What do you think?
Rate this book
Letting Magic In: A Memoir of Becoming
From Maia Toll, the best-selling author of the Wild Wisdom series and The Night School, comes the enchanted story of her own magical awakening, a journey from Brooklyn to Ireland that will inspire readers to uncover their own inner magic.
"Toll focuses on her own winding path, one that will resonate with seekers." — People
What is the word for craving a relationship with the earth, plants, rocks, and stars? What do you call someone who finds their spirit sparked by these relationships; whose concept of the sacred is altered by the scent of jasmine in bloom or the deep indigo of a sky awaiting nightfall? We’re taught that doctors know our bodies and priests know our souls. But what if you’re a person seeking to understand both for yourself without an intermediary? What is the word for these feelings and the person we become when we honor them?
For writer Maia Toll, that word is magic . Magic points to something intrinsic to, and necessary for, the wholeness of the human spirit. It’s a marker for the gnawing craving for a connection which includes, but also stretches beyond, the human realm. The exploration of this word was part of her search for both personal empowerment and a sense of cosmic connectedness, the yin and yang of our lives. In Letting Magic In Maia shares the story of her own magical becoming—from the untimely death of a friend that leads her to abandon Brooklyn in favor of the small town of Beacon, NY, to taking a yearlong sabbatical of exploration, and finally to Ireland, where she studied under an herbalist and learned the true magic of listening to the earth itself.
This book is the story of one woman's becoming—the story of pushing past the boundaries of what once seemed possible to discover the extraordinary all around us. In it Maia shares how she learned to let magic in so she could live the life she longed for—one filled with curiosity, connection, and the deepest kind of inner knowing. In this soulfully written recollection—peppered throughout with magical learnings and rituals gathered along the way—Maia uncovers the things that change you in unexpected ways and guide you to become the person you never knew you wanted to be, but perhaps, always were.
This she could call magic .
And through Letting Magic In you will gain the courage and the wisdom to find your own.
"Toll focuses on her own winding path, one that will resonate with seekers." — People
What is the word for craving a relationship with the earth, plants, rocks, and stars? What do you call someone who finds their spirit sparked by these relationships; whose concept of the sacred is altered by the scent of jasmine in bloom or the deep indigo of a sky awaiting nightfall? We’re taught that doctors know our bodies and priests know our souls. But what if you’re a person seeking to understand both for yourself without an intermediary? What is the word for these feelings and the person we become when we honor them?
For writer Maia Toll, that word is magic . Magic points to something intrinsic to, and necessary for, the wholeness of the human spirit. It’s a marker for the gnawing craving for a connection which includes, but also stretches beyond, the human realm. The exploration of this word was part of her search for both personal empowerment and a sense of cosmic connectedness, the yin and yang of our lives. In Letting Magic In Maia shares the story of her own magical becoming—from the untimely death of a friend that leads her to abandon Brooklyn in favor of the small town of Beacon, NY, to taking a yearlong sabbatical of exploration, and finally to Ireland, where she studied under an herbalist and learned the true magic of listening to the earth itself.
This book is the story of one woman's becoming—the story of pushing past the boundaries of what once seemed possible to discover the extraordinary all around us. In it Maia shares how she learned to let magic in so she could live the life she longed for—one filled with curiosity, connection, and the deepest kind of inner knowing. In this soulfully written recollection—peppered throughout with magical learnings and rituals gathered along the way—Maia uncovers the things that change you in unexpected ways and guide you to become the person you never knew you wanted to be, but perhaps, always were.
This she could call magic .
