This is a series of posts from my reading of Katherine May’s book, Enchantment.

I love Star-Lord, the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy (a group of intergalactic misfits and anti-heroes). I love his sense of humor and his knack for coming up with odd plans that somehow work out in the end. He finds his place in the universe and understands the value of friendship and family, even if that family is a motley crew of aliens, assassins, and a sentient tree-like creature, aka “I am Groot.”

So, how does all this relate to Katherine May’s “Enchantment,” one might ask? A lot if you try (really) hard to make some connections. If you are familiar with Star-Lord’s style, his playlist is a mixtape of nostalgia, emotion, and good ol’ rock ‘n roll. And that’s perfect for capturing the vibe of life’s ups and downs, which is all about finding the magical elements in everyday life, which is what this book is about!

So… I ventured out and tried to make a playlist that would make Star-Lord happy (and hopefully proud of me). HAPPY LISTENING!

1. "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone – Each time I spin this song on my turntable, I can’t help but feel the upbeat track that embodies the idea of embracing joy and love—a magical experience in the routine of daily life.

2. "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison – This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love the music. I connect the spiritual journey and the longing for connection in this song to the book’s theme of seeking and finding profound moments in the everyday.

3. "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass – This may initially seem like a strange selection. What does the story of the sailor-loving Brandy have to do with enchantment? Think harder, my friends; think about the enchantment in the relationships and stories that shape our lives...

4. "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5 – The longing and recognition of past love in this song can be likened to the book’s notion of rediscovering and cherishing the magic in familiar relationships and memories.

5. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – This song embodies perseverance, love, and the ability to overcome obstacles—find enchantment even in challenging circumstances!

6. "I’m Not in Love" by 10cc – This song makes me struggle. But the emotional layers and the denial of love can be seen as a parallel to the process of unlearning and peeling back the layers of ourselves.

7. "Don’t Stop Believin" by Journey - This song embodies the idea of keeping faith in the little things, the magical moments that can happen in the “every day,” much like the book suggests.

8. "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles - Here’s another one of my favs! This song pairs well with the book's emphasis on the enchantment found in nature.

9. "Take It Easy" by Eagles - This laid-back tune captures the essence of enjoying life, unwinding, and not letting the stresses get to you.

10. "Rocket Man" by Elton John - It’s introspective and somewhat melancholy, so this fits well with the book’s more contemplative moments.

11. "Magic" by Pilot – The song is upbeat. It’s catchy, and I love its straightforward proclamation of magic. Fits right in with the book’s theme of finding enchantment in life’s simple moments.

12. "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac – This song has an intense vibe and speaks to the interconnectedness of things and the unbreakable links between us—a subtle celebration of everyday magic.

13. "Beautiful Day" by U2 – Even when things don’t go our way, this song’s message—find beauty in the world—mirrors the book’s daily invitation to discover joy and enchantment.

14. "Moondance" by Van Morrison – Need I say more? Just enjoy this whimsical and jazzy classic!

For now, these are the songs I have in this playlist, but I suspect it may grow over time. Celebrate the little things, introspect, and keep things groovy!

This image, which appears on the landing page of my blog is sourced from thinkmakeshareblog.com.