
Into the Magic Shop
A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart
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Narrated by:
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James R. Doty MD
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By:
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James R. Doty MD
The award-winning New York Times bestseller about the extraordinary things that can happen when we harness the power of both the brain and the heart
Growing up in the high desert of California, Jim Doty was poor, with an alcoholic father and a mother chronically depressed and paralyzed by a stroke. Today he is the director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University, of which the Dalai Lama is a founding benefactor. But back then his life was at a dead end until 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. Her final mandate was that he keep his heart open and teach these techniques to others. She gave him his first glimpse of the unique relationship between the brain and the heart.
Doty would go on to put Ruth’s practices to work with extraordinary results—power and wealth that he could only imagine as a twelve-year-old, riding his orange Sting-Ray bike. But he neglects Ruth’s most important lesson, to keep his heart open, with disastrous results—until he has the opportunity to make a spectacular charitable contribution that will virtually ruin him. 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.
©2016 James R. Doty, MD (P)2023 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"Into the Magic Shop is pure magic! That a child from humble beginnings could become a professor of neurosurgery and the founder of a center that studies compassion and altruism at a major university, as well as an entrepreneur and philanthropist is extraordinary enough. But it is Doty's ability to describe his journey so lyrically, and then his willingness to share his methods that make this book a gem."—Abraham Verghese, MD, Author of Cutting for Stone
"This book tells the remarkable story of a neurosurgeon's quest to unravel the mystery of the link between our brains and our hearts. From the moment in his childhood when a simple act of kindness changed the course of his own life to his founding a center to study compassion at Stanford University. Jim Doty's life illustrates how each of us can make a difference. We can make the world a more compassionate place. I’m sure many readers will be moved by this inspiring story to open their hearts and see what they too can do for others."—His Holiness the Dalai Lama
“Into the Magic Shop offers a gripping, well-told journey into the mysteries of the human mind and brain. Neurosurgeon James Doty has written a heartwarming tale of courage and compassion."—Daniel Goleman, Ph.D., author of Emotional Intelligence
Compassion and open hearts can change lives
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Thank you Dr James Doty for sharing your wonderful story!!
The most touching book I ever read!
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; his life, his losses and gains -what a life well shared!
Everything you need to know
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Soulful and heartfelt experience
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Emotional, transformative, just WOW.
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Very powerful message and story
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The narrative is a captivating blend of the medical and the metaphysical, making complex neurological concepts accessible and engaging, while also delving into the spiritual practices that shaped Doty's life and career. It is this seamless fusion that makes the book a transformational read—encouraging a holistic view of healing and personal success. Readers will find "Into the Magic Shop" a treasure trove of wisdom, its lessons lingering long after the last page is turned, urging one to believe in the possibility of magic in their own lives. Thank you Dr. Doty! This was just the rocket fuel I needed! 🪄✨✨
Into The Magic Shop Is Remarkable & Heartfelt Read. The Science of Manifestation, Transformation & Healing!
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Wow!!!! So humbling and heart felt
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Humble but profound
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Fantastic Book! Must Read!!
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