And through Letting Magic In you will gain the courage and the wisdom to find your own.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 27, 2023
97 people are currently reading
5244 people want to read
About the author
Maia Toll
16 books342 followersMaia Toll is the award winning author of Letting Magic In, The Night School, and the Wild Wisdom Series (including The Illustrated Herbiary). After pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University, Maia apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. Maia maps new pathways for seeing our lives, inspiring those who encounter her work to live with more purpose, more intention, more meaning, and, maybe, even more magic. She is the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, PA and Asheville, NC where she lives with her partner, three ridiculously spoiled dogs, and her gorgeous rescue horse. You can find her online at maiatoll.com and writing on her Unkempt Substack at maiatoll.substack.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 26, 2023
I started this and would put it down numerous times, not returning to it for a while. I finally said to myself this is a short memoir and I need to see it through. I appreciate this freebie win from Goodreads but I had a difficult time relating to someone who was so lost, finding it so difficult to be an adult. She was nearly 30 years old but having difficulty maturing, finding purpose or a job that would satisfy eluded her, she was confused about her sexuality and seemed almost angry with her Jewish faith upbringing. She did not have an anchor until perhaps the end of the book. It appeared she came from a privileged background, traveled, had family, adequate education that led to a teaching job(s) but she was lost. I could understand the inspiration of finding magic in everyday living and learning to trust intuition which might actually be learning to decipher clues and logic but becoming for her seemed to be a real chore. It was painful to follow her struggle and resistance to accepting what she had.
December 7, 2023
This was an interesting memoir of a woman who wanted to cultivate magic but was turned off by anything that smacked of religion. From her earlier years discovering the magic that dwelt in fantasy stories, she sought to bring that feeling of the magical into real life. Born and raised in a Jewish family, she rejected the practice of a faith that she saw as rote, and felt hypocritical practicing traditional rituals she didn't believe in. Yet she was drawn to Celtic mysticism and eventually went to study with an herbalist in Ireland. She was on a quest for her true identity, feeling that her given name did not fit (Maia Toll is not her given name), nor that her background encompassed all that she felt she embodied. Her journey to that point involved her learning how to trust her intuition and the wisdom of her body. The text is sprinkled with short lessons from both traditional herbalism and earth magic, which is usually referred to as witchcraft. An example: To ground yourself, rub sage oil on the soles of your feet (replace with lavender if you have epilepsy or seizures). Stand barefoot. Stretch your arms overhead, reaching through the rib cage. Imagine your feet becoming roots, spreading out, anchoring in. Your arms become branches, swaying, gently feeling the breezes of the world around you. She practices grounding a lot, because she tends to be emotional and dramatic. Paying attention to her feelings, as she does in cultivating her intuition, skewed one way, and grounding was needed to balance with a dose of rationality. Hers is a brave journey, not following a straight path, and at one point she sells or gives away her house and all of her belongings to free her to pursue a different career and purpose, all based on a dream (the nighttime kind).
While it is an interesting story, somehow I felt it was lacking. What I had read it for - how to invite more magic into your life - seemed to be missing. I also had been drawn to fantasy stories as a teen for that magical quality, and we also shared interests in archaeology, herbal craft, photography, landscape design, and jewelry making, so I felt some resonance with her search for direction. (The author also lives in the same town as I do.) I realize this is a memoir, not a how-to (and I was not interested in a manual on witchcraft), but the airy-fairy quality, which, in her earlier years at least, she rejected, seems to win out. There were some moments in nature or in appreciating her surroundings or people in her life that she describes in a beautiful way. Certainly her expanding intuitive skills added a magical quality to her life, but she doesn't convey exactly how she did it. She had used Tarot cards for years in a playful way. There were some witchy rituals, but it was mostly an interior openness. I found it odd that she embraced witchcraft while rejecting religious beliefs, like it was possible to divorce the ritualized magic from its pagan roots and beliefs in various gods and goddesses. Yet she would make offerings to a household goddess/guardian. I know witchcraft is not considered a religion, but it does have a spiritual world view. She rejected the idea of blessings and prayers, yet practiced them in a different context. It was as if any practice that she associated with mainstream religion, or even belief in God (at least in the Jewish patriarchal deity), was somehow not legit and to be avoided. Her prejudices seemed to conflict with her desire.
There are some parts that might be disturbing to certain readers, including 9/11 and abortion. While I think this book would be interesting to people with a metaphysical bent, it is not for everyone. However, I was intrigued enough that I would be interested to learn how she came back from her studies in Ireland and created a life for herself here. She writes well, and I enjoy reading her newsletter on Substack, and sometime I may venture into her shop downtown.
