The Once Upon a Time of Now

mythic adventures, discoveries & meditations in the forest of consciousness
​"…The spirit of Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia meets Indian mythology ...showcases profound spiritual wisdom…a multi-layered, mysterious, and humorous tale..."
— Tova Olsson, author of Yoga and Tantra- its history, philosophy and mythology

"...a seductive, exotic, spiritual, and brilliant poetic tale...Truly, a joy to read."
— LJ Frank, Narrative Paths Journal (NPJ)

"This book made me think. I enjoyed being lead into Eastern philosophies through the eyes and cognition of a child."
— Whistler Independent Book Awards

"...Luxuriate in the poetic language...tenderly charts the myriad possibilities of our human condition..."
— Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, Oregon Arts Commissioner, former Portland Oregon Creative Laureate, executive director of New Expressive Works


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“...vivid, lush, and evocative..."
- Independent Book Reviews

"...a mystical, magical, and thought-provoking story..."
— ReaderViews 

"...intriguing and exciting..." 
★★★★★ — Readers' Favorites

​​Did you enjoy The Alchemist? Or Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? Reviewers have compared The Once Upon a Time of Now to both these treasured tales. This compelling navigation of our internal landscape, and its  pathways of wonder, courage and passion are explored in an allegorical tale that is playfully conceived, and rich in both imagery and insight.

Praised by critics and readers alike, The Once Upon a Time of Now is an award-winning must read for lovers of Hindu mythology, or anyone interested in a gentle journey of discovery, richly flavoured with the love of storytelling. 

In the Forest of Consciousness, you’ll join Agnes and her friends as they seek the mythical Lost Temple. Along the way, these intrepid companions encounter Hindu celestials and magical forest beings who share the recognition that life's sweetness comes from those pleasures closest at hand—curiosity, creativity, and community. 

As Agnes explores the shadowed and challenging universe that lives inside her, developing an intimacy with this Forest of Consciousness, she ultimately recognizes that by embracing uncertainty, each new experience has the capacity to expand her understanding of herself, the world, and her place within it. She thought her goal was simply to find the Lost Temple. Instead, Agnes learns to love the life she is living. 
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A mature and evocative exposition of spirituality and connectivity, The Once Upon a Time of Now offers the reader exquisitely articulated meditations as its heroine travels on her enchanted quest. With a deep drink from the wellspring of Hindu mythological traditions, author Hope West has created a thought-provoking and tender tale that probes the transformative power of being fully oneself.