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Patricia Richards's avatar

I read Jane Eyre and didn’t like it that much but Salt and Broom sounds good. I am currently reading a mercy by Toni Morrison for the first time and I love it.

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Katie J's avatar

I re-read Jane Eyre once a year as a comfort read. Very intrigued by the idea of Salt & Broom!

As for who we are today… I am still very much here for anything you can share about writing, herbs, tarot/oracle, crystals and your perspective on life in general 💙

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Maia Toll's avatar

💗💗💗

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Karista Bennett's avatar

I wish I could say I've read Jane Eyre, but alas, my childhood was wrought with issues (cult-like religion) and I wasn't allowed to read many of the classics. As an adult, I just never got around to reading them. They're on my list however and Salt and Broom sounds intriguing. Currently I'm reading Alice Hoffman's, The Invisible Hour, In The Garden Behind The Moon by Alexandra Chan, and an assortment of food memoirs (research for a project). I just finished, and absolutely loved, The Salt Path by Raynor Winn.

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Maia Toll's avatar

Sounds like you could write a book about your childhood! And thank you for all the recommendations. I’m always fascinated by people who read multiple books at once. I can do that with non-fiction but not with fiction.

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Karista Bennett's avatar

I've got one started, but my story is so outlandish I'm not sure people would believe me. So I might make it fiction. Ha! You're so welcome for the recommendations. Although I read multiple fiction at the same time, they need to be different genres so I don't get them confused.

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Maia Toll's avatar

Turning your story into fiction gives you a lot of leeway which can be a relief for some of the anxiety people have around sharing their stories.

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Karista Bennett's avatar

I agree, it'll make it so much easier for me to write. I almost feel as if I can be more honest. Yikes! Love reading your work Maia!! Thank you for your inspiration!

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Robi Byrd's avatar

Ms. Maia, I must share an enlightened book journey that I think you would appreciate: The Light Eaters How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth by Zoe Schlanger. Acknowledged by Braiding Sweetgrass' Robin Wall Kimmerer. It is poetic, informative and very well researched. I hope you get some time to enjoy it.

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Maia Toll's avatar

I am sure many of the readers here will be grateful for that recommendation!

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Andrea Williams's avatar

Don’t feel bad - I have never read those books either but I did love Anais Nin & I read a bio of Frida Kahlo back in the 90’s before she became world renowned! Today is the release of The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad - consider it! Good luck w your Asheville home!!!! ❣️❣️💐💐. Happy Earth Day too...

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Maia Toll's avatar

I read Suleika’s Substack. Let me know how the book reads!

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kj's avatar

I recently finished Alice Hoffman’s Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories. They were fun and light—just what I needed.

Currently trying to read Michael Sullivan’s Age of Myth, but haven’t fallen in love with it. I look forward to reading Salt and Broom. Thanks for the recommendation!

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Maia Toll's avatar

I am probably the only person who didn’t love Practical Magic. I’m always tempted to try her other books, but then I think if I didn’t like the flagship, what are the chances that I’m going to be captivated by the others?

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SharonL's avatar

Fwiw, last winter I read Magic Lessons, the story of the original Owens witch, and liked it much more. (Actually it rocked my world.) Also, THANK YOU SO MUCH MAIA for recommending my witchy Jane Eyre. What an incredible honor ❤️🥹❤️ (I don't know if you made it through the book's Acknowledgments, but you are in there 😊)

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Maia Toll's avatar

We won’t be there yet, but next time you come to Edinburgh, drop me a note – hopefully we will have a guest room!

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SharonL's avatar

Aww! Thank you!!

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Maia Toll's avatar

Sounds like I should try Magic Lessons!

And I did make it through the back pages. Thank you so much for a mention AND for writing such a wonderful book. We are in the midst of selling our house and everything feels like too much stress. Salt & Broom was the perfect escape. Now I have to explore your other books!

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SharonL's avatar

💗 I read about your upcoming move and am incredibly jealous - have always dreamed of living in the UK. I'm visiting Edinburgh in a few weeks for both holiday and research. Good luck with everything!

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Jewell's avatar

Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books, after having to read it in a 7th grade English class. I have not heard of Salt & Broom, so I am so excited to hear about it!

At the moment, I am reading a non-fiction book, If Women Rose Rooted, by Sharon Blackie.

https://sharonblackie.net/if-women-rose-rooted/

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Maia Toll's avatar

I dip in and out of If Woman Rose Rooted… and feel kind of guilty about it🤣

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Jewell's avatar

😂 That works, too!

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Maia Toll's avatar

This looks amazing! Everyone looks so happy!

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Heidi's avatar

I have read both Jane Eyre and Salt & Broom, love them both!! I think you would enjoy Jane Eyre💕

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Maia Toll's avatar

It is on my list now! I have a whole pile of books that I want to read before I move (in other words I don’t wanna pack them up and bring them with me) so it will be after I navigate that.

And I’m so glad to hear that Salt and Broom holds up, even for those who love the original.

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Heidi's avatar

I’m SO excited for you guys!! May need to plan a visit before you depart🌿💕🌿

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ouida's avatar

Thanks for the medicine swap idea/inspiration.We had one

last weekend in Winston Salem and folks loved it. They actually asked for one a season! 🙏🏼

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Maia Toll's avatar

I love this so much! And it also speaks directly to something I’ve been pondering: how we are all craving more in person contact and community…. And just typing this is giving me an idea! Thank you.

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ouida's avatar

can I share photos with you? I did a reel on IG, it was such an amazing time, and I told everyone that you inspired the event with what I read on one of your posts.

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Maia Toll's avatar

I would love to see photos! I don’t think you can post them here but you could share them in notes and tag me or click chat in the menu and start a new thread and share them there

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ouida's avatar

no, THANK YOU!

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