"a mystical, magical, and thought-provoking story"
“…The spirit of Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia meets Indian mythology resulting in an unlikely fusion that showcases profound spiritual wisdom... Full of playful winks to Indian philosophy, The Once Upon a Time of Now is a delight for connoisseurs of the subject and those hesitating on the threshold alike."
— Tova Olsson, author of Yoga and Tantra- its history, philosophy and mythology
"The Once Upon a Time of Now is a mystical, mythical, and thought-provoking story that teaches the art of appreciating your surroundings and making every moment count."
— ReaderViews
“Spiritual and allegorical…The setting that Agnes traverses is resplendent; it features talking beasts with magical gifts and deities who are reflective of the gods of known parables…”
— Foreword Clarion Reviews ★★★★
“The author’s descriptions are vivid, lush, and evocative...A loving exploration of the inner world, told through the beings of Hindu mythology…[The Once Upon a Time of Now] is a celebration of the mystery of existence and the unlikely miracle of being alive…a read recommended for those who enjoy ruminating on the big questions of life and existence."
— Independent Book Reviews
"The Once Upon a Time of Now by Hope West is intriguing and exciting. I was engaged from the beginning...
...well-written and one of a kind."
— Readers' Favorites Reviews ★★★★★
" ...Both Agnes and the reader come to appreciate the many treasures that can be found by looking within… Playfully immersive, the tale has much to teach."
-- Kirkus Reviews
“A tale for our times, The Once Upon a Time of Now returns our attention to the gifts of this life: friendship and curiosity, creativity and wonder. Punctuated by timely breathing practices and original meditations, introducing deities and complex philosophical concepts in a lyrical, accessible way, this book is here to open your eyes and warm your heart.”
— Elena Brower, bestselling author of Practice You, Being You and Softening Time
"There is something intensely intimate about this book that makes me want to tell everyone, 'Stay a while, won’t you? Luxuriate in the poetic language. Allow yourself to be intellectually stimulated...' [The Once Upon a Time of Now] tenderly charts the myriad possibilities of our human condition. Hope West invites us into ourselves, into the things that feel deeply familiar but the very same things we might not have given enough time celebrating.”
— Subashini Ganesan-Forbes, Oregon Arts Commissioner, former Portland Oregon Creative Laureate,
executive director of New Expressive Works
"Layers and layers of mystic and philosophical teachings conveyed in a fun, light-hearted manner."
— reader
“The Once Upon a Time of Now is an homage to Indian culture, stories, and philosophy. An irresistible tale of life…to awaken curiosity and wonder… Hard to put it down!”
— Indu Arora, author of Soma: 100 Heritage Recipes for Self-Care,
Yoga: Ancient Heritage Tomorrow’s Vision and Mudra: The Sacred Secret