BOOK REVIEW | The Magic Within

AN INSIGHTFUL READ REITERATING THE BELIEF OF THE MARVELLOUS POWER OF MAGIC WITHIN US

Book: The Magic Within

Author: Sana Chawla

Pages: 148

Price: Rs. 399

Self-help books and inspirational memoirs are part of a genre that is ever growing, diverse and famous. Be it “Chicken soup for the Soul” or “The monk who sold his Ferrari”, motivational books certainly strike a chord with many readers. Sana Chawla, a multi-passionate entrepreneur with extensive experience in the events industry, makes strides in such a genre with a self-help book imbued in spiritual enlightenment. She is also dedicated to issues related to nutrition and women’s empowerment, and bringing personal growth workshops to youths across the world, which find a place in this book. Being a member of the Soka-Gokkai (a Japanese Buddhist Movement), the author exerts for kosen-rufu (spreading world peace) with great energy, and treads resolutely on this spiritual path with this book which is a dedication to the collective experiences of her soul tribe.

The book contains 14 insightful stories about overcoming adversities, which empower us to seek the miracle of faith, devotion and love. Whenever we have to deal with any hardship- whether it’s our own negative thought process or difficult circumstances that loom before us- we have the strength within us to persevere. Why is it that some of us break down during hard times, while others manage to emerge victorious? The book answers that simple question by presenting experiences that show the immense power of the invincible spirit that lies dormant in each one of us. These examples showcase that when life seems to be an insurmountable challenge, it is one’s faith that gets one through. In short, it is a multilayered guide to embrace that indomitable spirit in order to live our life to the fullest.

The book cover shows a leaf with myriad hues that seems to tell about multitude and contrasting personalities of the contributing authors drawn from various spheres of life and the differently themed stories that form a part of the book. The narrative is interspersed with great thoughts and quotes from authors and motivational speakers like Daisaku Ikeda ( president of Soka Gokkai International and the author’s Sensei), Abraham Hicks, Kriss Carr, Marie Forleo, Jen Mazer and Gabrielle Bernstein to name a few, which makes one stop and ponder about the depths hidden in such simple words. The motivational stories with a spiritual touch are brisk and capable of offering newer perspectives. However, they could’ve been told in a more engrossing way and adroit editing could’ve made the narrative better.

Nevertheless, this book is an exploration of the fighting spirit within us that deftly mixes memoir, deep understanding, inspiriting anecdotes and compelling writing. A brilliant display of self-revivalist stories combined with literary erudition that will light up the mood of any person on days when one is feeling low or boggled down by life’s challenges and will certainly help to strengthen the belief of the wonders that the magic within us can yield when faced with such challenges.