"The Magical Yet Book" is a heartwarming and inspiring children's book that encourages the power of perseverance and developing a growth mindset. The story follows a curious and determined young girl named Jessica, who embarks on a magical adventure in a land filled with talking animals, enchanted forests, and mystical creatures. As Jessica traverses through this extraordinary realm, she encounters various challenges and obstacles that initially seem insurmountable. However, instead of succumbing to defeat, Jessica discovers the power of the word "yet." This simple word transforms her mindset, allowing her to approach difficulties with a newfound determination and belief in her ability to overcome them eventually. Throughout the book, Jessica learns valuable life lessons from the creatures she meets, who share their own tales of facing setbacks and experiences of growth.
Panaji: When about 100 Russians gathered for theatrics in the dark, wearing black costumes and carrying torches, people of Paliem were petrified by the sight — they thought their village had become a stage for ‘black magicians’.
The drama unfolded last week under a banyan tree in the village of Pernem taluka. A Russian from the group, Olga Makhnovetsky, who introduced herself as the daughter of a celebrated Russian filmmaker, Yuri Marin, claimed the group was “misunderstood”.
“We are not ministers of any cult nor ardent supporters of any religion. We are just performers,” Makhnovetsky, an organiser of the event, told reporters on Tuesday. She added, “We were mistaken by some well-meaning locals who only wished to protect their loved ones from harm.” At the press interaction, Makhnovetsky was accompanied by Mikola Dranich, a Belarus citizen and a director and theatre actor.
Makhnovetsky said that the group had informed the panchayat about its event in advance and no fees were charged. But sarpanch Sagar Tilve contradicted her claim. “No permission was taken from us, plus they collected entry fees. Their event was held in my ward,” Tilve told TOI.
A Russian from the group, Olga Makhnovetsky, who introduced herself as the daughter of a celebrated Russian filmmaker, Yuri Marin, claimed the group was misunderstood. Think l Coen classics like Raising Arizona and The Big Lebowski thoroughly blended with occult horror like Lair of the White Worm or The Serpent and the Rainbow.
Throughout the book, Jessica learns valuable life lessons from the creatures she meets, who share their own tales of facing setbacks and experiences of growth. Together, they explore the concept of embracing failure as an opportunity for learning and personal development. They emphasize that just because something may be difficult or unattainable at present, it doesn't mean it will always be that way.
Witchcraft and Black Magic Across the World
The island of Siquijor, found in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is a mysterious other-world of witchcraft, the unknown and to mangkukulam: these are practitioners of a form of Filipino witchcraft called kulam. Researcher of Filipino and Austronesian history, Arthur Soriano, states that in his experience of visiting the island, many Cebuanos refused to accompany him on his journeys. Many believe that they perform black magic, using rituals similar to voodoo, and cast spells and incantations to bring harm. However, they aren’t just self-serving; they often sell love potions and services to help customers exert revenge on those who have wronged them.
These images are from documentary photographer, Jacob Maentz, and show his time spent with folk healers and sorcerers on the island. Out of his time spent there he said it was “interesting seeing the influence of the church on these sorcerers, with many praying and lighting candles on their altar before starting a ritual.”
A folk healer from Siquijor burning charcoal with healing plants to perform a medicinal ritual. Juanita Torremacho, fourth-gen folk healer, performing the 'tu-ob' to ameliorate arm pain.A sorcerer in Siquijor island placing his hands on a human skull which he uses to cast spells on people.
- Witchcraft
In ‘Servants of the Spirit’, photographer, Les Stone, spends 20 years exploring the mysticism of the practice of vodou, an African diasporic religion that developed in Haiti between the 16th and 19th centuries and which is often seen as a practice involving magic. Vodou is an official religion of Haiti, which more than 8 million people practice. This African diasporic religion is based on the belief that everything is a spirit and humans exist to serve the spirits through different devotional rites and prayers.
During rituals, Vodouists will often experience spirit possession and enter trance-like states, which can include eating and drinking, dancing, divination and performing special medical cures or physical fears. Vodou is not evil; it is a belief system and religion comparable to any other. As one of Vodou's central sites, Souvenance holds an annual festival at Easter. These images take place during this event.
Of his time spent there, Stone says “it’s Vodou, the people, the music, the dance and the incredible drumming that draw me back.”
A young man is tormented by visions of his dead cousin who attempts to warn him of a Witch capable of casting deadly spells!
"The Magical Yet Book" promotes important qualities such as resilience, optimism, and adaptability in a manner that is relatable and understandable to young readers. It teaches them that challenges are a natural part of life and should be embraced as opportunities for growth and improvement. By introducing the concept of "yet," the book encourages children to adopt a growth mindset, where they see setbacks not as permanent failures, but as stepping stones toward eventual success. Written in a captivating and engaging way, "The Magical Yet Book" features beautiful illustrations that further bring the enchanting world to life. The vivid colors and imaginative artwork captivate readers of all ages, enhancing the overall reading experience. "The Magical Yet Book" is a testament to the power of positive thinking and its influence on one's overall well-being and success. It inspires its young readers to dream big, overcome obstacles, and never give up on their aspirations. Ultimately, the book serves as a valuable tool in building resilience and nurturing a growth mindset in children, providing them with the foundations for a fulfilling and successful future..
Reviews for "Enter a world where magic and reality interweave in "The Nsgical Yet Book"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I really struggled to get through "The Magical Yet Book". The storyline was choppy and confusing, with so many characters and subplots that were never fully developed. The writing style felt disjointed and amateurish, lacking the depth and polish I expect from a book in this genre. Overall, it was a disappointing read that left me feeling unsatisfied and unengaged.
2. Jacob - 1 star - I found "The Magical Yet Book" to be incredibly dull and unoriginal. The plot was predictable, with no real surprises or twists to keep me interested. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked development, making it difficult for me to connect or care about their journey. Additionally, the pacing was slow, dragging on unnecessarily and making the book feel much longer than it actually was. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking an exciting and captivating read.
3. Samantha - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "The Magical Yet Book", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The writing style felt forced and pretentious, with the author trying too hard to be poetic and deep. The magical elements of the story were also poorly executed, lacking any real sense of wonder or enchantment. I found myself constantly questioning the logic and rules of the magical world, which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book to others.
4. Matthew - 2 stars - "The Magical Yet Book" had such potential, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The plot felt cliché and uninspired, with overused tropes and predictable twists that made the story feel stale. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters or believe in their interactions. The pacing was also off, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed and underdeveloped. Overall, I was left feeling unimpressed and underwhelmed by this book.