I've been looking for some 'alternative' options for the self-help/welness area of our high school library and thought this might be a good fit. Scelsa's opening remarks about her own journey may resonate with others who are in their teens and 20s who are challenged in determining their spiritual understanding and path. Overall, this isn't a spiritual or religious books, but covers in very general terms the topics that many become curious about when they are beginning to spread their sights beyond their own household (parent led) belief system. This is great for introducing crystals, tarot, astrology, Reiki, and more. It is not as much of a handbook/workbook that might be expected (though that would have been nice and probably more useful) but it is formatted well for teens.
Thanks for the ARC!

Thank you so much NetGalley, Kate Scelsa, and Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers for providing me with a free copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not the type of person, where I can relax, just because someone says, “Chill Out.” So, I’m always looking for new techniques to try and improve my self-care. I really enjoyed this book because it’s NOT, do-this do-that and you’ll feel all better. It’s the type of book that offers a lot of suggestions for you to try and reflect upon your self-care journey. I really enjoyed the author’s descriptions because I’m not too familiar with these practices, but it was easy to understand and didn’t overwhelm me. It was nurturing, engaging, and entertaining to read. I’d highly recommend this book to others.

While the author's writing style ws conversational and engaging, I found this to be more of a brief overview than an informational guide. It seemed like it's purpose was to entertain, not teach. I would read a more involved book from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars.

Spoilers ahead. I will not reveal anything big - most of the review vaguely alludes to plot, structure, and characters.

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This was a great introductory book for those looking to integrate metaphysical/magical practices into their self-care routine. The sections were well laid out and well-explored without being too overwhelming. I do think this leans more young adult or new adult in its language and complexity. I appreciated how open Scelsa was about their own struggles and how integrating these practices has helped them. I also really, REALLY appreciated how these practices are presented as methods of self-development and reflection, rather than a magical cure-all. Overall, it is definitely worth reading for anyone who is looking for new methods of self care, who have an interest in the magical borders of our world. You don't have to believe in magic or tarot or anything to get something out of this book, either.

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Again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me realize how special it is to truly care for yourself, and how magical this can be as well. I, and many others, can tend to view self-care as a chore, or just another thing to check off a list. But in reality, it is so much more than that. It is a way to heal yourself, it's a way to feel magical and spiritual, and it's a form of the truest love one can have.

Kate Scelsa’s LUMINARY is clever; filled with personal anecdotes and encouragement for its adolescent audience. I liked the concept — magic for building self-resilience and self-love — but the execution wasn’t the most engaging. The personal storytelling took up to much space in the text, which was a shame to see, especially for a book that’s marketed as this kind of fresh new activity-based approach to mental health. Bit of a caveat here, though: I am not a teen, so perhaps my former teenage-self would have appreciated this more than I did.

All in all, this was a pleasant read. It didn’t reinvent the genre, but it gave conversations and practices to better mental health a more accessible twist.

I was not a fan of this book. It seemed too fake and almost circus like with the practice. Maybe that was just me but I would not utilize it in my daily practice.