Hello bookluvers of r/bangtan!

It’s been a rollercoaster of a month, y’all! And then with more fun and sure to be bias-wrecking things in store, isn’t it nice to take a minute, relax your mind, open your heart, and chat over a book? Before you get caught up in the bangtan whirlwind, join us in the Magic Shop!

So show me (I’ll show you)

Below is a discussion guide. Some book-specific questions and other sharing suggestions!

You can scroll down this thread or use these links to go directly to these questions!

• How did the themes of mindfulness and compassion explored in "Into the Magic Shop" resonate with you personally?

• The book has largely been attributed as inspiration to the song "Magic Shop" (though it's really a mystery how). After reading the book, what are some parallels between the author's journey and discoveries and the messages of self-love and empowerment often conveyed by BTS in their music and artistry?

• Did you try out any of Ruth's 'Tricks'? Was this your first foray into meditation/visualization or a regular practice of yours; how was the experience?

• Ruth acts as a guiding figure for Doty and emphasizes the importance of connecting with others and opening one's heart. In what ways has the influence of a mentor or a guiding figure shaped your life? What have been some of your most meaningful connections – in and outside of BTS & Army?

• Do you have your own 'Alphabet of the Heart'?

B-Side Questions/Discussion Suggestions

• Fan Chant: Hype/overall reviews
• Ments: favorite quotes
• ARMY Time: playlist/recommendations of songs you associate with the book/chapters/characters
• Do The Wave: sentiments, feels, realizations based on the book
• Encore/Post Club-read Depression Prevention: something the book club can do afterwards (on your own leisure time) to help feel less sad after reading.

“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, MD

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 is said to be the inspiration for Magic Shop and the iconic 5th Muster: Magic Shop.

We won’t leave you stranded!

Is there a book you’d love Namjoon to read? Or maybe there’s one that made you think of Hobi. Tell us what books you’d recommend to a specific member or you’d like to add to our TBR list. Click here for your recs!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the book or the thread, feel free to tag me like so u/mucho_thankyou5802 or any of the mods or BWL Volunteers.

• u/EveryCliche
• u/munisme
• u/mucho_thankyou5802
• u/Next_Grapefruit_3206

…and the r/bangtan Mod Team