Suleika Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy isn’t your typical self-help or journaling book—it’s more like having a deep, honest conversation with a friend who really gets what it means to struggle, heal, and grow.

The book is structured around the concept of personal transformation through journaling, using language as alchemy. Each section is tied to a different stage of emotional and creative growth, and at the end of every one, there’s a writing prompt. But these aren’t your standard journal prompts—they’re deep, reflective, sometimes tough questions that push you to think hard about your life, your choices, your wounds, and your hopes.

What makes this book really special is that it’s not just Suleika’s voice. She invited over 100 other artists, writers, and thinkers to contribute. So it feels like this big, beautiful, collaborative patchwork of insight and wisdom.

The writing is incredibly real and heartfelt and the prompts are thoughtful and genuinely helpful. There are a lot of prompts, which can be overwhelming, but the author encourages you to take your time.

If you’re going through a transition, feeling stuck, or just want to get back in touch with your creative self, The Book of Alchemy is a gentle but powerful companion. It’s not preachy or overly polished—it’s honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. And in a world full of noise, that feels like a rare gift.

I've often struggled to know what to write in a journal but this book gives lots of prompts and ideas. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Suleika Jaouad gives us prompts, inspiration, essays and ideas to nurture our creative lives. Each chapter starts with an essay by Jaouad on a theme, which is then accompanied by ten pieces of prose, each by a different author with a prompt at the end to inspire your writing. Either you can do the work or you can use the material as a prompt for meditation or you can do both. I read this straight through, but I know it's a book I will refer back to and dip in and out of. It's full of compassionate, thoughtful writing that offers support as well as inspiration.

This book is a thoughtful collection of 100 essays, each paired with a journaling prompt designed to spark introspection. Divided into ten thematic sections, it invites readers to explore their thoughts, fears, and dreams in a structured yet deeply personal way. The essays, some from well-known figures, provide insightful reflections, while the journaling prompts encourage meaningful self-discovery. It’s a great read for anyone looking to dive deeper into their own experiences and emotions.

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad would make a good gift for anyone who is going through a tough time and who is interested in processing and exploring those challenges through creativity.

The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad is a beautifully curated exploration of journaling as a means of self-discovery, healing, and resilience. Drawing on her own experiences of illness and uncertainty, Jaouad assembles a collection of essays that reflect on the power of writing to navigate life’s challenges.

Divided into ten thematic sections, the book features a hundred essays—some from well-known figures—each accompanied by a carefully crafted journaling prompt. These prompts encourage introspection, offering readers the chance to explore their thoughts, fears, and hopes in a structured yet deeply personal way.

Jaouad understands that we live in turbulent times, where personal struggles often unfold against a backdrop of political and social upheaval. Through these essays and prompts, she creates a space for readers to sit with discomfort, peel back their layers, and engage with life’s complexities.

This is more than just a book—it is an invitation. Whether you are an experienced journal keeper or new to the practice, The Book of Alchemy provides guidance and inspiration to help you find clarity, calm, and a deeper connection with yourself. A valuable resource for anyone looking to reflect, process, and grow.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.