Magical thinking is a book written by writer and journalist, Augusten Burroughs. This memoir was published in 2004 and has been described as a dark and humorous account of the author's experiences with mental illness and addiction. The main idea of Magical Thinking revolves around Burroughs' struggle with irrational beliefs and behaviors, often associated with magical thinking. The term "magical thinking" refers to the belief in supernatural powers and the idea that one's thoughts can influence reality. In the book, Burroughs explores his own beliefs and how they have influenced his life. Burroughs' writing style is raw and confessional, as he shares deeply personal stories and reflections on his experiences.
A selected bibliography for The Year of Magical Thinking:
More suggested reading William Styron, Darkness Visible A Memoir of Madness ; Diane Ackerman, A Slender Thread ; Kay Redfield Jamison, Night Falls Fast ; Brent Runyon, The Burn Journals. NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - NATIONAL BOOK AWARD WINNER - From one of America s iconic writers, a stunning book of electric honesty and passion that explores an intensely personal yet universal experience a portrait of a marriage--and a life, in good times and bad--that will speak to anyone who has ever loved a husband or wife or child.
Burroughs' writing style is raw and confessional, as he shares deeply personal stories and reflections on his experiences. He documents his journey through various psychiatric treatments, his relationships, and his relentless pursuit of self-discovery. The book also delves into Burroughs' addiction to alcohol and drugs, which he uses as a coping mechanism for his mental health struggles.
MAGICAL THINKING: True Stories
A psychological term, "magical thinking" describes the belief that one exerts more influence over events than one actually does. Burroughs, who spent childhood days stepping on cracks to see if his mother's back would break, possesses a wealth of magical thought. Like Dry and Running with Scissors , this collection showcases Burroughs's sharp, funny and sometimes brilliant writing. Burroughs views his life through a lens of self-deprecation, and the result is pieces like "My Last First Date," describing the first time he met his current boyfriend. After only a short conversation, he fumbles into joking about his life, to the horror of his date, and realizes, "I must ease people into the facts of me, not deposit large, undigested chunks of my history at their feet. Too much of me is toxic." Fortunately, his companion has a high threshold for toxicity, and most readers will, too. Burroughs's smooth prose, peppered with charming and awkward moments, is occasionally reminiscent of David Sedaris and David Rakoff. But he's no imitator of those essayists. Rather, Burroughs ambles toward insight in a continual state of self-examination and just happens to have peculiar adventures along the way, like drowning a mouse in his bathtub, attending the Barbizon School of Modeling and complaining that the "new gay thing in Manhattan" is adopting babies instead of buying shar-pei puppies. Agent, Christopher Schelling. (On sale Oct. 5)
Forecast: St. Martin's is making a big push for Burroughs's third book: a 17-city tour and national broadcast, print and radio publicity, which should result in another bestseller.
DETAILS share BUY THIS BOOK close DetailsReviewed on: 07/12/2004
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10. One word critics have used again and again in describing this book is “exhilarating.” Did you find it to be so? Why, or why not?
He discusses the destructive and often absurd patterns of thinking that accompany addiction and how it further reinforces his belief in magical thinking. Throughout Magical Thinking, Burroughs presents a contrasting narrative of madness and levity. He combines dark and humorous anecdotes to shed light on his experiences and offer a unique perspective on mental illness. Ultimately, the main idea of Magical Thinking is to explore the complexities of mental illness and addiction through the lens of magical thinking. Burroughs aims to challenge societal understanding and stigma surrounding these issues while providing an engaging and compelling narrative..
Reviews for "From Charms to Spells: An Exploration of Magical Thinking Practices"
1. Sally - 1 star - I was highly disappointed with "Magical Thinking." The concept seemed promising, but the execution fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with their struggles. Additionally, the plot felt disjointed and scattered, with no clear direction. Overall, this book failed to hold my interest and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. John - 2 stars - "Magical Thinking" had some interesting ideas, but they were poorly executed. The writing style was overly pretentious and filled with unnecessary metaphors that only served to confuse the reader. The pacing was also inconsistent, with some chapters dragging on and others feeling rushed. I found it difficult to become emotionally invested in the story or the characters, and ultimately, I was left disappointed by this book.
3. Emily - 1 star - I struggled to get through "Magical Thinking." The plot was convoluted and difficult to follow, with random plot twists thrown in without much explanation. The author seemed to prioritize style over substance, resulting in confusing and pretentious prose. The characters lacked depth and failed to garner any empathy from me. Overall, this book was a frustrating and disappointing read.
4. Mark - 2 stars - While "Magical Thinking" had an intriguing premise, it failed to deliver on its potential. The narrative was filled with unnecessary tangents and overly descriptive passages that added little to the overall story. The characters were underdeveloped, and their actions often felt contrived. The pacing was also inconsistent, with long stretches of monotony interspersed with sudden bursts of action. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations.
5. Jessica - 1 star - I found "Magical Thinking" to be a complete waste of time. The plot was predictable and lacked originality, and the characters were clichéd and uninteresting. The writing style was overstuffed with unnecessary details and failed to create a compelling atmosphere. Overall, this book was disappointing and forgettable. I would not recommend it to others.