While it is an interesting story, somehow I felt it was lacking. What I had read it for - how to invite more magic into your life - seemed to be missing. I also had been drawn to fantasy stories as a teen for that magical quality, and we also shared interests in archaeology, herbal craft, photography, landscape design, and jewelry making, so I felt some resonance with her search for direction. (The author also lives in the same town as I do.) I realize this is a memoir, not a how-to (and I was not interested in a manual on witchcraft), but the airy-fairy quality, which, in her earlier years at least, she rejected, seems to win out. There were some moments in nature or in appreciating her surroundings or people in her life that she describes in a beautiful way. Certainly her expanding intuitive skills added a magical quality to her life, but she doesn't convey exactly how she did it. She had used Tarot cards for years in a playful way. There were some witchy rituals, but it was mostly an interior openness. I found it odd that she embraced witchcraft while rejecting religious beliefs, like it was possible to divorce the ritualized magic from its pagan roots and beliefs in various gods and goddesses. Yet she would make offerings to a household goddess/guardian. I know witchcraft is not considered a religion, but it does have a spiritual world view. She rejected the idea of blessings and prayers, yet practiced them in a different context. It was as if any practice that she associated with mainstream religion, or even belief in God (at least in the Jewish patriarchal deity), was somehow not legit and to be avoided. Her prejudices seemed to conflict with her desire.
There are some parts that might be disturbing to certain readers, including 9/11 and abortion. While I think this book would be interesting to people with a metaphysical bent, it is not for everyone. However, I was intrigued enough that I would be interested to learn how she came back from her studies in Ireland and created a life for herself here. She writes well, and I enjoy reading her newsletter on Substack, and sometime I may venture into her shop downtown.
June 20, 2023
Book Review: 'Letting Magic In - A Memoir of Becoming' by Maia Toll
Publisher: Running Press
Release Date: 27th June
About the Author
Maia Toll pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University. As you’ll read in this memoir, she apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland, where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. She is now the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary.
Her works include The Wild Wisdom series; 'The Illustrated Herbiary', 'The Illustrated Bestiary' and 'The Illustrated Crystallary'. Following those she authored 'The Night School'.
About the Book
Here’s the blurb:
“For writer Maia Toll, Magic points to something intrinsic to, and necessary for, the wholeness of the human spirit. In 'Letting Magic In', Maia shares the tale of her magical journey – from the untimely death of a friend that led her to abandon Brooklyn, to the small town of Beacon, NY, and finally to Ireland, where she studied under an herbalist and learned the true magic of listening to the earth itself.
This book is the story of one woman’s becoming – the story of pushing past the boundaries of what once seemed possible to discover the extraordinary all around us. Maia shares how she learned to let magic in so she could live the life she longed for – one filled with curiosity, connection, and the deepest kind of inner knowing. In this soulfully written recollection – peppered throughout with magical learnings and rituals gathered along the way – Maia uncovers the things that change you in unexpected ways and guide you to become the person you never knew you wanted to be, but perhaps, always were.”
My Thoughts
As I have come to expect, having read all of my Maia’s previous works, this memoir is beautifully written. I don’t usually read memoirs or biographies, therefore I am unfamiliar with the usual conventions and style. However, I can say that Maia’s poetic crafting of language and immersive imagery makes this one a pleasure to read.
I am a huge fan of Maia’s previous works so I was interested in her personal magical journey. However, there are aspects and areas of the memoir that I am sure every magically inclined person will find relatable. For me, the overarching theme of trying to discover who you are provided comfort and insights that have inspired and encouraged me to get back to my magical practice and dive a little deeper than I had previously.
One thing I loved about the book is the realistic portrayal of what magic actually is. By that I mean it’s not about floating pencils or as Maia tried, (and I’m sure we all have at some point) lighting candles by concentrating really hard. Through Maia’s story we learn that magic is many things; a deeper connection to the earth and yourself, listening to your intuition and opening yourself up to things you may otherwise not have believed.
On occasion I got the impression Maia was holding back details or further information about events and situations. I did find this slightly frustrating. However, I do also understand that this is a personal memoir and therefore it is up to the author to share what they want. Similarly, when dealing with past events, details can get lost. In contrast, there were aspects of the book that showed extremely vulnerable honesty.
