The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic

By: Emily Croy Barker

Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan

Length: 26 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Emily Croy Barker’s riveting debut novel is a must-read for fans of Lev Grossman and Deborah Harkness. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic follows grad student Nora Fischer as she stumbles through a portal into a magical world.

Having been transformed from drab to beautiful, Nora finds herself surrounded by glamorous friends. Life seems perfect. But then things take a terrible turn, and Nora must learn magic from a reclusive ally if she is to have any hope of survival...

©2013 Emily Croy Barker (P)2013 Recorded Books

Good story, but rambling & long

While this novel does weave an intricate and detailed picture of the magical world the protagonist finds herself in, I found myself asking many times, “But what’s the point? Why is this important? Is this going anywhere?” It felt like just when I couldn’t stand the inaction anymore, action would occur that would move the story forward and draw me back in. After so many of these moments, I absolutely do not appreciate the story ending on a sort of cliffhanger. While we know what she feels she wants to do (about a year too late, it seems like)- how she will do it and what will happen when she does remains frustratingly unsaid.

I also feel that the title of the book is misleading and doesn’t make much sense after finishing the story. It’s the kind of title that a lot of books have lately (The “Someone” of “Something” formula) and while this may seem like a petty critique, I honestly spent quite a bit of time during the book trying to figure out what it meant, and waiting for it to make sense.

But by far the worst part was that story spent so much time trying to convince us (the readers) that the major romance of the story arc was a good thing, and these two characters were fit for each other, and should be together. I felt for the majority of the book that the male character was pretty awful, and I was really not looking forward to the time in the story when they would inevitably get together. And then they didn’t get together. After waiting through 24 hrs of narrative, putting up with countless descriptions of their misunderstood feelings for each other, anguished internal monologues, and even the incredulity of other characters as they wondered why the heck these two weren’t together yet, they had the audacity to not get together! I was pretty happy about this, since I felt all along that he isn’t good enough for her, and she should get the heck out of that stupid magical world ASAP before something happened to permanently keep her there. I was satisfied, if annoyed, at having spent the entire story assuming she would give in and be with the insufferable man. Then, at the very very end, she has to doubt herself, and regret her decision. Tisk tisk, Nora. I’m ashamed of you. You should know better by now after everything that happened. *Sigh* The end.

Long Book

Although this book could easily have been several shorter books, it was worth the time invested. I enjoyed it enough to purchase the second in the series...

beautiful vision of magic

The deep and overarching theory of magic in this world is fabulous. My main issue is ….toooooo looooong. I love long books but there is a certain repetitive theme here that gets very old.

LOVE this book!

What made the experience of listening to The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic the most enjoyable?

The voice actress' voice was enjoyable, and the writing of this book was very well-done.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main character was complex, intelligent, and thought for herself. I hate "save the princess" type books. The main character gets help, but thinks for herself and takes control of her life.

What about Alyssa Bresnahan’s performance did you like?

Her voice and performance were wonderful.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really enjoyed how this book portrayed the character as intelligent, eager to learn, and strong enough to control her life. It also explained the thoughts of the student/main character and graduate school well.

I hated the ending/ many loose ends/questions

Too many loose ends. Too many unanswered questions left. It was like there should have been 2 or 3 more chapters at the end. Not impressed overall. Liked the first half waaaaayyy more than the second half.

Most Delightful Listen Ever

I havent listened to an audible book that I loved more than this. All the thumbs up.

Imaginative, well-written romance

This book is so well written! I have the Audible Romance Package, so I listen to a lot of these books. This is one of the best I've encountered; a good buy even if you don't have the subscription. The characters feel real, their decisions make sense, the world feels real and full; Emily Croy Barker knows how to put a good story together and has the skills to do it. I won't include any spoilers at all, but I enjoyed her approach to magic, and the characters are sensual and delightful.

A very intriguing story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version.

What other book might you compare The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic to and why?

Somewhat like Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll but less confusing with a strong female protagonist.

Which scene was your favorite?

One towards the end where the protagonist was able to use knowledge from her world to free her mentor.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was drawn in. I don't know if I would want to listen to it all in one sitting, but I didn't want it to end.

not bad

some of the chapters end rather abruptly. Kinda choppy with timeline. I would like to have a little more history about the alternate world the main character fell into.

incredible adventure into another world!

found this book to be fabulous. loved all the characters, as well as the storyline. narrator did a great job. I want, or should I say, need need need next book!!!!! when is it coming out? as I continue to find it!