Hello book-luvers of r/bangtan!

We had a great lineup of books on the blocks for this month’s poll! Two came out as clear front-runners, but only one took the baton and ran away with the win. Have I gotten way too into the Olympics? Maybe… Lol, anyway, back to book club! You voted and the book we’ll be reading for August is…


Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by James R. Doty

Today, Jim Doty, is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE). But growing up, he had a difficult home life, and 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. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart, but he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open.

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.

This book was the inspiration for Magic Shop and the iconic 5th Muster: Magic Shop.


Author: James R. Doty, MDPublisher: Penguin RandomHouse
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2017ISBN-13: 9780399183645
Local libraries (where applicable)Amazon
Google BooksBarnes & Noble
Audible Audiobook

It is available either in paperback, audiobook and ebook


Don’t be canceling these plans

  • August 6: Reader’s Choice Book Announcement
  • August 20: Books with Luv discussion meeting

How about some fanfare for the top of the podium?

Drop a line here, and let us know if you’ll be joining us (we’ll help remind you when we get closer to discussion! If you voted for this book, we'd love to know why. Or if you were hoping for another option, share that too. See you at the discussion meeting!


We could never let you go

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.

…and the r/bangtan Mod Team

by mucho_thankyou5802