BOOKS
In My Past Life I was Cleopatra
First published in 2021. Second edition coming in 2026.
“Amal’s forays into woo woo land are hilarious and enlightening. Above all, they are imbued with a respectful open-mindedness and cultural empathy derived from lived experience of having one’s beliefs constantly tested.”—Alice Pung, author of Unpolished Gem
For as long as humans have existed, we have consulted everything from the stars to stones with symbols on them. Growing up in an Arab Muslim family, Journalist Amal Awad was keenly aware of the unseen forces at play in her life – like superstition, fatalism and magical jinn.
From religious devotion to New Age love and light, Amal has tried a lot. While this doesn’t make her an expert in healing lives, it does make her a well-versed one, fluent in the boundless healing modalities on offer in our retail universe.
“I wish this book had existed years ago. I felt like it was written for me.”—Yumna Kassab, author of The Lovers
From psychic mediums and spirit guides to Paleo diets and empowerment, there are questionable (and fraudulent) solutions being sold to the masses. Yet there is still a lot of good to be found in these offerings. In this funny and shrewdly observed book, Amal shares her personal journey to peace and empowerment via a wide array of psychics, healers and witches, considering the smorgasbord of spiritual thinking on offer for people wanting to #livetheirbestlife.
“In My Past Life I Was Cleopatra is equal parts funny, insightful and reflective… a compelling read for anyone questioning the spiritual, the cultural, or the self.”—Amy Lovat, author of Mistakes and Other Lovers
Other Critical Praise
“Awad investigates her own spiritual skepticism in this refreshing memoir-cum-self-help guide.”—Publishers Weekly
“…a playful, magical mystery tour through the marketplace of contemporary New Age practices and beliefs …”—The Sydney Morning Herald
“… an extremely rare and honest exploration of New Age spirituality … an invaluable resource and fascinating read for anyone who sits on the spectrum between sceptic and believer.”—Ramona Magazine
“An honest, reflective, and highly relatable account of one woman’s journey to spiritual enlightenment … You might start off thinking you’re a sceptic, only to find out you’re what’s known in the industry as “Woo-curious”…’—Feminist Writers Festival
“Amal starts a conversation that is vital to be had within our communities and the wider world … comforting and meaningful …”—South Australia Book Review
“… a great conversation starter for those wanting to explore the search for meaning beyond traditional religions and faiths.”—Mindful Puzzles magazine
“Amal shows us not only the breadth of practices, potions, and performances to be found under the heading ‘New Age’, she injects her journey through and around them with wit, warmth, rational thought and a genuine interest in humans and the way we want to understand ourselves. Written with intelligence and proper insight, Amal makes it difficult to continue feeling superior to people who believe in woo-woo, which as someone who adores feeling superior is very annoying.”—Jo Thornely, author of Zealot – A Book About Cults & host of the Zealot podcast
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