Maia’s journey in 'Letting Magic In' got me thinking about my own. As a child magic was so much easier to see. Life seemed to be full of synchronicities, I trusted my intuition and found intentional magic easy. As I was reading the book I was very aware that my own magical journey (my Witchcraft practice) had become stagnant. I wasn’t giving it the attention it deserved. The mundane day to day aspects of life and thoughts of ‘I don’t have time’ left me feeling a little disconnected. Maia’s story, and particularly the fact that she used her journals to help fill in the details of her memoir, made me see the importance of keeping that record. I definitely want to be more aware of what is going on in my world; mind, body and spirit. Journaling allows us to look for magic in the everyday and I’ve found it uncovers magic that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
Although this is a memoir it is still provides guidance and reference for creating a magical practice. Maia is obviously speaking from experience, and through her experiences we can learn how to navigate and be more open to our own magical journey.
I am running a GIVEAWAY of 'Letting Magic In' over on my instagram page (@opheliafeyre). It will run from 19th June to 23rd June. Be sure to take part if you’d like a copy for yourself!
*A copy of the book was gifted by the publisher, Running Press, in exchange for a review.
Publisher: Running Press
Release Date: 27th June
About the Author
Maia Toll pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan and a master’s at New York University. As you’ll read in this memoir, she apprenticed with a traditional healer in Ireland, where she spent extensive time studying the growing cycles of plants, the alchemy of medicine making, and the psycho-spiritual aspects of healing. She is now the co-owner of the retail store Herbiary.
Her works include The Wild Wisdom series; 'The Illustrated Herbiary', 'The Illustrated Bestiary' and 'The Illustrated Crystallary'. Following those she authored 'The Night School'.
About the Book
Here’s the blurb:
“For writer Maia Toll, Magic points to something intrinsic to, and necessary for, the wholeness of the human spirit. In 'Letting Magic In', Maia shares the tale of her magical journey – from the untimely death of a friend that led her to abandon Brooklyn, to the small town of Beacon, NY, and finally to Ireland, where she studied under an herbalist and learned the true magic of listening to the earth itself.
This book is the story of one woman’s becoming – the story of pushing past the boundaries of what once seemed possible to discover the extraordinary all around us. Maia shares how she learned to let magic in so she could live the life she longed for – one filled with curiosity, connection, and the deepest kind of inner knowing. In this soulfully written recollection – peppered throughout with magical learnings and rituals gathered along the way – Maia uncovers the things that change you in unexpected ways and guide you to become the person you never knew you wanted to be, but perhaps, always were.”
My Thoughts
As I have come to expect, having read all of my Maia’s previous works, this memoir is beautifully written. I don’t usually read memoirs or biographies, therefore I am unfamiliar with the usual conventions and style. However, I can say that Maia’s poetic crafting of language and immersive imagery makes this one a pleasure to read.
I am a huge fan of Maia’s previous works so I was interested in her personal magical journey. However, there are aspects and areas of the memoir that I am sure every magically inclined person will find relatable. For me, the overarching theme of trying to discover who you are provided comfort and insights that have inspired and encouraged me to get back to my magical practice and dive a little deeper than I had previously.
One thing I loved about the book is the realistic portrayal of what magic actually is. By that I mean it’s not about floating pencils or as Maia tried, (and I’m sure we all have at some point) lighting candles by concentrating really hard. Through Maia’s story we learn that magic is many things; a deeper connection to the earth and yourself, listening to your intuition and opening yourself up to things you may otherwise not have believed.
On occasion I got the impression Maia was holding back details or further information about events and situations. I did find this slightly frustrating. However, I do also understand that this is a personal memoir and therefore it is up to the author to share what they want. Similarly, when dealing with past events, details can get lost. In contrast, there were aspects of the book that showed extremely vulnerable honesty.
