Finding Magic audiobook

The book is just like Sally Quinn. Intelligent, strong and at the same time a bit like the champagne she so loves to imbibe. I like her search for faith as it's I encumbered by the strictures of a particular organized religion.

I'm in the midst of writing my autobiography, and this book provided a great example of a style that I could use in my own writing; it provides interest and moves the narrative along. Quinn explores questions about religion and ways of believing. However, at times, the discussion seemed a bit naive and based on magical thinking based on the luxury of a privileged childhood. The latter part of the book, which discusses her husband, Ben Bradlee's increasing dementia and eventual death is a bit drawn out. "I believe that life inherently has great meaning, potentially for everyone. I am not negative, not a pessimist, not a cynic. I am definitely not a nihilist. If I had to choose one word for where I am spiritually and philosophically at this moment in my life, it would be transcendentalist. The Transcendentalists . . . 'believes in miracle, in the perpetual openness of the human mind to new influx of light and power;' he believes in inspiration, and in ecstasy." Some of her conclusions such as this need further explication instead of "jolly gee, I've just found the answer."

I listened to this via audiobook and I have to admit I was enchanted. Is Sally Quinn a bit narcissistic? Yes. Does she fulfill the promise of the premise of a Spiritual Memoir? Not exactly. But she certainly lived a fascinating life. It's so interesting to hear her talk (read her write) about experiences in her life where she is clearly at moral fault and yet, she doesn't quite own up to it as much as she should. But I was very taken with her thoughts on grief. I like the way she talks about discovering magic, even though she only does so for a few paragraphs despite it being the title of the book. She is a deeply flawed but still fascinating woman and she made me long for my own long nights sitting around the dining room table drinking wine in the candlelight with good friends.

Not since Katherine Graham's autobiography, Personal History have I enjoyed a memoir so much. Had I not had so much to do, I would have read Sally Quinn's Finding Magic: A Spiritual Memoir from cover to cover immediately. It is a page turner. I disagree with many of the reviews on this book. It's a 10! Quinn's husband, Bill Bradlee (famous from Watergate years) was editor of The Washington Post under Publisher Katherine Graham. It was a different time for women and for journalism. Could be that my 20 years in the newspaper business might have accounted for some of my fondness for this book. However, Quinn's writing is real and raw and flowed effortlessly as she took us on the journey of her life and her quest to find her faith.

This memoir by Sally Quinn explores the religious/spiritual journey of the author from childhood to the present. Sally Quinn's life has been exciting and heartbreaking. While she writes about her quest for finding magic in an interesting way, I found that when she speaks of her husbands death to be extremely poignant and vulnerable. Sally Quinn is an intelligent, deep thinking, well connected individual. I enjoyed peeking into her world.

I really Liked this book - It’s an interesting and entertaining look at the events that shaped her faith, and/or lack there of. Sally explores the many unique experiences that shaped her spiritual evolution. Ultimately finding herself able to embrace many aspects of conventional belief systems and some very Unconventional as well. I would recommend it if you are in the mood for something thought provoking and insightful.

Initially I was not overwhelmed by this book but when Sally Quinn really started her religious quest - trying to understand what she believes and why - I became much more interested and the last 40% of the book just flew by. Also, her description of her experiences caring for Ben Bradlee at the end of his life was moving.

A really interesting view of the soul and what one does with it.Quinn, an exceptional writer, tackled a difficult subject head-on and produced this exquisite read. I have wrestled with my faith following the losses of dear family members and truly understand her efforts here. Highly recommend.

good read. I TOTALLY loved the epigraphs that precede each chapter. I may well be spending the next few months tracking down the books from which they are taken! what a great way to beef up my reading list ;-)

Highly recommended

Wonderful memoir of an excellent journalist who spent a lifetime working for the Washington Post and ended up writing the enlightening column, 'on faith.'

Faith and One more step with MagicI'm a longtime Tarot Reader and when I heard Sally Quinn talk about her book on MSNBC, I knew I was called to read it.I had a full range of emotions while reading each chapter and ended up stopping several times at the end as I was in tears. This is a Work and read for all who ever wanted to take one more step in the Light!

Memoir of noteCovers the highlights of Quinn's exciting life. Well written, but I came away with a not high opinion of her.

A somewhat reluctant 4 stars because she gets awfully deedle-deedle in this book. For example, she evidently believes whole-heartedly in psychics, partially credits herself in the deaths of several persons she put "hexes" on (while saying her rational mind doesn't believe it, but......), and also has great faith in astrology.But all that notwithstanding, she's such a good solid writer with quite a story to tell. The daughter of a several-star general, she (like our own boys, although my husband was only a colonel) attends many schools as a child. She is discreet about various love affairs and sex romps, describing her partners in general terms but not naming most of them.She is, however, very #MeToo about a situation with then-Senator Tower. All in all, a good read that moves right along. Although I question why her deceased husband, whom she believes wants desperately to contact her, must do it through a third party -- one of these self-proclaimed psychics.She does a lot of musing about religion and led me to define my own beliefs and purpose: I choose to live my life with love, music, mercy, grace, kindness, and generosity.

Delightful!

2017/11/22