Rating: 
Summary: WOW!
Review: Curott takes wiccan and whips it up with all the little nuances like it should be. Wicca is not a 2+2=4 faith it is an open faith that accepts all walks of life. She expresses that clearly in this book and this book is a very good example of life lessons and spirtual teachings.
Rating: 
Summary: Inspires you to question your norm.
Review: Don't let the title throw you!
Even if you are not interested in Wicca, this is a great read. The writing is a little uneven in places, but it's easily forgiven.
On one level, this is an interesting novel about one woman's journey thru life's ups and downs.
On another, its an inspiring biography.
On a third level, its an interesting glimpse into the world of Wicca. The presentation is accessible and suitable for a large audience.
I also recommend this book as a gift for friends that need a gentle reminder that 'woe is me' doesn't solve problems. I found it very refreshing in today's world of 'blame someone else for your unhappiness'.
Ok, now I have to gush a bit: This book really opened my eyes. I'd been stuck in 'woe is me' mode for a couple of years when I stumbled on it. I don't usually read books and then sit and contemplate what I've read. But I did with this one. My life isn't perfect now, but I *was* inspired to take an objective look at myself and identify what was and was not working for me. And make some changes accordingly!
Rating: 
Summary: Just another book on Wicca
Review: I bought this book as it was the only book on magic once recommended by Patricia Kenneally -so called- Morrison in her site that thankfully does not exist anymore.I read the first pages just to find out the two women are friends and that Phyllis is among those who consider Patricia J.Morrison's wife so no wonder Patricia strongly recommended the book. So far so good.It's not a bad book but not a good one either.It's too long for its content going into endless personal details and examining trivial things in every depth and detail.OK, she's a lawyer which makes the style more intellectual and complicated than Fiona Horne's for example but Fiona's more to the point even though her writing lacks intellectuality.The worst part of the book for me is the explanation of greek words and she's got the nerve to 'explain' many.Greek is spoken only by a bunch of people which means that the vast majority of the readers can't test the validity of the information.Well,I'm Greek and I'd been a teacher for 13 yrs.She freaked me out!Some of the greek words that are mentioned in the book I can't even recognize at all since they are simply non-existent to the language -ancient, old or modern. Also, the roots of the words and how they are derived...well, that really comes from some imaginary language-just like the rest of it.PLEASE!Of course, now I can question the validity of all other information concerning other cultures that I don't know about. Why can't she stick with something that she knows well? Why don't you just buy Starhawk's books instead? She's more well-informed. This is just another book on Wicca only twice the size it should be.
Rating:
Summary: An Enjoyable and Informative Read
Review: I found this book when I was very new to my path. I could not put it down the first time and read it three times straight through. An account of the author's personal experience with the path, it reads like a novel yet also educates. For instance, when Phyllis gives an account of ritual, she also provides background and history to explain why each action is performed. Phyllis' style of writing draws you in to her magical world; I found the book totally absorbing. Book of Shadows will make perfect sense to practicing witches and hopefully clear up misconceptions about who we really are to the public. I love this book so much that I donated a copy to our Women's Circle library, which was long ago checked out and never came back.......