Maia’s journey in 'Letting Magic In' got me thinking about my own. As a child magic was so much easier to see. Life seemed to be full of synchronicities, I trusted my intuition and found intentional magic easy. As I was reading the book I was very aware that my own magical journey (my Witchcraft practice) had become stagnant. I wasn’t giving it the attention it deserved. The mundane day to day aspects of life and thoughts of ‘I don’t have time’ left me feeling a little disconnected. Maia’s story, and particularly the fact that she used her journals to help fill in the details of her memoir, made me see the importance of keeping that record. I definitely want to be more aware of what is going on in my world; mind, body and spirit. Journaling allows us to look for magic in the everyday and I’ve found it uncovers magic that otherwise would have gone unnoticed.
Although this is a memoir it is still provides guidance and reference for creating a magical practice. Maia is obviously speaking from experience, and through her experiences we can learn how to navigate and be more open to our own magical journey.
I am running a GIVEAWAY of 'Letting Magic In' over on my instagram page (@opheliafeyre). It will run from 19th June to 23rd June. Be sure to take part if you’d like a copy for yourself!
*A copy of the book was gifted by the publisher, Running Press, in exchange for a review.
December 15, 2023
This book is one for a pretty specific audience which I happen to fit quite perfectly. If you are a Brooklynite (or any city dweller) dreaming of making potions in the countryside, this memory will pull you in.
I really appreciated Maia’s honesty in her journey toward trusting her intuition. I admired how open she was about her skepticism. I was amazed by her ability to recall and/or beautifully reimagine very specific days in her life.
However, I wish the book captured more of her life. It is a memoir specifically written about ages 28ish to 34 and although I loved little moments when the author alluded to the fact that she was looking back at the “maiden” and “mother” years as a “crone”- I wanted the wise elders perspective. I suspect I will find this in her other books!
I really appreciated Maia’s honesty in her journey toward trusting her intuition. I admired how open she was about her skepticism. I was amazed by her ability to recall and/or beautifully reimagine very specific days in her life.
However, I wish the book captured more of her life. It is a memoir specifically written about ages 28ish to 34 and although I loved little moments when the author alluded to the fact that she was looking back at the “maiden” and “mother” years as a “crone”- I wanted the wise elders perspective. I suspect I will find this in her other books!
June 12, 2024
A beautiful journey
I really loved reading this. I felt my own experiences with magic and the mystic mirrored in her experiences. My anxieties and worries as well. It felt like finding a kindred souls journal full of deep but simple wisdom insight and inspiration. It also seemed similar in away to the Practical Magic series but instead of fantasy it’s a story of a real witches journey discovering herself and her magic and place in the world.
I really loved reading this. I felt my own experiences with magic and the mystic mirrored in her experiences. My anxieties and worries as well. It felt like finding a kindred souls journal full of deep but simple wisdom insight and inspiration. It also seemed similar in away to the Practical Magic series but instead of fantasy it’s a story of a real witches journey discovering herself and her magic and place in the world.
September 25, 2023
This is a new book at the time of my reading, out in hardcover only and therefore a bit pricey. I was initially hesitant to purchase but drawn in by the title and the gorgeous cover art.
I’m so glad I made the leap. I gobbled this memoir in two days. It’s beautifully, poetically written with all kinds of fascinating tidbits of information about the wheel of the year and the uses of herbs. But of greatest appeal to me is Maia’s honesty in wanting to develop her intuition and live a ‘less mundane’ life, and her difficulty and fears in achieving that.
I’m so glad I made the leap. I gobbled this memoir in two days. It’s beautifully, poetically written with all kinds of fascinating tidbits of information about the wheel of the year and the uses of herbs. But of greatest appeal to me is Maia’s honesty in wanting to develop her intuition and live a ‘less mundane’ life, and her difficulty and fears in achieving that.
December 9, 2025
The writing was exquisite. Her word choice and imagery was beautiful. And I was bored to tears. I didn’t find the story compelling, some parts were very very drawn out while other (meatier) parts were glazed over. I didn’t with this story, but reading a masterful writer is never a waste of time.
