Magic Shop

Though I spoke with Jim several times and interviewed him twice, I can’t say I really knew him that well. So I was deeply touched when he called me a friend. 🙏🏼💛 He was such a lovely, warm hearted man.

Among Jim’s many great achievements my personal favorite is his moving and inspiring memoir, ‘Into the Magic Shop’. I recommend and gift it to people all the time. But I was curious. I didn’t see how a busy public figure and scientist would have time to develop the craft and write such an extraordinary book. When I asked Jim how he did it, he told me it took him two years, from 6 - 8 am every morning. Both the story and the writing are brilliant. After many of us complained that the audio book was read by someone else, he was kind enough to re-record the audio book with his own voice. Then it sounded just right.

A fun story about the book. It is available in more than 30 languages, including Korean. One day Jim received a Twitter message telling him that the megastar K-Pop band, BTS, had produced an album inspired by his book. Here’s what he said about this:

"Clearly, BTS is very thoughtful in the creation of the music and the lyrics such that their songs deeply resonate with many people, not only in Korea but around the world.

"The reaction to my book has always been very strong and positive in that it has a message about opening one’s heart and overcoming adversity – struggles which everyone experiences."

"That being said, the immense popularity of BTS and the song has not only resulted in my book becoming a best-seller in Korea, but has resulted in a dramatic increase in exposure of the book to many others around the world – boosting sales and promoting the message of the power of having an open heart and of love, which I appreciate and which is needed more than ever."

After Jim’s passing I had a listen to the BTS song, Magic Shop, for the first time. I am listening to now, as I write. It is very beautiful.

In 2024 I filmed an in-depth interview with Jim, about his life and his extraordinary work. I’m so glad to have captured this, never imagining that he wouldn’t be with us for much longer. Soon we will finish editing our conversation and share it with the world.

“The only time money makes you happy is when you give it away.”– Jim Doty