"A lovely collection of divinatory symbols masquerading as poems, in Otherwise, Magic, Lauren Paredes beckons us into her world where the paradox of modern life combines with fairy tale. She shrouds us in beautiful language, gentle rhythm and a wide-eyed wonder. We, like the speaker, find spiritual meaning in 'the only newborn to board this plane,' 'the taste of merlot and party-soft cheese' and always, always, the celestial influence of the Moon and her metaphysical counterparts." -Elizabeth Hellstern, author of How to Live: A Suggestive Guide & creator of the Telepoem Booth®