September 25, 2023
I found this book sort of by accident (although truly I feel it was serendipity) while walking past the new book section in the library where I work, and I am so grateful it called to me. Maia Toll's memoir is such an interesting journey into a world of magic and realigning with the natural world, and it inspired me to work on reconnecting with myself in new and healthier ways. I have since discovered she also has a website, newsletter, and other books on natural spiritual healing and medicine. I look forward to exploring more of her work and highly recommend this memoir to anyone looking for a new, more natural path to healing and getting to know yourself better.
June 2, 2023
I’ll give it 4 stars but I’d say it’s really more of a 3.5.
There wasn’t really anything I disliked about it, however it took a while to finish. Every time I picked it up to read I found it to be entertaining but after putting it down I found I wasn’t ever in a race to pick it back up again even though some of the themes were relatable: trying to figure out who you are, how to accept who you are versus family expectations, figuring out how to incorporate the beliefs you were raised with with the beliefs you’ve adopted from life, etc.
She talks about living in NY in September 2001 and working as a teacher. That section was a bit difficult for me as I wasn’t much older than her students.
In the introduction she states that pseudonyms are used throughout and I absolutely loved her reasoning, stating “We should all be allowed to change and grow, not be suspended forever in amber of someone else’s tale”.
Similar imagery is used throughout and was always quite lovely.
Ultimately it is an interesting book about creating one’s own journey in life. While it is a memoir at times it reads a bit too much like a personal journal with thoughts not always being fully connected. Indeed she also stated in the introduction that “a friend noted the weblike quality of the scenes” referencing to a spiders web and how her writing style compared to a bunch or separate scenes that seem disjointed until the final finish product is revealed at the end.
It was not bad but not one of my favorites either.
Thank you to Goodreads, Maia Toll, and Running Press for supplying me with an advanced copy.
There wasn’t really anything I disliked about it, however it took a while to finish. Every time I picked it up to read I found it to be entertaining but after putting it down I found I wasn’t ever in a race to pick it back up again even though some of the themes were relatable: trying to figure out who you are, how to accept who you are versus family expectations, figuring out how to incorporate the beliefs you were raised with with the beliefs you’ve adopted from life, etc.
She talks about living in NY in September 2001 and working as a teacher. That section was a bit difficult for me as I wasn’t much older than her students.
In the introduction she states that pseudonyms are used throughout and I absolutely loved her reasoning, stating “We should all be allowed to change and grow, not be suspended forever in amber of someone else’s tale”.
Similar imagery is used throughout and was always quite lovely.
Ultimately it is an interesting book about creating one’s own journey in life. While it is a memoir at times it reads a bit too much like a personal journal with thoughts not always being fully connected. Indeed she also stated in the introduction that “a friend noted the weblike quality of the scenes” referencing to a spiders web and how her writing style compared to a bunch or separate scenes that seem disjointed until the final finish product is revealed at the end.
It was not bad but not one of my favorites either.
Thank you to Goodreads, Maia Toll, and Running Press for supplying me with an advanced copy.
June 29, 2023
This is a memoir, that describes the path to becoming who the author was meant to be.
It’s told in an engaging, almost conversational way, with interesting chapter headers dotted throughout, that each contain their own little bits of wisdom.
In a way, the headers were my favourite part of the story, but honestly, it was just an interesting read.
While you may or may not agree with, or resonate with the story told, it does showcase admirably, that path to wisdom that is supposed to be the journey for every woman.
The time the author spends in Ireland, is but a minuscule fraction at the end of the book, the story of how she came to find her way there is the bulk of the book. And within those pages you can find hard earned wisdom (looking back tends to do that for us!).
This isn’t really a how to book, and it doesn’t really help us to find the magic within our own selves, but what it does is show how a path isn’t always straight, and how sometimes little things work together to make that path.
A fascinating peek into the author’s life, this is a good book to read if you’re feeling a little lost, and are trying to find the magic within.
An enjoyable memoir, for fans of the author, and for magic seekers, it’s probably one you’ll want to reread for maximum enjoyment.
**
The book itself is beautifully bound, with a cover full of symbolism (Gallica roses, spiderwebs and hawthorn, with a rather poignant New York skyline), which I think is lovely. The paper is a decent quality, and the binding is good: running press did a nice job.
