Into the Magic Shop Audiobook By James R. Doty MD cover art

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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Into the Magic Shop

By: James R. Doty MD
Narrated by: James R. Doty MD
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About this listen

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 Audio
Biological Sciences Medical Professionals & Academics Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Human Brain Heartfelt Health Inspiring Magic Thought-Provoking Meditation Medicine
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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

Inspiring Journey • Transformative Storytelling • Authentic Narration • Personal Vulnerability • Practical Wisdom
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I wasn’t crazy about the reading at first because it was choppy, but as I pushed forward, I appreciated the vulnerability. It’s a great book that teaches one mindfulness, compassion, and my favorite chapter was Chapter 11

Compassion and open hearts can change lives

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I loved the story and the message it carried! It was so touching that I cried many times when I was listening to this book. It teaches you many lessons that can affect your life and the life of others around you!
Thank you Dr James Doty for sharing your wonderful story!!

The most touching book I ever read!

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Loved every word of this book
; his life, his losses and gains -what a life well shared!

Everything you need to know

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Incredible storytelling, beautiful emotions, wonderful insights on the power of owning the heart. I was gripped right away and remained so engaged throughout. The emotions of the authors voice come through powerfully in the audiobook. What a diverse life.

Soulful and heartfelt experience

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Incredibly inspiring and touching story that has a beautiful message. A wonderful reminder about the impact of kindness and compassion on ourselves and on others.

Very powerful message and story

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"Into the Magic Shop" by Dr. James R. Doty masterfully intertwines the realms of science and spirituality, offering readers a profound exploration of how the heart and mind can collaborate to transform lives. Dr. Doty, a renowned neurosurgeon, shares his personal journey from a disadvantaged childhood through the transformative encounter with a woman who taught him techniques to harness the power of his mind and heart. This book is not only informative, revealing the scientific underpinnings of mindfulness and compassion, but also deeply inspiring, illustrating how these practices can dramatically alter one's life path.

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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Loved this book listened in one day couldn’t stop!! So many great take aways!!! This is a must read!!!

Wow!!!! So humbling and heart felt

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Dr Doty tells his extraordinary spiritual journey in a very humble manner. I found the whole story relatable and powerful. Authors narrating their own work is powerful and this is no exception. His kindness and compassion fills the voice and has a calming effect on the listener

Humble but profound

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I have been using creative visualization since 1981 and started studying manifesting and this book is AMAZING!!! This story is incredible I read it in a short time , so interesting!! It really is a must read!! It really makes sense! I want to meet Dr. Boty! Love his story!! Cindy W.

Fantastic Book! Must Read!!

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thank you for opening your heart and sharing your wisdom and story. I feel I knew bits of the elements but you put all the information in a way that's very clear and easy to understand. thank you! and thanks to beautiful Ruth for her gift.

very grateful for this book

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