Book Review: The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe

Published: November 10, 2020
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Author: Amy Ratcliffe
Illustrator: Christina Chung
Formats: Hardback
Pages: 80
RRP: £10.99/$14.95

The synopsis;

Star Wars: The Jedi Mind takes quotations and lessons from Star Wars and pairs them with practices such a breathing, posture, and meditation.
The Jedi Code is focused on peace, knowledge, serenity, and balance—principles that readers can engage in in their own lives.
The philosophical tenets are applicable not just in the galaxy far, far away, but also in our own galaxy, here and now. Quoted wisdom from a galaxy far, far away offers day-to-day life lessons. An accessible pop culture spin on the Star Wars universe
Features 20 color illustrations to illuminate the book’s thoughtful advice
“Trust your feelings.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
Star Wars: The Jedi Mind is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans looking for balance, and seekers of inner calm open to learning from the Jedi Masters. Perfect gift for Star Wars fans who love self-care, reflection, and mindfulness. An enjoyable and useful primer for Star Wars lovers who are seeking inner calm
Add it to the shelf with books like Star Wars: Be More Yoda: Mindful Thinking from a Galaxy Far Far Away by Christian Blauvelt and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz.

The review;

Like so many books published by Chronicle Books, you can guarantee the book you will hold in your hand will have a quality finish. This book is no different. Not only do we get a wonderful illustration of Jedi Master Yoda by Christina Chung on the front cover, but the book title is slightly embossed to give that tactile feel.

I’ll start by saying I am slightly dubious about some books published in this category. Sometimes books are released as holiday season gifts for Star Wars fans, usually received from a relative or a friend and they are a bit gimmicky in a way. I was so pleasantly surprised as this book is far more than that and what Amy Ratcliffe has done, is just brilliant!

The words are meaningful, but the advice that comes along side the Star Wars quotes is for the real world and they resonate so well with our daily lives. I loved the ideas of having practical advice there too. This advises on using yoga stretches and basic organisational techniques to help alleviate the stress of each day.

The illustrations from Chung is beautiful. Her slightly caricature style really does compliment the work of Ratcliffe, and it all flows so well. There are two illustrations in there that are ones to note for me. The Qui-Gon Jinn illustration on page 20 show him meditating and then there’s Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing cockpit flying down the trench of the Death Star. Both have a serenity to them that is hard to explain.

The timing of the release of this book is impeccable. 2020 has not been a year to remember for so many of us. Many people have been through numerous events that have left them scarred, bruised and emotionally stretched. This book can give you so much to help restore your wellbeing with its simple messages and positivity. With this in (the Jedi) mind, it is perfect not just for a Star Wars fan, but also anyone else who made need some help at this time.

Availability;

The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe was published by Chronicle Books on November 10, 2020. It is available from Amazon in the UK and US, as well as other online retailers and all good bookstores on the high street.

Steve Galloway
Steve was 5 years old when he saw Star Wars for the first time during its first UK cinema release. He considers himself a first generation Star Wars fan and in his own words is a ‘Child of 77’.