Joan Didion's memoir, "The Year of Magical Thinking," lays bare the heart-wrenching journey of the author following the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne. This poignant and introspective work explores grief, loss, and the complexities of mourning. Didion's writing style is both tender and precise, as she weaves together personal anecdotes, reflections, and memories to create a vivid portrait of her grief-stricken state of mind. Throughout the book, Didion grapples with the concept of "magical thinking" – the irrational belief that one can prevent or control tragic events through thoughts or actions. This theme permeates the narrative as she navigates the aftermath of her husband's passing, desperately seeking ways to bring him back or undo the reality of his death. Didion chronicles her struggle with this irrational thinking, allowing readers to intimately share her mental and emotional journey.
Didion chronicles her struggle with this irrational thinking, allowing readers to intimately share her mental and emotional journey. Additionally, Didion delves into the complexities of grief and mourning, exposing the contradictory nature of these experiences. She finds herself oscillating between moments of despair, where she is overwhelmed by the reality of her loss, and moments of hope, where her magical thinking takes over in an attempt to avoid the pain.
The Magic House MADE for Kids
This new satellite location is just two blocks west of Kingshighway Blvd. The Magic House, MADE for Kids is located on the second floor of the adult makerspace MADE STL.
What is the cost to visit?
Admission to The Magic House, MADE for Kids is $6.00 for anyone ages 1 and older. Family Memberships, offering unlimited admission to The Magic House, MADE for Kids, are available beginning at $50.
Active-duty U.S. military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members) receive free admission.
Foster families receive free admission with proof of a current foster home license.
Are there any days where you offer free or discounted admission?
Free Family Nights at The Magic House MADE for Kids are sponsored by Mastercard on the third Friday of every month. Thanks to the support of Mastercard, this event offers free admission to families (up to two adults and four of their own children) from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Due to capacity regulations, space is limited and reentry is not allowed.
Is The Magic House @ MADE designed for a specific age group?
The Magic House MADE for Kids is designed for elementary and middle school students and their families. The 7,000-square-foot interactive space features four areas: a Makers’ Workshop, an Artists’ Studio, a Designers’ Lab and an Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace.
Is admission good for the entire day?
Families are welcome to leave and return the same day with their Magic House MADE For Kids sticker.
Are there additional fees once you enter the facility?
Additional purchases may be made at our Entrepreneur Shop, but are not required to complete your experience. Your admission includes all experiences in the facility. Additional purchase may be made to enhance your visit or projects. For example, visitors will have the opportunity to create using clay, if you would like to have your creation fired in our kiln, there is an additional fee.
Does my admission cover a visit to MADE, the Makerspace on the lower level?
The Magic House MADE for Kids admission is a separate entity from the adult makerspace MADE on the lower level. Visit https://madestl.com/ for membership details in the adult space.
Does my admission at The Magic House cover admission to The Magic House @ MADE?
Admission fees are only valid at the location in which they are purchased.
Is The Magic House, MADE for Kids wheelchair accessible?
The Magic House, MADE for Kidsis accessible. While the location is on the second floor, an elevator will take visitors to The Magic House, MADE for Kids.
Are strollers allowed?
Visitors are welcome to bring strollers. Please note that the Museum does not rent strollers.
Does The Magic House, MADE for Kids offer a group discount?
The $6.00 admission fee is still applicable per attendee, regardless of the group size.
Does The Magic House, MADE for Kids participate in the ACM Reciprocal Network?
While The Magic House’s flagship Kirkwood location participates in the ACM Reciprocal Network, The Magic House, MADE for Kids does not currently participate in discounted admission through this network.
Can I purchase passes to give as a gift?
Planning to share The Magic House, MADE for Kids admission passes with family or friends? Purchase gift passes now!
Current School Year Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This emotional rollercoaster is beautifully captured in her writing, offering readers a window into the challenging and unpredictable terrain of grief. One of the most powerful aspects of "The Year of Magical Thinking" is Didion's unflinching examination of the impact of loss on her own identity and relationships. She reflects on the shifting dynamics with family and friends, the isolating nature of grief, and the solace she finds in everyday rituals and objects. By sharing these intensely personal details, Didion invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and how it shapes their lives. In summary, "The Year of Magical Thinking" encapsulates the universal experience of grief and loss. Through her raw and honest prose, Joan Didion creates an unforgettable memoir that resonates with readers on a deeply emotional level. The book serves as a testament to the power of language and storytelling, providing solace and understanding for those grappling with their own journeys of mourning..
Reviews for "The Therapeutic Potential of Magical Thinking in Counseling and Therapy"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars: I found "The Year of Magical Thinking" to be an incredibly tedious and self-indulgent read. Joan Didion's constant rumination on her own grief and attempts to make connections between her personal experiences and larger universal truths felt forced and pretentious. I couldn't relate to her detached and clinical approach to her emotions, which made it difficult for me to empathize with her loss. Overall, I was disappointed and frustrated by this book, as I was hoping for a more heartfelt and genuine exploration of grief.
2. Mike - 2/5 stars: While I understand the acclaim "The Year of Magical Thinking" has received, I personally didn't connect with Joan Didion's writing style. The book felt disjointed and lacked a strong narrative thread, with Didion jumping from one memory or thought to another without clear transitions. Her introspective and analytical approach to grief made it difficult for me to truly feel her emotions or become invested in her journey. I appreciate the honesty of her expression, but it just wasn't for me.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: I struggled to get through "The Year of Magical Thinking." Joan Didion's excessive use of repetition, metaphors, and abstract thinking left me feeling disconnected from the story. While I understand that grief can be disorienting, her writing style mirrored that disorientation a bit too much for my taste. The lack of a clear narrative structure made it difficult for me to fully engage with the book, and I often found myself losing interest in her musings. I can see how some readers appreciate her introspective approach, but it simply didn't resonate with me.