It’s almost an inch thick (including covers) and 215 pages, with fairly easy to read type.
It’s told in an engaging, almost conversational way, with interesting chapter headers dotted throughout, that each contain their own little bits of wisdom.
In a way, the headers were my favourite part of the story, but honestly, it was just an interesting read.
While you may or may not agree with, or resonate with the story told, it does showcase admirably, that path to wisdom that is supposed to be the journey for every woman.
The time the author spends in Ireland, is but a minuscule fraction at the end of the book, the story of how she came to find her way there is the bulk of the book. And within those pages you can find hard earned wisdom (looking back tends to do that for us!).
This isn’t really a how to book, and it doesn’t really help us to find the magic within our own selves, but what it does is show how a path isn’t always straight, and how sometimes little things work together to make that path.
A fascinating peek into the author’s life, this is a good book to read if you’re feeling a little lost, and are trying to find the magic within.
An enjoyable memoir, for fans of the author, and for magic seekers, it’s probably one you’ll want to reread for maximum enjoyment.
**
The book itself is beautifully bound, with a cover full of symbolism (Gallica roses, spiderwebs and hawthorn, with a rather poignant New York skyline), which I think is lovely. The paper is a decent quality, and the binding is good: running press did a nice job.
It’s almost an inch thick (including covers) and 215 pages, with fairly easy to read type.
July 11, 2023
I believe that everyone has the capacity to connect with the universe; to open their minds and hearts to receive it. Not many people put in the work required. Maia Toll has believed in magic all her life and has been on a quest to find it. This book is the story of that journey. At times she asked the questions, “Who am I?” and “Who am I becoming?” She started becoming aware of destiny and started saying “yes” to it. She started to pay attention to the “currents” in her life. Everyone’s journey is different. This is the story of Maia’s journey. (This was an Advance Readers Copy of a book that was published on June 27, 2023)
September 6, 2023
Where to start . . . I adore this book. I loved it from start to finish. It's deep, heartfelt, laugh-out-loud, relatable, wise, real, genuine, and authentic. Maia's writing makes me feel like I'm on the journey with her, and in many ways I am. Just a few steps behind her own winding path. Reading these pages I felt as though I'd found a kindred spirit, someone who KNEW what I'd been through, what I'm going through, and someone who holds so much compassion for me and for others, even while making her way in a world that sometimes feels like madness. Loved, loved, loved this book! So much love and light inside these words!
April 9, 2024
I feel torn.
There are many beautfiul passages, sentences and messages throughout the book. Some special ones that I felt deeply identified with.
But there are "chapters" where the rhythm just didn´t feel right for me. Sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow, sometimes inconclusive or information was missing.
Still, I know I cannot judge a Memoir because it´s a beautfiul creation of one´s own. There is no right or wrong.
I take many things with me, things that are actually helpful and relevant a this exact moment of my life. Would I read it again, though? I don´t think so. But I for sure and sincerely appreciate the story.
There are many beautfiul passages, sentences and messages throughout the book. Some special ones that I felt deeply identified with.
But there are "chapters" where the rhythm just didn´t feel right for me. Sometimes too fast, sometimes too slow, sometimes inconclusive or information was missing.
Still, I know I cannot judge a Memoir because it´s a beautfiul creation of one´s own. There is no right or wrong.
I take many things with me, things that are actually helpful and relevant a this exact moment of my life. Would I read it again, though? I don´t think so. But I for sure and sincerely appreciate the story.
September 1, 2024
I was very fortunate to win this from the giveaway! Thank you to all involved!
My first thought was that if you weren’t a ‘woo woo’ person you might not like this. But… if you are searching for yourself or wondering about your intuition-lack of or what to do with it- this might be the book that could help you.
I think she really put herself out there. Very courageous being so vulnerable.
I found myself going back to my younger years- just reflection on some events. Gave me a few - I wonder- moments.
This is an easy read. If you’re looking for something that’s not heavy or long and on the woo woo side, I would recommend you pick up this book.
My first thought was that if you weren’t a ‘woo woo’ person you might not like this. But… if you are searching for yourself or wondering about your intuition-lack of or what to do with it- this might be the book that could help you.
