Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power' by Pam Grossman

2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.

Final Score: 3.5/5





Original Review:



'Waking the Witch: Reflections on Women, Magic, and Power' by witch podcaster (and spellcaster) Pam Grossman is a very good contemporary nonfiction book about witches, and their legacy and impact - throughout history, and in most notable aspects of popular culture.

It attempts to answer the immortal question: how have witches evolved over the centuries?

How have they possibly survived?

How do they fit in with the times?

Witch - a word containing so many meanings to so many people, depending on each person's individual perception. Today, more and more women, and other marginalised/underprivileged groups of people, are identifying as witches, or pagans, or wiccans. Now more than ever, they are taking back the word "witch" with pride and power, without shame and fear. In using language that traditionally targets the outcasts, the maligned, and the persecuted in our society and culture, they can positively shake the foundations of the white supremacist patriarchy. And demand their own freedom.

For we are not worthless. We are not weak. We are not powerless.

In 'Waking the Witch', witchcraft- women - and what that entails, is analysed in film, TV, literature, art, music, spirituality, brands, trends, and modern politics.

'Waking the Witch', however, doesn't explore much in depth when it comes to pop culture as we know it - such as mainstream movies and television, and mainstream anything, like I expected and wanted. It can be a bit muddled and unfocused, too. But I advise readers to keep at it, keep going to the end; for it is passionate and personal, resonating and relieving. It's a spell; a piece of the revolutionary discussion that needs to exist.

I love fictional witches. And as it turns out, real witches are also amazing and inspiring.

It mentions LBGTQ (that does include transgender) communities, as well. Yes, good.

Pam Grossman's book is a feminist powerhouse.

Witch, witches - there is true magic in sisterhood. Loving, supportive, healing, inclusive sisterhood.

Which is why we are the future.

See also my review of Witches, Sluts, Feminists by Kristen J. Sollee here.

Final Score: 3.5/5