Have you ever wished that you could escape into a magical world? Somewhere filled with enchantment, wonder, and endless possibilities? Well, the "Into the Magic Shop" book by James R. Doty offers just that. This captivating memoir takes readers on a journey through the author's own life, from growing up in poverty to becoming a successful neurosurgeon. In this book, Doty recounts an extraordinary encounter he had as a young boy with a woman named Ruth, who happened to work in a magic shop. Little did he know that this encounter would forever change his life. Ruth teaches him the power of visualization, compassion, and mindfulness, guiding him towards a path of healing and self-discovery.
Ruth teaches him the power of visualization, compassion, and mindfulness, guiding him towards a path of healing and self-discovery. The story weaves together moments from Doty's childhood with important life lessons that he learns along the way. Doty's journey is not only one of personal transformation but also a testament to the potential that lies within all of us.
Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart (Paperback)
The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the extraordinary things that can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until at twelve he wandered into a magic shop looking for a plastic thumb. Instead he met Ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
Doty would go on to put Ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange Sting-Ray bike. But he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him. Part memoir, part science, part inspiration, and part practical instruction, Into the Magic Shop shows us how we can fundamentally change our lives by first changing our brains and our hearts.
About the Author
James R. Doty, M.D., is a professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), where he researches the neuroscience of compassion and altruism. He is also a philanthropist funding health clinics throughout the world and has endowed scholarships and chairs at multiple universities. He serves on the board of a number of nonprofits, including the Charter for Compassion International and the Dalai Lama Foundation.
Praise For…
"Into the Magic Shop is pure magic! That a child from humble beginnings could become a professor of neurosurgery and the founder of a center that studies compassion and altruism at a major university, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is extraordinary enough. But it is Doty's ability to describe his journey so lyrically, and then his willingness to share his methods that make this book a gem."
—Abraham Verghese, MD, Author of Cutting for Stone
"This book tells the remarkable story of a neurosurgeon's quest to unravel the mystery of the link between our brains and our hearts. From the moment in his childhood when a simple act of kindness changed the course of his own life to his founding a center to study compassion at Stanford University. Jim Doty's life illustrates how each of us can make a difference. We can make the world a more compassionate place. I’m sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others."
—His Holiness the Dalai Lama
“Into the Magic Shop offers a gripping, well-told journey into the mysteries of the human mind and brain. Neurosurgeon James Doty has written a heartwarming tale of courage and compassion."
—Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author of Emotional Intelligence
"Into the Magic Shop is a captivating journey of discovery. Neurosurgeon Jim Doty's well-told personal story illuminates for us all the power of insight and empathy to transform our lives and enhance our world. Read it and you too may find magic in the mystery and majesty of the mind to bring health and healing to our individual and collective lives.
—Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.,Author of Mindsight
“Part memoir, part scientific exploration, Into the Magic Shop is a powerful work of emotion and discovery, showing that we all have within us our own small magic shop, a place of calm and beauty we can return to whenever we need it. As James Doty compellingly shows, we simply have to open the door, and let ourselves in.”
—Arianna Huffington, author of Thrive
“A moving memoir on the power of compassion and kindness. Neurosurgeon James Doty shares his inspiring story of growing up with seemingly insurmountable challenges, receiving a gift that changed his life, achieving remarkable success but then losing it all, and discovering that the mind is shaped as much by the heart as the brain.”
—Adam Grant, PhD, author of Give and Take
"A powerful, eloquent, deeply spiritual and exquisitely beautiful book. Real magic!"
—Dean Ornish, M.D., author of The Spectrum
“This is one of the most compelling and inspiring books I have ever read. We’re with Jim at each step, as he struggles with poverty and trauma, becomes a world-class brain surgeon, gains and loses a fortune, and learns deep lessons about the magic in each person’s heart. Gripping, profound, extraordinary.”
—Rick Hanson, Ph.D., author of Hardwiring Happiness
"Dr. Doty’s powerful book, Into the Magic Shop, is a testament to how faith and compassion extend beyond religion, race and nationality and can help an individual overcome adversity and personal limitations. It is an inspiration."
—Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, spiritual leader and founder of the Art of Living Foundation
“Into the Magic Shop will literally rewire your brain. A candid and personal story about a life transformed by a chance encounter in a magic shop. It is a truly optimistic and inspirational testament to the power of compassion and the ability to overcome adversity and discover your true potential.”
—Glenn Beck, nationally syndicated radio host and founder of The Blaze
"An optimistic and engagingly well-told life story that incorporates scientific investigation into its altruistic message."
—Kirkus Reviews
- Psychology / Personality
- Science / Life Sciences / Neuroscience
- Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs
- Kobo eBook (February 2nd, 2016): $9.99
- Hardcover (February 2nd, 2016): $26.00
- Compact Disc (February 2nd, 2016): $29.95
- MP3 CD (February 2nd, 2016): $29.95
- Compact Disc (February 2nd, 2016): $55.00
- Paperback (Vietnamese) (April 1st, 2020): $93.35
The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the extraordinary things that can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until at twelve he wandered into a magic shop looking for a plastic thumb. Instead he met Ruth, a woman who taught him a series of exercises to ease his own suffering and manifest his greatest desires. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
Doty would go on to put Ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange Sting-Ray bike. But he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him. Part memoir, part science, part inspiration, and part practical instruction, Into the Magic Shop shows us how we can fundamentally change our lives by first changing our brains and our hearts.
He demonstrates how our thoughts and beliefs can shape our reality and how practicing kindness and empathy can have a profound impact on our own well-being and that of others. "Into the Magic Shop" is not just a book; it's a guide to harnessing the power of the mind and the heart. Doty provides practical exercises and techniques that readers can use to cultivate their own inner magic. From learning how to let go of negative thoughts to embracing vulnerability, Doty offers valuable insights and tools for personal growth and happiness. What makes this book truly special is its authenticity. Doty openly shares his own struggles, failures, and triumphs, showcasing the human experience in its rawest form. His vulnerability allows readers to connect with him on a deep level, making the book relatable and inspirational. In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, "Into the Magic Shop" serves as a reminder that hope and transformation are always within reach. Doty's storytelling and wisdom will captivate readers, taking them on a transformative journey of their own. Whether you're seeking personal growth, inspiration, or simply a captivating read, "Into the Magic Shop" has something to offer. It's a book that has the power to spark the imagination, ignite the soul, and remind us of the magic that exists within ourselves and the world around us..
Reviews for "Creating Your Own Reality: Insights from the Magic Shop Book"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Into the Magic Shop". The book was hyped up so much, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. The storytelling felt disjointed and the author's writing style didn't engage me at all. I found myself skimming through pages instead of being immersed in the story. The self-help aspects of the book also felt forced and generic, lacking any real substance. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to others looking for a captivating and inspiring read.
2. John - 1 star - I regret wasting my time reading "Into the Magic Shop". The author's attempt at blending a memoir with self-help advice fell flat. The narrative was dull and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters or their experiences. The self-help aspect of the book felt forced and repetitive, with basic concepts regurgitated without any unique insights. I was expecting a transformative and uplifting read, but instead, I found myself struggling to finish it. Save your time and look for better self-help books out there.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Into the Magic Shop" was a major letdown for me. The writing style felt amateurish, with awkward dialogue and overly descriptive passages. The story itself lacked coherence, jumping between different time periods and ideas without clear transitions. I had hoped to find inspiration and guidance in this book, but I was left feeling confused and disconnected. The author's attempt to blend science and spirituality fell short, with shallow explanations and no real depth. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-crafted and insightful read.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Into the Magic Shop", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing was dry and lacked any real emotion or depth. The author's personal anecdotes felt forced and predictable. I also found the self-help aspects to be too simplistic and lacking in practicality. The concepts presented were nothing new and could easily be found in countless other self-help books. Overall, I was disappointed by the lackluster storytelling and generic advice offered in this book.