Old fashioned magic and healing techniques were popular methods of addressing ailments and promoting well-being in ancient times. These practices relied on a belief in the supernatural and the power of the unseen world to influence physical and mental health. In ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Egypt, magic and healing were intertwined. Priests and healers were regarded as intermediaries between humans and the divine, and they used spells, incantations, and rituals to invoke the help of gods and spirits for healing purposes. One of the most well-known old fashioned magic practices is herbalism. Throughout history, plants have been used for their medicinal properties, and their healing properties were thought to be augmented by the magical properties they were believed to possess.
But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?
The new graphic novel The Magic Fish is a story about an immigrant mother and her young gay son telling themselves about each other through the shared medium of fairy tales. I grew up reading a lot of immigrant stories that were about the difficulty of parents coming around and understanding their children and supporting their children who grew up in a different culture.
Throughout history, plants have been used for their medicinal properties, and their healing properties were thought to be augmented by the magical properties they were believed to possess. Healers would gather and prepare specific herbs and plants, often combining them with spells and incantations, to create remedies for various ailments. Another old fashioned technique was the use of charms and talismans.
The Magic Fish
In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, fairy tales are the only way one boy can communicate with his Vietnamese immigrant parents. But how will he find the words to tell them that he’s gay? A powerful read about family, identity and the enduring magic of stories.
“One of the most astounding graphic novels of the year” –Entertainment Weekly
Tien and his mother may come from different cultures—she’s an immigrant from Vietnam still struggling with English; he’s been raised in America—but through the fairy tales he checks out from the local library, those differences are erased.
But as much as Tien’s mother’s English continues to improve as he reads her tales of love, loss, and travel across distant shores, there’s one conversation that still eludes him—how to come out to her and his father. Is there even a way to explain what he’s going through in Vietnamese? And without a way to reveal his hidden self, how will his parents ever accept him?
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel speaks to the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together even when we don’t know the words.
“A lyrical masterpiece.” –BuzzFeed
About The Magic Fish
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR by the New York Public Library • Kirkus Reviews • Booklist • Publishers Weekly
Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.
Real life isn’t a fairytale.
But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?
Is there a way to tell them he’s gay?
A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what—we can all have our own happy endings.
About The Magic Fish
Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.
Real life isn’t a fairytale.
But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?
Is there a way to tell them he’s gay?
A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what—we can all have our own happy endings.
About The Magic Fish
Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.
Real life isn’t a fairytale.
But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?
Is there a way to tell them he’s gay?
A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what—we can all have our own happy endings.
Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.
These objects, often made from natural materials such as stones, bones, and feathers, were believed to possess protective and curative powers. They were worn as jewelry or carried on the body to ward off evil spirits, dispel illness, and promote healing. Divination and fortune-telling were also common practices. Through the interpretation of signs and symbols, such as tarot cards, runes, or the patterns in the stars, practitioners could gain insights into a person's health and future. By understanding these messages, remedies could be prescribed or actions could be taken to prevent or alleviate illness. Ceremonies and rituals were an integral part of old fashioned magic and healing techniques. These rituals often involved dance, music, and chanting, which were believed to evoke spiritual energies and promote healing. The power of these rituals lay in their ability to create a sacred space and connect the individual to the divine. Despite their effectiveness in some cases, old fashioned magic and healing techniques were not based on scientific principles. As our understanding of the human body and the causes of disease has advanced, these practices have been largely replaced by evidence-based medicine. However, there is still an enduring fascination with ancient healing techniques, and many people continue to explore and embrace them as complementary or alternative forms of healthcare. In conclusion, old fashioned magic and healing techniques were an important part of ancient cultures and relied on a belief in the supernatural and the power of the unseen world. These practices included herbalism, the use of charms and talismans, divination, and rituals. While they may not be scientifically proven, they continue to hold a place in our cultural history and spark curiosity and fascination..
Reviews for "The Science of Old-Fashioned Magic: Investigating the Mechanics of Spells"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for a book about old fashioned magic and healing techniques, but I was disappointed. The content felt outdated and not relevant to modern times. I was looking for practical advice and techniques that I could incorporate into my life, but instead, I found myself reading about historical anecdotes and superstitions. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for practical guidance on magic and healing.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Old fashioned magic and healing techniques" was a complete waste of time. The information provided was sketchy at best and didn't offer any real value. It seemed like the author was just regurgitating outdated information without providing any personal insights or experiences. The techniques mentioned were either too vague or too convoluted to be of any use. I was left feeling frustrated and disappointed after reading this book and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Old fashioned magic and healing techniques" to be a dull read. The writing style was dry and lacked any real excitement or engaging content. The book also didn't provide any practical instructions or step-by-step guidance on how to perform the magic and healing techniques mentioned. It felt more like a history lesson than a guidebook. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it to others seeking practical guidance on magic and healing.