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Book of the Month

Meeting December 1st, 2025

Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James R. Doty (2016)

A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

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.
James R. Doty, M.D. is an Adjunct Professor and the Founder & Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine, of which the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor. As the Director of CCARE, he has spearheaded research projects on compassion and altruism, and their relationship to the brain. He is also an inventor, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Book Club Questions – Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James R. Doty (2016)

  • 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.
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