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting~ Affirming~Chock Full of Magical Knowledge
Review: If I could give this book more than five stars, I would! I read through it the first time fairly quickly. The story grabbed my attention and I raced through it, mostly reading for pleasure, as you would a very interesting novel. It is a very well written book, and quite an enjoyable read.The second time through I read carefully and copied out notes~a notebook worth. There is a lot of solid information woven into the story and I found much of great value to me. I recommend this book no matter where you are on your path. Perhaps it will be just an enjoyable reading experience ~ or maybe, like me, you'll want to dig out all the nuggets of magical information that this book contains.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting~ Affirming~Chock Full of Magical Knowledge
Review: If I could give this book more than five stars, I would! I read through it the first time fairly quickly. The story grabbed my attention and I raced through it, mostly reading for pleasure, as you would a very interesting novel. It is a very well written book, and quite an enjoyable read. The second time through I read carefully and copied out notes~a notebook worth. There is a lot of solid information woven into the story and I found much of great value to me. I recommend this book no matter where you are on your path. Perhaps it will be just an enjoyable reading experience ~ or maybe, like me, you'll want to dig out all the nuggets of magical information that this book contains.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic in Wiccan Literature
Review: In "Book of Shadows", Phyllis Curott, a well-respected member of the New York City Wiccan community and an internationally-known spiritual activist on the frontlines of defending the religious liberties of Witches, recounts her introduction through initiation in a Witches' coven (contrary to one reviewer's assertion,the word "coven" is mentioned several times throughout the book, see, e.g. p. 50) As a NYC lawyer and a Wiccan priestess for over thirteen years, I was ecstatic to read this book. Reading Phyllis' account brought tears to my eyes, as it reminded me of my own experiences of discovering the Craft. Rather than present a dry, past tense biographical account of her life, Phyllis brings her story to life by making it first-person present novel, thereby allowing the reader to experience this spiritual journey through her eyes. She does not just passively describe what occurs in her circle, she poetically invokes ones senses so that the reader can feel what it was like to be a member of Phyllis' coven. Unlike so many books on Witchcraft, which merely describe magic and Wiccan practices in mechanistic terms, Phyllis shows through her life experiences while training to become a priestess in the Wiccan religion how making magic can be a rewarding spiritual practice. Phyllis does not just describe her coven training, instead she interweaves the parallel story of her rising law career, thus showing how she discovers herself by taking her spiritual beliefs outside of the magic circle, and imbuing them through her entire life. I have read this book several times now (both the hardcover and the paperback) and have put "Book of Shadows" on the top of my required reading list for prospective students. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: Engaging book
Review: In this book, which reads like a novel, Phyllis offers you a glimpse into the world of a coven (I have particularly appreciated guided meditations mentioned) as well as a journey of spiritual growth and transformation along Wiccan path. While the book is a very engaging read and may be of inerest even to non-wiccans, I believe that it is more suitable and meaningful for practicing Wiccans - as they'll have something they can readily identify with.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Storyteller and Teacher
Review: One of the questions that is frequently asked of Witches is "how did you become a Witch?" Ms. Curott answers that question and many more in this book which covers a period of a little over a year in her life. She relates not only her introduction to the Craft, but also the dreams and curiosity that lead her to it. As she takes us around the wheel of the year, we see her learning in a circle, celebrating the sabbats and going through a time of change, trial, and self discovery in her personal life. This book is well grounded in both the magickal and mundane worlds, showing how Witchcraft is a vehicle for personal and positive yet not always pleasant change. It shows the practical side of the Craft as well as the theory/theology behind it. I enjoyed reading her personal journey and felt as if I were beside her through it all. Those curious about Witchcraft will find their questions answered in understandable language and many misconceptions corrected. This is one of the best of several dozen books I have read on the subject.
Rating:
Summary: Kudos For Curott
Review: Part journal, part novel, and part historical text, "Book of Shadows" is the smart, engaging story of Phyllis Curott's personal journey toward the Goddess. More importantly, it's the brave, unflinching documentation of one woman's awakening to Nature, beauty, and spiritual fulfillment. Or, if you prefer, it's just plain good. I read the (rather lengthy) book in one sitting and then called a friend to recommend it. Curott is a fine storyteller and an excellent writer. In particular, she does a nice job balancing the descriptive, spiritual passages with the facts and history. As a narrator, she's warm, relaxed and welcoming -- this is her story, but she also allows it to become ours. Despite her impressive education (or perhaps because of it), Curott writes on the reader's level and, unlike many books I've read on similar subjects, does not proclaim to have the final answers. Above all, she stresses the process and the journey. This is one of the most inspiring and illuminating books I've read this year. I recommend it highly.
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