Finding Magic: A Spiritual Memoir

by Sally Quinn Narrated by Sally Quinn

Overview

The author, journalist, television commentator, and longtime Washington insider reflects on the spiritual quest that has brought deeper meaning to her life-and kept her grounded within the high-powered political world of Washington, D.C.'s elite-her renowned writing career, her celebrity marriage, and her legendary role as doyenne of the capital's social scene.

In this emotionally involving, illuminating memoir, the legendary Washington Post journalist, and author talks candidly about her life at the white-hot center of power and the surprising spiritual quest that has driven her for more than half a century.

While working as a reporter, caring for a learning-disabled son with her husband, longtime Washington Post executive editor Benjamin Bradlee, reigning over the capital's social scene, and remaining intimately connected with national politics, Sally Quinn yearned to understand what truly made the world-and her life-tick. After years of searching, most of which occurring in the secular capital of the world, she came to realize that the time she spent with friends and family-the evenings of shared hospitality and intimate fellowship-provided spiritual nourishment and that this theme has been woven into all the most important moments of her life.

In this spiritual memoir, Quinn speaks frankly about her varied, provocative spiritual experiences-from her Southern family of Presbyterians and psychics, to voodoo lessons from her Baptist nanny, her trials as a hospitalized military kid in Japan as the Korean War begins, to her adventures as a Post reporter and columnist and her experience as one of the first female news anchors on national television; her battles with the Nixon administration, Watergate, and other scandals that have rocked the nation; her courtship and long marriage to one of the most authoritative figures in the media; her role as the capital's most influential hostess; and her growing fascination with religious issues. This fascination led to her pioneering work in creating the most visited religious site on the web, OnFaith.co, where she reports on the unseen driving force of American life.

Throughout this radiant, thoughtful, and surprisingly intimate memoir, Quinn reveals how ""it's all magic""-the many forms of what draws us together and provides meaning to all we do. Her roller coaster and irreverent but surprisingly spiritual story allows us to see how the infinite wonder of God and the values of meaningful conversation, experience, and community are available to us all.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Get ready to be surprised. From putting hexes on her foes to walking labyrinths, Quinn takes us along on her own journey through what George Eliot called the ‘dim lights and tangled circumstance’ of life. In a word, she’s always seeking, and usually finds, magic. Revealing, eloquent, and heartfelt.” — Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of American Lion

“Sally Quinn’s memoir is, like her, utterly unique: a glorious, rollicking, captivating ride through the worlds of journalism, politics, and culture that takes us across the globe but finally leads us to the most important destination of all: the heart.” — James Martin, SJ, author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage

“This powerful memoir is a testament to both a love of magic and the magic of love. I was always intrigued by Sally Quinn and now I know why.” — Marianne Williamson, New York Times bestselling author of Tears to Triumph and A Return to Love

“The Washington Post journalist reflects on the spiritual quest that has brought deeper meaning to her life, and kept her grounded within the high-powered political world of Washington, D.C.’s elite.” — Publishers Weekly

“A sort of Eat Pray Love for the This Town set, [Sally Quinn’s Finding Magic] offers an intimate, at times painful look inside her exceedingly public life.” — The Washingtonian

“Openly, and in a highly readable way, she tells her life story.” — Booklist

“Captivating.” — Om Times

“A grieving widow and devoted mother to a son who has known many challenges, her writing about these most important relationships in her life hints at the depth and breadth of her exploration of human suffering and renewal. . . . Quinn’s memoir is ultimately a love story.” — Washington Post

“Sally Quinn’s shocking next act: she’s become a champion of spirituality” — The Daily Beast

“Washington Post exec editor Ben Bradlee’s widow Sally Quinn—TV reporter, DC monitor, knower of every pol’s every secret, military child in 22 schools, student of the occult, voodoo, magic, astrology, tarot, palmistry, Ouija, etc—finds her magic.” — Page Six

James Martin

Sally Quinn’s memoir is, like her, utterly unique: a glorious, rollicking, captivating ride through the worlds of journalism, politics, and culture that takes us across the globe but finally leads us to the most important destination of all: the heart.

Marianne Williamson

This powerful memoir is a testament to both a love of magic and the magic of love. I was always intrigued by Sally Quinn and now I know why.

Jon Meacham

Get ready to be surprised. From putting hexes on her foes to walking labyrinths, Quinn takes us along on her own journey through what George Eliot called the ‘dim lights and tangled circumstance’ of life. In a word, she’s always seeking, and usually finds, magic. Revealing, eloquent, and heartfelt.

Washington Post

A grieving widow and devoted mother to a son who has known many challenges, her writing about these most important relationships in her life hints at the depth and breadth of her exploration of human suffering and renewal. . . . Quinn’s memoir is ultimately a love story.

The Washingtonian

A sort of Eat Pray Love for the This Town set, [Sally Quinn’s Finding Magic] offers an intimate, at times painful look inside her exceedingly public life.

Om Times

Captivating.

The Daily Beast

Sally Quinn’s shocking next act: she’s become a champion of spirituality

Booklist

Openly, and in a highly readable way, she tells her life story.

Page Six

Washington Post exec editor Ben Bradlee’s widow Sally Quinn—TV reporter, DC monitor, knower of every pol’s every secret, military child in 22 schools, student of the occult, voodoo, magic, astrology, tarot, palmistry, Ouija, etc—finds her magic.

Washington Post

A grieving widow and devoted mother to a son who has known many challenges, her writing about these most important relationships in her life hints at the depth and breadth of her exploration of human suffering and renewal. . . . Quinn’s memoir is ultimately a love story.

Booklist

Openly, and in a highly readable way, she tells her life story.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173746832
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	09/12/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged

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