I think she really put herself out there. Very courageous being so vulnerable.
I found myself going back to my younger years- just reflection on some events. Gave me a few - I wonder- moments.
This is an easy read. If you’re looking for something that’s not heavy or long and on the woo woo side, I would recommend you pick up this book.
June 29, 2023
I picked this book up to read a few days ago and could not put it down! Letting Magic in is funny, heartwarming and inspiring. It felt so familiar to me in so many ways, an old friend, and yet- I see myself in its pages as well. My own becoming…. and you will see yourself and your journey here too. Maia tells of coming of age, of letting go, finding strength and of connecting the breadcrumbs that life sends us along the path, to becoming. To her ‘becoming’ and to our own. Learning to let the magic in along the trail of life. Thank you Maia for sharing your inspiring and beautiful story!
November 9, 2023
"A journey from Brooklyn to Ireland?" NOT! I chose this book based on that sentence and waited until nearly 75 percent of the book was read before the main character finally made it to Ireland. Having some knowledge of the mystical gifts (some call it the occult), I thought Toll's character was rather obsessed and confused most of the time. It made me want to just skip through the words to get to something more meaningful. What I did like was the beginning notes of each chapter on herbalism and mysticism along with nature based rituals and healings. Because this novel was a bit of a drudge I am reluctant to read any other of Toll's books.
did-not-finish
March 8, 2024I was hoping for something more along the lines of The Witching Year: A Memoir of Earnest Fumbling Through Modern Witchcraft, but this was slow-going and really depressing. So I ended up putting it down at about the 1/3 mark. I've been absolutely loving the author's other books, but this one just wasn't for me.
July 10, 2024
Practical and Relatable Magic
I really enjoyed this book, it flows through the author’s life bringing you along for the ride. I was surprised at her skepticism, blessed by the spider web metaphor and encouraged as she pushed past her doubts and found herself and her magic. I would recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their authentic self, its precious few who truly find it.
I really enjoyed this book, it flows through the author’s life bringing you along for the ride. I was surprised at her skepticism, blessed by the spider web metaphor and encouraged as she pushed past her doubts and found herself and her magic. I would recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their authentic self, its precious few who truly find it.
December 11, 2024
Though the story jumped around a bit and at times I was confused, this book was resonant for me and the chapter of life I am in. The undercurrents of grief, the unwinding of threads attached to place, were relatable and have helped me through some tough transitions I am undergoing. An enjoyable read overall.
July 10, 2023
Very interesting personal story about magical life influences on the author. Is there a sequel planned for the future? Would love to read more details about the time Maia spent in Ireland with her mentor.
August 31, 2023
A tale of finding magic in daily life, of the art of following intuition even when logic speaks against it and the balance to keep grounded, growing roots while letting us be carried by life. A life story that sparks curiosity and joy.
January 6, 2024
Very beautifully written. Felt like talking to a friend. I did only go with four stars because it was extremely heavy on memoir and extremely light on magic. I was expecting a bit more magical exploration and discovery and a bit less wandering through life with vague dissatisfaction.
August 11, 2023
Audiobook
August 19, 2023
Magical
Absolutely loved this book, felt as if Maia was a kindred spirit speaking to me. Beautiful 🌸🌞🌝🌚 lovely words. I finished in just 2 days
Absolutely loved this book, felt as if Maia was a kindred spirit speaking to me. Beautiful 🌸🌞🌝🌚 lovely words. I finished in just 2 days
August 25, 2023
I loved this book- the writing was delicious and her story relatable. Maia leads you on your own path in finding magic while reading about hers.
May 6, 2024
This booked stirred something deep in me. Like I was meant to read it. I loved it so much. I was fully immersed and read it in a day
May 27, 2024
You will either love this or you will hate it. I love Maia’s voice and her story.
Read
August 27, 2024DNF - wasn't what I was expecting
September 12, 2024
I came across this book when it was first released only to promptly put it back down. I know now after completing it, that I wasn't ready to receive the messages it contains. Messages I truly needed.
dnf
February 8, 2025DNF at page 118. Not really what I’m looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews