, Anna has absolutely jumped on the Nick bandwagon and like her sister has massively benefited financially by his death and its shameless, just shameless.
Anna didnt even attend his funeral nor did the sisters go to Nicks mothers funeral which was very recent - instead both were on holiday no doubt from the funds of the GoFundMe that brought her over $1million.
Dont waste your time!
May 21, 2023
This book was moving. I’ve followed Anna on instagram since April 2020. Amanda too. I’ve read criticisms of ‘white privilege’ but to me, those people have missed the point. The book isn’t so much about material belongings or expensive trips, it’s about losing and finding yourself. It’s about believing in yourself. Facing your fears. And I loved it. I listened on audible so I heard it in Anna’s voice.
May 27, 2023
This book was one long complaint, without any accountability for Kloots’ own choices and actions. I applaud anyone who wants to become a writer, but one cannot simply call themself a writer - a lot more work is involved. This book was definitely one I judged by the cover, which to me was the best part. Save your time and money and skip this one.
May 22, 2023
Narcissism in written form.
May 22, 2023
Awwww Mamma Mia!
What a load of boring rubbish this is.
What a waste of money.
What a waste of my time.
The Shameful Sisters need to stop with this.
Cant believe I believed the hype but now I am reading other reviews it appears that others are feeling the same!
What a load of boring rubbish this is.
What a waste of money.
What a waste of my time.
The Shameful Sisters need to stop with this.
Cant believe I believed the hype but now I am reading other reviews it appears that others are feeling the same!
May 31, 2023
Listen. I read the scathing Goodreads reviews. I was fully prepared to roll my eyes all the way through this book.
But.
I found it to be delightful, warm, entertaining, sincere, and insightful. I listened to the audio version and was struck by the emotion in Anna’s voice all the way through. This is the story of someone who — while yes, is privileged in many ways — felt real pain and heartache, who tried to see herself objectively and honestly, even if it painted her in an unflattering light, and who wrestled through a lot to get to a place of fulfillment. I really enjoyed reading about her travels and loved her joie de vivre over the smallest and biggest things. I don’t know, guys — I know this book isn’t for everyone and I’m not sure I would recommend it to EVERYone, but for me? It worked. I loved it. Bravo, Anna.
But.
I found it to be delightful, warm, entertaining, sincere, and insightful. I listened to the audio version and was struck by the emotion in Anna’s voice all the way through. This is the story of someone who — while yes, is privileged in many ways — felt real pain and heartache, who tried to see herself objectively and honestly, even if it painted her in an unflattering light, and who wrestled through a lot to get to a place of fulfillment. I really enjoyed reading about her travels and loved her joie de vivre over the smallest and biggest things. I don’t know, guys — I know this book isn’t for everyone and I’m not sure I would recommend it to EVERYone, but for me? It worked. I loved it. Bravo, Anna.
May 30, 2023
I’m bummed about this book. I was afraid it was going to be IG influencer level depth and unfortunately that is where it landed for me. I have a lot of respect for anyone brave enough to tell their story in a public format and art is subjective so kudos to Anna for putting herself out there.
For me there were so many missed opportunities for depth, and I do acknowledge that the pain was deep for Anna herself. It just didn’t land out here for me in a way that had me feel anything until the very last chapter when she talked about her experience in Covid and losing her brother in law. Otherwise it felt more adolescent, like a travel journal reporting what was done that day. There was so much white woman innocence that ultimately felt boring and bland and so sheltered from a world outside of her privileged upbringing.
It’s a bummer. I enjoy Anna’s IG account and I love magic and signs and reflecting on a life that was pointing me in a direction I wasn’t so aware of at the time. (I listened to the audiobook from the library).
For me there were so many missed opportunities for depth, and I do acknowledge that the pain was deep for Anna herself. It just didn’t land out here for me in a way that had me feel anything until the very last chapter when she talked about her experience in Covid and losing her brother in law. Otherwise it felt more adolescent, like a travel journal reporting what was done that day. There was so much white woman innocence that ultimately felt boring and bland and so sheltered from a world outside of her privileged upbringing.
It’s a bummer. I enjoy Anna’s IG account and I love magic and signs and reflecting on a life that was pointing me in a direction I wasn’t so aware of at the time. (I listened to the audiobook from the library).
May 27, 2023
This book had so much promise! But, it read like a cathartic post mortem of her unraveled marriage. Like a diary of sorts. An abbreviated overview of their marriage (sooo much detail 😵💫) and far more focus on how she rediscovered herself when it was over, would seem to fulfill the expectation that Anna set up for her readers. Seems a missed opportunity to really help women who are struggling in their relationships and in reimagining themselves after a difficult time by providing more tools and strategies for moving forward.
June 28, 2023
Missed the mark for me. I had really been looking forward to this and was even a follower and big fan of Anna’s. Borrow rather than buy, if you’re inclined to read.
May 21, 2023
I did not enjoy this book.
November 8, 2023
Nepo baby gets divorced. Hard read.
June 19, 2023
I was excited for this book. I divorced in my late 20’s and also had to rebuild my life and what I imagined it would be. I love to read and thoroughly enjoy an inspiring memoir.
What was disappointing to start was the writing. I am not a fan of one star reviews because someone did put their time into this but I also think of the tremendous amount of aspiring writers out there trying to get their work published. Let’s be honest this book was published due to her sister.
The writing is trying so hard to paint the most amazing, the most incredible, the most beautiful everything. That’s not life. That’s not even having a positive outlook. That’s the BS Disney has been feeding us since we were little girls. This felt like a teenage girl’s journal at times and others times like this parody reels of influencers you see on IG.
Everyone has said it but this book reeks of privilege and I think if she had owned one sliver of it these reviews would not be so harsh. Starting over in another country is not a viable path for 99% of us and pretending as if it is while your father is bankrolling it feels like she lacks total self-awareness.
Self-reflection after divorce takes real work. It humbles you and makes you own your part as well. I didn’t see that introspection at all and I kept hoping for it.
One thing as I neared the end of the book I wondered is her current relationship feels like a role reversal of her former one. She is the one jet setting all over the world often leaving for weeks/months at a time. Her life is now not conducive to all the things she wanted when with him house, kids etc. I wonder if she has considered how her current boyfriend feels about all of this as her ex clearly did not think of how it impacted her.
What was disappointing to start was the writing. I am not a fan of one star reviews because someone did put their time into this but I also think of the tremendous amount of aspiring writers out there trying to get their work published. Let’s be honest this book was published due to her sister.
The writing is trying so hard to paint the most amazing, the most incredible, the most beautiful everything. That’s not life. That’s not even having a positive outlook. That’s the BS Disney has been feeding us since we were little girls. This felt like a teenage girl’s journal at times and others times like this parody reels of influencers you see on IG.
Everyone has said it but this book reeks of privilege and I think if she had owned one sliver of it these reviews would not be so harsh. Starting over in another country is not a viable path for 99% of us and pretending as if it is while your father is bankrolling it feels like she lacks total self-awareness.
Self-reflection after divorce takes real work. It humbles you and makes you own your part as well. I didn’t see that introspection at all and I kept hoping for it.
One thing as I neared the end of the book I wondered is her current relationship feels like a role reversal of her former one. She is the one jet setting all over the world often leaving for weeks/months at a time. Her life is now not conducive to all the things she wanted when with him house, kids etc. I wonder if she has considered how her current boyfriend feels about all of this as her ex clearly did not think of how it impacted her.
June 5, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading My Own Magic as I’ve known about Anna since she was a travel blogger. I think travel is extremely impactful to Anna, and her writing shines when she is describing what those adventures have meant to her. I was definitely looking forward to hearing how she rebuilt her life after being blindsided with a divorce, but unfortunately most of this book was about her marriage before divorce, and ended up feeling like a bit of a “burn book” about her ex-husband.
I wish there had been so much more about her travel adventures, because I really loved the parts I read. Perhaps Anna could not separate the travel experiences from her marriage because she did much of it with her husband… which is sad because I felt she clearly had some interesting things to say about how travel can positively impact a person. But much of that was overshadowed by her and her husband's toxic relationship.
If you’re looking for a large helping of relationship drama, a generous splash of positivity, some travel and adventure, and a few lessons about having your own independence - (most importantly: financial) - this one may be worth picking up. If you’re looking for something profound and life changing, you may be disappointed.
I wish there had been so much more about her travel adventures, because I really loved the parts I read. Perhaps Anna could not separate the travel experiences from her marriage because she did much of it with her husband… which is sad because I felt she clearly had some interesting things to say about how travel can positively impact a person. But much of that was overshadowed by her and her husband's toxic relationship.
If you’re looking for a large helping of relationship drama, a generous splash of positivity, some travel and adventure, and a few lessons about having your own independence - (most importantly: financial) - this one may be worth picking up. If you’re looking for something profound and life changing, you may be disappointed.
August 15, 2023
this could have been an email.
July 17, 2023
2.8 stars
This book was difficult to rate. As a woman of color from a poverty background, I can definitely see how the author comes off as privileged spoiled and unrealistic. The travel, the
Ability to create content, the family money to fall back on, etc etc. This isn’t the case for most women. Now, no one can change the fact that the author is a thin pretty blonde white woman. Some of these passages were full of privilege. The story jumped from year 2019 back to 2017 with different stages of her life being described. It definitely sounded more like a diary/journal entry. The life she is describing sounds unattainable to people who’ve not had their college education paid for let alone a college education.
However, the reason the rating wasn’t 1 star is because the author did go through a painful experience. Again, this is in no way to defend all of the privilege she has. I am well aware of that. Being invisible is something that some of us are currently going through or have gone through. It’s painful to KNOW deep down that you aren’t seen by the person you love and are married to. I’ve seen many reviews saying she should just be grateful, there were no kids involved, she didn’t have to “work” etc etc. While yes, she should be grateful for being able to see the world and explore places most of dream of; it was clear that the slow process of growing apart was simply painful. The realization that she wanted more for herself was evident. The need to not be a passenger or to be taken for granted. Many women every single day go unseen and unheard. The cutesy descriptions and annoying Disney princess references were NOT what I got hung on even though they were smattered all the over; very annoying. It’s coming to the conclusion that you’ve made yourself so small that you can’t even see or recognize yourself. This isn’t a “she should know better” issue. This happens or has happened to so many people. The desperation in trying to fix yourself as if YOU are the only problem and never the other person. She spoke about how divorce is still a stigma and the INTERNAL shame that comes with it. That’s what I CAN appreciate from this book. I know that there’s 3 sides to a story Hers, her ex husbands & the truth. This is just her telling her side.
There is definitely some toxic positivity here. Sometimes things don’t get better and hey that’s life too. I’ve definitely come across people in my lifetime who just have a positive outlook ;glass half full folks. I don’t know the author personally but it could just be who she is🤷🏻♀️. I can’t say for sure of course.
I get it , she’s seen 82 or 83 countries, speaks bad French, twirls in public, cries a ton, believes in fairy tales, parents are there to back her up financially etc etc. I know this pick up and go life doesn’t happen to women like me who aren’t blonde or thin or come from a wholesome Christian family. I do however understand those feelings that one has to suppress. The need to SCREAM. The feeling of trying 5o keep it together while your relationship is crumbling. I’d love to hear more realistic stories like this from POC authors who are not Influencers and who managed to forge their own paths after divorce/long term relationship endings.
I wanted to give this book a chance and it just wasn’t fully for me. I’m hoping at some point the author recognizes her privilege and it shows in her next book.
This book was difficult to rate. As a woman of color from a poverty background, I can definitely see how the author comes off as privileged spoiled and unrealistic. The travel, the
Ability to create content, the family money to fall back on, etc etc. This isn’t the case for most women. Now, no one can change the fact that the author is a thin pretty blonde white woman. Some of these passages were full of privilege. The story jumped from year 2019 back to 2017 with different stages of her life being described. It definitely sounded more like a diary/journal entry. The life she is describing sounds unattainable to people who’ve not had their college education paid for let alone a college education.
However, the reason the rating wasn’t 1 star is because the author did go through a painful experience. Again, this is in no way to defend all of the privilege she has. I am well aware of that. Being invisible is something that some of us are currently going through or have gone through. It’s painful to KNOW deep down that you aren’t seen by the person you love and are married to. I’ve seen many reviews saying she should just be grateful, there were no kids involved, she didn’t have to “work” etc etc. While yes, she should be grateful for being able to see the world and explore places most of dream of; it was clear that the slow process of growing apart was simply painful. The realization that she wanted more for herself was evident. The need to not be a passenger or to be taken for granted. Many women every single day go unseen and unheard. The cutesy descriptions and annoying Disney princess references were NOT what I got hung on even though they were smattered all the over; very annoying. It’s coming to the conclusion that you’ve made yourself so small that you can’t even see or recognize yourself. This isn’t a “she should know better” issue. This happens or has happened to so many people. The desperation in trying to fix yourself as if YOU are the only problem and never the other person. She spoke about how divorce is still a stigma and the INTERNAL shame that comes with it. That’s what I CAN appreciate from this book. I know that there’s 3 sides to a story Hers, her ex husbands & the truth. This is just her telling her side.
There is definitely some toxic positivity here. Sometimes things don’t get better and hey that’s life too. I’ve definitely come across people in my lifetime who just have a positive outlook ;glass half full folks. I don’t know the author personally but it could just be who she is🤷🏻♀️. I can’t say for sure of course.
I get it , she’s seen 82 or 83 countries, speaks bad French, twirls in public, cries a ton, believes in fairy tales, parents are there to back her up financially etc etc. I know this pick up and go life doesn’t happen to women like me who aren’t blonde or thin or come from a wholesome Christian family. I do however understand those feelings that one has to suppress. The need to SCREAM. The feeling of trying 5o keep it together while your relationship is crumbling. I’d love to hear more realistic stories like this from POC authors who are not Influencers and who managed to forge their own paths after divorce/long term relationship endings.
I wanted to give this book a chance and it just wasn’t fully for me. I’m hoping at some point the author recognizes her privilege and it shows in her next book.
June 3, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did! I have followed the Kloots sisters since the pandemic. “Live Your Life” was a heart wrench yet beautiful book that bonded me to their story forever! They seem to have such an amazing family and radiate so much positivity! This book came across a little whiny! I wish she would have compacted her previous marriage and divorce into a section of the book and highlighted more of the amazing life she has created since.
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May 11, 2023Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
As I suspect will be the case for many readers, I was eager to read about Anna Kloots’s story because I follow her travels on Instagram. I actually discovered her account more recently, after the timeline of the book closes, so this story was entirely new to me, despite being a follower!
I expected this to be a story about being an expat in Paris, but instead I was struck by what an important case this memoir makes for women’s financial and creative independence during marriage, and for appreciating and nourishing love in all its forms in our lives. Anna’s friends and family are so wonderful! I looked forward to their appearances on the page the way I would a beloved supporting character in a work of fiction.
I loved reading about a different version of success and family than what we normally see, too. Moving around loads, including internationally, and having friends-turned-family all around the world? Sounds like the dream to me!
Also, the pink glitter exit? INCREDIBLE.
As I suspect will be the case for many readers, I was eager to read about Anna Kloots’s story because I follow her travels on Instagram. I actually discovered her account more recently, after the timeline of the book closes, so this story was entirely new to me, despite being a follower!
I expected this to be a story about being an expat in Paris, but instead I was struck by what an important case this memoir makes for women’s financial and creative independence during marriage, and for appreciating and nourishing love in all its forms in our lives. Anna’s friends and family are so wonderful! I looked forward to their appearances on the page the way I would a beloved supporting character in a work of fiction.
I loved reading about a different version of success and family than what we normally see, too. Moving around loads, including internationally, and having friends-turned-family all around the world? Sounds like the dream to me!
Also, the pink glitter exit? INCREDIBLE.
May 20, 2023
This is a memoir about how the author moved abroad, traveled to eighty countries around the world, started a business, and married a magician. When her marriage ended, she decided to start over. The author discusses how she picked up the pieces and found what made her powerful. It's a story about a woman discovering her own magic and that she could put herself first.
I related so deeply to the author's experience of starting over. This book is about that ten-year period of time we all have during our twenties when figuring out who we are and what we really want. We start asking ourselves the critical questions: who am I in this big world? What do I want? And where am I going? I loved reading about her travels, her fearless sense of adventure, and her desire to visit different countries around the world alone.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
I related so deeply to the author's experience of starting over. This book is about that ten-year period of time we all have during our twenties when figuring out who we are and what we really want. We start asking ourselves the critical questions: who am I in this big world? What do I want? And where am I going? I loved reading about her travels, her fearless sense of adventure, and her desire to visit different countries around the world alone.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
June 9, 2023
If you looked up ‘walking cliché’ in the dictionary, Anna’s photo would pop up! Anna, I know you read here even if you say you don’t: for the love of God get a new editor! Your spelling mistakes are driving us crazy!
This could have been such a powerful and relatable memoir of growth, but instead it’s just her complaining.
This could have been such a powerful and relatable memoir of growth, but instead it’s just her complaining.
May 24, 2023
LOVED this book and how it was written! Listened to Anna reading her own book and it was superb!! Met her on her book tour in Baltimore! Genuine and kind person! Wishing her continued success in life and with any future writings!!!
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