The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life

I read the first few pages of The Book of Alchemy at the public library. I was immediately hooked. Needed my own copy to have and to hold! Why? Because Suleika Jaouad has invited 100 persons of note to write a two-page piece plus a writing prompt—enough for 100 days of journaling self-discovery! "Alchemy" is derived from the ancient practice of transforming a base metal into a more valuable one, such as gold. Spiritually, alchemy refers to the transformation of ourselves to a higher level through personal growth and self-discovery. I can say that each of the pages I've written based on the prompts has definitely taken me to a new place I hadn't thought of. I look forward to each day's reading and prompt. So inspiring!

I have struggled to keep a journal for many years and always have lost momentum after a week or two. I got this book in mid April and I am not only continuing to use the prompts on a daily basis but look forward to starting again when I get to the end. Her wonderful reflections set the stage for the poignant stories that begin the days thoughts for the prompts and personal work. I wish I had recieved this book earlier in my life. I’m 78 and looking forward to many more years of writing.

Long time fan of this author and her story. It resonates with everyone who has gone through a difficult journey. This book is more of a guide book, prompts to journal about. I am savoring it as each chapter is meaningful and brings hope and a sense of wonder and joy!

Suleika has curated a collection of writing from some of the best creative minds and turned each narrative into a writing prompt that reaches deep into the heart and imagination. Her words, her story, both generous and wise, are inspiring. Thank you, Suleika.

A beautiful book by a beautiful soul! Suleika, the writer, organizes the book into several chapters related to aspects of the writing life and the work of writing. Within each chapter are short essays by others who write, all together forming a personal and illuminating book, not just on writing but on life. I can't recommend this book highly enough--especially if you've also read Between Two Kingdoms (her first book) and/or seen American Symphony. It's not a how-to book, but an inspiration and an excellent collection of prompts to go with the short essays.

I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s a beautiful book-inside and out. If you are seeking guidance in your journaling or simply want to explore a new creative endeavor I highly recommend

A fascinating book especially for creative ideas and stories.

Well written, inspiring.

I cracked open this book at the start of a cross-country road trip to move to a new city. It has been so delightful and heartwarming to read this book before bed and dispel my feeling of loneliness, anchoring it in the wonder of creativity, the human spirit and new beginnings. I love the prompt and enjoyed this book so much, I read Jaouad's earlier book immediately!

I love that each day is just a couple of pages to read. I am just getting into journaling, and the prompts are fantastic. I write about two pages daily, so it's not a huge time commitment.

Inspiring. Recommended to all my journaling students. A treasure to own or as a gift for someone,

I love this book so much. I anticipate the daily journal prompts with a sense of curiosity and excitement and it has become a habit to open this book first thing once I sit down with my first cup of morning coffee. Each prompt is so different. Some take me back to time past. Some cause me to imagine things I've never seen or done. Some evoke emotions, such as fear, or love. I love that this book has helped me build the habit of writing in a journal...something I've always desired but never followed through on.

Thought provoking, extremely helpful. This book is wonderful for anybody who likes to write but doesn’t always know what. It also has very deep prompts that are cathartic.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have been following her through her journey for many years and while different from her first book, still a beautiful journey like between two kingdoms. I would definitely recommend you reading it. I was lucky enough to see her do the reading in San Francisco francisco…

This book is designed for immediate interaction with quick chapters that have great nuggets of learning/excellent exercises. It's wonderfully set up to encourage writing. A nice gift to anyone who likes to keep a journal.

This book is a welcome surprise! I did not realize it would contain writing prompts and I've been thinking I wanted to start a casual writing practice - what a win! I loved Between Two Kingdoms so I bought this right when it came out. SO far, loving the writing, the practice, the whole thing.

Such an inspiring and thought provoking book to help establish a journaling habit. I love the categories and how she involved so many talented writers. It makes a great gift also.

The author is an incredible woman in her own right. Her story and the essays she’s included will inspire you to rethink your existence. It is the best “self help guide” I’ve ever read.The books kicks off as a guide to “journaling” but when you get about half a dozen essays in, you realize that your journal will become the medium for the self-examination, introspection, compass that your therapist (at $200/hour) is trying to get you to do.But: This is self expression that you don’t have to filter - life’s little humiliations or petty victories or maybe the big things. It is all totally yours unless you want to share for whatever reason. The only hang-up is that it’s only as honest and complete as you are. And that isn’t easy. Buy this book; read it and give it to someone you know. Or read it and keep it for the rest of your life.

It's fun to pick up this book and turn to a random page. Every essay is a little gem, displaying its author's close-up on an aspect of life that we may have been cursorily aware of but never paid close attention to. Leafing through this book is a bit like taking a nature walk on which we look very closely, from an unaccustomed angle, at flowers or insects that might have escaped our attention from five feet up. Each piece ends with an invitation to stop on the path and examine, with care and curiosity, one instance of the amazing variety of experiences that life sends our way. Pick up this book. You won't regret it.

I'm enjoying this take on journaling throughly. I've been journaling for over 30 years and always enjoy motivating stores and this book doesn't disappoint.After each story by various writers is a journal entry suggestion. (I hesitate to call them prompts as I've never enjoyed journaling prompts.) I must confess I've yet to write a journal entry based on these stories although I plan to. Rather, I'm enjoying all the stories themselves. They are packed with rich mental pictures and metaphors that are a joy to read.Here's just one example:"Over the years, there have been many times when I've been struck still by the grandeur of nature, be it looking into the gaping maw of the Grand Canyon, beholding the sheer force of Niagara Falls, or experiencing the oceanic vastness of the Sahara. It's the sublime: I am made small in the most wonderful way. But now I can also experience that dizzying thrill when I stop and study the magenta-hued pom-pom, or the complex constellations in a sprig of Queen Anne's lace. I am more awake and alive. Less world-weary, more filled with wonder." —The Book of Alchemy p.93The format of the book reminds me of the Whack Pack app ("A Whack on the Side of the Head") I often use to get my creative juices going. There's a story to read and then a few questions afterward to get the mental oil flowing. That's what this book is about.Highly recommended.Note: I purchased the book myself. This is not a paid review.