Masturbation is a highly debated topic that has attracted various opinions and beliefs throughout history. Some individuals argue that masturbation is a natural and normal human behavior, while others associate it with negative connotations and even claim that it is a form of witchcraft. This viewpoint stems from the belief that masturbation involves the manipulation and control of one's own sexual energy for personal pleasure, which some people liken to the manipulation and control of supernatural forces in witchcraft. Proponents of the concept that masturbation is a form of witchcraft argue that it aligns with the principles and practices of witchcraft. Witchcraft, traditionally associated with spells, rituals, and the harnessing of supernatural powers, is believed to involve the manipulation and diverting of natural energies to achieve desired outcomes. Similarly, individuals who equate masturbation with witchcraft assert that it involves the redirection of sexual energy for self-indulgence and personal gratification.
What was really nice, what saved the book for me, were Lolly’s best friend and aunt and the setting. Even though Magnolia, Washington wasn’t terribly detailed, I got a sense of Washington and really loved the beach Lolly loved going to. It was the small details that transported me there, the small town feeling. It felt cozy and lovely. But Lolly’s friend Eve and aunt Gert stole the show. They were such fun ladies, ladies who really grabbed their lives by the horns and tamed it into what they wanted. They lived their lives, they did what made them happy, and I couldn’t help but admire them. They felt entirely at odds with Lolly, which might explain why I liked her, but longed for more for her.
It also offered Lolly the enviable opportunity to briefly live a life she could have had on her journey to either torture herself with what could have been or to help her find her way from the daily drudgery she s committed herself to since her mother s untimely death right when everything was going right for Lolly. Surprising and empowering, each experience helps Lolly let go of her regrets and realize the key to transforming her life lies not in redoing her past but in having the courage to embrace her present.
Similarly, individuals who equate masturbation with witchcraft assert that it involves the redirection of sexual energy for self-indulgence and personal gratification. However, it is important to note that the claim that masturbation is a form of witchcraft lacks scientific evidence and is largely based on personal beliefs and cultural biases. Many medical and mental health professionals emphasize that masturbation is a normal and healthy sexual activity that is practiced by a vast majority of individuals, irrespective of gender or age.
Book Review: The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden
“Heartfelt, heartwarming, joyful, and uplifting. You can't go wrong with a Rachel Linden book.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber
An uplifting novel about a heartbroken young pie maker who is granted a magical second chance to live the life she didn’t choose. . . . from the bestselling author of The Enlightenment of Bees.
Lolly Blanchard's life only seems to give her lemons. Ten years ago, after her mother’s tragic death, she broke up with her first love and abandoned her dream of opening a restaurant in order to keep her family’s struggling Seattle diner afloat and care for her younger sister and grieving father. Now, a decade later, she dutifully whips up the diner’s famous lemon meringue pies each morning while still pining for all she's lost.
As Lolly’s thirty-third birthday approaches, her quirky great-aunt gives her a mysterious gift—three lemon drops, each of which allows her to live a single day in a life that might have been hers. What if her mom hadn’t passed away? What if she had opened her own restaurant in England? What if she hadn’t broken up with the only man she's ever loved? Surprising and empowering, each experience helps Lolly let go of her regrets and realize the key to transforming her life lies not in redoing her past but in having the courage to embrace her present.
The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie by Rachel Linden is a heartwarming tale of one woman’s journey to discover what her present life would be like if she were able to change her past.
Lolly Blanchard is stuck in a rut. As the manager of her family’s restaurant and the primary pie maker, she’s content with her life, until she finds a list she wrote when she was a child with her life goals and she realizes she hadn’t done any of the items on the list. What if’s plague her. What if she had moved to England to open up her own restaurant? What if her mother hadn’t died ten years ago? And What if she hadn’t left the love of her life?
Her great aunt then gives her a gift of three lemon drops along with instructions to take one at night and wish for the life she wants and she will have one day in the life she’s always dreamed of. What will happen when Lolly sees the lives she could have had?
I enjoyed this book very much. I like the premise of Lolly being able to have a peek at different lives. Lolly is a wonderful character, she is driven to help her family at all costs, and I like her dedication to her family and the business. She has a wonderful relationship with her little sister, who is much younger. While her dedication to her family is admirable, the cost to her own well-being is high, and that’s what this book is about.
The focus of the book is on Lolly, her journey, and also the journey of her family. There is a romance in the book but it’s very secondary to the rest of the story. I thought the lemon drops were a good way to have Lolly reflect on her decisions, and how they affected her present, and her family. The magical realism was light enough, that I was able to believe in the lemon drops.
Also, there is a recipe for Lemon Drop Pie, so that’s a fun little bonus. I highly recommend The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie to anyone who enjoys women’s fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Rachel Linden
Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, travel, food, and second chances at love. She promises her readers a happy, or at least very hopeful, ending and infuses each of her stories with a touch of magical realism.
Have you read The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie?
Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Ascension of Larks, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and The Enlightenment of… More about Rachel Linden
For instance, various studies have established that masturbation can have numerous physical and psychological benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, and increased self-awareness. It is essential to approach discussions and debates surrounding masturbation and witchcraft with an open mind and consider different perspectives without dismissing them outright. While some people may hold the belief that masturbation is a form of witchcraft, it is crucial to examine and evaluate these viewpoints critically while remaining cognizant of the absence of scientific evidence supporting such assertions. Overall, the understanding and interpretation of masturbation vary greatly among individuals and cultures. While some individuals may perceive it through a religious or spiritual lens, claiming it as a form of witchcraft, others view it as a natural and healthy sexual expression. It is important to approach this topic with sensitivity, respect, and the recognition of individual autonomy and personal beliefs..
Reviews for "Witchy Pleasures: Unleashing the Magic through Masturbation"
1. Emma - Rating: 1/5
I found "Masterbation is a form of witchcraft" to be extremely offensive and unsupported by any credible evidence. The author's attempt to equate a natural act of self-pleasure with witchcraft is not only absurd but also promotes a harmful and judgmental mindset. Moreover, the book completely lacks scientific basis and fails to provide any logical reasoning behind its claims. I would not recommend wasting your time reading this poorly researched and offensive piece of work.
2. David - Rating: 2/5
While "Masterbation is a form of witchcraft" raises an interesting topic, I was disappointed with the way it was presented. The book lacks depth and fails to offer a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. The author seems to rely heavily on personal opinion rather than providing a solid foundation of research and evidence. Additionally, the writing style is clumsy and repetitive, making it hard to engage with the content. I was hoping for a more thoughtful and thought-provoking discussion on the topic, but unfortunately, this book missed the mark.
3. Sarah - Rating: 1/5
I found "Masterbation is a form of witchcraft" to be nothing more than an attempt to shame individuals for engaging in a natural and healthy act. The author's religious bias is evident throughout the book, which makes it difficult to take their arguments seriously. Furthermore, the lack of credible sources and research undermines the author's claims, and the book feels more like a personal attack rather than an insightful analysis. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a balanced and well-reasoned discussion on the topic.
4. Jason - Rating: 2/5
"Masterbation is a form of witchcraft" is a highly controversial and divisive book that failed to meet my expectations. While I appreciate the author's attempt to explore a seldom-discussed topic, the book lacks the necessary depth and scholarly research to support its claims. The arguments presented feel biased and fail to consider alternative perspectives. Additionally, the writing style is dry and cumbersome, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, I was hoping for a more objective and well-rounded discussion on the subject matter, and unfortunately, this book fell short.